The 550 GTC Project

[SN65]

With the SN65 project winding down, we have been kicking around ideas for our next creation. It is called the FF-550 GTC project. And it stands for "Ford/Ferrari - 550 Grand Tourismo Coupe"

Here is a link to the data sheet of the new project.

http://sn65.com/FF-550%20GTC%20story.htm

While the overall concept is going to be up for debate, we do have a few items nailed down.

First: This is going to be a group build. I am looking for 10 courageous individuals (all with 65 or 66 fastbacks or coupes) who are willing to follow along step by step and build an exact duplicate of the project in their very own garage.

Second: The project is to be completed for a group meeting at a major 2007 event. That gives us a year to complete the project.

Third: Budget. We are going to keep the budget to a minimum, but I expect that the total project will run right around 40K when complete (much less if you have a project car in the works right now and you have the major drivetrain components on hand). Also, while we are going to make every attempt to keep all tasks achievable by the average hobbyist, you may have to pay for services that are beyond your level of expertise (paint, bodywork, etc...).

Forth: ALL CARS WILL LOOK IDENTICAL TO EACH OTHER. There may be some leeway in regards to drivetrain selection, but all exterior and interior modifications are to be identical on all 11 cars. If you are hard headed (my way or the highway), if you are set in your ways, if you cannot play well with others, then this may not be the project for you.

I think it will be quite a site when all 11 cars show up at the same event next year. If that doesn't turn some heads, I don't know what will.

If you are interested, just drop me a line.

Bob

PS: We already have a couple of people interested. If you think this is for you, please get in touch with me ASAP.

[6'9"Witha69]

SWEEEEEET! My first car was a '66 Mustang. I have too many irons in the fire to join in, but really wish I could! Sweet idea.

[trapin]

When you said Grand Tourismo...I thought you were talking about the larger car they did in the 70's. Not a Mustang.

Honesty...if you're thinking of doing another Mustang you should think again and pick a different car. Do a Mopar or a Chevy or hell...do a different Ford like a Fairlane or something.

You already did a Mustang. Lets move on to something else. Just my $.02 (cause you asked).

[SN65]

Hi Tony,

I learned a lot in the building of the SN65. I believe that I can incorporate all the structural improvements we made into the original chassis. If my calculations are correct, the finished chassis will be exceptional. We will only be adding about 250 to 300 lbs to the unibody structure and with a 550 HP power plant, this car will really rock.

I wish to prove out the structural design theory before moving on to other makes and models. I believe in taking small steps. Building on what you know. Developing and refining. We do have a 71 Camaro in the shop, but I really don't think that the owner wished us to experiment on his ride. :-)

Also, I am very familiar with the early mustang chassis. I am so confident with the overall design that I am willing to let others follow along.

Bob

[preston]

250 -300 lbs ???? That's way excessive. Is that a typo ?

I expect my newest tube frame to weigh 350 lbs for my '67 Mustang and that will include the floor and firewall (albeit alum honeycomb)

[SN65]

250 -300 lbs ???? That's way excessive. Is that a typo ?

I expect my newest tube frame to weigh 350 lbs for my '67 Mustang and that will include the floor and firewall (albeit alum honeycomb)

I don't think it is excessive. The entire 65 fastback weighs in at 2,800 lbs. The 250 to 300 lbs is an estimate and, to be sure, it is on the high side. By the time we are done with the project, I would be surprised if the entier car weighed in at more than 3,000 lbs total. If I were laying money on it, I would bet the finished project will come in at right around 2,900 lbs.

Bob

[CAMAROBOY69]

This will be a very interresting build. Do you think you will ever do something like a 67 Mustang fastback or will you be sticking with the 65 body style? I love the direction you go with your builds. The SN65 turned out real well. I hope to see it in person some day. Good luck with this next build and your right it would be a major event to see all 11 of the cars in one place at one time especially if all 11 cars were finished on the due date. That would be a mojor historic event!
I am currently helping my friend build a 65 and my girlfriend has a 67. Her mom has a 73 that I will be working on this month too.

[Boyd]

Can you post the pics of the car in your link? Looks very interesting.

[SN65]

I don't think it is excessive. The entire 65 fastback weighs in at 2,800 lbs. The 250 to 300 lbs is an estimate and, to be sure, it is on the high side. By the time we are done with the project, I would be surprised if the entier car weighed in at more than 3,000 lbs total. If I were laying money on it, I would bet the finished project will come in at right around 2,900 lbs.

Bob

I just did a revised weight calculation and it looks to be about a 200 lb add. We will be reducing the weight of other assemblies by at least 200 lbs. We will be adding about 200 lbs with the IRS, but we will be reducing the weight of the engine and trans by about 100 lbs.

Which......

Puts us right at about 2,900 lbs. :-)

All that work just to confirm a seat of the pants calc. Who needs spreadsheets and calculaters when you have a big "know-it-all" butt. :-)

Bob

[SN65]

This will be a very interresting build. Do you think you will ever do something like a 67 Mustang fastback or will you be sticking with the 65 body style? I love the direction you go with your builds. The SN65 turned out real well. I hope to see it in person some day. Good luck with this next build and your right it would be a major event to see all 11 of the cars in one place at one time especially if all 11 cars were finished on the due date. That would be a mojor historic event!
I am currently helping my friend build a 65 and my girlfriend has a 67. Her mom has a 73 that I will be working on this month too.

Hi CB69 (adam???),

All the structural/suspension modifications we are going to be making to the 65-66 will work just as well on the 67-68 platform. In fact all the modifications would be exactly the same save for the different body panel modifications. I would be happy to work you into the project as a "Type II" if you were really interested. :-)

Bob

[CAMAROBOY69]

Hi CB69 (adam???),

All the structural/suspension modifications we are going to be making to the 65-66 will work just as well on the 67-68 platform. In fact all the modifications would be exactly the same save for the different body panel modifications. I would be happy to work you into the project as a "Type II" if you were really interested. :-)

Bob

Bob,
As flattered as I am with your offer, there is no way financially we could do it unless someone else wanted to supply us with all the parts. Now if thats the case then when can we start.

[SN65]

I just took a real hard look at the "structural" modifications and the price is looking at right about $2,500. This includes the specially designed "K" member.

The big cost comes in with the Front/rear suspension and the R&P. As best I can figure we are looking at about $12,000 for the entire package (every last nut and bolt).

I will now be working up the drivetrain and body kit estimates.

Bob

[preston]

I've always had a hard time with that 2,800 lb figure. Was that for the V8 or the six ? I guess that's close, just remember that weight is gonna be for manual steering, no A/C and no other accesories. But sounds like you're keeping the weight thing in mind, just don't forget everything you will be likely to add.

I am just obsessed with it because my '67 coupe weighs 3600 lbs

(iron block , twin turbos, tube frame, cage, fire system, dynamat, big ass wheels, 9", etc)

[Boyd]

Can you post the pics of the car in your link? Looks very interesting.

Hello? Pics?

[Mean 69]

I'd really like substantiation on the stock weight figure too, I just don't see it with a V8, good radiator, real brakes, 9", etc. Might be true, and I hope so, I have one that will get some good lovin' at some point.

No offense at all, but I think we'll be taking a slightly different approach with this one. Regardless, best of luck, sounds like fun!
M