How to Build a GT Lid (in almost a day) Options

[Eric_Shea]

Damn this site is good...

I started the morning by searching the archives for "GT Lid". I found a great how to that took me to Dave's post on the PP BBS. Great job Dave. I was inspired. Off to the garage.

In building my GT replica I wanted my lid to match as closely as possible. I wanted the two screens to mate together down the middle. This is how my project differs from what I saw on other sites. I left the extra metal (not covered by an additional, original grill) at the back of the lid.

I actually only spent about 2.5 hours on this to get it to what you'll see below. The only thing left to do is to bend the final lip(s) down on the backside of the lid and prep for finishing.

Here's what you need if you care to brave the wilds of creating a GT lid.

* An extra 914 grill.
* Cut-off wheel.
* Tin Snips.
* Sabre saw with a metal blade.
* Die Grinder
* Vise
* Drill
* Body hammer
* Dollie
* Flanging pliers (or something... haven't gotten to that step yet. I'll keep ya posted)

Step 1:

I think this is a fairly easy way to get a GT lid started. I simply used an extra 914 grill but used it in the opposite direction. No "major" bending of metal (at this point). All you'll need to do is cut the mounting tabs off the long side where the two grills will meet. These tabs would get in the way of the tabs on the original grill. By cutting them off and using a "V" notch, the original tabs will be able to mount in their original holes (novel concept). I've also left as many of the (other) original mounting tabs as possible on the grill. More about that later. I used a small cut-off wheel to do the job.

[Eric_Shea]

Hey J,

Yes... it's become a bit more flexible without the brace but I don't see that as an issue for this car (or any car really...) It's either going to be up or down and I can't think of a time when the flex would effect anything. It will also tighten back up a bit when the grills are firmly mounted (Me thinks).

The spring issue is a pisser... with the amount of flex "one" stock spring makes the lid twist. That's why I originally thought about toning down both stock springs. With the trial fit last night I think the bending of the springs worked however I'm not sure if the lid will go up to the heigth needed. It "may" be that we're left with two choices.

a ) stock springs that will send the lid-a-flyin when you pull the latch, or
b ) 914-6 springs

(for those wondering about the spring differences, 6's don't have a rain catch which made the lid much lighter hence the factory used lighter springs to do the same job)

***Anybody have a pair of bump stops?***