RSR clone project - Update 1 (pics)

sd_73_914 · 03-02-2006, 08:27 AM

For the last 5 months, I've found myself spending most of my spare time working on my RSR clone project. I thought I'd share some details and pictures.

A bit of background on how I came about this car. About a year ago, a friend of mine had found this 1970 in a guy's driveway on the outskirts of San Diego by the dessert. He talked to the owner about selling it and the owner said he would. He had expressed no hurry or interest in advertising it for sale, so my friend knew it would be waiting for him whenever he had the time and funds.

My friend Alonso decided to pass on the deal to me since he didn't see himself buying the car in the near future (it had already been close to a year). The idea of an early 911 did appeal to me (specially modified to look like an RSR).

So the fun began...

Here is a picture of what the car looked like when I brought it home. Very solid tub except for the front suspension pan, it was rotted out at the bottom. Engine was shot, rain water sipped into the carbs and seized the engine. The car had been sitting for about 4 years.

After stripping it down, I took it to a local sandblasting shop here in San Diego.

Ready for pickup about 3 weeks later. Notice the roof didn't get sandblasted, I was afraid it would warp. Especially after they warped my hood! Arrrgh...

I took care of the roof at home with aircraft paint stripper.

At home with a few layers of silver POR-15 on the wheel-wells and the undercarriage. Unfortunately, the sandblasting didn't get rid of all the original undercoating so I decided to remove it and go down to bare metal to use POR-15.

Turbo fenders installed (butt-welded). All welding is outsourced. I'll learn someday...

Decided to use later doors for several reasons but mostly for the power windows.

New suspension pan with front oil cooler mod.

Current state as it sits in my garage.

It's been a lot of work so far, I tell my friend Alonso I curse his name every-time I spill blood on this car. A couple painful incidents worth mentioning. I burned my arm with a heat gun while removing the cabin's undercoating (carelessnes). Also a trip to the emergency room for stitches on my leg thanks to the engine's sheetmetal (wasn't paying attention of course... wish I had a bigger garage).

It has also been a great learning experience, by no means am I an expert on any of it. With the help of the forum and local pelicanites such as Doug Wierenga and others, the project has moved along. Mods in the horizon, 3.2 transplant with 915, f/r 993 calipers on 930 rotors, RS interior, center-fill gas tank, and other misc. Hope to have it finished towards the end of this year... I'll post another update down the road.
Cheers!

W Scott Shores · 03-02-2006, 08:46 AM

Fantastic!! Looking forward to reading the updates.

OffCamber00 · OffCamber00's Garage

Awesome! Keep up the good work and keep us updated.

Yellowbird RS · 03-02-2006, 09:15 AM

cool! keep posting.

jpnovak · 03-02-2006, 09:22 AM

Great project and progress. looks great.

did your welder fab the filler section to the front flares to make up the extra height for the turnsignals/early fenders? They look great.

What are those brackets in the corners for? Are you planning a cross brace through the front trunk?

Cory M · 03-02-2006, 09:23 AM

Keep us posted. You've done a great job so far!

Glad to see my rotors went to a good cause!

- Cory

sd_73_914 · 03-02-2006, 09:34 AM

Thanks all for the kind words and motivation.

Cory,

Yes, the rotors went to good use

Thank you.

Jamie,
Yes, the sheetmetal pieces by the turn light boxes were fabricated on the spot.

The tabs on the inside by the front of the car are intended for an X strut cross bar. After all is said and done, I may just use a single strut bar instead of the X bar... I'll keep you posted.

Here is a good pic of the strut bar setup.

911teo · 03-02-2006, 09:39 AM

Fernando

fantastic job! I am looking forwards to the updates. Pls keep them coming!!!

jrl · 03-02-2006, 10:46 AM

Fernando, I'm envious of your patience (and pain threshold). Why did you choose to go with the 915? I'm curious, because after some weeks of gear-crunching my new 930's four speed, I've gotten the hang of it and rather enjoy its personality. Seems like a lot of staunch 915ers out there.

John

sd_73_914 · 03-02-2006, 11:38 AM

John,

The drivetrain is a 3.2 which came with the 915... Really no special reason for using the 915 other than it came with the package. According to the previous owner, the transmission had been rebuilt about 2 years back and it felt pretty good.

I've never driven a 930 4 speed... I'm sure it's a blast!

Johnny B · Johnny B's Garage

Nice project, welcome to the RSR clone/replica club.

Keep posting the updates please.

jrl · 03-02-2006, 12:20 PM

Fernando -- The best thing about the 930 for me is the brakes. You'll have an even stronger setup on lighter car.
John

DW SD · 03-02-2006, 12:20 PM

SWEET! I will make it down there soon - I promise. I spent 6a to Noon working to complete my front tub mods and cleanup. Keep up the good work. I try to make myself at least do something each day as I get close to the end result.

Seems like you are at least as diligent as I. Good luck, can't wait to see the twins on the road!!!

Doug

m325ix · 03-02-2006, 12:22 PM

welcome to the club!

good luck on the project !
Is that Emerson Fittipaldi or Allan Prost on that pic on your wall? (Marlboro helmet)

sd_73_914 · 03-02-2006, 12:36 PM

Doug,

Cool... Your car has been the inspiration for my project. Thanks for all the tips and info you shared on your car. Good luck on all the mods, I can't wait to see it with the 3.6. It ought to be a rocket!!

m325ix,

Thank you.

The Marlboro pic is of Emerson Fittipaldi, I ran into him while walking at the Long Beach Grand Prix in late 90's. It's hard to tell, but the pic is autographed. Nice guy and a great driver.