GT40 @ 40. Chris from the Midlands, UK

[Chris]

Hey all,


I know forums aren't really the done things these days thanks to the likes of Facebook, but they are a trove of information and I will need plenty with my build!


My names Chris, based in the Midlands for now and as I've just turned 40, wanted to line up my next project once I button up my current financial black hole a 1970 440 Dodge Charger R/T.


I'm about to take posession of a GT Forte (I know) flat pack chassis, with the aim of making some modifications to it during construction. As a 6' 3", 16 stone unit, I aim to build a MK2 complete with Gurney bubble. The aim for now is a conservative 302 SBF with the possibility of going 351w or even 427FE down the line (though I already have one big block car so am leaning towards staying small block)


I've done 99% of the work on the Charger from metal/bodywork and paint to wiring and engine building. The only thing I didn't have a hand in was rechroming the front bumper and doing the actual machinework on the engine block due to lack of facilties. I will be approaching the GT40 in very much the same way, aiming to fabricate and build as much as I can, but also relying on what appears to be a fantastic community for tips, advice, the occasioanal piss taking, and raiding your parts bins.


See you on the road


Chris

 

[Ian Anderson]

Welcome to the GT40 illness! On here we are all afflicted.

6’3” will be tight in the car but can be do-able, just make it fit around you from the start!

Ian

 

[Randy V]

Welcome to GT40’s Chris!
Yes, these forums are probably the largest trove of GT40 information available online. We look forward to the sharing of your build in the Build Logs forum!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

There is a lot of information here on the GT Forte. Make sure you go through those logs. I also suggest you find a way to make sure you receive all that you ordered up front to assure you do not have delivery difficulties later in your project.

Good luck.

 

[Brian Kissel]

Welcome to GT40S Chris. You have received some excellent advice above. Do your due diligence on the GTFORTE. Enjoy the forum.

Regards Brian

 

[Mike Pass]

You might find this build log useful.

Bob's GT Forte scratch build.

Well the sun is out and I have finally made a start! The pile of metal I picked up yesterday is cutting nicely. Thanks to everyone on this forum for providing the inspiration and no doubt the much needed advice and criticism in the future. Welding tomorrow!

www.gt40s.com

Cheers
Mike

 

[Chris]

Hi all, thanks for the warm welcome. I'm very much aware of Darren and the troubles with GTForte, however as the other companies only offer prebuilt chassis and I want to do a scratch build with some modifications to the chassis, I'm not left with a great deal of choice. That combined with a cheap kit coming up for sale and too many dots are joining for me not to grab the chassis even if I'm not quite ready to start building yet.

I should finish up my Charger for the summer by which time I hope to have a better idea of what uprights/geometry/engine and transaxle config. I'll be aiming for but the ball park idea right now is race capable with the occasional trip on a Sunday morning for coffee.

As always I am open to ideas, comments, critique, and whatever spare parts you or your wives may be tripping over. I have a thick skin, am difficult to offend, and the first to put my hand up when I don't know what I'm doing or in the wrong.

With that being said, whilst it is unfortunate that GTForte has the reputation that they do, for me, a chassis kit (no matter how complete) is an ideal way for me to realise a long held dream. I have access to workshops, my own garage space and I will make this happen

 

[Mike Pass]

You may not have seen these videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVyCKQKdlm8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDdAQdKA3lM&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy383l3Dx-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuSgNSgj6GM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ7pUQEtWQw&t=81s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlnf8JrNlh4&list=PLRZDudhmk2-FF2qMH_mEkIjEOr4XyT11o&index=6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkKsEZpt53U&list=PLRZDudhmk2-FF2qMH_mEkIjEOr4XyT11o&index=5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS66MMYQZCw&list=PLRZDudhmk2-FF2qMH_mEkIjEOr4XyT11o&index=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASvL8IVrgls&list=PLRZDudhmk2-FF2qMH_mEkIjEOr4XyT11o&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxWGrKaaFLQ&list=PLRZDudhmk2-FF2qMH_mEkIjEOr4XyT11o&index=1
etc.
Cheers
Mike
PM sent

 

[Chris]

Thanks for the vids Mike, all very valuable stuff. Looking forward to getting started on the project now that I have (most) of the chassis here

 

[Chris]

Well, a few months down the road and plans have shifted slightly but certainly become a lot more solid.

In that time I have decided to build a MK1 GT40 instead of the MK2. I have a body being made for me at the moment and should be ready for me in the new couple of weeks courtesy of Tony Fellows up in Perth. Last one before retirement!

The GTForte chassis was missing several parts that I managed to sort from box section ordered online then cut to length using measurements provided by a helpful member of the forum (thanks Charlie M). I've decided to stick with the GTForte chassis as it serves its purpose as being a good starting point for the extensive modifications the chassis is going to undergo during the build, bring me to suspension...

Currently midway across the Atlantic is a container ship which holds front and rear clips from a C5 Corvette that I will be pillaging to make the 40 handle as good as it looks. I intend to drive the car in anger and want something that has better geometry and steering than the kit chassis that still utilise ever rarer and more expensive older Ford parts. I do have a reconditioned MGBGT steering rack though so it's not all mod cons.

Engine wise, I decided to go with a 1974 Ford 302. I'll be stroking it out to 347ci and will be mating it to an Audi 6 speed DQS transaxle that I picked up from Portugal for the princely sum of £264 with free shipping. With the engine costing £800 I'm doing well with keeping initial purchasing down in order to spend the money on power parts. Adapter kit to mate the two together has been taken care of courtesy of GT Racing down in Devon.

I want to extend my thanks further to Morten and Mike P. Your information has been invaluable and has really helped shape the direction I'm going in with the car.

I'm still very much in the parts buying and planning stage as I want the 17" wheels and body on hand before I start tacking up the chassis so I have yet to start a build thread, but with all the gear and a somewhat grasp on the idea, I'm toying with the idea of being yet another helmet with a youtube channel as I take the car from an idea in my head to 200mph down the Nordschleife straight.

Be well, 'give em hell

Chris

 

[Mike Pass]

If you are intending to put the car through the IVA you need to read up on the requirements regarding new and used components. You don't want to end up with a Q plate!
Cheers
Mike