4
BODY CONSTRUCTION
The ERA GT MK I body is a near-perfect copy
of the original Ford GT40 MK I or II race car,
with improvements made for improved
longevity, silence and weather sealing.
Because many of our cars will be used on the
street, our standard fiberglass layup is formulated
toward maintaining excellent body shape rather
than feather-light weight (although custom layups
are possible). The front and rear body sections
are hand laid using random fiberglass mat so
that the paint-able surface will show no cloth
pattern, even after many years.
Like the original GT40, E.R.A. integrates
complex inner panels with brake, carburetor and
interior ducting into each body section. To bond
the inner and outer body panels together, E.R.A.
uses a special technique of gasketing and
bonding with silicone or urethane to prevent
distortion (print-through) to the outer skin. Other
kits, and the original GT40, simply glass the
inner panels directly to the outside skin, a cheap
method that will eventually create distortion on
the outside body surface.
The double-walled roof is fabricated from high
temperature/low shrink resin and reinforced with
graphite and Kevlar®for extra stiffness and
dimensional stability. A drip-proof vent is built-
in.
Even in our standard kit, every fiberglass panel is
fit and mounted on the chassis. No fiberglass
work is necessary, only preparation of the body
components for paint. We even drill or cut out
all the holes for the lights.
The doors are hinged, latched and adjusted at the
factory. We have taken the extra time to
replicate the original door handles and front and
rear body latches instead of using incorrect off-
the-shelf pieces.
Windshield glass, Plexiglas side windows with
swing-out inserts, rear window, weather seals,
and door limit straps are included in the kit.
