Really dumb RS Clone question... be nice!

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

So, I've decided after going back and forth (keep it stock, or make it the car I've always wanted..?), that I want to make an RS clone out of my 71 911T. (The final straw was the offer of a brand new getty duck tail for less than a night out for dinner!)

I am pretty sure (still only 2 years in to the 911 game) that all RS clones have the wider fenders in the back. Do I HAVE to do this? I don't mind removing the stock bumper and deck lid, but to start actually cutting off metal from this thing seems a bit harsh... and sad...

Talk to me guys. Am I out of my mind??

(This is the dream car!)

equality72521 · 02-01-2011, 06:43 AM

You don't HAVE to do anything. Make it like you want it. If you don't want to widen the flares then don't. Who cares as long as you like it.

Wilywilly · 02-01-2011, 06:47 AM

+1 Mark Seems like their is a template fpr RS Clones that a lot of people follow and they wind up with just another RS Clone. If your going to modify a car do it as you like. After all it's your car.

Bill

drauz · drauz's Garage

"Am I out of my mind??"
yes. does it matter?
if getting a fg ducktail on the cheap is your determinant for the car's future, then everything's on the table. create your own icon any way that satisfies (but don't expect the world to beat a path to your door if you sell it some day).

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Yo my mind a clone should be as close to the original as possible, w/ constraints of availability and budget

When I built my '72 into an RS clone back in the days well before the internet and widely available current information sources I used SC quarters modified w/ the '72 oil door. This of course is not totally correct but is compatible w/ the spirit of the project.

As noted above you don't have to do anything, but the more correct the better

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

Thanks guys. I will always have this 71 (its my first 911, and the year I was born, so its not going to be sold). When I got this car almost 2 years ago, I put a ducktail on it and starting getting the "way to ruin the value" messages from friends and family. But now, I think I just want to make it a nice driver. And the RS clones are just amazing. I think the ducktail coming back in to my life was just a sign!

My wife is getting a Carrera 4S, and I have a Panamera at my disposal (dealer friends!), so this can be the fun car.

Thanks again all. Will start up the Project thread soon. Its -17 here in Colorado today, and even the heater in the garage is taking the day off..!

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

...oh, and God forbid I did have to sell it someday, I would think an incorrect RS clone with all original steel would be better than a cut up "more correct" clone, no?

Ah, what am I thinking... my 4 year old son (and co-mechanic) would disown me if I sold it...

210bhp · 02-01-2011, 07:00 AM

You might just be messing up a very nice T?

To have the 'look' of a carrera RS you would have to widen the rear arches but have you considered how difficult and expensive it is to get the correct shaped flares to weld on? SC flares would just not do it so I would suggest it is better not to do it at all unless you have the right flares.

Also, it is very unwise to fit a duck without the corresponding front spoiler from a high speed stability point of view.

Regards
Mike

LakeCleElum · 02-01-2011, 07:02 AM

Make yourself happy - Pesonally, I wouldn't be chopping sheetmetal. Adding the tail is something that can be easily reversed someday.

I have a very original 73.5 (except paint). I've debated for years on whether to rebuild the 2.4 or put in a bigger engine. Finally bought a very nice 3.2 and it's on a truck today coming my way. I will prepare the 2.4 for long term storage and keep it. Decided to do what I would enjoy most and keep all the old parts.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by levdeb

...oh, and God forbid I did have to sell it someday, I would think an incorrect RS clone with all original steel would be better than a cut up "more correct" clone, no?

Ah, what am I thinking... my 4 year old son (and co-mechanic) would disown me if I sold it...

It's certainly true that if you butcher it it will be worth less, the value of a clone depends on the quality of the work and the potential buyer.

A virgin car will almost always be worth more that a sister that has been modified.

Scooter · 02-01-2011, 07:07 AM

You don't have to do an "RS Clone," just do what YOU want. Myself, I would first replace the bumpers and decklid, then call it a day. Keep the original bumpers and decklid, so you could go back to stock later if you wish. Later on, if you are still not satisfied, then start cutting.

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

Yeah, I have the RS bumper already installed, so the only real cosmetic difference will be the narrow rear end. I already made it "unstock" on the interior is RS door panels, 3 point seat belts, and new seats.

I guess I add the duck tail, and if it still doesn't look like my dream, I can always do the flares later. Its just such a perfect machine... if it were rusting out, it would be a whole lot easier to cut. lol

I am probably not going to "save" the original parts, as the bumper that was on there is from a different 71 911, and the rear deck lid is also from a fellow pelican. Could use the funds to complete this baby.

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

Thanks Scooter.... was posting that same thing (almost) while you were posting.

Scooter · 02-01-2011, 07:33 AM

Here is some inspiration. The black one is a friend's narrow bodied '73 T with a ducktail (which came with a duck from the factory), and another friend's aubergine real RS. I like both for different reasons:

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

So some 911's came with a Duck and skinny rears from the factory?? I had no idea. I thought I would be creating a "mutt" so to speak. Thanks Scott!

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by levdeb

So some 911's came with a Duck and skinny rears from the factory?? I had no idea. I though I would be creating a "mutt" so to speak. Thanks Scott!

Nope, but a lot of them were added afterward.

A factory ducktail only came on '73 and '74 Carrera, all of which have the wider SC/Carrera rear quarters

Scooter · 02-01-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

Nope, but a lot of them were added afterward.

A factory ducktail only came on '73 and '74 Carrera, all of which have the wider SC/Carrera rear quarters

Sorry Bill, but this time you are wrong. The black car has a COA from Porsche with the ducktail listed. It was a special car at the end of '73.

levdeb · levdeb's Garage

Scott, do you think you friend would be willing to send me a few more pics of his car? I would love to have them in the garage as inspiration!!

gtc · gtc's Garage

Without flares, you'll sound like a poser if you call your car an RS clone.

It would be better to have a sleeper like Brad's black car above.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter

Sorry Bill, but this time you are wrong. The black car has a COA from Porsche with the ducktail listed. It was a special car at the end of '73.

W/ special wishes anything was possible but there were no regular production cars other than the '73/74 RS sold w/ a ducktail.

it's like the turbo looks, regular production of turbo looks started in '84 but there were some built as early as '76, these were not the sort of things that could be ordered in any dealership.