New Coupe Build

[maxman]

Just a introduction,

My father and I plan to build a Daytona Coupe Replica from scratch.

Specs are as follows.

Ford 302W motor
Gertrag 5 speed Gearbox (E28 BMW M5)
BMW e34 Rear Suspension
BMW e34 Front brakes
Custom Front "A" arms
Power Rack (source?)
Air conditioning.

We plan to stretch the body a bit to increase the interior room and possibly make the roof more like a "double bubble" as in the Peugeot RCZ.

We will also try to clean up the rear end a bit and run a smaller rear spoiler.

This will be a fibre-glass body on a steel chassis.

As this is a development car we will not be running the pin drive wheels but maybe on the next one.

I would love to see comments on our plan and any suggestions on a power steering rack and air condtioning components we could use.

[Clois Harlan]

You might contact one of the guys at Backdraft, I know at one time they had thoughts of developing a Coupe on the BMW platform. AC and PS are simple and no brainers. You might check with Richard at Northracecars.com for a custom AC unit for the coupe.

Streetching the chassis from 90"wb to say 95" or so is pretty common as is making it a little bit wider. Several have done that and with great success. However, your double bubble is interesting and I am anxious to see how you incorporate that into the design.

Good Luck and post lots of pictures.


Clois Harlan

[maxman]

Thanks for the encouraging words.

I will keep all of you updated to the progress. Where would I source a Windscreen ? or would you know off hand if there are any mass produced cars that are similar. Mazda mx5 maybe?

[Clois Harlan]

That may be a problem. I know of one manufacturer that uses a 1963 Falcon (Comet) windshield and cuts about 6" off the bottom. Of course you can build your windshield frame to fit what ever you choose?

[951mat]

My understanding on the windscreen was the original coupe glass was from a 64 falcon with 4" cut off the top (or bottom???). If someone could confirm that, I'd appreciate. My understanding could be a little off. That being said the original coupes (and current replicas with original dimension) sure are narrow. You might want to find/build a wider screen, like on my JBL Coupe, which is much wider than original dimension cars. Better to find it early I guess to build the car around.

Mat

[phattyhales]

Originally Posted by 951mat

My understanding on the windscreen was the original coupe glass was from a 64 falcon with 4" cut off the top (or bottom???). If someone could confirm that, I'd appreciate. My understanding could be a little off. That being said the original coupes (and current replicas with original dimension) sure are narrow. You might want to find/build a wider screen, like on my JBL Coupe, which is much wider than original dimension cars. Better to find it early I guess to build the car around.

Mat

The original Coupe glass was actually specific to the Coupe. Peter Brock designed the shape and outsourced a glass company to make it.

[mr bruce]

I have a body that uses the Falcon/Comet windshield, I can make you a body or sell you the molds if you're interested. e-mail your phone number for info

[john chesnut]

Maxman, good luck with your build. Building one from scratch is ambitious but is serious fun too. For info, the FF coupe uses a Jaguar xjs windshield. Their car is larger. It has a 95 inch wheelbase.

Mr Bruce can you post some pictures of your body? What's the wheelbase, and width at the front wheel arches and width at the rear wheel arches. Just thinking...........Like I need another project!