Car Build

The first step in the stage preparation, the cage build, started in early August 2004 and was completed by the first weekend of September, taking over 100 hours to complete, including 11 hours of final welding.  To route around the main hoop, brake lines were rebent, and fuel lines had to be replumbed with new fittings.  Along with the stripping of the interior, the windshield and side windows were also removed to facilitate welding and fabrication.  The result is an extremely close-fitting cage with superb welds and fabrication.

Seat mounts were fabricated to fit into the stock mounting locations.  The odo mount had to be redone to bring it closer to the codriver seat, which had been located further back and down.  A rear bulkhead was also fabricated to make sure the trunk contents stayed in the trunk.

A 3/16" custom aluminum skidplate with an double layer of reinforcement under the oil pan was purchased from Primitive Racing and trimmed slightly to fit.  Front tow hooks were installed as well.  Finally, a codriver footrest and driver dead pedal were fabricated and fitted to the car.

Stripped interior	Another shot of stripped interior	Main hoop fitment to B-pillar	Main hoop in place
Detail of tubing above driver/co-driver	A-pillar fitment	Lateral rollbar foot plate	Main hoop footplate showing brake lines bent for clearance
Exterior shot of car	Almost ready for final welding except for door bars	More details of nearly-completed cage	Cage is now fully welded
Fully welded cage with door bar details	Completed cage awaiting paint	Interior with seats, dash, harnesses, and steering wheel installed	Driver's side. Passenger door panel has not been modified to fit around the door bars yet.
Detail of the seats	Detail shot of interior at PFR

Photo credit: B. Meston, M. Chung

Copyright © M45 Rallysport, 2004-2006.