My Official GTM Build Thread!

[Shawn K]

They look much better flipped! Will they contour with the sides of the car?

[LCD Gauges]

The unanimous decision made it easy; I'm sold on the flip!

Question is, how does the unit profile blend into either the existing body profile or a modified one.

That is the question of the day my friend. Sometimes I feel that my brain, and my eyes are more talented than my hands. I have some
options in my mind that should work. I'll see if I can sketch them out to get some opinions, and guidance.

Shawn, they don't contour with the sides as-is. Some body work will be necessary to make the lines flow properly.

[Presto51]

The unanimous decision made it easy; I'm sold on the flip!

That is the question of the day my friend. Sometimes I feel that my brain, and my eyes are more talented than my hands. I have some
options in my mind that should work. I'll see if I can sketch them out to get some opinions, and guidance.

Shawn, they don't contour with the sides as-is. Some body work will be necessary to make the lines flow properly.

Hey Tino,

Flipping those wonderful tail lights is a great idea, wish I had thought of that first

Some body work will be necessary = Understatement of the week, but hey go big or go home, right

Keep up the great work

Ron

[LCD Gauges]

Hey Shawn, someone on the other forum PM'd me with the same thought.

The mystery is solved! Ron is the "someone" that has been helping me from a distance with these lights so he gets the cookie.

Psst...Ron, there's a message for you at the OTHER place.

[LCD Gauges]

Here are few renders of possible installations of the lights. I have a few more concepts that I want to try after measuring some angles
on the lamps, and rear of the GTM.

I'm no artist, but it's more defined than the photoshop images.

2014-06-06 05.14.34.jpg2014-06-06 05.33.21.jpg

It will take some "enhancing" [Ron] to get the GTM to accept his new friends.

frs.jpg

[Presto51]

Here are few renders of possible installations of the lights. I have a few more concepts that I want to try after measuring some angles
on the lamps, and rear of the GTM.

I'm no artist, but it's more defined than the photoshop images.

2014-06-06 05.14.34.jpg2014-06-06 05.33.21.jpg

It will take some "enhancing" [Ron] to get the GTM to accept his new friends.

frs.jpg

Okay Tino,

Take a deep breath, put your pencil down, and slowly back away from the drawing, and tell your boss that you really like working for him\her

Ron

[LCD Gauges]

Pencil? What pencil? I love my day job!

[Shawn K]

If you haven't cut the body yet, I have another possible tail light. Have you looked at a new BMW z4? The tail lights are similar and they appear to be flat to the body. They also don't wrap around the quarter panel. Just a thought.

[LCD Gauges]

Nothing is chopped up yet, but I'm set on these LED's if the body guy can work with them.

I had the Z4 lights on my list, along with a bunch of others (Audi A7, Lexus GS, Acura RSX, etc.) but they either wanted too much
for the set, or my eyes caught something else.

Once I saw the LED version of the FR-S tail lights, I was hooked. Thanks for the thought, but please don't make me change my mind AGAIN!

[Shawn K]

How are the lights coming along?

[LCD Gauges]

I haven't done much with the lights unfortunately; focusing on cleaning up the engine bay wiring, and getting the motor fired up for the first time this season.

That has been my project for last few weeks. I'm a slow mover lately.

The next step with the lights isto make a template to figure out best placement.

[LCD Gauges]

Carbon Fiber, GT Style airfoil in da house.
It's a low laying profile, so I'll need to extend the links, or replace the winglets which I'm leaning toward right now. Finally starting to get back at this car after such
a long lay-off. Need to get it ready for a special someone!

20140625_204839.jpg20140625_204909.jpg20140625_204917.jpg

[RF RIDER]

Hey Tino;
nice wing. I like the low profile as I find the FFR one sits to high. How do you plan on mounting it, on deck or thru to frame? Where did you pick that one up? Is it cheaper then the FFR one. I am still stuck on whether to get one simular to what Shane sells or go with one like yours.

[carbon fiber]

GO TINO GO! It looks good low, but the clean air is up high. Are you going to run a splitter on the front?

[LCD Gauges]

Dave,

I would like to mount to the frame, but the legs are sitting directly over my mufflers. My thought is to stuff a 1/4" plate of aluminum under the trunk lid
to fortify the structure. PM me for details on "the source" of the wing; I don't think I should post here if you know what I mean...

Jason,

Eventually I'd like to run a splitter, but for this season I'll be going bare up front. As for the wing, it's more for looks and perhaps a bit of drag reduction.
Maybe I can test some different angles, and height on the drag strip (or twisties); this setup can tilt about 15 degrees (once I change the winglets).

Speaking of winglets, is it easy to cut them with a dremel disc? If I layer some tape on either side to prevent splinters, then buff the edge do you
think it will be possible to cut (in your pro opinion)?
10421508_10152972896824148_1888907790266320893_n.jpg
It will give me about an inch of clearance with a "zero degree" tilt.

[carbon fiber]

Yeah the stuff cuts clean (it won't splinter) just make sure and wear a mask and safety glasses (CF in the eye is a bad look - even the dust being thrown). I use a die-grinder and cut-off wheel, it's stronger and easier than a dremel. Less chance of breaking the wheel too, the dremel stuff is fragile. If you don't have one they sell 'em cheap at harbor freight, and is a great tool to have in the toolbox. You can crank the air pressure down a little to keep the rpms down if you're not used to one. Make a cardboard template of the shape of the bottom of the winglet and just move it up where you need to cut. Then use it to do the other side also. I use a silver sharpie to mark cuts on CF. It's hard to see black. (IMPORTANT - store the silver sharpies TIP DOWN) After you trace the outside of the template with the sharpie, cut to the OUTSIDE of the sharpie mark, then sand to the inside edge of the sharpie mark (where the outer edge of the template is) with a sanding block by hand. Lay winglet flat hanging over the edge of a table, and block sand at 90 degrees to keep a clean edge. Call me if you have any problems.

[LCD Gauges]

Amazing detail; thanks for taking the time to explain the process!

[Presto51]

Carbon Fiber, GT Style airfoil in da house.
It's a low laying profile, so I'll need to extend the links, or replace the winglets which I'm leaning toward right now. Finally starting to get back at this car after such
a long lay-off. Need to get it ready for a special someone!

I would like to mount to the frame, but the legs are sitting directly over my mufflers. My thought is to stuff a 1/4" plate of aluminum under the trunk lid
to fortify the structure.

WOW Tino you do know how to find cool stuff. Do you plan to accquire any more interesting items in the near future ?

I think just stuffing a 1/4" aluminum plate under the trunk lid may not be enough support. Bet you thought it would be just a simple stick and scoot bolt on.

BTW: How are those Lambo doors coming along

Ron

[LCD Gauges]

Here are some photos for Dave who is interested in this airfoil. I'm liking the height with the winglets off!

The mounts sit right above the mufflers in the vent mesh area. It would be easy to cut a slot in the mesh,
then add a nice metal trim ring. The only setback is quick release/access to remove the spoiler for servicing
the trans-axle area.

20140626_175751.jpg20140626_175730.jpg20140626_175653.jpg20140626_175644.jpg\

My first draft of a spoiler mount at 1:00 AM (now 1:30 AM) Time for bed, and maybe dream
up a better mount?
spoiler_mount.JPG

[LCD Gauges]

Another start-up idle video. Nothing too exciting, so don't get mad!

First start for this season; just a bit of trouble with battery charging, and
needing more fuel.

So close, yet so far.

[LCD Gauges]

For those using pillar gauge pods (double, or triple):

Which brand, and vehicle type did you use?

Do you have roll bar covers, or did you mount the pillar pod to the roll bar itself?

I'm thinking about getting rid of the dash mounted pod to get more forward view.

Thanks.

[carbon fiber]

I don't like the look of the pillar mounted gauges myself. (not on a supercar anyways) have you thought about mounting them in a panel above the rollcage? It would be much better looking than pillar or top of the dash, IMHO. Just an idea.

[LCD Gauges]

You mean next to the rear view mirror? Never thought of that, but it's an option.

[RumRunner]

I'm thinking about getting rid of the dash mounted pod to get more forward view.

Tino,

On my GTM, in my driving position, it is not the dash pod that limits forward view - it is the hood itself. I can see easily over the dash pod - it's the trailing edge of the hood that limits it. Dash pod isn't even close. You may want to try it out before you commit to moving the gauges.

-Michael

[carbon fiber]

You mean next to the rear view mirror? Never thought of that, but it's an option.

Yeah, technically right behind the rollcage and beside the rearview mirror. I built a custom guage pod in my '91 LX that held 6 gauges. I'll dig up some pics and post 'em later today.

[LCD Gauges]

On my GTM, in my driving position, it is not the dash pod that limits forward view - it is the hood itself. I can see easily over the dash pod - it's the trailing edge of the hood that limits it. Dash pod isn't even close.

Hey Michael, do you have a photo of your dash pod? I'd like to check out the profile, and contour as it sits on the dash.

The one I'm using is a close fit, but still needs some work to blend properly. I'll have to ponder the view with, and without
to ultimately make the decision to move the gauges. With the mirror mounted, and pod in place it seems like I'm looking
through a mail slot.

2013-05-01 17.42.28.jpg2013-05-01 17.39.42.jpg

[Presto51]

Hey Michael, do you have a photo of your dash pod? I'd like to check out the profile, and contour as it sits on the dash.

The one I'm using is a close fit, but still needs some work to blend properly. I'll have to ponder the view with, and without
to ultimately make the decision to move the gauges. With the mirror mounted, and pod in place it seems like I'm looking
through a mail slot.

2013-05-01 17.42.28.jpg2013-05-01 17.39.42.jpg

Tino I'm not sure what the second picture is showing but I think you might want to go in this direction

Rumrunner Dash 1.JPGRumrunner Dash 2.JPGRumrunner Dash 3.JPGRumrunner Dash 4.JPG

Ron

[LCD Gauges]

Never mind going in that direction, how about giving me that interior and calling it a done deal? Love the overhead console, and center trim. Hoping mine will look even half as nice!

Who do I speak to about getting that overhead console?

[RumRunner]

Center console is from Thomas142 on the other forum. I'll send you his contact info later this evening.

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks Michael,

I've already sent him a PM, but if you have any more photos of the console face, and dimensions to share I'd appreciate it! I'm wondering what that lever is used for (the metal looking switch about midway on the overhead console)?

[LCD Gauges]

Jason,

Is this what you had in mind?

2010-Koenigsegg-Agera-Interior-2-1280x960.jpgKoenigsegg_Agera_S_Hundra_2014_01_2560x1600.jpgUntitled-1.jpg

[carbon fiber]

Yeah, It's almost identical to the Koenigsegg, It's got slightly taller sides because the GTM has a slightly more rounded roof. The back ends up close to flush with the roofline, so it doesn't protrude down as much at the back like the one in the picture. PM sent.

[Presto51]

I'm wondering what that lever is used for (the metal looking switch about midway on the overhead console)?

That’s the passenger’s OH SNIKES handle when the driver goes into max G turn

Ron

[RumRunner]

That’s the passenger’s OH SNIKES handle when the driver goes into max G turn

Ron

Tino,

Don't listen to that crazy guy ..... it's not a lever - it's a hook that I hang my steering wheel from when I get in/out of the car. The removeable wheel makes life much easier!

-Michael

[LCD Gauges]

Ahhh, that makes sense! I should have known better than to trust a guy from the Baltimore area!

Here's the final winglet cut, and spoiler position. After sleeping on it, and several squinted eye-ball assessments, this is it!
As you can see, there's a slight tilt toward the left due to the hatch not being level. That will have to be fixed during the
final fitting.

20140704_174142.jpg20140704_174127.jpg20140704_174210.jpg

A little epoxy to seal the edge, then I'll buff it once it hardens.
20140704_163425.jpg20140704_174251.jpg20140704_161816.jpg

Now, back to the doors. I'm giving myself until the end of next weekend to get this right, otherwise
it's back to the FFR hinge!

[RF RIDER]

Hey Tino;
nice work on the wing. I noticed in the first pic you blacked out an area, is that the hidden NOS can? What is that silver can you have strapped to the bottom behind the trans?
Are you using the diffuser?

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks Dave. The photo is a bit misleading; the wing isn't bolted down yet, it's just sitting on a piece of Lexan to check clearance.

The black square is hiding a mess of wires that I disconnected from an electric valve that controls oil flow out of the accumulator (which is the silver can you asked about).

I'm going to install a diffuser eventually, but I haven't been able to determine a design at the moment. I'll probably leave it open for this season, and work something out
over the Winter.

[LCD Gauges]

Oh Damn, I've just been invited to a fairly exclusive car club event! My neighbour stopped by to check out the progress on my car, and invited
me to a "Saturn Drives" event. It's invite only, and you can only become a member by being "sponsored/recommended" by an existing member.

Check out some of the cars that attend! More, and more motivation to get my *** in gear to finish this car.



They get together each week, and follow a "pace car" for the cruise. Stop for lunch, and do a charity car show for the locals.

I'm flattered to say the least.

[LCD Gauges]

The more I study scissor doors on exotic cars, and the GTM door design...the more I realize that modifications to the door & hood
are required to provide adequate clearance. This video of member "Mehansen50" shows the modified hoodline, and door seam.

His hinges also butterfly laterally as opposed to directly vertical. I'm thinking some chopping is required. Perhaps 'glassing the
pocket portion of the hood (corner) to the door?

[LCD Gauges]

Hello everyone, I'm wondering if you can help me out with your opinions of this scissor door. Not because I'm going to change my mind, but because
I'm so absorbed in this mess that I think anything everything looks appropriate.

I made a crappy template out of cardboard and foam to replicate the hood contour, and clearance. Thankfully it doesn't have to look pretty; it did
a good job of illustrating the before & after position with the proposed door modification.
20140710_212842.jpg
In order for the door to clear the body, this section
will need to be cut out, and closed off "inward/concave/opposite"...ya know what I mean?
20140710_214628.jpg20140710_212938.jpg


Once that is complete, the section of the hood that covers the door will need to be 'glassed onto the door. This is my last attempt, and it must work
otherwise I'm tossing the hinges.
20140710_212915.jpg

What is your honest opinion of the swing angle, vertical height, and lateral distance at the moment? With the section of the fender cut back, the door
will be able to lift more vertical, and it won't fall laterally as much. It is pushed out that far because it's forced by the interference.

20140710_213856.jpg20140710_213438.jpg

Let's predict a final vertical angle of 70 degrees, and lateral swing of about half.
20140710_213438b copy.JPG20140710_213856b.jpg

Some constructive criticism please?