Ford GT bodyshell

[fordcapri]

Thought I would post this as it might be of interest to some members. The pictures are obviously of the Ford GT shell, which apparently this Company designed and built for Ford after being given a clay model from Ford. Apparently they built approximately 600 bodies, but I would not like to guess who has got one of theirs. The guy was quite interesting as he ran through the construction of the shell with me, and gave me a good insight as to how it was manufactured. I tested the water by trying to see if he was prepared to sell me the shell, but was told it was strictly for display purposes only.

 

[fordcapri]

Here are some more pictures from the show.

 

[B O N Y]

Great post! Where did you take the shots at? Notice the prototype gas lid.

 

[dbk]

Great pictures. Assume this is in the UK? :cool

 

[fordcapri]

It was at the NEC Birmingham today (Sunday 11 January) in the UK, it was the Autosport and Pistonheads annual show, and if anyone is ever visiting the UK, this show is definitely worth visiting, as it will take you all day to see everything.

 

[BlackICE]

Great photos! What is the relationship between Mayflower and Stadco?

 

[fordcapri]

I believe stadco is the new company that superceded mayflower.

 

[Neilda]

I was asked to exhibit my GT there - but unfortunately couldn't make it....

 

[HHGT]

Looking at the finish it appears to be lacquered aluminum. If that is the case then the front trunk is aluminum as well. Did the early models have aluminum trunk lids vs. Fiberglass? I always assumed they are fiberglass, but may be I am mistaken.

 

[Pantera1]

Looking at the finish it appears to be lacquered aluminum. If that is the case then the front trunk is aluminum as well. Did the early models have aluminum trunk lids vs. Fiberglass? I always assumed they are fiberglass, but may be I am mistaken.

I purchased a new front trunk lid from someone in Canada. I was told that a company in Canada made some if not all the lids. He indicated that the first front trunk lids were fiberglass. Ford was not happy with them and later they switched to composite. My '05 shows some fiberglass texture under areas of the trunk. The newer composite versions are completely smooth underneath.

 

[roketman]

That was cool ,cool ,cool ! Nice post !!!
THANK YOU !

 

[skyrex]

Great pics and an interesting post. Thanks. :cheers

 

[t32b]

Great pix. Fascinating how they can create the GT's beautiful shape out of aluminum. I'd sure like to see a video of them rolling the panels - especially the hips, err, rear fenders. I assumed that the whole car was aluminum. Nice to know the hood isn't. One less panel to ding (from the EP's OCD school of worries).
My hood has a fairly smooth black finish on the underside. Wonder what it is? I'm not going to take a core sample.

 

[fjpikul]

The panels were hydro-formed. All of the trunk lids are fiberglass. Some are rough inside (like mine), and some are smooth. There are old posts on this.

 

[STORMCAT]

The panels were hydro-formed. All of the trunk lids are fiberglass. Some are rough inside (like mine), and some are smooth. There are old posts on this.

Are you sure ?? double check and report back....:wink

 

[Gulf GT]

Excellent post! Thank you.

 

[fjpikul]

StormCat, what do you mean am I sure? I'm not counting your special, super-duper carbon-fiber hoods.

 

[fordcapri]

The car was actually painted silver and lacquered, I presume it was painted this colour to give the impression of it looking like Aluminium. The only parts on the car that were not Aluminium was the trunk, as this was made of moulded plastic, and the reason for this was the complex shape of it as it was too difficult to make out of Aluminium. There was also a small section of the hood fitted with moulded plastic. The process of shaping the panels is called hydro-form as stated by a previous member, and the reason for this was due to costs of either making presses or rolling the body by hand. Basically hydro-form is where they blow hot air over the Aluminium in an open mould to make the shape which is required. I hope this explains a few other questions from members.

 

[Waxer]

Neat info. thank you.

 

[t32b]

It does, thank you. Any chance there is a video out there of the GT/hydro-forming process. I'd love to see it all in action.

The car was actually painted silver and lacquered, I presume it was painted this colour to give the impression of it looking like Aluminium. The only parts on the car that were not Aluminium was the trunk, as this was made of moulded plastic, and the reason for this was the complex shape of it as it was too difficult to make out of Aluminium. There was also a small section of the hood fitted with moulded plastic. The process of shaping the panels is called hydro-form as stated by a previous member, and the reason for this was due to costs of either making presses or rolling the body by hand. Basically hydro-form is where they blow hot air over the Aluminium in an open mould to make the shape which is required. I hope this explains a few other questions from members.