Since y'all seem to like this stuff ...
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Since y'all seem to like this stuff ...
I'm not sure yet if this will even work. Gordon found me some dimensions that I'm going to compare side-by-side to those of the Hoopty as it sits now.
If I can make this work, it'll be really neat.
The plan, subject to lots and lots of revisions, will be to weld reinforcement into the coupe body before dismounting it from the chassis, so it doesn't warp or flex too much as it comes off. The bottom of the car, along with the interior and the running gear, will also have to be supported with a jig of some kind, so that'll probably get done at the same time. I have no idea how that's going to work, but it's probably got to be done.
Then, assuming the body clears the Hoopty's dimensions, we're going to hang it from the rafters in a pulley system and slowly lower it onto the chassis. When it's at a manageable height, we'll tack some supports to the chassis and keep going until we have at least eight points of contact to put Dzus fasteners in on, fabricate feet for the fasteners, make them functional and finish weld the outriggers so they support the hollow shell over top of the car.
Once the shell's on, we'll be welding gusset plates vertically in the nose and tail to meet the existing hinge bolts, and then we'll be able to remove the body and set about making all the welds solid.
Badda-Bing. Off to the sand-blaster and then to the paint and powder guys.
Hopefully, between now and then, I'll find a nose section without all the front suspension components, fuel tank and so on. All I'm gonna need is a skin. Shouldn't cost much.
TC, thanks for continuing the search. Gordon, thanks for the info. I'll be taking photos as soon as I can get to the shop during business hours.
If I can make this work, it'll be really neat.
The plan, subject to lots and lots of revisions, will be to weld reinforcement into the coupe body before dismounting it from the chassis, so it doesn't warp or flex too much as it comes off. The bottom of the car, along with the interior and the running gear, will also have to be supported with a jig of some kind, so that'll probably get done at the same time. I have no idea how that's going to work, but it's probably got to be done.
Then, assuming the body clears the Hoopty's dimensions, we're going to hang it from the rafters in a pulley system and slowly lower it onto the chassis. When it's at a manageable height, we'll tack some supports to the chassis and keep going until we have at least eight points of contact to put Dzus fasteners in on, fabricate feet for the fasteners, make them functional and finish weld the outriggers so they support the hollow shell over top of the car.
Once the shell's on, we'll be welding gusset plates vertically in the nose and tail to meet the existing hinge bolts, and then we'll be able to remove the body and set about making all the welds solid.
Badda-Bing. Off to the sand-blaster and then to the paint and powder guys.
Hopefully, between now and then, I'll find a nose section without all the front suspension components, fuel tank and so on. All I'm gonna need is a skin. Shouldn't cost much.
TC, thanks for continuing the search. Gordon, thanks for the info. I'll be taking photos as soon as I can get to the shop during business hours.
Us Massachusetts "Por-sha Hackers" come thru for yah........Again!
Y'all are pretty dang resourceful "up theah."
Boredom struck me a few minutes ago; now I'm just playing around:
Boredom struck me a few minutes ago; now I'm just playing around:
Cory,
You crack me up! I think it's an awesome idea! My only suggestion would be to finish the Hoopty topless model first then do the coupe. I'll try to catch up with you later. Happy Fathers Day to you too.
You crack me up! I think it's an awesome idea! My only suggestion would be to finish the Hoopty topless model first then do the coupe. I'll try to catch up with you later. Happy Fathers Day to you too.
What an awesome idea Cory! Does the madness ever stop?? :-)
Cory Drake . . . is . . . HOOPTYMAN . . .
a mild mannered firefighter by day, a crazed 356 outlaw fabricator by night. With his mentor TC aka Team Evil, HOOPTYMAN is drawing up his next diabolical plan . . .
BWAA . . . HAAA . . .HAAAA (EVIL LAUGH).
I for one LOVE IT. It's a transformer car! Good for the sun, good for all other weather too. Now if you could just transform at the touch of a button . . .
Now that would be worthy of . . . HOOPTYMAN!
a mild mannered firefighter by day, a crazed 356 outlaw fabricator by night. With his mentor TC aka Team Evil, HOOPTYMAN is drawing up his next diabolical plan . . .
BWAA . . . HAAA . . .HAAAA (EVIL LAUGH).
I for one LOVE IT. It's a transformer car! Good for the sun, good for all other weather too. Now if you could just transform at the touch of a button . . .
Now that would be worthy of . . . HOOPTYMAN!
Just looked at the open door drawing . . . . who's driving that thing, Charles de Gaulle?
Oh, here's a link to a place that sells clips, fenders and entire shells:
http://www.wwautowerks.com/index.php?cPath=26_33&osCsid=e730f35011dd9e911a69aa361cfeaf1a
Thought that you might wanna compare your new score with their prices.
If you decide to really run with the gull wings, you ought to weld sheet metal across the bottom, that mimics the lower door skin, add a cross brace/sill attachment and make everything else out of fiberglass and aluminum. MUCH LIGHTER! You could pretty much get away with hidden cabinet hinges at the top with this sort of construction, Then sell off the doors for big bucks, list the latches, glass, and window regulators separately, and give the upper window frames to ME . . . cause you won't be using 'em and I need a pair.
Oh, here's a link to a place that sells clips, fenders and entire shells:
http://www.wwautowerks.com/index.php?cPath=26_33&osCsid=e730f35011dd9e911a69aa361cfeaf1a
Thought that you might wanna compare your new score with their prices.
If you decide to really run with the gull wings, you ought to weld sheet metal across the bottom, that mimics the lower door skin, add a cross brace/sill attachment and make everything else out of fiberglass and aluminum. MUCH LIGHTER! You could pretty much get away with hidden cabinet hinges at the top with this sort of construction, Then sell off the doors for big bucks, list the latches, glass, and window regulators separately, and give the upper window frames to ME . . . cause you won't be using 'em and I need a pair.
That's pretty helpful. I'm going to print some of those and take them with me when I go to take photos (hopefully on Wednesday).
Thanks!
And as for useful parts, you'll be welcome to anything that comes off. Wouldja consider a weekender to help fit the thing onto the Sloppy Jalopy? It'd be in a heated garage, along about February.
Thanks!
And as for useful parts, you'll be welcome to anything that comes off. Wouldja consider a weekender to help fit the thing onto the Sloppy Jalopy? It'd be in a heated garage, along about February.
Sure, sounds like some genuine (as opposed to replica) fun ! ! ! If you'd like, since you're not on top of your fiberglass game, AND I happen to have a couple of 356 coupes hanging around, I could make you a a pair of fiberglass doors. Half doors at the bottom (you let me know how deep you want them to go) aluminum A and B pillars, and fiberglass upper "roof" panel. Just lay some brown paper on the roof and trace out the contour that you're thinking of. I've got an extra set of doors that I can lay on the work table so construction/fabrication/duplication will be a snap!
Light as feathers and WAY strong.
Light as feathers and WAY strong.
Hmmmm ...
Wouldn't you want to make the bottom door parts out of steel and weld them to the body, thus stiffening it up considerably? I agree that a light fiberglass moveable door upper is a good idea.
As for the gullwing stuff - won't that just add complexity and weight? Unless you cut well into the roof it won't aid entry and exit, and it would require more complex attachment at the top.
As for the gullwing stuff - won't that just add complexity and weight? Unless you cut well into the roof it won't aid entry and exit, and it would require more complex attachment at the top.
...maybe Lamborghini-type doors. Less complex and less structure compromise.
...I'm just saying...
Cory, you must love living on that 'slippery slope. BwaaaHAAA HAAA!
...I'm just saying...
Cory, you must love living on that 'slippery slope. BwaaaHAAA HAAA!
"Dream like you're going to live forever; live like you're going to die today."
Some dead guy said that. I think he died in a Spyder with his mechanic beside him.
This is the effect I'll be after, but with shorter skins. It came from a pair of photos at http://www.priceofhistoys.com/2006/07/ ... :
Some dead guy said that. I think he died in a Spyder with his mechanic beside him.
This is the effect I'll be after, but with shorter skins. It came from a pair of photos at http://www.priceofhistoys.com/2006/07/ ... :
I would think that the bottom 4-6 inches of the door could be added to the body thus adding a bit more integrity to the body, lighter door, less overhang to duck under but a bit more to step over when entering/exiting car. TR-3's had two different door styles (not that this is a TR-3), one door "the long door" extended to the bottom of the body line and "the short door" which left a little in place of the body.
Sounds like a neat project--good luck with it.
Sounds like a neat project--good luck with it.
Not that my opinion means anything, but I think the Lamborghini style doors would look better. I just saw a Pontiac Solstice this weekend at a Cruise-in with Lambo-style doors, and it looked awesome! I can only imagine what the Hooptymobile would look like with them!
Gotta disagree with you, Mark. The Lambo-door thing has become an overworked cliche IMHO.
That coupe has "suicide door" written all over it. There are hinge kits now for suicide doors.
Also, while you're metal working, keep that roofline low and give your head enough room for a helmet. This is a Zagato circa 1956, commonly called a "double bubble" for the clearance added to the roofline.
angela
Also, while you're metal working, keep that roofline low and give your head enough room for a helmet. This is a Zagato circa 1956, commonly called a "double bubble" for the clearance added to the roofline.
angela
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Sure is sexy. I don't have THAT kind of skill, though.
I see that on the Corvettes and Vipers nowadays. Maybe someone can clue me in on any wrecks I can scavange from?
On the door thing, I have several months to mock this up. I like TC's offer so far; I know he could use the metal doors, and I wouldn't have to touch them if he can fab up some skins with enough lip to rivet to.
Mark, I'm not anti-tuner-kid, but it seems to me that the tuner kids are doing that Lambo door thing in extremis. I wouldn't be caught dead.
I see that on the Corvettes and Vipers nowadays. Maybe someone can clue me in on any wrecks I can scavange from?
On the door thing, I have several months to mock this up. I like TC's offer so far; I know he could use the metal doors, and I wouldn't have to touch them if he can fab up some skins with enough lip to rivet to.
Mark, I'm not anti-tuner-kid, but it seems to me that the tuner kids are doing that Lambo door thing in extremis. I wouldn't be caught dead.
I was not aware that tuners are doing that.. guess I need to get with the times! LOL With that being said Cory, I don't blame you! :-)
Gullwing doors are definately cooler.. way cooler.. than lambo doors. More than just tuners are doing the lambo door, I have seen them on vettes, camaro's, Hummers, etc. Never a porsche though..
James
James
CORY
WHEN DO WE SEE THE MODEL WITH WINGS AND WHEN IS FLIGHT SCHOOL
WHEN DO WE SEE THE MODEL WITH WINGS AND WHEN IS FLIGHT SCHOOL
...how 'bout a Suicide Lambo door?
I'll admit it: my head is not big enough to get wrapped around all that is implied by the Hoopty II concept car. One thing I can say: If Cory can think it up (and draw it up -- ain't he good at that??) it can get done. There is some great thinking going on here, and if the projekt needs a strong back and weak mind to help out, I'll be ready to do what I can. What is planned puts a whole new connotation to the phrase: "Skinned alive." PS: I vote for Gull-wing.
I agree the Gull wings are the way to do it. Making windows that open any more than half way will be a challange. but I have played with this idea for quite some time.. and If you want them electric I think I know what to rob the regs from. A Jeep Cherokie
I agree the Gull wings are the way to do it. Making windows that open any more than half way will be a challange. but I have played with this idea for quite some time.. and If you want them electric I think I know some reg sources. but a 85 Jeep reg would work good.
"...how 'bout a Suicide Lambo door?"
Oh, Hell no. You first.
In fact, does anybody know how the Japanese spell sepuku? Did I get that right? Jim, if I did THAT, I'd ask for a diagram to get my wakazashi to the diaphragm in order to properly spill my lamborghetti onto the tatami wikki-wikki!
Heck, I'd probably start looking at old Lincolns in the back issues of the '60s Motor Trend magazines on my final trip to the ground.
Oh, Hell no. You first.
In fact, does anybody know how the Japanese spell sepuku? Did I get that right? Jim, if I did THAT, I'd ask for a diagram to get my wakazashi to the diaphragm in order to properly spill my lamborghetti onto the tatami wikki-wikki!
Heck, I'd probably start looking at old Lincolns in the back issues of the '60s Motor Trend magazines on my final trip to the ground.
Dude, did that coupe come with any knobs on the dash . . . ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320126544914&rd=1
YIKES ! ! !
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320126544914&rd=1
YIKES ! ! !
knob on this....
...OK, how 'bout a gull-wing door?
Now you're onboard, Jim. Good man.
...kinda like 'Mater' (Tow Mater) on the animated 'Cars' movie!
Cory,
Making a car into a gullwing is doable (anything is doable) but it is hard and the car will be heavier than before.
On any factory car, the doors are reinforced on the leading and trailing edges where the hinges go. On any factory car, the front and rear doorjambs are also reinforced. This is to take the load from the door, opening and closing that is projected into the small areas of the latches and hinges.
Making suicide or lambo doors is actually pretty darn easy. You are using the already reinforced portions of the door and really just changing the hinge mechanism. Alot of the "kits" you buy to do this just reuse the factory mounting holes, sometimes a little more bracing is added, but not very much.
Now taking a 356 coupe door and making it a gullwing will present some challenges. You will be hinging the door at the top where it was never designed for load. You will be swinging from the roof which was not designed for load. You'll need to refab the inside of the roof to take the load (make a "spine") of the doors. You'll need to do some real tricky work to the door tops also.
But here's an idea you might really like. On a GT40, the doors came way across the roofline. Put your doors on the car, mark across the roofline where you'd like to cut and use that portion of the roof as the flat top section of your door. Will make in/out really easy, look super cool, let put a "bubble" in the roof/door top (cool) and keep the reinforced "spine" of the remaining roof pretty narrow. Think of the center bar on a t-top camaro - that's about how much roof you would leave. The rest would actually be the top of the door.
Couple a beers and a sawzall Cory...
angela
Making a car into a gullwing is doable (anything is doable) but it is hard and the car will be heavier than before.
On any factory car, the doors are reinforced on the leading and trailing edges where the hinges go. On any factory car, the front and rear doorjambs are also reinforced. This is to take the load from the door, opening and closing that is projected into the small areas of the latches and hinges.
Making suicide or lambo doors is actually pretty darn easy. You are using the already reinforced portions of the door and really just changing the hinge mechanism. Alot of the "kits" you buy to do this just reuse the factory mounting holes, sometimes a little more bracing is added, but not very much.
Now taking a 356 coupe door and making it a gullwing will present some challenges. You will be hinging the door at the top where it was never designed for load. You will be swinging from the roof which was not designed for load. You'll need to refab the inside of the roof to take the load (make a "spine") of the doors. You'll need to do some real tricky work to the door tops also.
But here's an idea you might really like. On a GT40, the doors came way across the roofline. Put your doors on the car, mark across the roofline where you'd like to cut and use that portion of the roof as the flat top section of your door. Will make in/out really easy, look super cool, let put a "bubble" in the roof/door top (cool) and keep the reinforced "spine" of the remaining roof pretty narrow. Think of the center bar on a t-top camaro - that's about how much roof you would leave. The rest would actually be the top of the door.
Couple a beers and a sawzall Cory...
angela
You must be playing catch-up ball, Angela. Lots happened in the last few days -- on the drafting table. Then I saw this guy:
That's what I had in mind. Narrow reinforced spine on the center of the roofline, the door top edge extending over the roofline. Looks like some (badly needed) reinforcement across that top section.
Go for it Cory.
angela
Go for it Cory.
angela
Ahhhhhhh . . . those dash knobs went for $325.00 . . .
?
Oh, Angela. Maybe not a narrow spine. (Too Smokey and the Bandit!) More like the way that the door tops on the 904 or even 917 cut/curve into the roof, 'cept a bit more. Keeps more of the roof as support and mimics (exaggerates) a given Porsche trait.
This way it won't look like a Regan era GM offering or a cheesy VW TRENDS bikini shot, but more like a Porsche LeMans/prototype/FIA kinda thing. A factory skunk-works survivor.
Maybe?
If yes, talk Cory into it; 'cause he usually makes the wrong choice in the clutch. Just look at that dash board!
Or . . . just cut the driver's side diagonal door bar and install one of these:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+115+4294844512
Eliminate the whole need for swing up doors entirely. Cheep easy access!
This Dude: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140127314669&rd=1,1 can get in and out of his ride and the side impact bars are lot more involved than those on the Hoopty chassis. I don't see the need for those silly doors. They kinda worked on the early MB coupe, and only just. These days they smack of A$$, way too 80's to be cool in the same way that the Lambo doors are way to ricer. I'm afraid that we're getting into Unique Whips territory here. I can smell the Jersey dumps already.
?
Oh, Angela. Maybe not a narrow spine. (Too Smokey and the Bandit!) More like the way that the door tops on the 904 or even 917 cut/curve into the roof, 'cept a bit more. Keeps more of the roof as support and mimics (exaggerates) a given Porsche trait.
This way it won't look like a Regan era GM offering or a cheesy VW TRENDS bikini shot, but more like a Porsche LeMans/prototype/FIA kinda thing. A factory skunk-works survivor.
Maybe?
If yes, talk Cory into it; 'cause he usually makes the wrong choice in the clutch. Just look at that dash board!
Or . . . just cut the driver's side diagonal door bar and install one of these:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+115+4294844512
Eliminate the whole need for swing up doors entirely. Cheep easy access!
This Dude: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140127314669&rd=1,1 can get in and out of his ride and the side impact bars are lot more involved than those on the Hoopty chassis. I don't see the need for those silly doors. They kinda worked on the early MB coupe, and only just. These days they smack of A$$, way too 80's to be cool in the same way that the Lambo doors are way to ricer. I'm afraid that we're getting into Unique Whips territory here. I can smell the Jersey dumps already.
TC, Cory's gonna kill me for saying it, but I agree with you. The gullwing doors are a lot of work and complication for what looks like a simple problem. Even if you do nothing to the side bars, entry and exit won't be THAT bad.
I also say nix the gullwings.
Sliding minivan doors, that hasn't been "played" yet!
OR, it looks like if your flip-up front clip included a little more of the front door area and dash surface you wouldn't need doors.
OR you could just wiggle in Bo Duke style.
OR you could stop getting out of your sweet car all the time, seriously, why? That's why gas station attendants were invented.
OR, it looks like if your flip-up front clip included a little more of the front door area and dash surface you wouldn't need doors.
OR you could just wiggle in Bo Duke style.
OR you could stop getting out of your sweet car all the time, seriously, why? That's why gas station attendants were invented.
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