924Board.org

bass gt · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject: Project SkunkWerks

Well Guy's,

I'm happy to announce that the final phase of the Skunk has started. I've been lucky enough to find a 1985 NA 924 Non Sunroof shell in exceptional condition!! Work has started to strip her down, so she can go off to be acid dipped. After this, the shell is going to a proper race/rally car prep company, where she will be fully seam welded, gusseted and have the rear luggage floor cut out. Then the cage will be welded in, including picking up the front & rear suspension points. Then the rear gearbox beam will be cut out, to allow the 968 box to go in. Then she's off to have the GTR bodykit fitted. So this is the beginning of a long & rocky road. I expect the total project to take about 3-4 years as i will be away in South Africa for a long time. Pictures will follow in due course naturally.

Steve
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Front Wheel Drive is the Devil's work.

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

Tell ya what, Steve, I don't know if you'll be in a position to supervise and take pics, but a HOW TO on the chassis reinforcement would be awesome.
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Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

bass gt · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject:

Rasta,

The prep co are under strict instructions to fully document the works. As this is a fairly specialised task, i am using a company here who are very well known for preparing quality historic race cars. So, not the cheapest, but it will be worth it. Other things they will be doing is fitting the dry sump tank and firewall ect. The reason for the acid dipping is two fold. Firstly, it gives you an immaculately clean shell, ready to go. Secondly, it removes the galvanising. Now you may think this a bad thing, but you cannot seam weld the body with the galvanising on. And as she is a racer, there is no need to re galv the body.

Steve
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Front Wheel Drive is the Devil's work.

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

Steve, sounds like its going to be an amazing few years with the project, I'm envious!

What does a place that builds historic race cars say when you tell them your plans for a lowly 924? Are they shocked?
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

bass gt · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

Chrenan,

No, they were very cool with it. After all, it's still business, and these days, people can't get too sniffy!!
Here's a link to their site http://www.prepfab.co.uk/2004Car/index.htm
Cost wise, it's going to be about £4000 all in, but that wont include fiting the bodykit and paint!! And that is then the thin end of the wedge. For example, as i am widening the front, i am fitting Lindsey Racing 968 Chromoly control arms. These will widen the track by an inch either side, so i can retain the stock(ish) steering goemetry. If i dont fit these, i will need massive ffsets on the front wheels, which means the steering pivot point is a long way inside the arc of the wheel. Combine this with a 2.5:1 steering rack, and it would make the steering far too heavy. But this means i need to machine new steering rack arms to reach the now further out hubs!! It goes on and on!!!
I am looking into fitting a 951 front flitch, so the IC mounting would be a doddle, but i need to look into this further.
I'll do my best to post pics as she comes along.

Steve
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Front Wheel Drive is the Devil's work.

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

Dude, it's OK if you want to flitch your doddle, but do you have to talk about it??
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Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

bass gt · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:52 am Post subject:

Ooops, sorry. I forgot there may be kids here abouts

In future, i'll keep any flitch doodling to myself.
Actually, wasn't there a thread here where someone posted pics of a 951 front going into a 924?? Raceboy maybe??

Steve
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Front Wheel Drive is the Devil's work.

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

Pics would be great!

It does sound pricey, but think of the money you are saving by starting with a 924 instead of a 911!
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

bass gt · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 3:06 am Post subject:

Yep, but you get what you pay for. And seeing as these guys know how to do a shell properly, it is better to have it done professionally, rather than ruin a shell before i admit defeat and hand it over. But the cost includes all seam welding, a fully welded in cage, including picking up the suspension points, cutting out the rear floor and replacing with ali sheet, fitting the dry sump tank and plating over all holes, such as brake vacuum resevoir hole, heater holes ect. Lot of work TBH. And as i can't weld for toffee, i would rather pony up and have a well recognised shop do the work than some of the cowboys that offer their services.

Steve
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Front Wheel Drive is the Devil's work.

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

I can't weld either and I really should start learning.

At least you have a competent shop available to do the work. To do somehting similar here, I'm not even sure where to start to look. If I wanted to make a Ford Mustang into an 11 second drag car, there is plenty of help, but its not quite the same thing.
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

Lizard · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 7:45 am Post subject:

Steve, I have got to come back over to that side of the pond and see it once you have her closer to done, maybe even lend a hand getting things back together.

Wish we had a company that would perform that type of services around here. As I would have it done to my 81 chassis.

Hey Chrenan, are you still wanting a small welder, PM or email me as I have one that I am willing to let go of.
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3 928s,

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

I'd love to lighten your tool collection Lizard but I'm all tapped out from buying 951 parts. Learning welding will have to wait a bit longer...
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

Lizard · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:40 am Post subject:

thats ok chrenan, I will just trade you the welder for the 951

Heck I will even fly the welder out and drive the car back.

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3 928s,

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

Lizard, throw in your 928 and we have a deal.
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

Lizard · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 12:58 am Post subject:

if you want a 928 I have an 87 5 speed with a very strong drivetrain and the timing belt was just done with an updated tensioner system for sale.

PM me or email me for more details

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3 928s,