My Official GTM Build Thread!

[LCD Gauges]

No problem Dave, I'll keep a detailed log of the experience. I'll need to fab up some brackets, or some sort of mounting plate as there isn't much frame to work with.

Today I was ready for a road test; warm enough, and no rain. My brother-in-law
was here to help out (video, and chase car), but the water temperature started
creeping into the danger zone, so I had to shut it down.


It turns out the valve on the remote thermostat housing is a P.O.S., and the
engine needed about a liter of water to remove the remaining air.


Now that the transaxle is going into reverse (link adjustment), it will be easier
to get out of the garage. The test-run should be a snap for tomorrow, and
I'll be right on schedule for the dare! :001_cool:


Here's another clip of the gear checks, and some rev's

[LCD Gauges]

Finally, with the co-operation of the weather, I was able to get the GTM out for a test drive!


What an awesome feeling to cross this stage of the build. The car behaved
better than expected with fairly decent handling considering the suspension
has not been aligned yet.


The gear linkage needs adjusting as you'll notice that second gear is tough
to engage.


Other than that, just a small fuel leak at the cross-over (passenger side).
It's difficult to see where it's coming from, but it might be the AN fitting
as opposed to the bore in the tank. Either way, it's a 2 minute job to remove
the tank with nothing in the way.




For all the *****ing, and complaining I've done, this milestone pretty much erases
all the frustration. If you're going through a tough time with your GTM, push
forward and know that it's all worth the trouble. Having said that, I'm not looking
forward to fitting the glass, doors, power windows, or body work!


Enjoy the video. Thanks to my wife for video taping, and Rob (the GM neighbour guy) for helping with the second set of eyes.
Honorable mention goes to Erik who we met this evening on his way home for the second cell phone video.

[VD2021]

Congrats Tino.

I'm sure you're on a "GTM High" right now.

I cringed all the time your hand was under the chassis bar. Then I thought, had you severed a few fingers you would have told us LOL.

[fastthings]

Quite a battle, you won. Well done.

[LCD Gauges]

Right on Gene, and it wasn't easy! I'll have to jump into your thread, and check out your motor progress. There will be quite a few GTM's hitting the streets this year!

[LCD Gauges]

It seems as though my fuel cells are fitting properly now. I'm able to get the firewall pieces up against the cage which is awesome. This week will be spent assembling the interior aluminum, and firewall,
as well as cutting the wires to proper length. Hopefully the body will be installed over the weekend so that doors can be fitted, airbox measured, and the remainder of the exhaust figured out.

With that in mind, some time was spent shopping for wheels, and tires. The plan is 18 inch rear diameter, and 17 inch front diameter with the following rim/tire choice. I'll have to check the bolt spacing, etc.,
but I'm thinking this is the style that suits me best! 245/35/17, 305/35/18

deception_black_white.jpg1010phr_03_o+1975_laguna_project_car+mickey_thompson_et_street_radial_ii.jpg
We'll see how many times I'll change my mind.

[crash]

CCWs ROCK! Great rim for the money.

[LCD Gauges]

Moving inward now: firewall is coming together, and working in a "permanent" mode, as opposed to temporary patching of pieces.

Just need to grab some more inserts, and matching bolts to finish this section.
gtm_firewall2.jpg2013-04-27 16.45.22.jpggtm_firewall.jpg

[LCD Gauges]

Body is back on (for now)! Starting some interior work, and more wiring.

With the centre console placed on the dash, you really get a sense of how low you're sitting.
I'll bet parking this car will have quite a learning curve.

It's nice to see the GTM wearing its skin again, but it's also a reminder of how much work there
is to complete. My hands will be full with fitting the doors this weekend. June 1st for registration?
Not looking so good!

Views from the driver's seat. Rear shoulder check seems fine considering most vehicles will be much
higher. The dash mounted gauge pod is making it difficult to see the right, front.

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Power distribution panel with cut-off switch, and bus bars. Still need to grab a fuse block
before bolting it all down.
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SO MUCH DUST! I need to run this car through the river once, or twice.

[G_Hodgkins]

Looks great!

[LCD Gauges]

Today was spent messing around with the console, and positioning the switches for best, "feel". Hopefully I'm not forgetting anything! The start buttons will probably get situated to the left of the steering wheel on a panel, or an overhead console. There's not too much space for additional buttons around the gear shifter.

My forearm, and elbow rest on the lower valley of the engine cover, so nothing will be placed in that position. I'd like to install a 12 volt port on the engine cover, but that's
all for that area. Stereo clearance will be tight around the vents, but it should look fine with the trim panel. Sub-woofer is going in the passenger foot well, covered
with a metal grill. They'll get a nice foot massage if nothing else! 7 speakers, and 11 on the volume dial!

Besides the door popper switches (which will have a guarded cover), what have YOU placed on the console that's unique? I'll be checking the build threads very carefully before I cut
anything.

Side scoops, rims, tires, and a bunch of other stuff will arrive by the weekend. New windshield is next. Doors are getting assembled. Ron, the dare is on!

console_gtm3.jpgconsole_gtm2.jpgconsole_gtm.jpg

[LCD Gauges]

Guts going into doors! This is going to be easy, right?

These scissor hinges are proving to be a challenge. There is absolutely no place to mount the plating on the GTM frame.
I'll have to add some material, and reinforce it with some gizmo-Macgyver thingie.

For those that have installed their windows already, I'm calling for a little clarification please. The assembly manual says
to chop off the studs at the top end of the window tracks. That's done.

It doesn't mention anything about the studs at the bottom, but I'm assuming they all have to be removed. The only one
that is worth keeping (I believe) is the screw/stud in this photo. This could be used to secure the track to the bottom of
the door:

2013-05-08 00.32.49.jpg

This longer one either needs to be cut down to slide between the fiberglass, or removed completely.
The trouble is, there is a pulley fixed by this bolt. What's the deal here, and what have you done in this area?
2013-05-08 00.31.31.jpg
Nothing bolted down yet, just sitting for a photo shoot.
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This section of the fender-well will be built up with plates, and bars to secure the door hinge.
Scissor door guys, link me to your build page. I'll be searching for ideas!
2013-05-08 00.49.58.jpg

Pssst...Ron, I went to the ministry yesterday. Received some pleasant news, and instructions. Thanks for the continued fueling of the fire under my butt!

[Dalton1990]

Well you projects looks great... I guess you are pretty expert in all this working as you doing this project very good. I like your work, do you have any idea of when you are going to complete this project? Actually I wanna see the final photos after completing the job. Anyhow good luck dear for you next work.

[Fraser D]

Guts going into doors! This is going to be easy, right?

For those that have installed their windows already, I'm calling for a little clarification please. The assembly manual says
to chop off the studs at the top end of the window tracks. That's done.

It doesn't mention anything about the studs at the bottom, but I'm assuming they all have to be removed. The only one
that is worth keeping (I believe) is the screw/stud in this photo. This could be used to secure the track to the bottom of
the door:

The studs on the window tracks should just press out.
I tapped mine out using a socket sitting on a vise and a midsized hammer.
Didn't need to get enthusiastic with the hammer at all.

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks for the tip; I ended up cutting the studs to eliminate the chance of warping the rails. I've found a few build threads that highlight the
install details for the top of the door which should come in handy. Apparently, there is also a more complete write-up from FFR floating around
this site as well.

Dalton, I'll keep the pictures coming for ya! This weekend will be a good test of patience, and workmanship as the doors, hinges, and windows
get fitted.

[LCD Gauges]

A bunch of stuff arrived today, and more to come next week. I think I shed a tear of joy when I opened these boxes. The rims are beautiful, and this stereo head unit is the bomb!
Can't wait to get it all installed.

7 inch TFT touch screen, bluetooth ready w/mic, backup camera trigger, remote, detach face w/carry case, DVD/CD/Aux Video. Damn!
2013-05-10 10.57.59.jpg

XXR 530 series wheels. Flat black finish.
2013-05-10 10.53.01.jpg

[LCD Gauges]

Checked some items for clearance this evening. Not much going on until the tires can be mounted, and the exhaust flex pipes arrive.
There will be a good deal of rework required to make things right, except the stereo install perhaps.

Side window air scoop mod. These things need to be cut down, and reshaped to fit the contour of the window. It's a pretty close
match, but not perfect. I'm not sure where I'll route the air flow, but I'm thinking rear brake cooling, or help to circulate warm air
out of the engine bay.

gtm_sidescoop2.jpggtm_sidescoop1.jpg

Stereo is darn near made for this console. I don't think I'll need any magic to make this fit.
Making the bracket will be quite the task I'm betting.
gtm_console_boss.jpg
P.S. What are the ISIS guys doing for stereo location? Will the ISIS control/play music as well?

Exhaust is tight; not sure my accumulator can stay in the current spot. The muffler diameter is a touch on the
excessive side, but I'm hoping I"ll be able to center the tips in the rear molded area next to the license plate.
I'll have the tips protrude outside of the body so that the lower lip is about 1/2" extended. I will have to shield
the fiberglass with some aluminum to prevent warping.

gtm_muffler4.jpggtm_muffler3.jpggtm_muffler2.jpggtm_muffler1.jpg

As much as I'm liking these rims, I'm regretting the offset/backspace dimensions. The wheel sticks out too far
out the side of the body for my liking. At the moment my gut says to roll the front wheel-well a couple of inches,
and use fiberglass to build a smooth transition to an inconspicuous "line" in the body.

This setup also needs a nicer brake caliper as the spokes disclose quite a bit of the rotor, and brake hardware.
gtm_xxr530_mounted.jpg

That's it for me. I hope your builds are going well.

[flotowngtm]

"P.S. What are the ISIS guys doing for stereo location? Will the ISIS control/play music as well?"

The ISIS InTOUCH MAX screen does nothing but control the ISIS system. But last week ISIS emailed a upcoming product that's to be out this summer. There is a new Kenwood head unit ( DNN990HD )that's going to be released this summer Edit... its for sale now. Its WIFI compatible. So ISIS is doing what they always do and add another part to the system so now you can have all of your controls for the ISIS and your Navigation, Radio, Camera, etc all in one unit on your dash.

The new component for the ISIS is called InTOUCH NET, its not on there web site as of last week. But should be soon.

I was a little worried about someone stealing the radio out of my car and then its stranded! So I called ISIS and they told me that I should be able to wire in the ISIS screen somewhere else in the car just incase. But well have to see.


Also I think Thomas142 makes custom side window scoops for the GTM. Might cut down on your labor

[VD2021]

As much as I'm liking these rims, I'm regretting the offset/backspace dimensions. The wheel sticks out too far
out the side of the body for my liking. At the moment my gut says to roll the front wheel-well a couple of inches,
and use fiberglass to build a smooth transition to an inconspicuous "line" in the body.

I would opt to replace it with the correct offset.

He's a link to a chart that may be useful.

https://home.comcast.net/~hayabusa02/Tires.htm

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks Vidal; I think I have the science of measurement down, but it's too bad my head isn't screwed on straight. I thought my car had spacers at all four corners, but it turns out just the rear
wheels have spacers.

The rims I ordered require adapters to change from 5 x 120.6 mm to 5 x 114 mm, so...thinking the front had spacers as well,...yeah, you got it, I'm a dumbass.

I'm still torn about giving up the rims, and a little stubborn as well. We'll see what my search returns; these rims may have to go.

Thanks for the lead Flotown, but I'm into this project neck deep. Gotta try it all alone!

[RumRunner]

Tino,

Just remember, if you do order new F14 rims from Forgestar, you do not need the spacers that FFR sent. The spacers were only required for the stock 'vette wheels.

-Michael

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks Micheal, I appreciate the info.

A lesson learned from ordering parts on a custom kit car - never go by memory/assumption.

[crash]

Hate to say this, but the guys at CCW are very familiar with the GTM and would not have sold you something that did not fit properly. Yet another reason THEY ROCK!

(No I have no relationship with them other than me buying rims from them previously)

[LCD Gauges]

I only have myself to blame for the mis-fit, as I ordered these through a supplier. The rear fits fine as there's an adapter to take place of the
FFR space. The front, well, that was my brain dead mistake.

I've looked at the CCW site from your previous recommendation, and my favourite is the C14. Today I called a Forgestar dealer about the F14
wheels (same as Hugo), and they wanted $1660 + tax, and 5 weeks to machine them. I'd image the CCW would cost about the same, and take
as long to fabricate.

I'd much rather find a wheel through my supplier, and receive it within a week...but we'll see. My options are limited.
Worst case, I'll run the C5 rims until something comes through; I'm not going to settle.

[LCD Gauges]

A few more toys for the final stretch. Late last week, the windshield went to a glass shop for replacement options. I may end up using Lexan if we can't
find a suitable shape to fit the contour of the body. Last measurement checked at 1/2" gap on one side.

3rd Brake Light (required in Ontario) w/ stop & turn functions. Some LED turn signals for the front.
Not sure if I'll use them as side markers, or up front...or not at all.
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Leather wrapped shift knob from Razo, with brushed aluminum accents. Feels good, and has
a nice weight for firm action on the throw.
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If anyone can confirm the pin assignments for this connector, I'd appreciate it.
Pin A (purple) - Sender ground
Pin B (black) - Pump ground
Pin C (red) - 12 Volt Pump Power
Pin D (blue) - Sender signal

Yes?
2013-05-16 15.55.53.jpg

[LCD Gauges]

Looking like the windshield alternative isn't going to happen. I'll have to swallow shipping, and customs fees to get the glass from FFR.
Silly me for breaking it the first time!

More progress made today as I worked on the electrical, side air scoops, and body/muffler cutout centers. Tomorrow is, "Scissor Door Hinge Assembly Day".
We should make that a national holiday?

Gonna play with this placement before welding the system. Sleep on it, and then try another extension.
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Stereo amplifier getting wired up; it takes up the exact length of the fuel tank fire-wall.
LED sidemarkers will be used in place of those chrome ones linked up above. These things
seem more fitting, and the chrome lights may find a home in the interior for courtesy lights.
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Almost done with the LH scoop! I'll need to bolt them tight to the body then fill the gaps;
the back end is sitting a bit high right now as you see in the last photo.
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[LCD Gauges]

A bit more work on the tail-end. Nothing is welded, just staged for the photo shoot. The accumulator will have to be
repositioned, but otherwise things fit well. I'm thinking the tips are extended to a nice length; no change of heart after
seeing it next day.

gtm_dual_tips.JPG2013-05-23 10.40.50.jpg2013-05-23 10.40.12.jpg

[LCD Gauges]

Important things first: got the sub box pretty much buttoned up.

This is not the correct size for the woofer, but what can you do when you are limited to a foot well?! This thing is removable for those long trips with
passengers, or extra tall people.

The RH door also got mounted; still needs the striker, and latch bolted. Tomorrow the doors get aligned, and then I'll be able to start the scissor hinge!
Appraisal guy is coming next Friday, and Insurance is on stand-by. I have a great deal of interior, and electrical work ahead of me, however getting a
base-line value will get me rolling by mid June. Sorry Ron, I can't /wont rush this to win the dare, but it's getting close to street ready. Once the windshield
arrives, it's going for safety, the registration!

2013-05-24 22.12.11.jpgu2013-05-24 22.11.56.jpgl

[LCD Gauges]

Both doors closing; still need to gap them, but that must wait until body is mounted, and scissor hinges are installed.
Cut out the lower, side air inlets. Not sure whether these will be used to cool rear brakes, or simply direct hot air out
of the engine bay.
Exhaust, and electrical. Then button up the interior...should only take a few minutes.

Rear power distribution finally mounted, and secure. Kinda too pretty to be hidden by engine cover. Kinda not.
2013-05-27 22.25.36.jpg
Rough cuts, and initial door alignment with standard hinge. Sorry about the sideways photo.
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[LCD Gauges]

Tomorrow is June 1st! My car is supposed to be finished, and on the road! Sorry Ron, I failed...what do I owe you?

Some interesting pictures to share as the big-boy stuff is getting done. Found rims with a similar pattern, but proper offset. Going with a different tire combo;
Toyo Proxes R1R series.

Exhaust - pretty much done; thinking about grinding the welds and polishing the tubes, or maybe wrapping the mid section. Anxious to hear the new tone with the
huge canister glass-packs.

Both lower air inlets rough cut. Upper air inlets have scoops, but need trimming because the window guide on the door is interfering. Didn't see that coming - geometry sucks.

Cool LED's all around for interior lighting, turn, brake, side marker, dash flood, dome, and engine bay sizzle (I know, borderline ricer!)

Tomorrow dash wiring, and headlamp/brake lamp wiring. Maybe even a quick boot around the block if the rain holds off. Video for sure!

autobahnDW48.jpg2013-05-30 00.40.03.jpg2013-05-30 00.39.18.jpg

Body needs to move right about one inch to center the intake w/ muffler spacing.
2013-05-30 15.56.02.jpg2013-05-30 16.12.01.jpg

Glass, and filler to blend the scoop; still thinking of a method to mount air duct.
Door handle will probably get filled in for the "shaved" look.
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[LCD Gauges]

Good progress today:

- Windshield arrived this morning (no drama)
- Appraiser showed up early; docs should be ready by weekend
- Installed most of the console switches/buttons
- Cut-out the dash inlay for the gauges
- Powered up the stereo for the first time

Main power panel getting wired up. Not sure if I'll paint the poly, or leave it clear. Many more wires to come.
Gauges are looking good; I'm liking the aftermarket appearance more than I thought.
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Stereo face kicks out four inches - HVAC & pushbuttons needed to be moved closer to shifter.
Had to cut the key bracket away from the console tubing.
2013-06-03 11.16.46.jpg2013-06-03 11.17.48.jpg
Door skin hung for some extra appeal during the appraisal. If the receipts get covered, I'll be happy!
For those doing a custom layout outside of the FFR template - REMEMBER TO CHECK CLEARANCE FOR THE SHIFT HARDWARE, AND IGNITION BRACKET!
New steering wheel required to see the gauges. The entire mid section of the sweep is blocked.
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Insurance is on stby. Picking up customs docs on Thursday.

Safety next week, and then registration time!!!!!(JUNE 11th)!!!!!!

[Presto51]

Insurance is on stby. Picking up customs docs on Thursday.

Safety next week, and then registration time!!!!!(JUNE 11th)!!!!!!

Hey Tino I'll cut you some slack if you post video of you driving legal like down the highway before the end of this month, or should I Double Dog Dare You Again

[LCD Gauges]

Bought some tools to help finish the car. This should help button up the underbody aluminum?
Also installed a monitored alarm to keep the GTM safer at night, and while I'm away.

969609_10151981265989148_618226582_n.jpg379738_10151981265974148_2095376190_n.jpg

[sk7500]

You're making great progress. Keep it up. I know you are getting anxious but just remember to have fun along the way. It's really not much fun doing it the second time because you pushed too hard the first time. But then again without a goal, nothing would ever get done.

[Kalstar]

So what wheels did you go with?

[LCD Gauges]

Ended up grabbing MSR, Black Pearl with a similar pattern. I thought flat black was my thing until I saw these in the show room. They look better in person;
my crappy cell phone camera doesn't show the highlight of the finish, but whatever...I'm liking them over the previous rims! Wishing I had some paint on this
car about now. UG-A-LEE!

2013-06-10 10.49.15.jpg2013-06-10 10.46.22.jpg

Still waiting on my guy to submit the appraisal to insurance, and then I'm off to register. Working on securing the body at the moment, then getting the windshield
stuck for the certification. Fun times.

Also noteworthy, I picked up a wicked cool rearview mirror with integrated GPS and rear view camera. It will compliment the Boss head unit nicely with video inputs
for full time rear view, and reverse triggered back-up camera. The mirror is essentially a computer (Windows operating system, Applications, games...WTF?!) with
Bluetooth, and WIFI for web browsing. Again, WTF?! There are enough accidents on the road without having a gaming system next to your forehead. Anyway,
if you haven't decided on a mirror, this thing is pretty diverse.

sku_59192_1.JPG

[LCD Gauges]

It's done. Finally done. Words cannot describe the sense of, "end" to this madness.

1016101_10152015200454148_1510574528_n.jpg

[sk7500]

Let me be the first to congratulate you on obtaining the one accessory made from unobtanium. 😉 It will give you the greatest sense of satisfaction of all the pieces you will ever bolt on your car.

Steve

[LCD Gauges]

Steve, thank you, and you are so right. For a while, I thought I was screwed and may end up with a very expensive paper weight in my garage. If it weren't for the original
owner coming through with the customs documents, my next few weeks would be spent filling out forms to get access to confidential information.

OH MAN, THIS IS A HAPPY DAY!

[Fraser D]

This Forum seriously needs a "Like" button. ;-)