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Below is a collection of questions most commonly asked. This list is long but well worth it! If you have a question that is not listed bellow, please forward your question/s to: sales@lonestarclassics.com.
What is the frame made of?
Answer: The LS40 Frame is made of a combination of 2”x4” & 2”x3” rectangular square tubing. No welding is required. All components such as suspension, steering, & drive line are simple bolt on.
How close is the LS40 to the original dimensions?
Answer: The LS40s reflects the same dimensions & wheel base as the original GT40 Mach Is. The height is adjustable from 40” to 44” in roof height.
Do all GT40 replicas handle the same?
Answer: No they do not. They may all look very similar but do not perform equally. Most GT40 replicas are designed for race or show. Rear suspension is very important on mid engine vehicles since most of its handling comes from the rear. Lone Star has experimented with several different types of mid engine suspensions. The Ford Focus has been used as the “poor man’s race car” can be seen running cones at auto cross racing events on a monthly basis all across the US. With a better weight balance than the Focus this already proven suspension performs even better.
What type of front suspension is used on your LS40 kit?
Answer: Fully-Adjustable Custom Tubular upper and lower control arms have been designed specifically for the LS40. They use Kevlar coated screw in ball joints and a combination of Delrin bushings and heim joints. The LS427’s front control arms have proven themselves superior for the last 15 years so of course the decision to utilize them on the LS40 was a no brainer. In testing the front suspension was too stiff even with half of the spring rate of the LS427. The LS40 is already lighter than an LS427 and has no motor over its front suspension so bushings were removed from its upper control arms to reduce the resistance against its travel. Heim joints were a perfect choice as they offer adjustability & extreme high strength while offering no vertical resistance. In testing this setup handled even better than expected. Adjustable coil over shocks are used to dial in your own personal ride stiffness likings within six distinct increments.
What type of steering is the LS40 setup for?
Answer: The frame is set up for a Flaming River Mustang II type manual rack & pinion. A stock O.E. Mustang II rack will bolt in but is not recommended due to its steering ratio and old age. The steering column from the Focus donor vehicle can be used. It is important to have the air bag removed before installing it into an LS40.
Is non-power steering difficult to steer?
Answer: Not at all due to the light weight of the LS40 especially considering the Mustang II weighed considerably more using the same rack & pinion.
What engines is the LS40’s frame setup to accept?
Answer: The LS40 is setup to primarily except the front engine cradle of a 2000-2005 Ford Focus 16 valve Z-etec.
What if I want to race my LS40?
Answer: If more power is what you are looking for then the place to look is Focus Central. They offer ready to bolt in Z-etec engines that produce 300 HP normally aspirated, (Non-Turbo). These engines come fully assembled and ready to smoke your tires with upwards of 8,000 RPM capabilities. Focus Central’s track testing has proven that a lightened Focus weighing 2,450-pounds complete with driver will be running in the 12.60-second range at 108mph in a ¼ mile run. As far as handling is concerned Ford Focuses were ranked best handling in its class. All we have done is remove a lot of weight, reduce aerodynamic drag to that of a Lemans super car, and improved its weight balance. So all that you’re giving up from a Focus is a back seat and gaining a lot more with an LS40.
What is the body constructed of?
Answer: Lone Star uses Vinyl Ester resins, in a hand-laid tri-axial pattern. Most replica bodies are made of Polyester fiberglass, a prehistoric form of fiberglass used in the early Corvettes. Vinyl Ester resin is stronger, less likely to delaminate, more flexible, lighter, and resists blistering poly resins are prone to. LSC pioneered Vinyl Ester composite into the automotive industry. Vinyl Ester has almost double the heat tolerance, which means your paint job will never have ripples, spider cracks, or surprise bubbles. These problems are common on Polyester based fiberglass around engine and exhaust areas. Your paint will last a great deal longer with Vinyl Ester. Our customer’s cars still look brand new after having been exposed to fourteen plus years of Texas’s 100+ degree-days. It is a fact that a Vinyl Ester body exposed to direct sun will only heat up to half the temperature of a metal body. Peterbilt has recently begun using Vinyl Ester in their truck rigs. It is now Government standards that all composite made boats manufactured for Government use are made of Vinyl Ester resins. Some of these departments include: US Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines!
Is Kevlar a better material than Vinyl Ester?
Answer: Not at all. Keep in mind that those who offer Kevlar are constructing their body out of Polyester first and then reinforcing it with Kevlar. We began using this same process our selves until we experimented with Vinyl Ester. After testing we converted immediately.
Are there any guarantees behind the products?
Answer: We guarantee the quality of every part sold. All parts include a one year warranty from the date of purchase.
What is the average curb weight of an LS40?
Answer: 2,200 lbs. The weight numbers can vary based on accessories. Electric windows, keyless entry, and sound systems are really the only accessories that can increase this weight.
What driver/passenger protection is present in the LS427?
Answer: A lot of protection has been incorporated into the LS40. The foot box of the frame has large steel uprights which protect the driver/passenger’s legs from front and side impacts. The fuel tank is constructed of Polyethylene which is used in most forms of racing.
How long is the average lead time from when I order a kit?
Answer: The average lead time is two business weeks. We do not believe you should have to wait three months for your dream machine to make it into your garage. Please call for an exact time considering some months of the season are busier than others.
Do you offer fully completed, (turnkey) replicas?
Answer: Lone Star did offer turnkey vehicles for a number of years. We have become increasingly busier every year. With the current demand for LS kits we simply do not have time to build cars.
Is welding or fabricating of any kind required?
Answer: Our kit is designed specifically for average garage tools. There are some tools that quicken the build process. Such as air tools & saws. The only thing that requires welding is the Focus steering rack input shaft.
What type of deposit do you require?
Answer: We only require a $2,000 deposit per kit. The purpose of a deposit is to show commitment. Several man hours go into the preparation of ones kit. This deposit is refunded back to your kit upon purchase only. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks, and money orders. Final payment must be made via-certified check, money order if you are picking up your kit the same day you are paying its balance.
What kind of after the sale customer service can I expect?
Answer: We have always offered more than is expected. In 1998 Lone Star Classics was awarded the Dupont Registry Award of Excellence , In 1999 Lone Star Classics was awarded Manufacturer of the Year, by the Association of Handcrafted Automobiles or AHA, the highest honor in the business. As Texans like to say “It’s better to hear it straight from the horses mouth” so contact us for customer reference numbers in your area. Our Toll-Free line is dedicated for sales and tech calls. We believe that you should not have to pay in order to receive information or tech help. The LSC team will do what ever it takes to help you build and complete your dream car.
How do I title my car?
Answer: We have gone to great lengths to make this as easy as possible. Lone Star Classics is a certified Texas Motor Dealer. Each kit is assigned a VIN # from a pre-determined list. Each kit also includes a Manufacturers Statement of Origin, or M.S.O. You will simply give this official document to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. They will send it in and turn it into a title in your name. If you are a Texas resident you do not have to do anything. Lone Star will do all of this for you.
How much space is required to build a kit?
Answer: Two garage spaces would be ideal. If only one is available you will need to either suspend the body above the frame while you work on it or store the body outside. Many customers have temporarily stored their body in their back yard. The weather will not hurt it. If you have all of the necessary parts the frame can be ready for the body in as little as 2 or three days form the start of your construction.
What is the largest tire that will fit on the LS40?
Answer: Front Wheels 17x7
3.625mm or 3 5/8” backspacing
5 on 4.5 Bolt pattern
Rear wheels 17x9.5
6.125mm or 6 1/8" backspacing
5 on 4.5 lug pattern
What lug pattern are the front brakes setup for?
Answer: The LS40 front brake bolt pattern is consistent with that of the Ford Focus 4-lug which is also the same as the 87-93 Mustang.
Can I buy the LS40 kit in stages?
Answer: No. The LS40 kit is not offered in stages where the chassis and body are not purchased simultaneously.
Is right hand drive available?
Answer: No.
Can I order parts to replace my body or frame if necessary?
Answer: Yes. We can provide you with sections of the body as well as sections of the frames all at a very reasonable price.
Does the body need to be painted?
Answer: Yes. The body should be painted once it has been built. The gloss white/black gel coat serves as the base for the paint.
How do I obtain insurance for my replica?
Answer: First check with your current insurance provider. Some do and some do not. You may also want to try http://www.americanhobbyist.com/.
If you are a Texas resident Lone Star has its own insurance broker. One can be contacted at (972) 424-5541. You will need your Lone Star Classics VIN # when you call. Full coverage insurance is usually under $600 a year!
Can a stereo be installed?
Answer: Yes. Previsions for speakers have already been made in the interior side panels in the rear of the body. The dash has plenty of space for just about what ever you would like to install. Click here to see what some have installed.
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