Project - Ashes to ...?

[groovyjay]

After the frame and birdcage were done it was time to start working on the body panels.


I got these 2 big boxes to start with, just like a 1:24 scale model cars, it needed to be glued together somehow.



So after the fire I wasn't too keen on restoring the car to original style, so I decided to build a Grand Sport roadster out of it.





It all starts with floor pan and then the firewall that comes in two separate piece.

More to come...

[Wissing72]

What a project! The G/S will be awesome. Glad you have turned the misfortune into a positive.

[WSSix]

GS roadsters are cool! I'm going to enjoy watching this come together. Good luck!

[groovyjay]

There are few companies that make GS replica bodies but only one which allows you to use stock style frame and bird cage. The local rules and regulations over this side of the pond say that I can't use an aftermarket tubular frame on a street car, so I was stuck using my stock frame and working with it.

So my body came from MAI = Mid America Industries and their body attaches to the stock bird cage just like stock. I've seen few GS replicas build by some other companies and they don't have any inner body support structure and I can tell you some of them have been pretty flimsy just standing still, I can't believe how they will shake rattle and roll at high speed...

Getting the body from MAI was a 2-year battle, because GM was trying to shut down all the GS replica makers at the time. Luckily I finally got mine. Here' are early mock up shots.





Even though these body panels are press molded and should fit a stock C2 bird cage relatively easy, it was a far cry, none of the panels fit right of way. Every single panel and piece needed work, some more than others. But just seeing that thing shape up gave me a new boost of hope.

Thanks for looking.

[GregWeld]

Where's "this side of the pond"???



I love mid year 'Vettes....


Even if you had a factory GM panel -- it wouldn't fit either... they never do.



What's your color scheme?? Blue/white typical GS??

[andreb]

Awesome build! And I love the couch. Tell us more.

[uxojerry]

Your a brave man to tackle such a challenging project. The Guldstrand 5 link looks very interesting. What are your plans for power?

[groovyjay]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Where's "this side of the pond"???

East side

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I love mid year 'Vettes.... l


Even if you had a factory GM panel -- it wouldn't fit either... they never do.



What's your color scheme?? Blue/white typical GS??

Yeah the fit of stock panels is sometimes piss poor, but this kit was even bigger hurdle. MAI makes their panels 1/3 thickness of the original panels, so they are not as sturdy as stock but they are a lot lighter.

[groovyjay]

Originally Posted by uxojerry

Your a brave man to tackle such a challenging project. The Guldstrand 5 link looks very interesting. What are your plans for power?

I've got the new hot cam LS3 with upgraded T56 in the car, more about the installation later.

[WSSix]

Holy crap! I didn't know you were in Finland. That makes the build so much cooler do to the logistics of it all.