Lizard Racing Posted April 23, 2016 Posted April 23, 2016 One of the first things Duntov did in designing the GS was to get rid of the split window. Prophetic, since '63 was the only year for that.
RancheroSteve Posted April 23, 2016 Author Posted April 23, 2016 (edited) Out of curiosity, why weren't the Grand Sport versions split windows as were the '63 production coupes?I'm not a Grand Sport expert by any means - maybe someone who is can weigh in - but based what I've read, my guesses would be:Zora Arkus-Duntov, who was heavily involved in the Grand Sport program, was not a fan of the split window. Maybe they already knew the split window was going away in '64? Also remember that the Grand Sport bodies were handbuilt, so they could do what they wanted with the body. Finally - and perhaps most likely and importantly, it was probably a little lighter - and they did everything possible to take weight off that car. Edited April 23, 2016 by RancheroSteve
showrods Posted April 23, 2016 Posted April 23, 2016 I'm not a Grand Sport expert by any means - maybe someone who is can weigh in - but based what I've read, my guesses would be:Zora Arkus-Duntov, who was heavily involved in the Grand Sport program, was not a fan of the split window. Maybe they already knew the split window was going away in '64? Also remember that the Grand Sport bodies were handbuilt, so they could do what they wanted with the body. Finally - and perhaps most likely and importantly, it was probably a little lighter - and they did everything possible to take weight off that car.All possibilities. One would think though that they'd want the racing cars to be relatively similar body wise to the ones on the dealer's lots - racing success to translate into, among other things, street car sale success.The absence of the "split window" was a significant difference - racing vs production model...
afx Posted April 23, 2016 Posted April 23, 2016 According to Friedman's book: "All windows except for the front windshield were made of plexiglass as well, and Design chief Bill Mitchells prized split rear window divider was let go too - in the interest of weight savings as well as visibility."
RancheroSteve Posted May 3, 2016 Author Posted May 3, 2016 Have you had a chance to work on this one Steve?Thanks for asking. I'm always got a few models going at once, so progress may seem slow. I've been working on the engine for the Grand Sport - I should have something to show pretty soon!
RancheroSteve Posted May 28, 2016 Author Posted May 28, 2016 Some progress: the engine is finished! Mostly out of the bow with a few tweaks. I wired the distributor and added some plug boots. Made a bypass hose for the water pump. There is a fuel block and lines included in the kit but that part isn't mentioned in the instructions. Looked like it would be a tough fit anyway, so I made my own. Headers are also from HRM - supposedly they fit better that the kit items. Right side header is just temporarily pinned on. Next, I'll try to drop this into the chassis and report back soon. Fuel and oil lines will get hooked up later.
SfanGoch Posted May 28, 2016 Posted May 28, 2016 No need to do that. The exhaust pipe is attached to the end of the header.
RancheroSteve Posted May 28, 2016 Author Posted May 28, 2016 No need to do that. The exhaust pipe is attached to the end of the header. Yes - the Grand Sport has side pipes.
Lizard Racing Posted May 28, 2016 Posted May 28, 2016 According to Chevrolet Grand Sport, page 17: "... and Design chief Bill Mitchell's prized split rear window divider was let go too-in the interest of weight savings as well as visibility."I would be glad to share any other info from the book if anyone needs it. An excellent reference.
MrObsessive Posted May 28, 2016 Posted May 28, 2016 Fantastic Engine Steve! Looks very realistic as is!
RancheroSteve Posted June 5, 2016 Author Posted June 5, 2016 Engine successfully fitted into the chassis and the headers attached. I had to re-work the steering box a little. It's a tight fit in there, just like the real thing. Oil lines will get hooked up later.
Ace-Garageguy Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 Looks REALLY good. I need to get one out and start it..so I can put it away for 5 more years unfinished.
Bob Ellis Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 I'm not a Grand Sport expert by any means - maybe someone who is can weigh in - but based what I've read, my guesses would be:Zora Arkus-Duntov, who was heavily involved in the Grand Sport program, was not a fan of the split window. Maybe they already knew the split window was going away in '64? Also remember that the Grand Sport bodies were handbuilt, so they could do what they wanted with the body. Finally - and perhaps most likely and importantly, it was probably a little lighter - and they did everything possible to take weight off that car.GM killed the Grand Sport program before Zora could build enough to meet racing rules
aurfalien Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 Wow, i just caught thtis. This is one SERIOUS build WOW. I have this kit after seeing yours will wait on it for good loooong time
Nacho Z Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 Just like Aurfalien, who posted above, I just clicked on this thread. Really nice work going on here, Steve. I'll be following along as you go. I'm looking forward to your updates.
1930fordpickup Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 Not a surprise the split window had to go as it was a very popular thing to do until they became collectors items.
Old Nasty Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 This may sound like a silly question, but in your pic of the interior it looks like a tail light mounted to the rollbar. What was this for? Beautiful build thus far by the way.
RancheroSteve Posted June 5, 2016 Author Posted June 5, 2016 (edited) This may sound like a silly question, but in your pic of the interior it looks like a tail light mounted to the rollbar. What was this for? Yes, it is an early version of the "third brake light" we've all come to know. According to the instructions, this was a feature on the Grand Sport. Of course, I read the instructions only after I had carefully sanded it off (thinking it was some kind of mold tab) and so I had to re-do it with a piece of aluminum tubing and a drop of metallic red paint. Edited June 5, 2016 by RancheroSteve
Sport Suburban Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 Out of curiosity, why weren't the Grand Sport versions split windows as were the '63 production coupes?Not a single part of the body is stock. The inner structure is aluminum and not steal. The fiberglass is thinner all to save weight and Zora hated the split window.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now