Project, "Slider", a 1964 Grand Sport Corvette

[tyoneal]

Hello:

I wanted to introduce the new project, "Slider". It will be a 1964 Grand Sport Corvette.

It gets its name from the Sci-Fi, TV show that was on a number of years ago, where there are multiple parallel universes of earth, each having evolved slightly differently, where one choice could change how that world evolved. In this show a group of people would, "Slide" from one earth to another composing the different episodes. (If you're lost, here is a link that might help: http://www.answers.com/topic/sliders)

Most "Grand Sport" Replica Corvettes you see are based on one of the original Grand Sports built prior to GM's decision to pull out of Corporate sponsorship of Racing. The 1963 Corvette Grand Sport was one of the biggest casualties of this decision as there were only 5 copies of the car ever built. It was scheduled to race against the Ford Cobras, but 125 copies had to be produced to officially compete against them. The Corvette Grand Sport, was promptly discontinued and the 5 that had been made were sold off to individual racing teams.

Prior to GM pulling out of Racing, Gulf Oil was a big sponsor of the Factory Racing Corvettes through the latter part of the 50's and early part of the 60's. Once Gulf and GM parted ways, Gulf formed a relationship with Ford and sponsored the Cobras and GT40's of the mid to late 60's

This project's premise is, "What would have happened had GM NOT pulled out of Racing, and continued their relationship with Gulf Oil for the Factory Corvette Racing Teams?"

This is the "Alternative Universe" this car is from.

I contacted Ben Hermance about putting a Rendering together. Below is the initial Rendering I just received. (There will be some slight modifications to this, but for the most part this is what it will look like.)

Enjoy!

Ty O'Neal

[bulldog19]

Very Cool. Can't wait to watch this build.

[andreb]

Very nice rendering. This is going to be a fun build to watch. We need more Corvette builds!

[Payton King]

to be using a D & D kit or starting from scratch?

[CRCRFT78]

You're definately staying busy with projects. Any progress on She Devil? I like the rendering of the Vette.

[tyoneal]

Very nice rendering. This is going to be a fun build to watch. We need more Corvette builds!
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Andre:

I've been collecting parts for this for quite a while. Finally, I can start moving forward in earnest. I'll post some additional pictures of where the project stands.

Thanks,

Ty

[coolwelder62]

Way COOL!!!:thumbsup: Love the color choice's.

[tyoneal]

to be using a D & D kit or starting from scratch?
Payton:

I was able to pick up a 64 Coupe that had been partially completed. The fella was needing some cash and he was located in a very small town in Ohio. I spoke with him on the phone, and had someone go out and look at it. He set a price to hard for me to pass up.

I saw my first one in 1979 and it was love at first sight. Ever since then it had been on my list of things to do before I kick the bucket.

Since he had used Mid-America Industries, Inc. to do the first part of the transformation, I figured it would be a decent idea to stay with the same vender.

He had done some of the cosmetic changes to it, but the headlight changes, hood, suspension, correct wheels, dash and differential cooling scoop etc. (was very early and/or not correct) I think this played a part in him not getting a good price for it.

It does have a nice 400 hp SBC 350 in it, Muncie 4 speed, and a 12 bolt GM Differential with 4.10:1 Ratio gearing and a posi-traction Carrier.

Here are a couple of pictures of the car when I got it.

[tyoneal]

You're definately staying busy with projects. Any progress on She Devil? I like the rendering of the Vette.
================================
CRCRFT:

Thanks for asking.

When I work or I play, there always seems be a lot of irons in the fire. (Sometimes too many)
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Warning big Tangent Ahead
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"She Devil" is awaiting some very crucial parts, however I have got the Cage in the car now and have had the three link modified for better performance. (Instead of saving the back seat as originally designed, I had the bar lengthened for better geometry as well as some adjustment changes.) With a good cage in it and some cross bracing, your back seat is effectively rendered useless. I think it has what it needs now. (Enough rear room for a couple suitcases, and a "Cool Suit" ice box. I found one on ebay for a decent price.

A shop that makes some very expensive race cars was used to do the rear suspension modification work. Since I was having rear weights jacks put in the car, I needed to step it up a notch from the average builder. I like how it is now as you can adjust how the rear sits, and adjust the weight balance very easy and quickly.

The cage that was installed is not only for safety it is also extremely rigid now. There is a lot of cross bracing designed into it on several different planes. Sound confusing? I'll try and get some pictures to help explain what was done. (My description might be in error so some pictures will help)

Until then here are a couple more pictures I have of the car with the PS Engineering wheels on it, and it shows a bit of the cage.

Enjoy.

[tyoneal]

Very nice rendering. This is going to be a fun build to watch. We need more Corvette builds!

Thanks, Ben has always done a nice job for me.

After I get caught up on everything, I'm sure I'll be calling him again.

In case you need it, here is his information.

http://www.hermancedesign.com/

[groovyjay]

Good To see your project here too. It's going To be spectacular.

[lilcraigford]

That rendering is awesome! Really looking forward to seeing this one come together.

[Payton King]

is there no adjustment for roll center change on the watts?

[kyle_newman]

Great project! Love to see the midyear Vettes! What will you be doing for a chassis and suspension?

[MattG]

Great project! Love to see the midyear Vettes! What will you be doing for a chassis and suspension?

Hint Hint!!!!

www.newmancarcreations.com

[Hdesign]

Thanks for the plug and thanks again for the opportunity to help on this one Ty. We'll dial this one in in the next several days!

[tyoneal]

is there no adjustment for roll center change on the watts?
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Payton:

Good eye!

No not yet, there are still several things I need to get done for the suspension to set it up properly, that being one of them, I also wanted to go with a full floating rear end. (I should have tried to buy Mark's when I had the chance)

When I get back on this car, and get the front subframe in, I'll get the rest of these issues taken care of.

When I was working on it, it became apparent that some of the additional features I would like on this car would have to wait until a later date. For instance getting the front weight jacks became a bit difficult to justify for the amount of movement you actually get out of them. I figured that since I was going to be the primary driver, and have access to weight jacks in the rear, I'd already be starting with easier adjustment than I had before.

Another item I found challenging was finding the right person to install the adjustable sway bars. I had never done it before. I spoke with HRP World, and they would help make sure the right parts were measured correctly and ordered, but that was as far as they could go. I still would like to implement these on the car, but until I get back on it full time, and find the right shop here locally, I will work with the one on there. Who knows it might not need any adjustment.

(http://www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?tpc=Genesis-Technologies-Cockpit-Adjustable-Sway-Bar-Kits&form_prod_id=1432&action=product)

I know this is a lot more information than you asked about so sorry about that.

I do appreciate anything you see that you think needs to be brought to my attention, thanks for doing so.

[tyoneal]

Hint Hint!!!!

www.newmancarcreations.com
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I've got your very nice differential on the frame. It looks like art and I understand I probably won't have to worry about breaking it.

I look forward to putting it through it's paces.

Ty

[tyoneal]

Great project! Love to see the midyear Vettes! What will you be doing for a chassis and suspension?

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Kyle:

Funny you should ask that!

It is a C4 based design. The Frame was built by Mid-America, The front end suspension, Rack and Pinion, and Brakes are straight C4.

In the rear is a complete Newman rear end. The half shafts have been narrowed so the rear wheels can have a bit more dish/width. Brakes are C4 with cooling disk already installed. It has a Tru-Trac Carrier with 4.10:1 ring and Pinion gears in the rear.

Hopes this helps.

Thanks for your interest.

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

Thanks for the plug and thanks again for the opportunity to help on this one Ty. We'll dial this one in in the next several days!

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Thanks Ben, I look forward to it.

Ty

[tyoneal]

***UPDATE***

The Chassis arrived from Mid-America Industries. I have just about everything that is needed to really get the show on the road.

Jeff Leech, owner of MAI, has been really nice to work with, and he puts out a nice product.

The wheels on the car are just on there to roll the chassis around. (Just in case anyone is wondering) I have some real nice PS Engineering wheels on the way, that are in the traditional Grand Sport style.

The Chassis is really light. A friend of mine came over and was able to lift up the rear end with no problem.

Anyway, here are the pictures, and comments or suggestions are welcome.
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[tyoneal]

Here is a Photo Bucket Link for this Grand Sport Build.

I will continue to upgrade it as I have new pictures.

http://photobucket.com/64GrandSport

Enjoy,

Ty

If you have any problems with anything, please mention it.

There are several Sub-Categories under Grand Sport, be sure not to miss them.

[brianb]

Very cool project. The Grand Sport is my dream car and I love the Gulf Oil colors. Can't wait to see more of this.

[tyoneal]

Very cool project. The Grand Sport is my dream car and I love the Gulf Oil colors. Can't wait to see more of this.
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Brian:

I hope it doesn't disappoint.

I have ordered a couple additional Rendering positions to have the car sitting and looking "Right", without any re-do on the outside.

I also love the "Gulf Look", and have never seen one on a GS before.

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

is there no adjustment for roll center change on the watts?

The 3 link in this car has an adjustable "Roll Center" at the front end of the upper link instead of the rear. There is a 12X12 panel inside the car that comes off with dzus fasteners.

The Front of the 3 link bar has several different positions you can choose from. You can actually adjust it from inside the car.

Here's a picture of the panel where the adjustments of the upper link takes place. It is located between the two seats.

Sorry it has taken so long to answer.

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

I'm still trying to get where I can organize the pictures easier.

Here are a couple of pictures via Photobucket link.

http://s780.photobucket.com/user/tyoneal/library/1964%20Grand%20Sport%20Update?sort=3&page=1

These are the most recent pictures I have.

Please let me know if this link works.

Thanks,

Ty

[Rick D]

Yup Ty the linky works :thumbsup: nice. Project by the way. I just love the C2 vetts.

[tyoneal]

Rick:

Being able to do a C2 was something I never thought I could do. I am really enjoying doing what I can, and what I can't is being taken care by people that really know their stuff.

Prior to this car I was working only on the 69 Camaro. I got stalled waiting on some parts I needed, and this C2 came into my hands at the right price, and the previous owner had had done a "Partial" GS, so some of the work had already been done. He needed to sell and the price was right so I took it on as well. I don't know how smart that is, but I have always wanted a C2 "Grand Sport" and never was able to afford one, so while both projects are taking a lot longer than usual to finish, I think I would always regretted having the opportunity to do one and never took advantage of it while I could.

I have still been collecting parts for the Camaro, and there are a few areas where I wanted to try and do something a little different so it has given me so time to explore these ideas. I will get started again on it pretty soon.

Thanks for the information about the link. I'm still struggling with learning how to get the pictures organized so people who are interested have a reasonable chance of following the build.

Thanks,

Ty

[WSSix]

C2s are up there as a dream car for almost everyone. Pretty much any money you put into the car, you could get back out should you need to. So congrats on getting the C2 when you could and good luck getting it finished, even if it take s while. It will be worth it :thumbsup:

[tyoneal]

Very cool project. The Grand Sport is my dream car and I love the Gulf Oil colors. Can't wait to see more of this.
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Brian

Thanks for writing.

I've added a number of updates to the project. It's moving forward at a nice pace now.

http://photobucket.com/64GrandSport

Check out the new ones, if you have any advise feel free to chim in.

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport Corvette

[tyoneal]

to be using a D & D kit or starting from scratch?

==========================
Payton:

Thanks for the interest.

To update your question, there are a combination of part suppliers.

1) It is mainly a Mid America Industries GSII

2) Some of the parts we are having to make so things will look more correct to the period.

3) Some of the parts will be coming from "Mongoose Motorsports", some of what they offer is more period correct, and easy to get a hold of, than what was available from MAI.

It still making good progress, I think there will be hundreds and hundreds of pictures before it is finished.

We are shooting for first quarter next year (2014) for completion.

I hope you will enjoy watching it come together.

Take care,

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport

http://photobucket.com/64GrandSport

[tyoneal]

You're definately staying busy with projects. Any progress on She Devil? I like the rendering of the Vette.

=========================
The "She Devil" concept has been modified somewhat do to some fluid dynamics I've been learning about. It should still look similar.

With the "Gulf" Grand Sport going full steam ahead and my business, I haven't had the time or the extra $$$$ to feed "She Devil".

She will come to life for sure in the future. I already have the car with the complete suspension, roll cage, brakes, wheels and tires, tubs, most of the interior and drive train.

I think it will look good when it is finished and perform even better. I will probably wrap it just because I plan to drive it a lot and I don't want to get bummed out when a $15k paint job gets it's first set of dings. It is just something I don't want to worry with, plus it saves money for another project. When finish driving it hard I might paint it I just don't know right now.

Thank you for your interest.

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport

[tyoneal]

is there no adjustment for roll center change on the watts?
===========================
Payton:

I don't know if I answered this earlier or not, but the roll center is not adjusted at the watts link. It is adjusted from inside the car at the other end of the upper link.

It should be much easier to adjust quickly. I love the three links they are just wonderfull unless you have a kick ass IRS or something.

Anyway, I hope this helps. If you have anymore questions, please give me a shout, I always enjoy visiting with you.

I hope your business is doing well.

Take care,

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport Corvette

[tyoneal]

Great project! Love to see the midyear Vettes! What will you be doing for a chassis and suspension?
==========================
Yes, it's very cool.

It's a chassis based on the original Grand Sport from 1963 using a ladder style frame with 4 inch major frame supports. Everything rlsr is C4 technology, so with a weight of about 2600 pounds, and a decent suspension, it should be a hoot to drive.

Hope this helps.

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport Corvette

[tyoneal]

Good To see your project here too. It's going To be spectacular.
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Hey Jay:

Good to see your here also. Thisis a great site, I have enjoyed it for years.

How is your project coming?

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand SPort

[tyoneal]

Great project! Love to see the midyear Vettes! What will you be doing for a chassis and suspension?
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The Chassis will be a ladder type in the, "Style" of the original one designed by Zora Duntov in 1962. The suspension will be standard C4 componants except for the rear IRS. The Dana 44 rear ends are getting scarce and I found the company that puts out what I believe to be a seriously nice piece.

The company has some really nice companants that I was really impressed with and glad to find. The rear IRS they offer is superb.

I believe it to be from www.Newmancarcreations.com. If I have it wrong google Newman Car Creations. I'm sure you can find it, but check it out and let me know if I made the correct decision?

Take care,

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand Sport

[groovyjay]

====================

Hey Jay:

Good to see your here also. Thisis a great site, I have enjoyed it for years.

How is your project coming?

Ty O'Neal
"Gulf" Grand SPort

My car is almost drivable, still need to hook up two brake lines tomorrow, bleed them and mount the wiring harness and the kaboom! :thumbsup: