Ralt RT4/83 side pods

[ShadowF1]

Prefer in good shape, but will consider lessor. Restoring car with '86 side pods in excellent shape; willing to trade. Thanks.

[RussMcB]

I have a single right sidepod I'd like to sell cheap. It's a little bit odd. It has a "flip up" in back as the side turns inwards (it is not an early "slab side" pod).

It came as part of this lot of bodywork I bought last year (look for the red #86 sidepod): http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71992

[ShadowF1]

Thanks, Russ! I'm looking for a matched pair, slab sided pods for the '83 tub.

[Charles Warner]

I've got a couple of pair. Rough but fixable. I can send pictures next week.

[ShadowF1]

Thanks, Charles. To confirm, are they '83 side pods?

[Charles Warner]

Yes. 1981-1983 pods

[ShadowF1]

I understand from Mark B, '83 tub 2.5" narrower at floor than '80-'82. Do you have '82 tub measurements? I will compare with mine. Thx.

[Charles Warner]

Markie, as usual, is right. I fat-fingered it. 1981-1982. Same tub.

[ShadowF1]

Would be nice if they fit, but alas, no. Thanks for reaching out.

[He49]

I think I have some!!!! Let me check in my pile of stuff. In fact I think I have multiple side pods, noses, wings and wheels.

[ShadowF1]

Thanks for contacting me. Attached are photos of '82 side pods, which are very similar to what I need. '83 side pods are wider (will try to get dimensions). Please let me know if you have something that matches. Thanks!

[Charles Warner]

Easiest way to check the bodywork being considered is measure the width of the nose at the widest part. The 83 will be wider (and flatter) than the 80-82.

[He49]

Ok cool!! I'm on my way to our shop today. I'll take a look and get some pics of what I have.

[Charles Warner]

I know most of the Ralts that ran in the Midwest for the last 25 years. Whose car was this? There are very few 1983 cars around.

[He49]

I got 86 rt4 side pods, no early 80's. Bummer

[ShadowF1]

The chassis is RT4/83 #348, original R. Moreno/Agapiou car. I got from Dave Rugh.

Good heads up, Charles. Let me get measurements.

BTW: photos aren't uploading. Will work on changing formats and try again!

[dereklola]

RT4 348 was one of four built for Theodore Racing late 1982 and shipped 12Oct82. Arch Motors tub number was 82/4 and car originally had FT200 FT1567 and Marston cell JM39909. Per Ralt chassis book.

Per Chris Townsend #348 was spare car at Macau 1982. Then driven by Nelson Piquet at Australian GP(?) that year. Then sold to Agapiou(along with two of the others), shipped to US and driven by Moreno.

Hope that helps.

[ShadowF1]

DerekLola:
Thanks for information! This consistent with what I've researched. The car, currently has '83 rear suspension, and has re-built tub (I believe partial re-build, keeping some original panels). Would the late '82/original chassis have been built with '83 suspension?

Charles/HE49:
I have measurements of tub, lower floor dimensions;

• width across tub floor, at front LCA, rear pick-up; 16.5"
• width across tub floor, at radiator attachments: 15.0"
• width across tub floor, at fuel tank rearmost face: 13.5"

Does that help in identifying if your side pods may fit? I don't have similar dimenisons for '80-'82 tubs, which may be useful.

Thanks!

[dereklola]

Would the late '82/original chassis have been built with '83 suspension?

Following facts support that possibility -
- late '82 build
- for "pro" team ordering four cars
- first runs at Macau - good exposure for Australian market
- new serial number sequence (1, 2. 3. 4 etc)

But Charlie can I'm sure check those dimensions for you.

[ShadowF1]

DerekLola:
Again, thank you for the clear insight. Note: I've reached out to Chris Townsend, for a dossier on this car, but haven't heard from him in 5 months. Is he still in the business?

I've been trying to get ahold of Terry/Charlie Agapiou to location in-period photos, set-up sheets etc. Any idea of how to get ahold of them? All my emails to Charlie (running exotic car dealership) have not been returned.

[dereklola]

Chris Townsend's main job is art history/provenance etc - this old car stuff is just a hobby. May explain his delay. He is very thorough though.

Too many Charlies! I was referring to Charles Warner aka Fatto Gatto. I know he has a 1980 RT4 which he might be able to measure for you. I do not know Charles Agapiou.

In case it helps - I do have an old and well used (read much repaired and therefore very heavy) pair of early side pods. If you don't find any 83s you could have these to modify and make new molds. From what I've read the differences are all or at least mainly the underside panels which should be easy to make to fit. In fact if you simply made new under panels the weight may turn out to be reasonable.

[ShadowF1]

Good idea on '82 side pods modified for '83 width. I've recently purchased supposed '83 side pods which are different aero profiles left to right (!), and they don't seem to fit the tub. Hence, I think the seller assumed they would fit an '83. Now we all know better! I'll start with these.

[Charles Warner]

I think we talked about these odd pods. If they are 1983 that will be the way to go. If not, I also have a pair of 1980-82 pods you can have free - they'd need work to adapt. You'd have to decide which is easier - a trip to Memphis or a trip to Ontario for Derek's. They are too big to ship.

I'm curious about the statement referencing 1983 rear suspension. From late 1981 all the way up to (but not including) the 1984 model the rear suspensions should have been the same, with variations in track width. Standard legs with rockers and inboard shocks. There is some minor variation on the front suspension for 1983 due to the tub width change with the front sway bar actually being inside the tub.

I've got the 1980 tub completely apart and I'll measure today and get some data to you.

[Charles Warner]

My 1980-82 tub measures the 16.5 across the front AND back. Your tub narrows substantially at the rear.

[Lola_T360]

DerekLola:
Again, thank you for the clear insight. Note: I've reached out to Chris Townsend, for a dossier on this car, but haven't heard from him in 5 months. Is he still in the business?

I've been trying to get ahold of Terry/Charlie Agapiou to location in-period photos, set-up sheets etc. Any idea of how to get ahold of them? All my emails to Charlie (running exotic car dealership) have not been returned.

Hi. Still in business! I had problems with emails being returned and with other commitments it kind of fell off the radar.
I've sent you a PM
I have a contact who is in touch with Agapiou and is going to try and talk to him about the 82-85 Ralts he ran.

[ShadowF1]

Great to hear from you Chris! I was worried you may have been off on other non-auto projects.

Sent you an email on your indicated address. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.

[Lola_T360]

Great to hear from you Chris! I was worried you may have been off on other non-auto projects.

Sent you an email on your indicated address. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.

Email not getting through!
Try PM here?

Chris

[ShadowF1]

How to PM?

[dereklola]

How to PM?

- click on Chris' forum name, lola_T360
- then select Send a private message to .......
- then type your message!