Flare Question
 

I have a very nice 1977 911S, the car is 100% mechanically, but the interior needs some freshening up and the exterior needs a repaint.

I have been considering flaring the body when I paint it. I have a set of SC flares (rear) rockers and bumper extensions for it. Then I was thinking, if I go through the trouble of adding flares, may as well go with turbo flares all around for a M491 look. Now, as I look at the car, I realize that it is a very nice example of a 77 model. There are no dents, rust or accident damage, which makes me think it would be a shame to cut into it.

I have the skills and equipment to do all the metal and paint work, so cost will not be a deciding factor. This will be a driver for me, maybe a few DE's and Autocrosses, so the flares and bigger rubber would be more for looks than perfomance.

Looking for feedback as to what you would do with this car;
1) Leave it alone just add a nice new paint job.
2) SC flares and paint.
3) Turbo Look flares and paint.

Thanks,
Ed

Ed, I have a '77 and have thought about this. I have concluded it would be best to keep it cosmetically as is. AS the years go by, I think that will enhance the car in the eyes or the Porsche loving crowd. However, I have compromised on the mechanicals...done mechanical upgrades... 3.0 L engine, oil pressure fed tensioners, etc.

I am in that boat too. Of course, I have made a few modifications to the body already. ;) TRE is making a new rear one piece fiberglass bumper that will hopefully be ready soon. Get that and a RUFF or IROC front bumper and bolt on. That way you get a different/ updated look and can still go back to original later. Once you put those flares on, there is no turning back.

Ironic coming from me but I vote for keeping the body the same.

I think the narrow body look is very cool these days. I considered this same thing because when I bought mine I could not afford a nice SC or 3.2 but now I’m glad I didn’t do it. Just think about how many of the wider look cars you see out there compared to the number of narrow ones..

My vote leave as is..

P.S. I have been giving some thought to changing mine to a pre safety bumper look. I sure hate those big rubber blocks hanging off the back.

Ed, I have a '75 and I've been going through exactly the same thought process for the last year or so. I sold an '88 with the Carrera flares when I got this car as a project, so I was used to the bigger rear end. Up until a few weeks ago, I was sure I wanted Turbo flares on the '75.

But the more I look at the car, the less sure I am about doing that. It's so lean-and-mean looking with the baby flares, and it's very unique. Too bad we can't get the 245 tires under the rear, though.

I think I will probably stick with what I have, and get the TRE or equivalent rear piece when it's available.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1084727394.jpg

Colin, very nice looking car.

930 engine? With the turbo ?

Ed

Yes, it's a '77 3.0 Turbo engine with an intercooler added under the duck.

Very Cool, I really like Turbos.

I had designed and built a 914 with a blow through CIS injected type 4. I just sold it in April to buy the 911. It was in Excellence in June 2002.

Ed

I gotta say I think my 77 911s with the widebody and turbo whaletail looks neato...:D

How about a pic of it Unclebilly?

Ed

I tried to post it but I was unable to post it to my ISP... I'll email it to you.

Cowtown, great looking car!!!!

Colin, what size tires and wheels are you running on your car?

Ed

A pic of mine.

Edhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1091134533.jpg

Those are 7Jx16 Fuchs with 205/40(!) tires all around. The previous owner set it up like this. The tires look cool but are a bit too low-profile IMO. I'm replacing them with 205/50 ES100s this week. Then I may try a 215 or even 225 in the rear.

I've dialed in about 2.5 deg. of rear camber to try to keep the back end in, but it has a bit of a tendency to oversteer.... :D/:eek:

Evill, your car looks great. I need to clean up the window trim and make it shiny again, like yours.

I honestly prefer the narrow look.

And yet...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1091136664.jpg

Great. Now I want Turbo flares again.

And a longnose tub.

Thanks Jack.

I went wide on mine and am very happy I did. It is true however that there is no going back. I'm sure I have hurt resale even though everything was done right and workmanship is top notch.

Do what your gut tells you, but original is very nice.

I, too, am arguing with myself about this. Mine is a very nice 72T. I'm getting it ready for paint and have flares and welder in hand, yet am still not sure. But I must argue the "no going back" thinking. If I can cut off narrow flares to weld on wider ones, surely after painting and driving the car for ten or so years, I can cut off wide flares and weld back on the narrow ones. If done carefully, I can even save the narrows and use them to return the car to it's original look, Jah? Ach du lieber, see how we try to convince ourselves?