My 1989 911 Project (Sorry, non-E30, non-BMW content)

[constructor]

August 14th Update:

It was time to deal with the fitment issues of aftermarket fiberglass parts.

My research uncovered 4 or 5 "reputable" manufacturers for aftermarket RUF CTR (Yellowbird) bumpers. Originals, I believe, were almost 4 times the cost of the most expensive aftermarket parts. I went with Getty Designs even though they had the highest prices, since feedback was very good and they seemed very knowledgeable. Better parts up front, less time in the shop.

Well, it turns out that these will take a bit of work to look just right.











Fitment issues:

lighting doesn't sit flush. Mounting points will be modified so that they will be flush when completed.














The most upsetting part is that the front bumper was not quite symmetrical. The driver side is 1/2" shorter at the wheel well. This will also be fixed.

Correct:




Incorrect:





It will need different seals at the rear to get it right. The car originally did not have rubber seals where the accordions were.

[constructor]

Depends, do you want dual single tips or dual quad tips... OR single dual tips on the left?

I think dual singles exiting on either side would look downright awesome. Maybe even with a little ovalization.

That's what I wanted at first, but I had a lot of trouble with that decision. For some reason I have no issues with big stainless tips on my stock M20 powered E30, but felt that I was somehow lying if I went too flashy with the tips on the unmodified 3.2. I don't know.

So what I finally decided was dual singles exiting on either side, but downturned with no cutout in the valence. Dual yes, but not drawing too much attention. Thoughts?

[constructor]

I spoke with Mario at VSR and toured some of their projects. I liked what I heard and saw, so decided to take the 911 there to have the work done.

I don't like the impact bumpers on these cars and find it amusing that so many people years ago "updated" early 911's with these abominations.

I thought about back dating the car to pre 1974, but decided against that since this is a low mileage version of a somewhat rare appearance package. The beauty of the RUF style bumpers, other than the fact that they are the best looking bumpers for an 80's era 911, are that they bolt on using existing holes so that the car can go back to original without surgery.

Progress from a few weeks back:

Front bumper being test fit.










Dent repair in process




Thinking about the exhaust

[UNHCLL]

Chris, thanks and absolutely! That would be a blast.

Tell me your thoughts on the exhaust. I went back and forth for a few days with Mario discussing options. Probably drove him a bit crazy with my indecision.

Depends, do you want dual single tips or dual quad tips... OR single dual tips on the left?

I think dual singles exiting on either side would look downright awesome. Maybe even with a little ovalization.

[schwannman]

ep3 daily ftw! yours owns mine tho... lol good luck with the porsche, judging by your other cars it is gonna turn out tight as fuuuuck!

[constructor]

It is my daily so I am fine with the A3. I am thinking just suspension, wheels, and exhaust.

[schwannman]

you should drop an a2 in, it's not too major...

[constructor]

yay ep3!

but i guess the porsche is cool...

Thanks, the EP3 will get some work next (nothing major), but down the line a bit. I was planning on selling it but like it too much. It is stock right now.

[schwannman]

yay ep3!

but i guess the porsche is cool...

[constructor]

The RUF bumpers look really good.
My first thought when I saw the rear was "hmmm, that exhaust has got to change". You're already 1 step ahead. ;)

When it's complete I think you'll need to take it for a spin through the White Mountains after picking it up.... maybe with a chase car in the form of an E30 M3.

-Chris

Chris, thanks and absolutely! That would be a blast.

Tell me your thoughts on the exhaust. I went back and forth for a few days with Mario discussing options. Probably drove him a bit crazy with my indecision.

[UNHCLL]

The RUF bumpers look really good.
My first thought when I saw the rear was "hmmm, that exhaust has got to change". You're already 1 step ahead. ;)

When it's complete I think you'll need to take it for a spin through the White Mountains after picking it up.... maybe with a chase car in the form of an E30 M3.

-Chris

[constructor]

The plans are in progress and I have many photos and descriptions to post to get us to where we are today, but my wife is on the way home, so I will have to give you the abridged version of the plans for now.


fix dent in quarter
realign gas flap
restore trunk and gas tank to like new condition
recreate trunk carpet
RUF Yellowbird style front and rear bumpers (hate the bulky impact bumpers)
lower ride height
convert stock single exhaust to dual for more flow and sound
eventually get turbo spec 16x7 and 16x9 color matched fuchs
power wash undercarriage
clean and condition interior

[constructor]

So these are the car's current issues:

A contractor dropped a window on the driver side front fender back in 1990. It was repaired, but the paint is not quite rite and the gas flap fit is poor.

The car was driven of the road a few years back and the front valence was poorly repaired.

The driver side rear quarter panel was backed into a yellow bollard.

The car has been in and out of storage in the New York countryside where mice called the trunk home. The trunk carpet was destroyed, and the trunk was filled with nests and feces.

The rear aluminum bumper shows some corrosion even though the car saw only 34.5K miles.

The car was driven through yellow road paint which sprayed the driver side front fender well and the underside of the rear bumper.

A contractor changed the battery gouging the finish on the gas tank while he was at it.

There some corrosion in the battery tray.

The interior needs a good cleaning and conditioning.

[///m3]

NICE! What are your plans that that beauty?

[PaladinReed]

This new thread has delighted me.