Flare or not to flare

[4nk8k9]

I am searching for a 1970 or so 911 (going to look at one for sale by a nice "fellow pellicaner" on Friday, hopefully it will be the one). I've noticed a lot of people have put 'SC flares' on the rear quarters. Being a newbie, I was wondering what the opinion on these is. I like the stock look, but a friend of mine just mentioned (in his words so forgive me) "they [stock] look gay. They are flat, no bump out at all and are not attractive". Anyway, do the flares affect the value or desirability for one of these older cars? Should I care if it has been done, or is it just preference?

[cowtown]

Well then I guess my "baby flared" '75 only looks a little gay. I mean honestly, what kind of comment is this?

[Rot 911]

Don't listen to your friend. If the 911 is a T, putting SC fenders on it won't change the value. At least not downward. In any event, if you like the stock look, stick with it.

[4nk8k9]

Cowtown - your comment cracked me up (and I guess his comment was the type people make if they don't think it will be posted anywhere, my bad)

[Superman]

Flare. At least that's my taste. The motoring equivalent of big biceps. YMMV.

[CamB]

Your friend is being, if you'll excuse the term I heard someone foul mouthed use the other day, "a *****".



Unflared is cool, flared is cool too (but costs money - you need new 7" wheels and 225 tyres too...). If you do it, just make sure it is done well...

[DonDavis]

I think we have all seen cars that look great both ways. It boils down to what you prefer. If the car will be used for track time, then you probably should flare.

Going for originality? Or period correct (for a factory un-flared car)?
I don't think you can go wrong either way. Like Super said "YMMV".

Oh, when I get my '72 Coupe, I WILL be flaring it out.

Good luck and enjoy.
Here's my old car and its "skinny" butt.

[masraum]

Some people really like the narrow fenders, some like the Carrera/SC fenders, some like turbo flares, and some go hog wild, I happen to like all of them for what they are. I imagine it's like women, if you limit yourself to too small a subset then you are doing just that, limiting yourself.

I appreciate the simplicity of the early cars with chrome, etc...

Flares or no flares, Ginger or Marianne?

[dmac]

IMHO: If you want the wide rear buy an SC, if you want a narrow body then buy an earlier car. It does not seem worth the effort and cost to change one into the other, and you will not add to the resale value of the car.

PS: Personally I think the narrow body is cool, in a retro sort of way.

NFWDP - Narrow Fender World Domination Plot

[Bill Douglas]

I think go with the gay look. If you want flares buy a later car. It is rather nice to have an original looking car with subtle changes under the engine lid.

[4nk8k9]

One car I am looking at already has the flares done. From the replies, it sounds like that is really "neutral" to the value of the car if it was done well, a preference thing. Excellent forum, by the way! I imagine I will be camping out here often once I buy a car and find out all the things I should have known before

[Stuttgart951]

Short wheelbase cars with flare are oh so sexy.

[dd74]

I got a quote on flares for my car: $2.5K.

What's that entail? Steel flares, cutting, welding, painting. Then there's the added cost of wheels and tires.

A lot of work.

Your friend sounds like he suffers from misplaced sexual guilt.

Maybe he's gay.

[dd74]

Originally posted by masraum
Ginger or Marianne?

Ginger AND Marriane!

[reesestewww]

i have a beautiful 73 for sale, but please dont add flares.
*******73 911T FOR SALE*******

[awis321]

I've been contemplating the same decision, however, after coming across this PIC (granted it's a 912) I've come to the conclusion...



with the right wheels & right height, the unflared cars can hold their own. BTW, I still haven't decided.

- Dennis

[Hockey fan]

My cars gay!!!???? Oh well....I'll accept it for who it is!-)

Jeff - narrow, chromed 73 T