RSR Conversion - Part 1 - The discovery

[wachuko]

I am positive you have heard/read this story many, many times… but bear with me as I am new to this.

Recently purchased an 1983 911 SC:






Would like to convert it to something like in this photo but still keep the Schieferblaumetallic - Slate Blue Metallic- Paint code L661 / X6



Car will be for the street and hope to take it to the track for some DEs… so not a dedicated track car.

I have been reading, downloading photos, reading some more, dreaming, etc… but there are a few questions (well, not a few but a heck of a lot of questions) that I need some answers to. I will try to do most of the work myself and a lot of this is new to me… so I know I have long ways to go as far as working with fiber glass, gel coat, resin, paint, etc

I just ordered a few things to get started: H4 headlights, RS America door panels, RS carpet kit, complete front (bumper, splitter, RSR 11” vented fenders) from GT Racing. Hank from GT Racing will be sending me some material he has on install of the rear qtrs since I have no experience installing these.

OK, the initial questions:

1. What is involved in getting the wheels installed correctly to fill those fenders?? I was planning on going with the Lindsey wheels since I just love the look of the Fuchs wheels. For those that have installed those wheels, what changes to the car have you had to do (hubs, spacers, complete change of the suspension, etc.). Please be as specific as possible, down to the part and place where you got it from if at all possible.

2. Hanks tells me that the fenders do not have a provision for the gas cap.... any diy on hood mounted alternative??

I would like to make the changes while still keeping the car driveable... not sure how long I will be able to do that as I get more and more into the modifications...

I have seen a lot of threads here but it seems that most of the folks do not go for the real wide conversion… and those that I have seen just take it to a shop to get it done. So I have not been able to find someone that took this on and documented the steps to get from the stock car to the final product. Could be I have not hit the right threads…

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Facey]

the lindsey fuch's (p2?) will bolt right up, and i believe they will make it in whatever offset you need, thereby eliminating the need for a spacer etc...

the simplest gas tank solution would be to switch to a fuel cell, there is a very valueable saftey component there as well. You could set it up so that it comes through the hood, or that you need to open the hood to fill it...both are good.

the mirrors on the car you want are a great mod IMO, i have done them to my car, they look good, reduce wind noise, and are very usable. they are called ruf or 935 mirrors...

hood pins are easy if you plan on going that route...saves weight and is a simple system

keep us posted, and it looks like you started with a great car.

Just one question....your going to want to give your car a little mroe go with all of that show....what do you have planned?

[wachuko]

Originally posted by Facey
the lindsey fuch's (p2?) will bolt right up, and i believe they will make it in whatever offset you need, thereby eliminating the need for a spacer etc...

the simplest gas tank solution would be to switch to a fuel cell, there is a very valueable saftey component there as well. You could set it up so that it comes through the hood, or that you need to open the hood to fill it...both are good.

the mirrors on the car you want are a great mod IMO, i have done them to my car, they look good, reduce wind noise, and are very usable. they are called ruf or 935 mirrors...

hood pins are easy if you plan on going that route...saves weight and is a simple system

keep us posted, and it looks like you started with a great car.

Just one question....your going to want to give your car a little mroe go with all of that show....what do you have planned?

Thank you!!

I found that BetterBodiesUSA had the mirrors for around US$100.00 less than the next company. So I ordered a set. Should be here this week. Do you have photos from the inside or close up shots of them? How did you install them in your car. Looking for suggestions, steps that would make it easier on me. Trying to make the least amount of mistakes...

Got the hood pins from GT Racing. I would love to do the modification where they modify the hood with a cut out and routing to the front bumper for some additional down force in the front... but that would be just trying to chew to much... for now the hood will only get the pins.

Fuel cell for the tank... ok... need to understand what would be involved with that change.

Thanks again!

[wachuko]

Using the thread as a place holder for the findings of threads related:

Johnny B RSR conversion:

Update 1 - RSR project
Update 2 - RSR replica project update 2
Update 3 - RSR replica project update 3
Update 4 - RSR replica project update 4
Update 5 - RSR replica project update 5
Update 6 - RSR replica project update 6

Bergporsche

3.0 RSR project - My 3.0 RSR project

SoCal70RSR, not the fenders I am going with... but wow! what a transformation and level of detail...

http://www.readynet.com/porsche/

Rattlsnak RSR Conversion from a ’72 911, not the fenders I am getting but soooo much info and ideas...

Update 1 -The new ('72) is home- The new ('72) is home.
Update 2 - Project '72 has begun.. part 1 - Project '72 has begun.. part 1
Update 3 – '72 project part 2. - '72 project part 2.
Update 4 - '72 Project, part three.. - '72 Project, part three..
Update 5 - Project '72 part Four... - Project '72 part Four...
Update 6 - Project '72 part 5........ its GREEN! - Project '72 part 5........ its GREEN!
Update 7 - Project 72 update.. its on the ground!! - Project 72 update.. its on the ground!!
Update 8 - Project '72 part 6.. (lots of pics) - Project '72 part 6.. (lots of pics)
Update 9 - project '72 part 7. pics - project '72 part 7. pics
Update 10 - project update 7 "a" - project update 7 "a"
Update 11 – Project Pics #8.. with vented hood - Project Pics #8.. with vented hood
Update 12 – Project '72 Update #9... it runs! - Project '72 Update #9... it runs!
Update 13 – Project '72 update #10! - Project '72 update #10!
Update 14 – The sad update… F/S, 1972 Green 911 RSR Clone. - F/S, 1972 Green 911 RSR Clone.

Daloff project

Update 1 - Race car project

911teo (Matteo) project

3.9 RSR project --- my Carrera reborn

m325ix Project

Start: project RSR. PICS
Update: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/231985-few-more-pics-my-rsr-clone-project.html#post2024698
Update-Completed: RSR is completed (pics!)

Light buckets

1 - Another RSR Clone Project - Update 9
2 - CF/Fiberglass Fenders - how to attach headlights?
3 - Fiberglass fender -> steel headlight bucket

Fuel flap install to FG fenders without it

bb80sc/TRE/AutoInno Back date project progress pics.

Mounting fenders and qtr panels

1 - Starting my RSR project... fiberglass tips and suggestions?

Front mount oil cooler threads:

Front/bumper mounted oil cooler

Front mounted oil cooler...need line measurements

This one is a nice one with through the hood venting…
Center mount oil cooler project

Bondo Work And Primer Application 101
Bondo Work And Primer Application 101

MetalPrep:
Metal Conditioning And Epoxy Priming 101

Paint strippping:
Paint Stripping 101

[EarlySport]

Hi,

If I read right, you have never worked with fibreglass, bodywork, or painted before? When you ask questions about something really straightforward like installing mirrors that makes me kinda pause.. If so, please go buy a beater for $500 and practice, practice, practice before you have a go at your SC. The RSR conversion is a big job and tackling this as your first project is almost certainly going to result in you turning your your nice 911SC into an abortion. The other alternative is of course to take it to a good bodyshop and get it done right.

( and no, I'm not a bodyshop! ) :-)

Craig H.

69 911E RS Replica
93 968CS

[wachuko]

Originally posted by EarlySport
Hi,

If I read right, you have never worked with fibreglass, bodywork, or painted before? When you ask questions about something really straightforward like installing mirrors that makes me kinda pause.. If so, please go buy a beater for $500 and practice, practice, practice before you have a go at your SC. The RSR conversion is a big job and tackling this as your first project is almost certainly going to result in you turning your your nice 911SC into an abortion. The other alternative is of course to take it to a good bodyshop and get it done right.

( and no, I'm not a bodyshop! ) :-)

Craig H.

69 911E RS Replica
93 968CS

Craig, I understand your concerns . I have done a few things with my cars. Had a 951 that I took down to the last bolt and back, with a few modifications along the way (SFR Turbo updates, SFR Exhaust, etc.) Have also replace the evaporator in my 964 (those that have done it know the amount of work that it takes just to get to the frigging thing...). Most of the maintenance stuff on my cars I do at home. I have some tools (air compressor, spray gun, mask, mid-raise lift, welder, etc.) to try to make the job easier... and any excuse is a good excuse to get some more tools in the box, I know how to weld (practiced a lot of welding with my uncle back when that was his main job, also have practice lately with a rail buggy I am building).

I have done some easy repairs and painting to the cars as well.... so not totally unaware of what needs to be done.

Have I painted a complete car myself? Nope... I have help others do it.

The questions are to find out if there are any specifics things I should be aware... do not want to learn everything the hard way. And would like to at least try. If there is something that is just simply too hard I will take it to a professional, but not first without trying it myself.

Mirrors, I do not have them (have not arrived) so maybe when they get here I will see that it is an easy install.... but I wanted to ask if those were bolt on items, special epoxy glue used to install them or....

This is my dream project and I know it can turn into my worst nightmare... just want to have some fun along the way, learn from the folks here that have done it, save some money by doing most of the prep work and fitting myself, etc.

I have never bonded fiberglass to metal or done heavy body work. So this will be a first. I will try to see how things go with a wing/tail I just got that needs some work and decide if I have the skill to be able to tackle a rear qtr install... if not, at least I can take it as far as possible with the help of the folks here and then have a professional finish the work.

Thanks

[euro911sc]

Wachuko,

DUDE! You didn't tell me on Saturday you were going extra extra wide Nice to meet you and your family by the way.

The hood modification is not for extra down force, but to allow the air to exit from the front mounted oil coolers. You modify the front sheet metal and can put in a larger radiator with the exhaust side going up through the hood vents.

There are many threads on this stuff and tons of different solutions.

See these pics from lots of earlier posts:


This is from the Mirage Project (that was one slipery slope!)





Very cool stuff! Would love to do this, but at the moment my car is cool with the stock brass turbo oil cooler so $s and time are better spent elsewhere.

Best regards,

Michael

[wachuko]

Originally posted by euro911sc
Wachuko,

DUDE! You didn't tell me on Saturday you were going extra extra wide Nice to meet you and your family by the way.... Very cool stuff! Would love to do this, but at the moment my car is cool with the stock brass turbo oil cooler so $s and time are better spent elsewhere.

Best regards,

Michael

Michael,

Nice meeting you as well! Before I bought your spoiler I had placed a call to Hank at GT Racing to ask a few questions... well... he returned my call today... next thing I know I am taking my credit card out to buy the front pieces... there was this orange replica in my screen (from Johnny B)... so now I am at the point of no return...

Thank you for the photos!! Downloading to the project folder.

[TRE Cup]

Do a search for David Aloff ( daloff on this site) He did a complete RSR body kit install himself and can lend you some insight on what to look out for
db

[wachuko]

Originally posted by TRE Cup
Do a search for David Aloff ( daloff on this site) He did a complete RSR body kit install himself and can lend you some insight on what to look out for
db

Thank you. Will search for his threads.

[wachuko]

Originally posted by Facey ...Just one question....your going to want to give your car a little more go with all of that show....what do you have planned?

Forgot to answer this question... For now it will remain as is. I plan on removing all the parts that are not necessary (A/C, Heat, Blowers, etc.).

I will need to think on what to do in the engine bay. Initial thoughts were to do a normal rebuild and use a set of PMO carburetors to make the engine look cleaner.

[Facey]

thats a nice safe engine mod, and 3's are already quite strong engines. Very reliable...though at some point tomsething should be done to pump it up IMO

the mirrors i ordered were the cf units from ruf (which i then had paitned....wasted a lot of money for nothing...) but they did come with some special goup.....

and for the na sayer who called you on the mirror instal...i've been pm'ed by 4+ people about this instal.... and don't worry wachuko all of them used a different method, and every method so far has worked.

Mine came with stickers for on the inside of the window to hide the hallow mirros...however those peeled off in ~2 months...lol...


I LOVE the extra wide front fender...very very nice work.

- on second though, since your not making a track car, the fuel cell is deifnetly over kill. There will be a cheaper solution outthere, and someone else just needs to tell you what it is. I would tell you to purchase a 'R' or RSR hood filler neck, however welding on a used gas tank is beyond risky...and would hate to be responsible if anything happened...if you go that route...have a professional do ALL OF IT.

If you want to keep you oil supply safe, you could add the front cooler in the same method that i did. It is mounted behind the bumper, in the front trunk wall. I used a 951's intercooler ducting to route air to the cooler, and cut a matching size hole in the front pan....this combined with the engine mounted cooler...and my car has trouble getting up to temp...lol.... here are some pictures of my cooler:



-my bad if this is not at all the route you want to go, and like the actual RSR you want your oil cooler out front, i just couldn't risk that, bump something, unlucky rock..etc...loose your oil supply (i know theres alot of 'ifs')...... anyways..keep us posted

[rvanderpyl]

I think that with the wide body you want wheels to match, not just space them out. So you should be looking at 11" - 13" wide? I'm sure Lindsey can make those up for you although maybe only in three piece.

[wachuko]

Originally posted by rvanderpyl
I think that with the wide body you want wheels to match, not just space them out. So you should be looking at 11" - 13" wide? I'm sure Lindsey can make those up for you although maybe only in three piece.

Thank you. I agree. But I was not sure if even with those wheels if I needed spacers.

I sent Lindsey an email last night asking for recommendations on what wheels should be used. I am not into the 3-piece look for the Fuchs... hope it can be done with their 2-piece.

Those fenders in the back are around 14".... that is a lot of fender to fill with rubber....

[wachuko]

Door panels and 935 styled mirrors arrived:

Mirrors will need some additional work to give them a nice quality finish. These attach to the door with bolts instead of just adhesive.

I went ahead and removed the stock Flag mirrors and marked where the two holes will need to be drilled for the new 935 styled mirrors.









RS styles black carpet and the complete front (fenders, bumper, splitter) should arrive early next week.

I will keep the metal hood since I am thinking, long-term, to do the same mod rattlsnak did in his green monster...

[wachuko]

Also started to work in the wing/tail... need to strip the old paint, repair a few areas and apply glue where the FB meets the metal. Then apply a nice coat of primer/sealer before shooting the paint.

Plenty to keep my afternoons busy...

[NoLift911]

Looks like an ambitious project -

On the mirrors - hold off on the drilling for anything...they mount with double sided automotive grade 3M tape. Not sure about the better bodies style with those bolts??

I got mine from RUF - little more but they weigh grams and the qaulity was superb...double sided sticky tape is more than enough to hold them on - maybe even better then the bolted ones you are showing in your pics as the tape strip ensure uniform mounting, ie no crevices showing.

Also simple and cheap with no drilling of holes anywhere. Believe it or not these mirrors are fairly functional - the weight savings if you remove everything having to do with the flags are close to 10lbs...

Also mine came with two triangle shaped matte black vinyl sheets that self adhere to the inside of the window to mask the insides of the mirror - which will be visible without (read ugly) It is a nice finishing touch that makes the mirrors look like they belong there.

Hope this helps...

[wachuko]

Originally posted by nolift911
Looks like an ambitious project -

On the mirrors - hold off on the drilling for anything...they mount with double sided automotive grade 3M tape. Not sure about the better bodies style with those bolts??

I got mine from RUF - little more but they weigh grams and the qaulity was superb...double sided sticky tape is more than enough to hold them on - maybe even better then the bolted ones you are showing in your pics as the tape strip ensure uniform mounting, ie no crevices showing.

Also simple and cheap with no drilling of holes anywhere. Believe it or not these mirrors are fairly functional - the weight savings if you remove everything having to do with the flags are close to 10lbs...

Also mine came with two triangle shaped matte black vinyl sheets that self adhere to the inside of the window to mask the insides of the mirror - which will be visible without (read ugly) It is a nice finishing touch that makes the mirrors look like they belong there.

Hope this helps...

Thank you.

The finish on the delivered parts is typical FG racing stuff... not the best if you plan on using it for a show car. So I will need to do some work on them. Maybe the savings was not warranted and I should have gone with a better part from a different provider... we will see how they end up after some work.

I read a few threads of people using the same adhesive used for installing door skins (pretty strong adhesive), special double face tape (like what you mention nolift911), and/or bolts.

I put a little bit of white paint on the screw sockets and presented the part to see where I would have to drill the holes. For the passenger side the holes line up in the middle of the window frame and in the middle of the door black strip, so no problems there if I decided to dril.





On the driver's side it lines up nicely on the window frame but not so on the black door strip... in my case the whole would need to me drilled about 1/2inch into the side of the door from the black strip... I have a couple of options for dealing with this: (1) Drill it there, (2) re-position the bolt socket in the mirror by removing it and redoing that part of the base so that it lines up in the middle of the black door strip, or (3) Bolt on top and glue at the bottom...




Then I need to work on eliminating the holes in the door skin from the stock mirrors. I was planning on using some FB to cover the holes since I would like to avoid having to do any welding if possible...

I was thinking on what to use to cover that hole. Good tip on the vinyl cover. Easy to do and install and will look 1k times better than leaving the hole to be seen from the inside.

To be able to use the tape I will need to work some more on the driver's side. There is an uneven gap in the bottom that will need to be even out for the tape to have an even grip... the passenger side looks like will work and attach fine with tape.

The advantage of the bolts is that it makes it a bit more difficult for any wise guy to pull them off and walk away with them...

Thanks again nolift911

[Eric-325I]

Awesome! Please keep the updates with pics comming...

Eric

[PcarPhil]

Cool thread. I'm working on a '73 RSR project right now so some of this info is helpful.

Good luck with your project!