How to properly widen a 1990 911 C4 Targa

[x98boardwell]

I have a narrow bodied C4 Targa (964) 911 and would like to add a wide body to it.

Here are my goals:
- use minimal fiberglass
- stay within a reasonable budget (metal flares, front and rear wide body bumpers)
- purchase side skirts as well (if needed for conversion)
- purchase proper tail lights (if needed for wide body conversion)
- put wide wheels and tires with either spacers or appropriate offset to accommodate narrow body track and swing arms.

Questions:
- Anything I'm missing?
- Best places to source flares and bumpers (Better Bodies, MA Shaw, etc..?)
- How do metal flares work? Do you add front and rear bumpers and adjust flares so they are sitting in proper location before welding?
- how much of the wheel well do you have to cut off narrow body if any?
- what do you use for underneath for proper covers (which come from factory) to protect inside arch now that it is wider?

Thanks for all the help in advance. Not a body guy but looking to figure out which parts to source before I make an appointment...

Looking forward to all the input.
Bryan

[rattlsnak]

Are you going for a 965, 930, or RSR look?

[x98boardwell]

Good question. Would prefer a 965 look as I think it would be easier but would consider an RSR look if I could get it to look right and not trackish.. if that makes sense.

The bigger question would be which one is less expensive and by how much margin?

Thanks,
Bryan

[rattlsnak]

the 965 would be the cheapest for sure since you have a 964. You can keep your center section rear bumper and just buy the outside extension pieces for example. The rear lights are the same, all of the front lights are the same, just need a bumper and rocker panels. The mirrors are the same also.

So going to a 965 you need:
front and rear flares, or buy the front fenders outright,
rocker panels
front bumper
rear bumper, or just the end pieces,
some sort of tail,
and wheels/tires, which will be your biggest expense.


Going to a 930, add to the above:
All lights, front and rear
center reflector,
front spoiler and fog lights,
all the bumper accordions and rubbers

Going to a RSR:
fiberglass bumpers,
no rockers if you prefer
and all lights and reflector, unless you want to go with a pre 74 look, which would add fenders, hood, turn signals, tail and more..

965 would be the cheapest, follwed by the '74 RSR, and then the 930 and then the pre 74 RSR..

[x98boardwell]

Very Very helpful. Thanks for the info.

I cannot source the 965 fenders since they are very rare.

Questions:
1) Where would be the best place to source the flares and body parts? I'm guessing body parts could be used if available. Otherwise will have to purchase aftermarket. Would love to find polyeurathane pieces if possible.
2) Any recommendations on locations in Central Cal for body work?

Any other ideas are welcome.

Thanks,
Bryan

[mreid]

I bought my steel front fender and rear quarter flares from our host. The proper way to install them is to butt weld them to a properly trimmed fender. The best way to do that is to remove the paint from at least a three inch area where the flare will attach. Remove the primer from the flare at least two inches back from the weld joint and clean up the edge where you will weld it to the fender/quarter. Mock up the position of the flare carefully and trace the cut line. Remove the flare and carefully cut the line. Clamp the flare in place and review fit, mentally recording areas that will require hammer and dolly work. When satisfied with the position, weld the fender in not more than 1/4" segments moving around the cut to avoid overheating (warping) the panel or blowing through the weld. Weld the spots that match perfectly first, working the joint with the hammer/dolly to ensure a perfect match. Once you have welded all the gaps, grind the weld flush (moving around again to avoid warping the panel) and finish the panel with you hammer/dolly to avoid/minimize the use of any filler. I feel most successful when it looks perfect and I only need high build primer and guide coat for a perfect, paint ready finish. Good luck!

[x98boardwell]

Thanks for the info.

Still need more info on locating parts but off to a good start.

[OttoB]

So, I take it this the same car your friend got struck both in the front and back from your other post, I guess? Since its going to require bodywork to repair, I see why it wouldn't be a bad idea to transform it into a turbo look, as long as the title doesn't change to salvage... Also keep in mind having to shell some dough out to replace the narrower wheels to proportionate wider ones. Although I didn't think of it myself, its not a bad way to improve an otherwise bad situation and best of luck.

[x98boardwell]

You are correct. Minimal damage and clean title. Front fender replaced already and all else good. Just trying to figure out what is easier in the rear. I may be able to just fix minor dent in back with no major body work of any kind and then just add flares and bumper extensions. I will remove glass and have painted. All else looks great.

Also, 88,000 miles on car. Will remove motor and do general gasket maintenance, change clutch gaskets where I can and enjoy the car. The car runs and drives amazing now just ugly with dents. Has been well taken care of its entire life.