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Build Diaries => Countach => Topic started by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 04:52:53 AM

Title: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 04:52:53 AM
Almost every young man growing up had had an eye on some kind of dream car.....Mine was the Lamborghini countach! Ive always had a dream of seeing one or even riding in one, let alone the thought of owning one seemed like a dream ....lol

 20 years later Who would of thought id finally have the oppurtunity to own my own....Although I want a real one the reallity has set in that Im poor (lol) and will probably never have the chance to, soooooooooooo, a look a like is the next best step. 

After several automotive rebuilds, and facelifts under my belt, Ive finally deceided to take the plunge and take on the project of building a LP400s look a like...

Like I said, Im poor and dont have the moola as some to even remotly finsh such a big build, so therefore I had to let got of a couple of my prize toys to get most of the big stuff....  :) then do some sailing while I save some more.. Its easier to save a couple hundren rather than a couple thousand.

My Biggest concern (after selling the toys) was to find and purchace nice accurate body, a full drive train and the set of wheels I want, along with the front and rear suspension...I know, I know....wheels? Yeah I wanted what I wanted and I had to have them before they werent available anymore. + I needed them for track and wheel base measurments, and last but not least......I LOVE wheels, I think it makes the car  :)

Well without further adu... heres the start of a long, fun, full of pics build thread!!!!!!!  Please stay tunned. All comments, suggestions, help, and advice (good or bad) are welcome....

             Heres a couple pics of my sacrifices........


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/P1010245.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/4383610359_2f64805df2_b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/4384370876_25ce3bd520_b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/DSC07573copy.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/street3.jpg)

And heres the new project.............


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/19ed0489.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/db2e4834.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/e7e6882a.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 04:54:05 AM
This is what Im shooting for..............  :)


Ohhh , and most importantly...The plan..! lol

-Lp400s low body styling, scoops, engine bonnet, wingless
-Corvette LS1 ,twin tubo later...
-Porsche 911- 915 transaxle
-Kennedy adapter and 450ftlb puck clutch
-Corvette C4 rear suspension, aftermarket coilover
-Mustang II (coorvette) front suspension, manual rack, aftermarket coilover
-Painless engine harness
-Painless chassis harness
-Gm style TCI steering column (black)
-Oem wind screen, tail lights, badging
-Oem lp400-400s grey and black interior
-Campagnolo wheels 15"


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/f1e9fe2a.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/f6246f4b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/5cd6c24b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/ba497f78.jpg)


And I just found this interior and fell in love with it...This is definatly the colors im doing..All original including the banana seats ( wich I still need)

(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/b4eb8854.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/2f1f3fa9.jpg)






(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/98c611b4.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/9e0f5a46.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/05ff341a.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 04:59:10 AM
This is the color that I'm actually leaning tward now.... Please opinions welcome...  :)


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/471fa084.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/ee4be9d5.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 05:03:41 AM
Heres a couple pics of the wheels....Im pretty stoked to have gotton these!!  take a look


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/15751a50.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/2cfdaa30.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/c527eb42.jpg)


and I just couldnt wait to cut the fenders to mock em up....lol


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/0062860a.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/df4ca717.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/54cc040a.jpg)




Well I finally had some time today so I got off my butt and did some scrubbing.....lol.. Heres a before and after pic of the engine and tranny. ive also ordered aftermarket fuel rails and lines. The clutch, flywheel and hardware are all on the way also. Hopefully ill have this engine together in a week or so... heres some pics, hope you like

(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/874b8396.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/59521637.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/61616e27.jpg)



After...............


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/e2638aca.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/e2638aca.jpg)


Had to haev a new toy in the process............



(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/9c92128e.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/b165dfc0.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/f2589b30.jpg)


A little orientation........not bad  :)


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/5a26b4ad.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/abbb4883.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/58f8776c.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/e2ecc7d2.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 05:15:02 AM
Wheels all mounted up...  :) oem rears and 205/50/15 v grooves for the front... Thell do for now! 

Got some tires in today...! There not perfect but thell do for now....I just did the best I could do with the tire budget. I'll buy new ones someday. :( anyways just a couple more things to get, some powdercoating, and then I can start mocking up the suspension.. :)


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/2e6fec2b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/276dd7da.jpg)




(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/053d1ad7.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/aadb8504.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/d96d32ae.jpg)


Pics of the fuel rails...


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/87506d8a.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/eeb051b5.jpg)


And last but not least I picked up some emblems from Redhammer... Thanks




(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/4f809c4a.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 05:34:48 AM
A couple more pics of the fun stuff


16g fuel cell with sending unit.... :)


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/b5010b34.jpg)

2-3 core huge aluminum radiators...! These things are thick! Lol some modification necessary..



(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/a11b79db.jpg)

A cable shifter kit should save me some heart-ache...:)


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/countach%20pics/977a1742.jpg)

did finally receive a big piece ive  been waiting for, for a while..! Booo ya, my engine cover arrived and I'm pretty stoked...To me this and the wheels is what makes the lp400s stand. Thanks again Will.

Here's a couple pics... A couple modifications and were all good.
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/d98cd4d9.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/f44c72a2.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/e06deb4c.jpg)

I got a little exited watching YouTube videos and decided to twin turbo it also..! Dohhhhh! Lol mostly for show, and just gona run low boost, well until I get a mendeola anyway. Here's a few pics of the latest parts. Ohhh and I finally got my stand alone harness for the ls1. Full stand alone, tAC module, pedal, coil harnesses, all custom built for MR with an inverted IM.

Pics, and a couple of my honeys mustang and engine progress



(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/1ce3de8a.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/f98656db.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/e7f64456.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/d3226174.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: cementhead on May 08, 2012, 05:44:31 AM
Wow! Very cool build. Where did you get the cable shifter? What did you use to clean your engine and transaxle? Thanks and good luck with your build, David.
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 05:45:01 AM
Update... Completed the engine assembly, started the chassis, changed my mind on the c4 rear suspension and went with a ford IRS... As for now I'll just post up the rest of the pics of progress until present day, and then continue from this point... Hope you enjoy :) I'm having the time of my life with this thing!
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/b6a87705.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/702ab89f.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/30b5c530.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/1aeacbd8.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/40c342c0.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/3eeb006d.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/fc5aa414.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/7a9fbf22.jpg)
Finished mocking up the turbos... :)


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/55757b92.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/ffa022ea.jpg)



And I mocked up the front end also.. I think the front width is perfect. The Turing radius and the way it looks turned is good to me too. Here's a couple pics

(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/d5ffc59e.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/b11fd2e9.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/104cadb4.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/5889f4f1.jpg)
Well I finally got a little time to spend in the garage... I went down and picked up some steel with the advice of my fellow forum friends and got started.. I'm having a blast. It's gona be a little heavy, as I'm mostly using .83 with the exemption of the engine cradle and I'm mixing in some 120 wall, but none the less I'm super happy with it so far and I'll deal with the weight when I get farther....  :) here's a couple pics
I'll start off with the pullies... This setup is the most shallow of all the ls models and gas gained me almost 4.5 full inches of extra clearance between the firewall and the engine so I can scoot it up some more..


 (http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/497b424d.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/a9f6f98f.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/8a772c9b.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 05:58:12 AM
I started off by building a stage with 2x6 studs and 3/4 sanded plywood for a level straight surface to build on.. You have to remember im just your poor average guy working in the garage so means and money are limited.. :) but I do what I can.. Here's tha start


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/9b82dced.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/8c0189ca.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/4c4d3a9f.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/52c299ef.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/062371bd.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/cd5c306c.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/60026100.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/9c76d470.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/27671d29.jpg)
98.5" wheel base in the dot.. :)

(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/ab96a515.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/6d77e45a.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/04d736e8.jpg)


I just got done re-working a few things again. Im alot happier with the mods, and I'm ready to start moving forward now. Im not at all un happy with going backwards a little, because I know I'll be happy in the end, and I'll be able to say I did it.. :) anyways here's a few pics....I lowered and widened the floor pan where the seats will fit, moved the firewall forward 1", and deependd and opened the foot area for the pedals.
 
Oh and the fitting and oil lines came in for the turbos!!

(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/728a098b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/c7e43818.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/2ba0fa37.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/fa6a9dbe.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/803da715.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/5db25517.jpg)
Got a little more done and then ran out of steel... Back to the store I guess. :( also decided to scrap the C4 rear end idea for a upper and lower a-arm set up... I'll be way happier...! Anyways here's a couple pics..


(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/9c3557e3.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/7c3b9f20.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/472f2d52.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/8766a35b.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/7f2a6772.jpg)
(http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss54/bottlefedb2020/6021ecda.jpg)

Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 08, 2012, 06:16:56 AM
Wow! Very cool build. Where did you get the cable shifter? What did you use to clean your engine and transaxle? Thanks and good luck with your build, David.

Hey thanks man...  :) I used oven cleaner, super clean, an a crap load of elbow grease.. Hahahah and as far as the shift cables, I picked them up from a custom Porsche/vw shop in Phoenix. I'll tryn find the paperwork for the name of the company
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: usmc_butler on May 08, 2012, 08:09:19 AM
Wow :o you are doing a fantastic job, prob the best Countach build I have seen! Makes me want one 8)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: notnilc20 on May 08, 2012, 02:06:23 PM
keep up the good work...I want one too!!   8)
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 09, 2012, 01:24:32 AM
Thanks for the comments... I'll be back at it soon..  :) gota do some catfishing...
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: Tallon on May 09, 2012, 05:13:28 PM
I think the purple/violet color is great and something different for a change.
Waiting for someone to say to not go with dark colors though :(
Man those wheels are one of the main reasons I loved lambos so much as a kid when I had countach posters on my wall.
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: cementhead on May 10, 2012, 10:00:33 AM
Did you flip the diff in your transaxle or are you running it upside down?
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 10, 2012, 12:45:50 PM
I think the purple/violet color is great and something different for a change.
Waiting for someone to say to not go with dark colors though :(
Man those wheels are one of the main reasons I loved lambos so much as a kid when I had countach posters on my wall.
Thanks and I'm so not worried about a dark color... In fact in will help out in hiding flaws and as far as it looking flat.. There's not to many flat spots on the Countach exept for the roof and hood areas..  :) a little good body work goes along way.

Ohh and yeah I flipped the ring ring gear in the tranny so I'll be running it right side up
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: Graeme Stebbing on May 23, 2012, 05:45:46 AM
Hi Bottlefed, love your build pics, i am also building a Countach but its been two many years in the making.
The only concern i have is the mounting of the fuel tank in the front of the car, have you run out of room in the rear, the only reason i mention this is i believe Lamborghini had real proplems with the old Muira, it also had the tank over the front wheels, and as the tank emptied the steering got very light to the point that the car would understeer badly, if it was me i would find room in the rear, perhaps two tanks like the original, i noticed it's a fuel cell, but being oldschool i still don't feel right having a tank up front in a crash, other than that your car looks great, gives me some motivation to go out in the shed in the middle of winter.
Lambo
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: bottlefed on May 24, 2012, 01:17:34 AM
Hey thanks for the concern... Yes space is really limited in the rear an I have thought about twin tanks as well..I'm just gona go with the flow and see how things work out. I'd rather them in the back too, but then again accidents Acure by chance, and a front impact would be the same as a side impact... Either way there's potential for a fire.. :( well see how much room I have when the radiators are installed. Good luck on your project and love to see some pics
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: Graeme Stebbing on December 10, 2012, 10:49:31 PM
HI Bottlefed any updates or progress
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: lamborghini1 on February 04, 2013, 08:41:27 PM
hello,
awewsome build
where did you buy the kit
i need parts for mine
awesome awesome
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: donc on June 28, 2013, 02:39:49 AM
Nice work!
I have seat shells if you still need them.
Title: Re: Finally building my Countach lp400s low body.....!
Post by: Countach2! on January 18, 2017, 11:52:58 PM
Congradulations,and good luck! Wheels look very expensive?