Rick's RCR GT40

[Rick Merz]

I added a fuel return to the left tank since I will transfer fuel from the right tank to the left tank through a check valve that ties into the fuel return from the pressure regulator to the surge pot which then flows to the left fuel tank. The left tank feeds the swirl pot through a 40 micron filter then the twin Bosch 044 fuel pumps deliver the fuel to injectors via a 6 micron filter. I thought that I would show how I was able to tap holes that were right next to a wall with out using an angle drive (don't have one). I found a nut driver that fit over the square tap shank and cut 2 shims out of .008" steel shim and put them on 2 of the flats 180° apart and used electrical tape to hold them together. All in all it worked out like a charm, watching MacGyver actually paid off.

I started mounting the body panels working on the spider and doors first. I had to trim the rear bulkhead to fit the spider which is normal but the manual does not mention it. My spider must be in good shape since after I set the windshield in place there was a full 1/4" gap between the top of the windshield and the spider with out installing a prop. I will install a prop just to hold it in place whenever the windshield is in place to take the weight of the windshield. Measured and mounted the door hinges and hung the doors. This is just the preliminary fitting since I have to mount the remaining body panels before I start trimming but it looks like I will end up with 1/8" gaps. It only took me 16 hours to get this far with the body, I hope I can mount the rest of the body at this rate.

 

[Randy V]

Looking good Rick...

If you've not already done so, you may want to drill a hole in the bottom of the well that your fuel pumps are in. If you should spring a leak, you may not know it until it's too late...

Soldier on!

 

[Rick Merz]

Good suggestion, it will let any water out as well.

Thanks,

 

[Gary Sharapata]

Rick I remember when you sold your GTD GT40 as it was an awesome car. I had a GTD back in the 2003-2005 time frame also then several Cobras now a CAV GT40. Can't wait to see more of your build.............Also happy to see another GT40 in Texas. We have 12 or 13 up here in Dallas with about 6 on the road and the rest in build stage. Keep the pics coming...

 

[Lee Patterson]

Rick

any new pics

 

[Rick Merz]

Lee,

I haven't done much work on the GT40 during the holidays but I will post some pictures tomorrow night.

 

[Rick Merz]

Due to the holidays and ordering / waiting on parts I didn't do much work.

I worked on fitting the alternator and a/c compressor. I ordered an alternator bracket for a Dodge 383 and cut it up to make the adjuster for the a/c compressor and 2 of the brackets that mount the alternator. I still have to get the modified (by me) RCR a/c compressor bracket welded up. With both the alternator and a/c compressor adjusted for correct belt tension the outside dimension will be about 21" and the RCR engine bay is 22" wide.

Brackets came from RCR for the parking brake cables so I mounted the parking brake lever and cables. Worth noting is that you need to check that after tightening down your parking brake caliper bracket, that it is parallel to the brake rotor or else the pads will not be parallel to the rotor and make good contact. I had to bend my brackets slightly to get them parallel to the rotor see before picture).

I wrapped the coolant tubes with header wrap covered with electrical tape and placed them into the tunnel and purchased 45° and 90° silicone elbows to connect to the engine and radiator.

After I got the doors hung I discovered that the right hand drive dash sits low by about 1" on the right side (see pictures). When I fit the dash I did not have the doors hung so I had no way of knowing this. I have read several build logs and I do not recall reading about this issue, someone please correct me if I missed it your log. Now I get to redo some of my work while I am modifying the dash to have a lip that turns down to support the front edge where it meets the windshield (I think that the left hand dash has this feature as well).

 

[Rick Merz]

Gary,

Nice GT40, I really like the blue on your 40. I am thinking of a similar blue but with a tangerine stripe (still deciding on single stripe or gulf stripe but the wheels will be same color as the stripe).

Rick

 

[Rick Merz]

While I am waiting for my RBT ZF transaxle I fit the bellhousing and starter to check for clearance. The Powermaster starter can be clocked to any position which allows it to fit very close to the block. I think that I will not need to use the starter pocket since the starter fits so close to the block.

I worked on mounting the shifter in the right sill. I cut out the top of the sill and removed just what was needed from the gas tank to facilitate installing the shifter. I will get the tank welded back together this week and post pictures showing the tank modifications I made.

 

[Lee Patterson]

Rick, I would have thought the shifter box would sit on the outside of the sill? How are you getting the connections back to the ZF?

 

[Rick Merz]

Lee, A lot of people put the shifter on the outside but I like the cleaner look and the extra room with it located in the sill. Like Sarah Palin said "Drill Baby Drill!", I will drill holes to get the cables into the engine bay and I have modified the fuel tank for clearance. The tank is being welded today so I will post pictures when I get it back. I am going to design a cover plate for the shifter and get it made as well.

 

[Lee Patterson]

Nice idea Rick.

 

[Bill Musarra]

Rick must be a lefty?? You know he can't be in his "right" mind

Bill

 

[Rick Merz]

Bill,

I'm a righty but I am not in my "right" mind, more fun that way and I have an excuse.

A couple of pictures showing modifications to the fuel tank.

 

[Lee Patterson]

Any updates Rick

 

[Lee Patterson]

Any updates Rick.

 

[John]

Yeah, c'mon Rick! Let's see your progress.

 

[Ven S.]

Just subscribed for updates! I'm in Austin and considering and RCR GT40 build as well. I'd love to drive down to Houston and check out your build one of these days!

 

[Rick Merz]

Lee, John and Ven,

During the past 2 months I have accepted a job offer in Fort Worth so my time has been consumed with selling my house, house hunting on the weekends in the Fort Worth area, purchasing a house in North Richland Hills and getting someone set up to take over my former position. I will be closing on my house in NRH next week and after I install some hardwood flooring and paint the garage I will be able to resume my project in May (have to knock out the honey do list first). I will update this thread the second week in May.

Ven,

You are more than welcome to stop by anytime after I resume construction. PM me for contact information.

Rick

 

[Dr. Bob Woods]

Rick,

It's great to hear you are moving to Ft. Worth. There are several of us who get together often. Send me an email so we can get you involved.

-Bob Woods