Got six (Four!
) more of the long cockpit tubes tacked in.
Then I sat in the full cockpit for the first time.
Two uppermost rails are getting relocated just a little further out, I'm not as skinny as I used to be.
Got to sit the nose on the chassis, which confirms that the rear edge of the "power bulge" lines up with the 5" rear-set upper firewall tube.
That means I can set the engine back another 2"-3".
Looks like the engine itself will just fit under the bonnet but I may have to cut a hole to clear the tops of the Webers and air filters. Not a tragedy as that was pretty common for the original racers.
Also played with the rear three-link mounting concept.
Trying to not have to modify the rear axle.
Looks like it should be fairly simple except fabricating the upper link.
Since I don't think I need to bend any 1.5" dia. tube it should not be too bad.
I'm thinking rod ends at the axle side and bushings at the frame side.
With Dzus fastener body mounting I already have plenty of built in rattles, want a firm ride with adjustments but not too harsh.
Spitfire steering column is plenty long.
Front A arms, upper chassis link, and steering rack mounting are now the most difficult items to finalize.
I think I'm going to build an adjustable mock-up before committing to that fabrication.
Also looks like seats will be pretty much built into the chassis.
Between the outside of the chassis, driveshaft tunnel, and rear bulkhead the seat is almost a default.
Found my flip top GT6 fill cap, fuel tank will have to be custom.
Thinking a shallow area above the rear axle and a deeper sump behind it.
And yes, a big fat tube at the back to protect the tank.
If only the fabrication was as quick as conception, this would be done already!