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How To - Tips => Fiberglass & Paint => Topic started by: lp670mike on April 24, 2014, 08:42:48 PM

Title: Countach bodies?
Post by: lp670mike on April 24, 2014, 08:42:48 PM
Just curious but is there any where to get a nice lowbody countach kit?
Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 24, 2014, 09:19:24 PM
Mike,
   I have 5000 and 25th molds. What do you mean by lowbody kit? The 25th of mine has all of the ground effect skirts.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: lp670mike on April 25, 2014, 05:26:16 PM
I still have a long way to go on my 670sv but when I am done I hope to built one like this.

Just wondering if anyone makes a body like this?

Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Digibeam on April 26, 2014, 12:20:40 PM
It looks to be lowered.  A lot....
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: aeauto on April 26, 2014, 01:58:33 PM
Wait until you see the new kit that 76mx is working on.  You will be blown away.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: BigPines on April 26, 2014, 02:19:43 PM
I'd love to see it. Maybe he will post it here.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 26, 2014, 10:40:47 PM
This is what I really bought the new CNC for. Many of you have probably seen this design from Flavio Adrianni out of Brazil before. We entered into an agreement over a year ago and he sent me the CNC file for it. I wanted to refine my chassis and get all of the DOT Certification before tackling the body but now we are at that phase. 
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Digibeam on April 26, 2014, 11:42:45 PM
I'm all in if and when you are selling the body....   I will take care of my own chassis
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: BigPines on April 27, 2014, 09:18:08 AM
I love it! However, I would prefer the entire window roll down. We could lose that bit of nostalgia as far as I am concerned.

Beautiful car Charley. Please post your progress here. I'd love to see all stages of the plug creation to pulling the body panels to a finished car.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: eddie on April 27, 2014, 10:29:39 AM
the minute you'll sell only the body = splashed by someone else !
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Tallon on April 27, 2014, 11:48:21 AM
^That's simply just a part of all businesses
lambo sells full cars, yet they still get copied

Very nice car I've been wanting to see it made and would love to own one in the future!
The unique windows should stay the way they are for this car. SWEET!
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 27, 2014, 11:56:23 AM
Speaking of that, does anyone else notice the striking similarity of the headlights in this design (which has been published for several years) to the ones on the new Corvette? I think they splashed my design! What kind of world do we live in that something like this would be allowed to happen?
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: eddie on April 27, 2014, 12:49:06 PM
^That's simply just a part of all businesses
lambo sells full cars, yet they still get copied


Very nice car I've been wanting to see it made and would love to own one in the future!
The unique windows should stay the way they are for this car. SWEET!
yeah you'r right ,but his has no die cast or something you can borrow . to do CAD and PDF files cost big buck. maybe I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Tallon on April 27, 2014, 05:00:23 PM
Probably does. At least we usually know who is responsible for originally bringing us the product/idea :) For example I don't commend Rob/cki for the G28 I thank TriG

Is it me or are american cars starting to look like toyotas? Or aston martins? Or...
I'm starting to think it's human nature to influence and be influenced by others
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: LP640 on April 27, 2014, 06:31:09 PM
sick loooking car, this would even give Lamborghini factory some ideas. lol
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 27, 2014, 07:28:20 PM
   Thank everybody for their encouragement. I appreciate efforts to warn me about splashing but here is the reality. You can splash a body, but it is easier to scan a car a car in order to make a copy. This service will run about $200. There is a lot of free legal advice floating around here but I would like to share some that I paid dearly for. First of all, that 10% rule is urban legend. If it is recognizable as a Coke bottle, it is still entitled to trademark protection, even if it has been put in an oven and stretched to four feet tall, or over 400%. A US trademark application has already been applied for covering the design as well as the "Chupacabra" name. Our ads in Kitcar Builder have referred to the Chupacabra for some time and this is part of the trademark process. It is not illegal to make a copy as long as it is not sold for profit. There is some protection in that as it would be more expensive to make molds and one body than it would be to buy a body. I am also glad that any enforcement that I would pursue would be totally different from the CKI situation. With them, Lambo can claim trademark infringement but no monetary damage as nobody could rationally argue that CKI stole customers from Lambo. On the other hand, someone else selling a splashed body to the kitcar industry would be directly stealing a customer, and penalties increased. I will address windows and other issues brought up but I will stop for now before this thing kicks me off and this vanishes. 
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: No Bull on April 27, 2014, 07:53:28 PM
I will address windows and other issues brought up but I will stop for now before this thing kicks me off and this vanishes.

??????   ::scratch
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 27, 2014, 09:20:08 PM
   In the past, when I have tried to make a post of several paragraphs, it will tell me that I must be logged in to perform that, even though it says at the top that I still am. When I log out and back in, sometimes it saves all of it, sometimes some, and sometimes none. It never occurred to me that I might be the only one experiencing this. It is not a big deal and not a criticism. It is at the bottom of my concerns. I deal with it by logging off after browsing and back on before any post, then typing with my two fingers as fast as I can, and limiting my post to a few paragraphs. I wanted to give a detailed answer to the window question which would be several paragraphs as well as answer other questions but did not want to risk having to do it twice. Thank you again for this Forum. 
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: aeauto on April 28, 2014, 09:01:36 AM
Charley,  you need to set up a web site or maybe a facebook page and just post all of your information there and put a link to it here.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: No Bull on April 28, 2014, 10:42:55 AM
   In the past, when I have tried to make a post of several paragraphs, it will tell me that I must be logged in to perform that, even though it says at the top that I still am. When I log out and back in, sometimes it saves all of it, sometimes some, and sometimes none. It never occurred to me that I might be the only one experiencing this. It is not a big deal and not a criticism. It is at the bottom of my concerns. I deal with it by logging off after browsing and back on before any post, then typing with my two fingers as fast as I can, and limiting my post to a few paragraphs. I wanted to give a detailed answer to the window question which would be several paragraphs as well as answer other questions but did not want to risk having to do it twice. Thank you again for this Forum.

I've seen some instances that the browser settings may not hold the user / login information because it's told not to or it's told not to accept and store the cookie.  If also seen differences with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Chrome, Safari etc.  My guess is that either someone or one of your applications has changed your browser settings and this is messing with your sessions.  The good thing is that you can easily put everything back to default mode (if you want to) by going into the settings section in the browser and clicking on "Set back to default".

Hope this helps

Chris
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Tallon on April 28, 2014, 03:01:14 PM
To avoid losing paragraphs if you ever have a feeling it may get lost just copy it first so you can paste it later
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: satinta on April 28, 2014, 03:15:13 PM
Or just get a Motorola RAZR phone and talk all of your posts like I'm doing right now...
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Tallon on April 28, 2014, 03:39:37 PM
NICE!
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: notnilc20 on April 28, 2014, 06:43:42 PM
Drool. Love that design. Got any rear end teaser shots?
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: satinta on April 29, 2014, 12:39:50 AM
Me too,
It's my current wallpaper.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 29, 2014, 01:40:17 PM
   Chris, thank you for that info, let me now answer some questions without the haste. Notnilc20, here is a rear shot. My technical ability has about caught up with Flavio's design ability and this is the final design that we hope to go with. Notice in this pic that the headlights are an old design that he was trying to dumb down for me.
   Digibeam, I will sell a body kit consisting of the body, glass, and front and rear lights. I hope to keep the cost of this at $12,000. I have always been in awe of Fran's bodies at RCR and how his molds are so perfectly flawed that the gelcoat can be used as the finished paint. We use the same process on the tubs that we build and believe that we have the ability to produce a body with such a quality finish as well. Even if you do not want a stock gelcoat color as a finish color, providing a body that is ready to scuff and paint is a big deal to me.
   Bigpines and Tallon, I have some news on the windows that I think will make you both happy but it is going to be a detailed discussion. I will post it in the next few days. And LP670Mike, I do have that 5000 Countach body kit, $6,500 with the rear wing.   
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: BigPines on April 29, 2014, 02:49:02 PM
Pretty exciting stuff. I think your prices sound awesome. With prices like that, the chance of your body getting splashed is greatly reduced. Keep us updated.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: lp670mike on April 29, 2014, 05:08:34 PM
76mx thanks for answering my question about the countach body.  Its good to know that those bodies are available.  If you don't mind PM me a pic or two of the countach body when you get a chance.

Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Digibeam on April 29, 2014, 08:38:40 PM
im still in,  sounds good, keep the updates and let me know when it will be ready to take a look at.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 30, 2014, 05:26:29 PM
   Thank you Digibeam and I will keep you posted. After my lesson today, I actually think I can run that machine.
   Bigpines and Tallon, here is what we have in mind for the windows. I agree that the original style window is rather useless, especially in a see and be seen car, but options are scarce. The angle of the window prevents most other possibilities, and the fixed window also pretty well defeats any targa top idea. If I have a complaint about a Countach, it would be that it was never made in a roadster.
   Let me attempt to explain the solution that I am working on. First, picture a window that is split vertically down the middle, that line parallel to the front a-pillar. Now the entire back leaf of the glass slides forward behind the front fixed leaf. I have played with this, it does not look like a motorhome, it actually looks good. One problem is solved now that the window is full height and big enough to be a window.
   Next, picture a t-top like an old Trans Am but connected at the top of the door so that the door and t-top are one piece, looking much like a GT-40 door but hinged like a Lambo. Another problem solved as entry and exit now has much more room. Now here is the cool part. I have linear actuators for the power window which allows me to place all of the mechanism in the very top of the door. Picture a cut line at the body line just below the bottom of the window. Now when the t-top comes off, the window and frame comes with it and this whole piece stores in the trunk. The top and bottom door pieces are connected with standard convertible hardware.
   I have worked on this but do not have a finished model, but I think my theory is sound.   
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: BigPines on April 30, 2014, 05:49:53 PM
Seriously, the window is too large to roll the entire window down? It looks a lot like the Murcielago window.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: aeauto on April 30, 2014, 07:33:19 PM
If you look at the car from directly in front or behind you will see that there is a pretty sharp angle from the lower part of the door to the glass area.  This prevents the door glass from coming down very much because the bottom of the glass will hit the inside of the door.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: RT on April 30, 2014, 07:42:45 PM
The thing about the side windows on the Countach is not the amount of glass (The Diablo glass goes down but not all of the glass can fit in the bottom of the door), it is the angle of the glass in the door frame will not allow the glass to slide down its track and end up inside the lower door without taking a sharp turn.  (Glass cannot make a sharp turn.)
I think the sliding glass half-window trick would work as long as there is enough length for straight track to make it worth all the trouble.  Of course that isn't like the original Countach but then this wouldn't be an original Countach.
I also like the door into the roof like the GT40.  Combine that with Lambo hinged doors and you really have something.

RT

By-the-way, I'm also a fan of "butterfly doors" where the hinge is at the lower corner of the windshield and at the top/center of the windshield (or close to it).  This gives stability to the door as it swings.  If you use spherical bearings at the hinge points, everything is self-aligning.  Nice.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: eddie on April 30, 2014, 08:26:10 PM
couple side  shots of it
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Digibeam on April 30, 2014, 10:43:14 PM
So also keep in mind these cars were designed as electric versions.  I am also thinking I would like to make that come to reality building with that intention  ::K
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on April 30, 2014, 11:30:42 PM
   Bigpines, Eric and RT are exactly right, it is not the window size that is restrictive, it is the inward angle of the window. The door skin is about 90 degrees to the ground plane where the window is about 45 degrees. When the window goes down, it goes out about an equal amount, quickly hitting the door skin.
   RT, thank you and I too am a big fan of butterfly doors. Fran at RCR did a great deal of developmental work on a spherical hinge that he uses on his SuperLite Coupe. He has offered his technical assistance and parts on this project. If you look at the side view, particularly the back top of the door above the Naca duct, and picture a Lambo door motion, you will see why I too am interested in this solution.
   Eddie, thank you for your additional images but everyone realize that those were published by Flavio before our association and you will never see an image from me that says Lambo on it.
   Digibeam, although the wheelbase, track, and other specs are Countach (with the exception of a 1" taller roof), it was Flavio's original idea to offer an electric concept. I should have made it more clear in my answer to Notnilc20 that this is the final design for the taillights, below them there are dual stainless Magnaflow mufflers in the conventional version. I can still do a rear skirt like that if you pursue an electric version.
   LP670Mike, did you think that you would get 36 responses to a simple question about a Countach body? Pics are coming.   
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: dthami2 on July 09, 2014, 11:47:23 AM
if you designed this style body why would you give lamborghini the credit? maybe they inspired the idea but if i built one of these kits i wouldn't badge it as it's an original concept. the inventor should get the credit..
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on July 17, 2014, 03:29:12 PM
I wouldn't give them the credit (or infringe on their copyright) and I thought I was very clear on this, but let me quote myself from two posts ago "You will never see an image from me that says Lambo on it". Flavio Adrianni of Brazil did the design and built the file and I cannot give him enough credit.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: RUNDLC on August 13, 2014, 11:23:55 PM
Hey 76, I had actually almost forgot about this as a possible project.  Is it true that the wheel base is the same as an OEM countach? I am thinking about getting an ascc chassis but believe it's a 104.3  What are you looking at time wise for a finished product. I may pm you for further info.

Thanks RUNDLC
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: BigPines on August 14, 2014, 12:13:28 PM
RUNDLC,

I'd love to see some pics of that chassis. Are you happy with the quality? Did you get the regular version or the rolling chassis? How much does is weigh?
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: RUNDLC on August 14, 2014, 01:14:35 PM
Big, I am looking at picking it up, it may be another 6 8 weeks before ill have enough to actually get it. It is very much like the NAERC.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: BigPines on August 14, 2014, 03:37:11 PM
Yes, I've seen it. It looks like it is a modified NAERC to me. Please post some details once you get it in your possession. I am very interested.
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Electro_boy on August 14, 2014, 05:58:15 PM
There's a window design in the book 'How to build your own supercar' where it pivots across a roller. It solves the angle problem you are talking about. The glass needs to be a bit thicker than standard, because a spring presses against it when it's closed, to ensure it seals properly. It might be worth a look. I'm planning to go with the half window for my countach...
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Electro_boy on August 14, 2014, 06:00:09 PM
Also, I see from the rear picture that you are planning to make it electric... That's what I'm planning too. What motor(s) and controllers etc. are you using, if you know yet?
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: 76mx on September 03, 2014, 05:11:52 PM
Electro_boy, This design started out by Flavio as an electric concept but the chassis development is for conventional power. I have had several meetings with a company that wants to use this design as the flagship car for their alternate drivetrain and some design work has been done to establish that this was feasible, but at this point it is not a confirmed direction. Regardless, I can still help with suggestions on motors and controllers from knowledge on previous projects. Netgain would be my motor of choice and there are several models. They are nationally distributed by George Hamstra at go-ev.com located in the Chicago area. The controller that they sell is actually manufactured by Ryan Bohm at evsource.com north of Salt Lake. Both men are knowledgeable and helpful and I would recommend them. Also, Ryan's shop is not big or fancy but the conversions and manufacturing that they do there is cool stuff if you ever find yourself I that area.     
Title: Re: Countach bodies?
Post by: Electro_boy on September 27, 2014, 04:15:12 PM
Many thanks! I was leaning in the three phase AC motor direction, but I like the look of their dual Siamese warp 11" motor. Just need to figure out how I'll fit it in... ;-)


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