Flare Question

[evill]

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

[Doug Steinel]

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.

[sfmlaw17]

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.

[RickM]

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

[76911S]

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.

[cowtown]

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.

[evill]

Colin, very nice looking car.

930 engine? With the turbo ?

Ed

[cowtown]

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

[evill]

Originally posted by cowtown
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

[unclebilly]

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

[evill]

Originally posted by unclebilly
I gotta say I think my 77 911s with the widebody and turbo whaletail looks neato...

How about a pic of it Unclebilly?

Ed

[unclebilly]

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

[E30Mracer]

Cowtown, great looking car!!!!

[evill]

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

Ed

[evill]

A pic of mine.

Ed

[cowtown]

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.... /

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

[Jack Olsen]

I honestly prefer the narrow look.

And yet...

[cowtown]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
I honestly prefer the narrow look.

And yet...

Great. Now I want Turbo flares again.

And a longnose tub.

Thanks Jack.

[Hetmann]

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.

[Mike O'Meara]

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?