The 550 GTC Project

SN65

Member
Oct 27, 2004
540
1
18
Chicago, IL
This was originally posted at the following link...

http://eleanor.pro3i.com/showthread.php?t=624729

After much consideration, we have refined and better defined the project. With that said, here is the revised post and new info...



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 GTC story.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.
 
  • Sponsors (?)


Ok, that's very interesting. I wouldn't be able to afford this particular project to the extent that you're looking to go, but would you be willing to share the structural components or are those just for the lucky few? :D

Looks like it's going to be an awesome undertaking with just as impressive results as the SN65.
 
1320stang said:
Have you gotten some of the outside elements lined out yet?
Hi 1320,

I have the basics worked out.

The Ferrari design eliments we will be incorporating are...

Dropping the car about 3"
Relocating the wheel openings up to match the drop.
Fender and quarter extractor vents.
Molding the rear bumper, valance and quarter extensions into the body.
Wire wheels with tri bar spinners.
Etc, etc, etc...

I will have the exterior sketches resdy in about a week. I am still calculating the front and rear track to see just how much we will be flaring the fenders and quarters.

Bob
 
65mistress said:
Ok, that's very interesting. I wouldn't be able to afford this particular project to the extent that you're looking to go, but would you be willing to share the structural components or are those just for the lucky few? :D

Looks like it's going to be an awesome undertaking with just as impressive results as the SN65.
Hi 65,

If you are only interested in the structural changes, I will be happy to make them available.

Hummm...

Would you be interested in the structural modifications without any alterations to the suspension?

Bob
 
65mistress said:
Bob

How do you mean? I wouldn't mind having the 4 link or an updated suspension under the coupe. :D
Hi 65,

I could supply, as a kit, the following...

First, the chassis stiffening package. This package would include all the structural modifications to make the early stang chassis as stable as the SN65.
Second, the front suspension upgrade. Changing over to a modified Macpherson strut with "K" member alowing the installation of any ford power plant.

Third, the rear suspension upgrade. Ford four link or IRS.

After installation of the chassis stiffening kit, you could put any suspension of your choice under the car.

Bob
 
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