Got a wild hair: 356 Speedster body (replica) on a shortened 914 platform

[Zeke]

I'm just thinking about it. That's all. What would be the MAJOR problems? If I were to think on it much, I would be talking 914/6.

Mid engine six in a Speedster. What's another way to do it?

Actually, I'd find a Roadster windshield and roll up window doors.

[SteveStromberg]

A tube frame would be the way to go. Why not a 550 Spyder?

[John Rogers]

Het Milt, neat idea, but I think the 914 wheelbase is way too long to use a 356 body or even a glass replica so a body would have to be made special.....Like the VW dragster I almost bought that had a one piece 356 shell body. It was lengthened and narrowed and looked WILD! Check the VW dragster guys they might have something?

[Zeke]

John and Steve. I mentioned "shortened" because I know about the descrepancy on the wheel bases. A 550 with a six would be a like 904 for the street, eh?

No, I like the 356 shape.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I think the "MAJOR" problems would mostly be in the shortening of the 914 chassis. Well, and in extracting the 914 chassis from the rest of the body. It's not a bolt-off operation like the 356 and Bug; you will have to do significant sawz-all and plasma cutter work...

Seems like a pretty neat idea. I'd love to see pics--and I'd hate to be the one actually doing the work!!

--DD

[no substitute]

I like both vehicles but to me it's like saying, let's take a trip from LA to SF only let's drive South and go over both Poles (sorry)--lots of unknown headaches. Tube frame sounds like the hot ticket, especially given how rickety our 914 chassis' are becoming. Heck, they weren't all that rigid in the first place.

[Zeke]

The 914 platform came to mind first, because the motor and trans are pointed in the right direction in spite of what it says in my signature about a 911. Second, the 914 was designed as a Targa, or really, a roadster with a roll bar. So, there is some strength under the doors. Last, the suspension is better.

Even if I cut the 914 off level with the door sills, it should still have some strength. It might not have much torsional strength, but some tubing and a roll hoop ought to fix that. Wheel wells are handy too, which would have to be fabbed up or taken from an existing car to put into an all tube frame. And, I don't have the engineering skills to locate suspension points if given a clean sheet of paper.

I don't know if the front bulkhead or rear fire wall would fall any where near useful in the layout. Any good photoshoppers to do an overlay?

[SteveStromberg]

Did you see those glass 356's from brazil? I will look for the Addy and post it.

[schosh]

I'm not sure the 356 could be modified to a mid engined configuration without a MAJOR comitment of time, money and talent.
Take a look at this Kit car..it has a tube frame.
Thunder Ranch 356
I believe Jake Raby has built motors for several Kit Cars. Perhaps he has some info on the performance characteristics.
Bill

Maybe you could stretch the glass 356 body and make something simmilar to 356/01.

joe

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Now I really like that idea!!

Hmm, vanity plate, "PCAR NO1"

--DD

[Zeke]

The area behind the seats is useless. That's where a mid chasis six shoud sit.

I remember seeing a early 356 body grafted to a 914 chassis for sale in Excellence @ 10 years ago. It was a early split window 356 coupe with a pre-A metal dash and a custom aero roof line like the 550 coupes. Really cool!!!

Here's a link to a fun sleeper: http://www.majortom.de/xxarzt.htm

[Zeke]

Joe, that's what I'm talkin' about! Thanks.

[SteveStromberg]

Zeke here is the car

[eddie914]

WOW!

That is Fabulous!

I gotta have it!

[schosh]

Whats the bit on the roof? Periscope ?

[Zeke]

That thing killed my enthusiasm.