Update by Tim Suddard to the
Triumph Group 44 GT6 project car
Feb 2, 2009
Mike Downs, who built this car and drove it to the SCCA National EP championship in 1969, sent us this photo. It shows that the catch tank we found in the car is original.
Carter still sells the same fuel pump that Group 44 used back in 1969.
Little tricks can be found everywhere on this car. For instance, the brake pedal has been lengthened and the pivot point repositioned.
Fellow Triumph club member Jere Dotten pitched in and helped us rebuild our brake calipers.
Our biggest challenge has been returning the car to its original configuration. Regular conversations and some priceless detail photos from Mike Downs, who largely built the car and drove it to the national championship in 1969, have been a huge help.
We haven’t written much since the PRI show in mid-December, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped work on our GT6. In fact, we have nearly finished the car. From mounting the front bumper to installing the rest of the trim, there has been a blur of activity in the Classic Motorsports workshop. We’ve even finished the graphics with the help of Hawkeye Signs, who reproduced some no-longer-available Group 44 stickers.
Our project has also progressed mechanically. With the help of Jere Dotten and Gary Hunter, the brake calipers have been rebuilt and the steering rack has been rebuilt and shimmed properly. Thanks to technical assistance and new braided steel hose from BAT, the fuel system is fully plumbed as well.
Believe it or not, we found an AC electric fuel pump at our local speed shop, Action Performance, that is identical to the one originally used back in 1969. This must have been a good design, as they are still selling it.
We also installed a safety kill switch from Racer Parts Wholesale and a rollover valve in the fuel cell vent line.
We are very pleased with this progress. We have already entered the car in the Amelia Island Concours, which will be held in mid-March. Next on our list is finishing the doors and the interior.
Our biggest challenge has been returning the car to its original configuration. Regular conversations and some priceless detail photos from Mike Downs, who largely built the car and drove it to the national championship in 1969, have been a huge help. We picked up yet another GT6+ parts car for $100 and sourced a wiring harness, the headliner, and host of the other trim items.
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