IMSA widebody installation - Russ style (Page 3/56)
Russ544 SEP 02, 10:05 AM

quote
Originally posted by Will:

Have you figured out the width and offset yet? According to WCF, a 17x9-45 will fit the stock suspension and body work. Based on looking at my car, I think a 17x9-38 would work as well. You've got 4 extra inches of width on each side, right? 9+4 = 13... which is pretty good for a 335. The resulting offset would be about 60mm in the opposite direction, or 17x13+60 (maybe +55ish). That's a pretty wild wheel. The positive offset will reduce wheel bearing loads in hard cornering.


I haven't determined wheel sizes yet, but I need to take some time and do that here pretty soon. I may end up making or buying wheel adaptors so I can get wheels of my liking on the 5 x 100 pattern. The original 84 race IMSA had 345 35 15 on the rear and 225 60 15 on the front, so I've been kind of using that as a general guide as to what fits and looks right.

MinnGreenGT SEP 02, 11:08 AM
Lookin' great... about the gas door thing. I had originally planned on using an Izuzu VehiCross (aircraft-style) gas door (it's flatter and closer in size/shape than the Audi or Eclipse doors), but have since changed my mind. LMK if you're interested - I paid around $75-$85 for the parts I've got... I'd let 'em go for about $25 shipped.


http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20020511-1-012834.html

2.8-4spd SEP 02, 08:47 PM
Minngreen GT iF they they dont want it, I will take it, do you take paypal?
Russ544 SEP 02, 11:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by 2.8-4spd:

Minngreen GT iF they they dont want it, I will take it, do you take paypal?


No problem Minn. I already have other plans for my system, so if you want to sell this go ahead.
Thanks for the offer however.

Russ

MinnGreenGT SEP 03, 09:57 AM

quote
Originally posted by Russ544:

No problem Minn. I already have other plans for my system, so if you want to sell this go ahead.
Thanks for the offer however.


No problem... just though I'd offer. I'm Looking forward to seeing more pics of your work!


quote
Originally posted by 2.8-4spd:

Minngreen GT iF they they dont want it, I will take it, do you take paypal?


Looks like it's yours (I got your email as well). You can PayPal to that same address...

Russ544 SEP 03, 09:42 PM
CHAPTER 4:
(The "Russ style" part)

In order to enlarge the wheelwells a small air reciprocating saw makes quick work of the fiberglass:




To replace the lip, A thin piece of sheet aluminum is hammered to form a "mold" to support the new glass and resin. By rolling the edge, the contours can easily be blended into the fender, eliminating a lot of grinding and filling later on. An old sign provides a good source for cheep aluminum of suitable thickness, and is easily formed to the proper curve and taped onto the wheel opening after spraying the back side with wax:




Once the form has been set, and fully taped, you can flip the rear clip right side up again and lay in several layers of glass onto the form, and an inch or two up the side. Pretty simple actually, and after it cures for a day I'll pull off the tape and aluminum strip and do some bondo work to finish it off.

Now THIS is a proper size wheelwell for a "race" car

[This message has been edited by Russ544 (edited 07-07-2009).]

Russ544 SEP 04, 10:38 PM
CHAPTER 4 +
Although it feels like I worked plenty hard enough, I didn't seem to make much headway today. I am, however, pretty happy with the results of the fiberglass work on the wheelwells. After the aluminum strips came off, It didn't take too much body work to smooth out the minor irregularities and fill a few small voids. It does, however, make me appreciate just how good the fiberglass work is that Tedd (Sage) did on this body kit. I've yet to find a void in his layup bigger than a pin head or two. Pretty amazing IMHO.



[This message has been edited by Russ544 (edited 07-07-2009).]

BtotheB SEP 05, 10:37 AM
Very cool thread. I love seeing this kinda stuff coming together... good stuff!

Brad

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gascarracer SEP 12, 11:55 AM
Whats up? Is this on hold. I am really interested in this thred. Plan to do this sooner or later.

------------------
Ernie

1988 Silver GT
One owner 47000 miles.
Soon to be a 3.4 DOHC powered.

Russ544 SEP 12, 05:55 PM
No huge progress to report for this week as I've had a lot of other business to attend to.... and not much time to devote to the important stuff .....
I did get the finish body work on the rear clip pretty much done however..... seams molded in etc.. I also managed to get the hood vents cut in and in primer, and I've opened up the front wheel wells about an equal amout as I did to the rears. The fronts don't have the flanges in yet as I forgot to order more resin last week, and I refuse to use the stuff you can buy at Wally world etc.. "If it's worth doing.... it's worth doing right".
The car will get lowered, as well as receiving fatter rubber on wide rims, but with some imagination it's getting easier to see what it's becoming now.





Stay tuned for updates. don't give up on me just yet

Russ

[This message has been edited by Russ544 (edited 07-07-2009).]