C3 Lockdown Project

Vetman

CCCUK Member
My 1975 C3 looks fantastic but after 40 years of ownership I have been tempted to play with its appearance and improve its aerodynamics at the same time. The great looks equate to the Cd of a brick compared to modern cars. The later C3 designs addressed this with the sloping rear window and then the modified front. Pace Car spoilers also addressed the nose lift problem at high speed and a tail-happy tendency if pushed through corners.

I considered ordering the Pace Car front and rear spoilers but had some reservations as follows: expensive with cost, shipping and the uncertain import taxes; drilling umpteen holes in the bodywork for fixing; fit issues and wavey appearance.

I decided to build my own ‘improvements’ and I am now two months into it. Still a work in progress.

I built a wooden former on the car to prove the concept and then used it to form the shape in fibreglass. Other formers were required to reinforce the structure and to build the spoiler parts.

I attach a couple of photos to show the progress so far. The rear piece mounts on the luggage rack and requires no direct attachment to the bodywork. The front not yet started but this will need the odd fixing hole no doubt.

I will add a rear window slot and a rear camera.

The whole thing so far has been very satisfying even if it ends up in a skip eventually.
 

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johng

CCCUK Member
Now this is something I've not seen anyone attempt before, really looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
 

Corvette

Well-known user
I can’t work out the finished picture on this. Your glassing is tip top. I think you have a future is making C2 Lower fender molds.
 

Vetman

CCCUK Member
The rear spoiler bodywork will hinge up for attachment, detachment, and petrol cap access.

It can be fitted or removed in under 5 minutes. The front part, not yet made, will be more permanent due to screw fixings, but still removable.
 

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Vetman

CCCUK Member
The rear fastback attachment is progressing with final shaping ongoing. Photo attached. Starting work on the front pieces.
 

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Vetman

CCCUK Member
No, just picked it from repairing a TVR Grantura many years ago, and the odd repair when I raced a Mallock clubmans car and various gearbox karts.
 

Oneball

CCCUK Member
No, just picked it from repairing a TVR Grantura many years ago, and the odd repair when I raced a Mallock clubmans car and various gearbox karts.
Impressive skills.

Which Grantura did you have?

Mine was a mk3 1800s one of six they made before going bust for the first time.
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Vetman

CCCUK Member
A Mk 1 with MGA 1500 engine. Orange when I bought it for £80 with damage to the front and rear wing. Repaired and sprayed yellow, then sold for £135. It was a long time ago.
Incredible car as it seemed wider than its length. Photo attached.7DFAFF73-D9E3-4B18-BED1-1436CF1FD1A5.jpeg
 

Oneball

CCCUK Member
Sold mine for £3400. Apparently it’s in a collection somewhere and not being used. Wonder if it’s still got the crack in front of the door hinge? Wind caught it while I was returning a video to the rental shop.

Are you painting the fast back body colour?
 

Vetman

CCCUK Member
Initially, but if I cannot achieve a first rate appearance I may have to confuse the eye somehow with colour or pattern. I may do this anyway to some degree.
 

Vetman

CCCUK Member
C3 Lockdown Project - Update
I have been working on the front aerodynamics and this will involve a deeper rubber air dam and L/R fibreglass corners.

Photo of current scheme. It may change when I attempt to repeat the design for the other corner. So far it attaches without any additional bolt holes.

Good job that COVID-19 has a way to run.
 

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Vetman

CCCUK Member
I expect so but it has been a difficult job to this point. Fighting gravity, constant changes to the fit as the construction develops, and deciding what parameter to maintain and what to let go. I decided a tight wheel arch fit was most important so some other initial requirements were let go. However, pleased at this point.
 

CaptainK

CCCUK Member
I'm envious of those getting to tinker. I finally have a nice big garage to tinker with cars, but I'm full time working and when I'm not I'm decorating my new house (that has said new garage).
 
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