Steel flares / widebody questions

[Molly55]

I am interested in doing this conversion on either an SC or 3.2 and wanted to know who I might call to get the parts. I would like to buy the stuff from someone who knows exactly what I'll need, then take it all to a local guy to install and paint. Anyone know if there is an expert vendor of steel flares etc - someone who you know to be familiar with the project enough to make sure I get all the right stuff? The reason for this is so I can call and get a real cost breakdown so I will know if this project is right for me.

Also, what have you guys paid in the past to have this done, not including paint, just the widebody conversion itself.

Thanks much!

[village idiot]

Welcome!

Alot of people here do their own work and there are a few threads on how they accomplished this task.

Post your location and maybe someone on this board can point in the direction of an competent shop capable of performing the transformation or another Pelicanite that would be willing to help you.

As far as supplying vendors, there are several, including this one that sells the necessary parts. Or check the classifieds for used or new/unmounted parts. Such as this(shameless plug)WTT 930 Flares

Again, welcome to this crazy form of automotive dementia

[e-speedster]

Hey - just a quick answer

I went for original front fenders - Porsche in Europe cut the prices on those about 40% 2 years ago - hopefully they did a follow up in US

As for the rear - Dansk is a good suplier for steel extensions - and they are available in the US too

If you're going for the beautiful original 80's look - why don't search for the chinspoiler and bumper extensions ++ on the used market - and just buy the rubber new

Then paint it white - and you have one of my personal favorites hehe

[SoCal70RSR]

Check out this this thread...

Here we go again! Zuffenhaus MS RSR project...

If you're anywhere near them, you should seriously consider them or TRE on the west coast.

The flares can be had on the classifieds section, I saw some for sale on the samba. You can also try our host or restoration design - slow but you should get your parts.

If you can't afford to hire a shop who's done this type of work before, you should do some research here on how to install them - it's not as easy as some people think.

[Hetmann]

I got my front fenders from a 930 that had been rear-ended. Rockers and various other pieces on ebay. Rear flares were sitting on the shelf of a local Porsche parts dealer. I had also seen them advertised by restoration design. Be sure the parts you get are period correct for the car you want to build. Find a body shop that understands how to line up and fit the flares or you can end up with an odd looking car. I did my conversion as part of a bare metal respray and I think that is the only way to do a big change like this. I can't recall exactly, but I think I paid about $600 to get my rear flares welded on. I got some of that back when I sold my SC flares.

[e-speedster]

You can say that again - I had to do my rear flares twice.........and I am still wondering if they are correct

Left rear wheel bumped up on my fender going way too fast 120 mph++ over a "demanding" upward angle - needless to say the speedster is on the way to the paint shop again......

[SoCal70RSR]

Originally Posted by e-speedster

You can say that again - I had to do my rear flares twice.........and I am still wondering if they are correct

I had wide flares installed on a '75 back in the mid 90's and this side came out excellent, the other had to be redone (sorry don't have a pic of the other side). We noticed it after it was painted!

[e-speedster]

I see that my explaining wasn't too good - it is in for its third treatment .....

And yes - we didn't see it the first time either before it was painted - kind of weird actually

Good thing the owner of the paint shop is a good friend.....right now he is painting my 3.8 964 - the whole car - supposed to pick it up on friday - then exchange it for my G wagen cab which I have added AMG fender flares which needs to be painted

So I guess I need a coupon or a "frequent painter card" or something soon

[78targa]

Pay the extra and get it done at a good shop. I highly recommend Zuffenhaus (East coast) or TRE (West coast).

Having watched the work peronally at Zuffenhaus, I can tell you the finish is all about properly lining up the flairs. Half of their labor is spent getting the alignment just right. They have all the correct measurements and jigs to make this happen. Their product speaks for itself. (go pick up the December copy of Excellence and look for the shiny blue RSR...)

If you go there, I would recommend just getting the parts and everything from them. Much less complicated and they have good suppliers. There is also a body shop about 100 ft from their place that can do the finish work on the respray.

Call Keith at 704-821-2546.

God help me but their number is on my speed dial... hehe. I'm there alot.

[Molly55]

Thanks for the responses. I have been talking to TRE about it, seems like a nice place for sure.

[Molly55]

I have done some research, and for anyone looking to do this, here is what I found. Let me know if I am way wrong...these are ROUGH numbers...

4 steel turbo flares from TRE...600
Rocker ends pair...................300
rear bumper extention............300
930 chin spoiler.....................500
wheel spacers.......................500

Total body parts..................$2200

Then installation, TRE suggested maybe $2500-2800.

Then wheels & tires, which could be all over the place depending on what you find, but say used Fuchs in 8 and 9 x 16 with tires, $2000

Then paint, which could be who knows what??

So i figure $6700 for the parts, installation, and wheels, and if you get a $2000 paint job, then full alignment, total is maybe $9000 ALL-IN for a wide body conversion.

This assumes no mods for performance, handling, etc. In the ballpark??

[Larry_Ratcliff]

Originally Posted by Molly55

I am interested in doing this conversion on either an SC or 3.2 and wanted to know who I might call to get the parts. I would like to buy the stuff from someone who knows exactly what I'll need, then take it all to a local guy to install and paint. Anyone know if there is an expert vendor of steel flares etc - someone who you know to be familiar with the project enough to make sure I get all the right stuff? The reason for this is so I can call and get a real cost breakdown so I will know if this project is right for me.

Also, what have you guys paid in the past to have this done, not including paint, just the widebody conversion itself.

Thanks much!

Your location does not show so I will list a few. If you are in Arizona or anywhere close: Patrick Motorsports.

California: Original classics web site : paintandmetal.com

I think for labor on just installing the flares your looking at about 2k. The rest is bold on and negligible. However, the paint is another thing. Most likely you are looking at shooting both sides so it depends on your car as to what that would cost.

[village idiot]

2k paint job? not likely if you are after any kind of decent quality. Unless you have a friend in the biz.
Materials for the paint job alone can run you well over that depending on the color and brand of paint.

I'm pretty sure you don't want Maaco or Earl Schieb painting your pride and joy.

[Larry_Ratcliff]

Originally Posted by village idiot

2k paint job? not likely if you are after any kind of decent quality. Unless you have a friend in the biz.
Materials for the paint job alone can run you well over that depending on the color and brand of paint.

I'm pretty sure you don't want Maaco or Earl Schieb painting your pride and joy.

I was quoting 2k just to install the flares... if you were refering to my post. When I say flare installation I am only refering to but welding them to the car and only the flares.. note that I also say that paint will be dependent on the condition of the car... If your car is in exceptinal condition then there is a remote chance that the quarters and fenders can be painted.... if it is in good condition then the sides could be shot... for a total repaint...

[village idiot]

Larry, my response was to Molly55's last post. And no shop I know of would want to try and blend 4 fenders on a paint job that could possibly be 20yrs old. Just my .02