964 narrow to widebody conversion questions

Deanh · 08-05-2014, 11:34 PM

Asked a couple questions about this over on RL and the general consensus was to leave the car alone body wise for the sake of its value. Since I bought the car for the sole purpose of this project, its sale value is meaningless to me.

I bought it because the 3.6 turbo is a dream car, and at 175k+ for a mint one, is a bit out of my grasp. That and the fact that being mechanic by trade will make this process a bit easier than if the average joe were to do it.

The goal? for the car to look exactly like a 3.6. Down to the real speedlines and big reds.

My dilemma is I have no clear answers on what to do as far as aftermarket or factory when it comes to the parts. I have seen a couple cars that look down right cheesy with aftermarket fiberglass parts, and I've also seen a couple very nice looking ones using aftermarket parts. I am NOT opposed to using factory parts, despite their cost, It would just bug me to know I could get the look I want with say....metal 930 flares, aftermarket skirts and bumper (three piece rear) with and oem seal kit. I have a great body man, and the car would be getting a windows out full respray when the time comes. Should I go this route or will I be disappointed? If I go this route which company seems to have the best track record as far as quality and customer service. Is the turbo spoiler identical between the 930 and 965?

Cost will not be an issue IF I am convinced that using the factory parts will be the only way I achieve the look I want. Thanks for any and all advice.

Jim Dorociak · 08-09-2014, 07:32 PM

There are some very specific differences on the 965 quarter panels vs 930 quarter panels. Can you use a 930 quarter panel and it will fit and look right -- YES. The front 930 weld on flares could also be used to make front 965 fenders. There are some areas you need to address. There is a hole and indent at the bottom of the front fender that the rocker panel attaches to. That needs to be put into the flared 964 front fender you are making. In the rear quarter panel there is an area where the old torsion bar hole is located that is different on the 964 and 965 quarters. If you can get those areas off a damaged 965 quarter panel it would allow a factory 965 rocker panel to mount just like a 965 car. Then you need a OEM turbo front bumper cover, and the 965 rear bumper ends that flare out to match there 965 quarter panel, the center section of the 964 is the same as the 965 center section.

If you keep your narrow body trailing arms it allows a RSR build of the rear wheel Speedline 3.6 preferable or a good copy RH to be built 11" but with 3.75 or 4.25" deep rear outer lip. On the front if you relocate the mounting points for the front suspension to get to turbo front end you need 8" front wheel as these mounting points move the suspension out 1" per side. Or leave them as they are and build 9's for the front vs 965 8" front wheels.

jdorociak@gmail.com jim I build/sell/restore Speedline wheels for my Porsche friends.