|
|
Post by cocacoladodge on Aug 27, 2014 19:27:27 GMT -5
I have recently suffered a double torn minscuis, fractured patella, and a few floating bone chips cutting tendons in (around) my left knee. So now that I have such a limited amount of activity that I can do until I get an operation, it has me thinking of the coming years and how much I really want to keep my Bradley and what I will need to do.
The best idea I can come up with is to create a tube frame to attach the body to to elimate body flex when I cut out a section for the door and finish off each side like skip did for the B-GTII trike. Using hinges and latches from something at the local salvage yard, and possibly power windows from the back door of a 4door.
Has anyone else tried something like this, and if so what issues did you have? And a question for the masters of fabrication on here, what suggestions do you have for me if I do go for it?
|
|
|
|
Post by horen2tas on Aug 27, 2014 19:44:46 GMT -5
Hey Bob,
Ouch sorry to hear about the knee problem!
Hope you find a good saw-bones to get you back on track!
Regarding your question I'm not clear on what you want to do?
Are you hoping to open the whole side of the car by having it swing up or out?
Or do you want it more like a GT2 with gull wing doors or whatever?
I'm sure you're familiar with the work Straycat did on his ride which I think also started out as a GT.
Left knee means getting the softest clutch imaginable unless you have auto?
Good luck, it sounds like you want to hold on to the GT and I don't blame you!
Nothing can duplicate the thrill!
all the best Mike Horen
|
|
|
|
Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 28, 2014 4:29:29 GMT -5
Hi, Bob,
Do you really need a whole frame? I don't think you have to go to such an extreme measure.
My Fiberfab MG TD kit has full doors, and only required a square tube to be welded into the side channel under the frame on each side of the stock VW pan. You could use a heavier round tube if you feel that more is needed. It wouldn't have to hang too far down if it didn't fit all the way into the channel, and the Bradley's side panels are far enough below the frame to hide just about anything.
Warmest regards,
|
|
|
|
Post by smyrnaguy on Aug 28, 2014 10:35:50 GMT -5
You might make something along the lines of a GT40 door. They open like a conventional door with a section of the roof attached. Otherwise you'll have to become a limbo master to get in and out with a solid roof.
|
|
|
|
Post by cocacoladodge on Aug 28, 2014 11:29:58 GMT -5
Good news, Dr doesn't think I need surgery after all, but has me using a different brace for now and has me setup with physical therapy. This new brace alone feels much better than the other one I was using.
~ Horen2tas, I'm thinking open out like a normal car door, maybe suicide doors...
~ Jeff, I would be doing this on my other B-gt which is still In a lot of pieces waiting for me to rebuild the chassis anyway. I have about 1/2 of the main parts I need to make a square tube frame with a 2" pan drop along with a 2" body lift... Diamond plate floors, along with a lot other various handling upgrades. When I have the parts I think I want on hand, I'll start the build then.
~ Smyrnaguy, yes, thinking somewhat like a gt40, but electric or crank windows with T-tops or convertible top which would be another barrel of caos.
|
|
|
|
Post by cocacoladodge on Aug 28, 2014 11:39:22 GMT -5
It might be easier just to get myself a B-GTII and just combine the 2 in a way I like. That is, I like the lines in the B-GT, but also the easy access of the B-GTII. Time to do some cut and paste on the computer and get a general idea of what would be the best option.
|
|
|
|
Post by horen2tas on Aug 28, 2014 12:16:53 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by cocacoladodge on Aug 28, 2014 15:51:11 GMT -5
That looks 97% like what I am thinking if I can find a GTII somewhere nearby!  |
|
|
|
Post by horen2tas on Aug 28, 2014 20:10:42 GMT -5
Get in touch with Al (straycat)
he's a super nice guy and could probably give you some tips
and heads-up on the whole ball of wax!
|
|
|
|
Post by skip20 on Aug 28, 2014 20:15:59 GMT -5
I do have both doors extra w/o glass.
PM me
|
|
