Well here is the much awaited Bradley GT2 Project Car Build Part 2 . I have to admit these posts are not going to be very long. To date I have only put in a few hours into the car. The most time consuming parts are still to come.
Bradley GT2 Project Car Build Part 2
Like with most Kit Cars of this age you are bound to run into many issues when trying to take them apart. As mentioned in a previous post this car was no different. The previous builder used a construction adhesive of some sort to bond the body to the chassis in addition to the bolts. It took a pry bar and hammer to free it.
Body removal
On to the good stuff. With the help of a couple of buddies (and buddies girlfriend) and after a bit more hammering (I mean love) the body came off of the chassis. The best part of doing this during any kit car rebuild is it really gives you the opportunity to see whats going on under the body. There is a lot you just cant see with the body on .
My plan from the beginning was to replace shocks, brakes, bushings, etc. Removing the body showed just how bad the shocks and everything really were. The front shocks were frozen solid and the old rear air shocks were not much better. Also because I knew I needed to replace the starter this made it much easier. It will also make it much easier to rewire the car.
Now as to what I would have done different during this process. Well first I would have either had another 2 big guys to help lift or had a hoist. Keep in mind this body is pretty heavy at about 600lbs . We picked it up and off the chassis with two guys in the rear and one in the front. And it was not easy. In fact it wore me out!
Also I just pieced together a rather sketchy way of getting the body in the garage and off the ground. Im waiting to hear a crash in the garage. I should have just made a rolling dolly and been done with it. My home garage is small and with everything stuff in im left with about a foot of space on either side of the garage. If I was to change it today I would put the body on the side of the house and under a cover as I will do with the second one. I may still end up trying to get it out there after realizing how little space I have.
Well that is about it for the Bradley GT2 Project Car Build Part 2. If you want to follow along with the build cost here is the spreadsheet
yes, that does look tight. Putting the body outside would help, just not too close to the house that rain runs off on it(ask how I know). And get a good tarp, cheap ones are worse that none as they hold in the moisture. I love the bare VW chassis, once actually got one up and running in the middle of a resto on an oval window. Drove it around the block(I’ll look for the pics. One thing to really scope out is the fuel line inside the tunnel. Had one break-after the body was back on. Not a fun fix.
Looks like you’re gona have a nice Bradley Donnie, enjoy.
Thanks Doug. Lets hope so. I am doing pretty much on my own and on limited time. As it sits now and since the engine starts easily and runs well I am going to move on to pressure washing the chassis and getting it prepped with new brakes and all that jazz. . I have to run up to Virginia on the 25th to pick up another GT2 I purchased for parts. From there I will decided what body I am going to end up using. It appears the second body has the original Root Beer color gel coat in good shape. If its free of any cracks and just needs some elbow grease I am just going to use it. From there its wiring a back together .
Lets just hope its that easy haha
Does anyone know where I can find a bradley gt2 assembly manual. I for one that has never been put together painted or even sanded got boxes of parts mo manual.