Backdated Speedster 3.2 TLU ??
 

Has anyone done the conversion? I'd love to see the result... Sort of 2.8RSR without roof, it must be wild!

a place in england did it with a silver car and it looked pretty nice

mine's been in gestation for over 10 years ! (Caution this is what happens when you decide to remodel a house yourself) and is based on my 70 targa with ST style steel flares. One day... one day... :rolleyes:

While not a backdate it is a bit of a RSR.

As Dave points out these thing always take longer than you planned. Sometime due to changes in the project concept and sometimes due to one off bits that need to be fabricated.

Mine is based on a 72T Targa.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661097.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661125.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661157.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661192.jpg

Here are some of the mechanical bits.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661255.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661290.jpg

Here are some others that have been done and are around.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661460.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661499.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661583.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661615.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220661643.jpg

a 73 targa i converted several years ago. had a 3.0 turbo when i had it, sold it with a carbed 3.2. i liked the tail, others didn't, whatever turns you on.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220665760.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220665774.jpg

Thank you so much guys, I am in dream mode now...

I especially like the black one posted by Boba above... It is so aggressive and so smooth at the same time, incredible!!

What's the best base to start a project like that (beside a real speedster that is so collectible now that it's clearly not the best choice)?
I would assume that it is better to start from a convertible or a targa because their chassis have been strengthened (haven't they??)
What do you think?

targa or cab is your best bet
add some rocker panel stiffener plates for extra rigidity

what are you going to do for windshield, top, bubble, side windows, trim ? All this stuff is very expensive!

if you don't care about top, side windows, you can modify an aftermarket speedster windshield (1959 version- check with some of the aftermarket replica speedster mfg) to fit the 911 cowl. There are some of the rear bubbles floating around- i think some one has a mold for it. Make that a fixed piece. Remove the side windows and mechanisms from your doors, fill in the upper door gap. Get some side curtains made (again like the '59) and you are 99% of the way there in style, if not detail

The Troutman and Barnes speedster used the 356 windshield speedster frames for its late 60's conversion

That black car is one of the best I've seen. Funny I've never seen it before. The unfinished white one will be really really nice too.

I've been dreaming of building a speedster for years but time and money have kept me from even getting close to started, with time being the hardest to come by. Once the kids get a bit older maybe....

Ha! Dave.. so you fell into that hole as well huh..? That house thing just keeps pushing your projects back as the time and money get sucked down!

Aks me how I know! My "S is waiting, along with my 356 outlaw and a few others.. oh, 8 months to service my 930!

A buddy of mine suggests.. screw house project because "you can sleep in the car but you can't drive the house!" :D


boba: How far along are you on your's? I've seen a few pics of that car here and there but nothing really detailed. would you mind sharing more?
Awsome project with many very tasty bits!!


Cheers,

Paul

Dave is right on about starting with a cab of Targa. You will want to do some serious planning before you start. Do you plan on running a top or will it be open all the time? Lots if research and decisions with just that one question. Very different parts and fabrication depending on which way you go. As Dave mentioned you will want to add structural reinforcement and this can be done more that one way but must be pre-planned.

I am building an open car so no top or side glass. This gave me options. My doors are CF race doors with top cap. This allows for door bars for intrusion protection and chassis stiffening. My clamshell will open to allow access to the rear seat area.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220727206.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220727243.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220727282.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220727318.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220727358.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220727388.jpg


The project is in final assembly. The critical path item at this time is the wheels which will be made this fall. As we speak a new harness is being made, as so much of the old was just not needed.

If you can locate a '89 Speedster windshield and are willing to spend as much as it will cost you, that would be a good start. You can still get the sub-dash and cowl from the factory which will allow you to mount the whindshield just as was done on the 1989 Speedster.

I think you can also still get the 89 Speedster doors and door glass.

None of these parts are cheap so have a large budget to start and know what you are going to do. You can have as much fun finding the parts as building the project.

I'd use the 94 windshield as the mounting points are more simple.

Amazing car, boba. Wow! Friggen gorgeous!!

2 questions:
- do you have any other build details here or elsewhere online? I'd love to see more...
- do you have any idea how the 2 roll hoops in the speedster in the B/W pics are mounted?

Steve

i have a 94 clamshell hinge assembly if anyone's interested. new speedster visors also.