Replace front clip?
08-01-2011, 10:38 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Replace front clip?
Has anyone ever replaced a full front end by chopping off the damaged structure at the firewall and welding on a new front clip?
My car's a little shorter than it used to be after yesterday's race.
My car's a little shorter than it used to be after yesterday's race.
I always liked your car.
08-01-2011, 11:36 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yeah, it was a real bummer. In the rain, gave it too much throttle, couldn't catch it in time, and it a moment I was sideways and proceeding off the edge of the track. The front right corner hit the wall - both fenders are bent, bumper came off, nose is pushed in and to the driver's side.
Here are pics for the masochists - or to demonstrate what *not* to do.
Here are pics for the masochists - or to demonstrate what *not* to do.
08-01-2011, 11:42 AM
#6
Nordschleife Master
I hit that corner twice in Franky I, the second time was fatal for the car. The first time I hit I was able to pull the two pillars straight and replace the body work. In that case, there was no movement of the frame aft of the suspension points.
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08-01-2011, 12:03 PM
#8
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Sorry for your crash. I did the chop-and-weld after my crash and the car drives beautifully afterwards. I made the cut at the line of the front of the strut towers though, as that is where my damage ended. Suspension was not touched. Aside from the body being several different colors (mismatched front end parts), you wouldn't ever know it had crashed.
I did not use a 944 front clip though. Frame rails were recreated by having sheets of 14-gauge steel bent to a tapering "C" shape to which I attached the mounts for swaybar, headlights, etc. Once all the welded nuts were inside, welded a fourth side to the C to make a full box section. Radiator frame and front body brace are square tube sections and angle iron combined. I can remove the engine out the front of the car now by removing 10 extra 10mm bolts.
Go through the car and make sure the rest of the body is in good shape. How do the doors open, how does the hatch open/close, does the sunroof fit. I had both framerails crushed and deformed yet the rest of the car is fine. That was what decided on fixing the current car versus swapping shells for me.
I did not use a 944 front clip though. Frame rails were recreated by having sheets of 14-gauge steel bent to a tapering "C" shape to which I attached the mounts for swaybar, headlights, etc. Once all the welded nuts were inside, welded a fourth side to the C to make a full box section. Radiator frame and front body brace are square tube sections and angle iron combined. I can remove the engine out the front of the car now by removing 10 extra 10mm bolts.
Go through the car and make sure the rest of the body is in good shape. How do the doors open, how does the hatch open/close, does the sunroof fit. I had both framerails crushed and deformed yet the rest of the car is fine. That was what decided on fixing the current car versus swapping shells for me.
08-01-2011, 12:15 PM
#9
Race Director
Ouch. Sorry to hear Van. Hopefully you can fix it, I know you spent a ton of money on it (and the sunroof delete)
If I have any parts you need (I actually have a vented nose panel) or want a hand, let me know!
If I have any parts you need (I actually have a vented nose panel) or want a hand, let me know!
08-01-2011, 01:24 PM
#11
Nordschleife Master
Van, glad your alright.
I helped a buddy replace the front clip on his '89 a few years ago. The car was in a front end collision and repaired very poorly, both rails were bent probably two inches or so. I cut the front clip off at the strut towers leaving about an inch of frame rail left. We took a front clip and did the same, made a jig to hold the front clip in place and welded it back on. Despite the amount of measuring we did we still somehow ended up mounting it like a 1/4 inch short on one side
. Everything still looked alright though and would be more an acceptable for a track car. Not sure how far the damage extends back on your car but i think with your skills it is probably very do-able.
I helped a buddy replace the front clip on his '89 a few years ago. The car was in a front end collision and repaired very poorly, both rails were bent probably two inches or so. I cut the front clip off at the strut towers leaving about an inch of frame rail left. We took a front clip and did the same, made a jig to hold the front clip in place and welded it back on. Despite the amount of measuring we did we still somehow ended up mounting it like a 1/4 inch short on one side
. Everything still looked alright though and would be more an acceptable for a track car. Not sure how far the damage extends back on your car but i think with your skills it is probably very do-able.
08-01-2011, 07:22 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
08-02-2011, 10:09 AM
#14
Race Director
never done it, but to determine if is worth it you really need to know how far the damage goes back. If the passenger area is at all bent it is probably not worth it. If the car has bolt in cage it is probably not worth it. If it has a $2000 weld in cage then maybe yes. Looks like you may be ok.
