Project, "Slider", a 1964 Grand Sport Corvette

[tyoneal]

Hello:

I wanted to introduce the new project, "Slider". It will be a 1964 Grand Sport Corvette.

It gets its name from the Sci-Fi, TV show that was on a number of years ago, where there are multiple parallel universes of earth, each having evolved slightly differently, where one choice could change how that world evolved. In this show a group of people would, "Slide" from one earth to another composing the different episodes. (If you're lost, here is a link that might help: http://www.answers.com/topic/sliders)

Most "Grand Sport" Replica Corvettes you see are based on one of the original Grand Sports built prior to GM's decision to pull out of Corporate sponsorship of Racing. The 1963 Corvette Grand Sport was one of the biggest casualties of this decision as there were only 5 copies of the car ever built. It was scheduled to race against the Ford Cobras, but 125 copies had to be produced to officially compete against them. The Corvette Grand Sport, was promptly discontinued and the 5 that had been made were sold off to individual racing teams.

Prior to GM pulling out of Racing, Gulf Oil was a big sponsor of the Factory Racing Corvettes through the latter part of the 50's and early part of the 60's. Once Gulf and GM parted ways, Gulf formed a relationship with Ford and sponsored the Cobras and GT40's of the mid to late 60's

This project's premise is, "What would have happened had GM NOT pulled out of Racing, and continued their relationship with Gulf Oil for the Factory Corvette Racing Teams?"

This is the "Alternative Universe" this car is from.

I contacted Ben Hermance about putting a Rendering together. Below is the initial Rendering I just received. (There will be some slight modifications to this, but for the most part this is what it will look like.)

Enjoy!

Ty O'Neal

[bulldog19]

Very Cool. Can't wait to watch this build.

[andreb]

Very nice rendering. This is going to be a fun build to watch. We need more Corvette builds!

[Payton King]

to be using a D & D kit or starting from scratch?

[CRCRFT78]

You're definately staying busy with projects. Any progress on She Devil? I like the rendering of the Vette.

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by CRCRFT78

You're definately staying busy with projects. Any progress on She Devil? I like the rendering of the Vette.

================================
CRCRFT:

Thanks for asking.

When I work or I play, there always seems be a lot of irons in the fire. (Sometimes too many)
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Warning big Tangent Ahead
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"She Devil" is awaiting some very crucial parts, however I have got the Cage in the car now and have had the three link modified for better performance. (Instead of saving the back seat as originally designed, I had the bar lengthened for better geometry as well as some adjustment changes.) With a good cage in it and some cross bracing, your back seat is effectively rendered useless. I think it has what it needs now. (Enough rear room for a couple suitcases, and a "Cool Suit" ice box. I found one on ebay for a decent price.

A shop that makes some very expensive race cars was used to do the rear suspension modification work. Since I was having rear weights jacks put in the car, I needed to step it up a notch from the average builder. I like how it is now as you can adjust how the rear sits, and adjust the weight balance very easy and quickly.

The cage that was installed is not only for safety it is also extremely rigid now. There is a lot of cross bracing designed into it on several different planes. Sound confusing? I'll try and get some pictures to help explain what was done. (My description might be in error so some pictures will help)

Until then here are a couple more pictures I have of the car with the PS Engineering wheels on it, and it shows a bit of the cage.

Enjoy.

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by CRCRFT78

You're definately staying busy with projects. Any progress on She Devil? I like the rendering of the Vette.

=========================
The "She Devil" concept has been modified somewhat do to some fluid dynamics I've been learning about. It should still look similar.

With the "Gulf" Grand Sport going full steam ahead and my business, I haven't had the time or the extra $$$$ to feed "She Devil".

She will come to life for sure in the future. I already have the car with the complete suspension, roll cage, brakes, wheels and tires, tubs, most of the interior and drive train.

I think it will look good when it is finished and perform even better. I will probably wrap it just because I plan to drive it a lot and I don't want to get bummed out when a $15k paint job gets it's first set of dings. It is just something I don't want to worry with, plus it saves money for another project. When finish driving it hard I might paint it I just don't know right now.

Thank you for your interest.

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by Payton King

to be using a D & D kit or starting from scratch?

Payton:

I was able to pick up a 64 Coupe that had been partially completed. The fella was needing some cash and he was located in a very small town in Ohio. I spoke with him on the phone, and had someone go out and look at it. He set a price to hard for me to pass up.

I saw my first one in 1979 and it was love at first sight. Ever since then it had been on my list of things to do before I kick the bucket.

Since he had used Mid-America Industries, Inc. to do the first part of the transformation, I figured it would be a decent idea to stay with the same vender.

He had done some of the cosmetic changes to it, but the headlight changes, hood, suspension, correct wheels, dash and differential cooling scoop etc. (was very early and/or not correct) I think this played a part in him not getting a good price for it.

It does have a nice 400 hp SBC 350 in it, Muncie 4 speed, and a 12 bolt GM Differential with 4.10:1 Ratio gearing and a posi-traction Carrier.

Here are a couple of pictures of the car when I got it.

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by Payton King

to be using a D & D kit or starting from scratch?

==========================
Payton:

Thanks for the interest.

To update your question, there are a combination of part suppliers.

1) It is mainly a Mid America Industries GSII

2) Some of the parts we are having to make so things will look more correct to the period.

3) Some of the parts will be coming from "Mongoose Motorsports", some of what they offer is more period correct, and easy to get a hold of, than what was available from MAI.

It still making good progress, I think there will be hundreds and hundreds of pictures before it is finished.

We are shooting for first quarter next year (2014) for completion.

I hope you will enjoy watching it come together.

Take care,

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport

http://photobucket.com/64GrandSport

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by andreb

Very nice rendering. This is going to be a fun build to watch. We need more Corvette builds!

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Andre:

I've been collecting parts for this for quite a while. Finally, I can start moving forward in earnest. I'll post some additional pictures of where the project stands.

Thanks,

Ty