RT3 Body
The body is a high quality, one-piece GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) molding, with extra reinforcing at the wheel arches. Each body is assembled on a rotating jig which allows access to all parts of the mold. After the molds are polished and prepared with a release agent a polyester gel coat is applied. Before the fiberglass is applied to the mold, strategic areas of the body are hand reinforced with fiber mat. Certain areas of the body are also reinforced with steel inserts to complete the preparation for the fiberglass. The fiberglass which is combined with a catalyzed resin is then shot onto the mold surface at a controlled rate. When the body has finished curing it is removed from the mold and a placed in a separate jig for the installation of the tub. The floor, transmission tunnel, fire wall, front inner wheel wells and luggage compartment are laminated into the main body molding in a jig to ensure accuracy, rigidity and strength. The engine bay and front inner fenders are finished in white gel coat for a smooth appearance, durability and ease of cleaning and maintenance.
The doors, hood and trunk lid are double skinned for a smooth finish and added rigidity, with steel inserts in the hinge and lock areas for added durability and strength.
RT3 Paintwork
After the body has cured in the mold at an ambient temperature, it is removed and inspected before being pre-fitted to the chassis. Prior to being transfer to our paint facility the body is post cured for four hours. The body is then transferred to our state of the art paint facility, where it undergoes a rigorous quality inspection prior to any preparation. Any areas of concern are addressed before the paint preparation procedure starts.
The initial phase of the preparation involves the body being filed down and filled wherever necessary. The body is then primed which is post cured in an oven at 75 degrees Celsius for one hour. After the body has cooled it is then dry-flattened before it is presented to our quality control for inspection prior to the paint application. Before the paint can be applied the body receives a final check coat. After the check coat has been inspected the body is ready for the application of the final color. The base coat is followed by three layers of Chem Spec clear coat before the car is baked again at 65 degrees Celsius for one hour.
After the body has cooled in the oven it is removed and left for 3 days before being flattened and polished to a high gloss. After the body passes the paint work quality control it is moved over to the final assembly facility.
RT3 Chassis
The ladder-type chassis is fabricated in a jig from SAE 1008 2' x 4' hot rolled rectangular steel tubing, with a 1/8” wall thickness, which provides a sturdy chassis, both in beam strength and in torsion rigidity. The chassis is reinforced with laser cut steel gusset plates in several areas for added strength in high stress areas. The chassis has been designed to accept a race proven independent rear suspension with coil over struts in the front. The differential is fully rubber mounted to the chassis in a cradle, eliminating mechanical differential noise and providing a smooth drive. The chassis has been designed to accept a variety of different engine options including a full range of small block, big block and modern day engines.
For added safety the chassis has been designed with a front crumple zone and the roll bar is structurally mounted to the chassis. The chassis comes with mounting points for an optional passenger side roll bar.
RT3 Front Suspension
The front suspension used on the BDR roadster features a cast lower wishbone with a McPherson style coil over strut. The strut has been custom fabricated to suit the needs of the Backdraft Roadster. We also use a adjustable stabilizer bar which assists with the overall fine tuning of the car's handling. The car comes standard with a rack and pinion type steering system with 4 turns lock to lock as the standard ratio. The steering column is made from high quality stainless steel tubing connecting to a CNC machined billet aluminum steering boss. The car can accommodate a power assisted steering on special order.
RT3 Rear Suspension
Setting the power safely to the ground is handled by a centrally guided multilink rear suspension. The independent rear suspension offers camber and toe adjustments. It is also fully height adjustable which makes it easier to fine tune for street and track use. The suspension has proven itself both on and off the race track. In conjunction with the front coil over struts you are guaranteed a thrilling driving experience.
RT3 Brakes
The roadster features power disc brakes on all four corners. The front brake discs are 310mm(12.2 inch) in diameter and the rear is 295mm(11.6 inch). Both the front and the rear come with ventilated discs as a standard option. The calipers used are all single piston calipers supplied by ATE. The calipers are fed from a vacuum assisted booster with a dual stroke master cylinder.
RT3 Cockpit
The cockpit of the car features 60's styling combined with modern day efficiency. The car comes fully carpeted with a high grade carpet. Overlay mats with bound edges are a standard feature in the cockpit. The seats come upholstered in high quality leather. The driver’s side seat comes standard with an adjustable seat slider. The interior of the car is not only fully functional, but it is also comfortable and can accommodate a taller driver (in excess of 6”).
The interior is completed with a wood rim steering wheel, self canceling turn signal and a full complement of 7 instruments. The instruments featured in the roadster are all electronic with a stepper motor which have proven to be more accurate and reliable. The important instruments are easily visible. The car comes standard with a stainless steel driver side roll bar, which comes mounted to the frame. The roll bar is made from grade 304 stainless and then it is completed with a high polish. This is a functional 2 piece unit. Custom stainless steel/rubber trim rings are used to complete the installation of the roll bar.
RT3 Exhaust
Precision crafted mild steel headers with aircraft quality 304 stainless steel side pipes come as standard equipment on a Backdraft roadster. These are custom made for the car and can be ceramic coated as an option. All BDR cars come standard with a side pipe heat shield made from polished stainless steel. There are a variety of different engine install kits available for the car including a full range of Ford V8's and Chevrolet V8's
