Convert Cabriolet to Speedster
#2
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Peachtree City, Ga
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I have thought about it - but never ventured farther than the thought- I once saw a Speedster windshield (complete) on the Italian ebay - think it was around $5000 - I the top frame work et. all for the cab has to be changed - These two major parts are very hard to find - Not to mention cutting the windshield off - and finding someone that is qualified to do the job in a respectful manner.
#3
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Time and money. Clamshell and top are bolt on parts. Use a windshield from a 94 Speedster - they are easier to mount. Door glass and window mechanisms. It's almost easier to use real Speedster door frames as the outer seals are kind of hard to mount without them.
#5
Instructor
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Hi there,
apperently this dude in Florida has done a few of them already:
Gary Stratton
Stratton Motosports
(407)421-1911
I posted in that regards just recently:
Hi all,
I just wanted to share this with you people as you might have some input, as well:
http://http://forums.pelicanparts.co...=911+speedster
apperently this dude in Florida has done a few of them already:
Gary Stratton
Stratton Motosports
(407)421-1911
I posted in that regards just recently:
Hi all,
I just wanted to share this with you people as you might have some input, as well:
http://http://forums.pelicanparts.co...=911+speedster
#6
Three Wheelin'
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Hi there,
apperently this dude in Florida has done a few of them already:
Gary Stratton
Stratton Motosports
(407)421-1911
I posted in that regards just recently:
Hi all,
I just wanted to share this with you people as you might have some input, as well:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...=911+speedster
apperently this dude in Florida has done a few of them already:
Gary Stratton
Stratton Motosports
(407)421-1911
I posted in that regards just recently:
Hi all,
I just wanted to share this with you people as you might have some input, as well:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...=911+speedster
#7
Instructor
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Hi Bryan,
thanks for that.
Here is how it is supposed to work according to Gary Stratton:
the window frame needs to be cut off about two inches from the door level then split and layed down and welded.
It's very easy to do if you have all the right tools.
When you lay the metal down close the door and leave a 5 MM gap from what you layed down and welded and the closed door, and it must be flat.
To install the Speedster frame will take two people.
The hole to mount the frame well need to be cut with a hole saw from the under side of the door mount area.
Put tape on the cowl and the frame were the hole are so you can mark where the holes are on the window frame, then get a wooden rod 2" log and put four of them in the hole on the frame line up the marks take the frame off and put paint on the end of the wooden rods and set it down again this will tell you were you need to use the 1" hole saw.
You'll need some 1"OD pipe. Use the saw and cut down at the same angle as the wooden rod thru the dash and down, you may need a long drill rod when you get the first hole cut to reach the lower area.
All cutting done set the frame back on the car if everything is right it's time to weld the 1" pipe in the hole.
The bolt hole on the frame have a slight angle to them so you'll a washer with the same angle (hit the center of the washer with a hammer to shape it)
Weld the washer angel down to the top of the 1" pipe, make the pipe as long as you need for it to hang down thru the holes that you've just cut.
Put the frame back on the car again and have the person helping you hold the frame in place so you can put all four pipes in the holes and do a traill fit (make sure that the frames center tab is in place (small piece of metal in the center of the under side of the frame) this center parts on the frame works as a wedg to hold the frame down when you tighen the bolts.
It will take a while, I'll try to get some pictures to you that well help. Give me you Email address so I can send them you. Good luck
thanks for that.
Here is how it is supposed to work according to Gary Stratton:
the window frame needs to be cut off about two inches from the door level then split and layed down and welded.
It's very easy to do if you have all the right tools.
When you lay the metal down close the door and leave a 5 MM gap from what you layed down and welded and the closed door, and it must be flat.
To install the Speedster frame will take two people.
The hole to mount the frame well need to be cut with a hole saw from the under side of the door mount area.
Put tape on the cowl and the frame were the hole are so you can mark where the holes are on the window frame, then get a wooden rod 2" log and put four of them in the hole on the frame line up the marks take the frame off and put paint on the end of the wooden rods and set it down again this will tell you were you need to use the 1" hole saw.
You'll need some 1"OD pipe. Use the saw and cut down at the same angle as the wooden rod thru the dash and down, you may need a long drill rod when you get the first hole cut to reach the lower area.
All cutting done set the frame back on the car if everything is right it's time to weld the 1" pipe in the hole.
The bolt hole on the frame have a slight angle to them so you'll a washer with the same angle (hit the center of the washer with a hammer to shape it)
Weld the washer angel down to the top of the 1" pipe, make the pipe as long as you need for it to hang down thru the holes that you've just cut.
Put the frame back on the car again and have the person helping you hold the frame in place so you can put all four pipes in the holes and do a traill fit (make sure that the frames center tab is in place (small piece of metal in the center of the under side of the frame) this center parts on the frame works as a wedg to hold the frame down when you tighen the bolts.
It will take a while, I'll try to get some pictures to you that well help. Give me you Email address so I can send them you. Good luck
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#8
Three Wheelin'
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I've often thought of doing this to my America Roadster but the thought of further butchering my Roadster gives me anxiety. But for the sake of consideration and safety, how does the Speedster deal with a roll-over? If the windshield is frameless does this not meet DOT approval?
Just a thought
Jaime
Just a thought
Jaime
#9
Nordschleife Master
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I've often thought of doing this to my America Roadster but the thought of further butchering my Roadster gives me anxiety. But for the sake of consideration and safety, how does the Speedster deal with a roll-over? If the windshield is frameless does this not meet DOT approval?
Your bank account's emptied, your car's wrecked, and you'd be dead.
[shoulder shrug]
Look on the bright side: Sounds as good a time as any to check out.
(not normally a fatalist.)
#10
Three Wheelin'
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Ok sounds like a good way to go, if you will..... seriously though, is the authentic speedster roll-over worthy? It must be somehow seeing as its DOT approved......but how if it does not have a window frame capable of keeping it from crushing the driver/occupants in a roll-over??
anybody??
Jaime
anybody??
Jaime
#11
Rennlist Member
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There is a metal frame that goes around the glass. The frame with the glass is bolted to the front cowl. Those cheap windshields $800 for the Speedster do not include the needed metal frame and the glass itself does not have the internal radio antenna. It is my personal feelings that if the components could be assembled at a reasonable cost there would be many more Speedster conversions done but there is a very limited supply of these key parts and for most of us the conversion to do properly is cost prohibitive just like owning a real Speedster is. Jim
#12
Burning Brakes
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Ok this is close to the topic.
on this ebay replica
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...1%7C240%3A1318
how did they get the clam shell to work with a regular Cab Top ?
I thought you either had to take the top off or use a speedster top ?
on this ebay replica
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...1%7C240%3A1318
how did they get the clam shell to work with a regular Cab Top ?
I thought you either had to take the top off or use a speedster top ?
#14
Three Wheelin'
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Thanks, Jim!
So, this metal frame must be pretty robust to sustain such pressure of the car if it's upside down. Guess a conversion should be done "the right sway" what ever that is-in order to have a safe car.
So, this metal frame must be pretty robust to sustain such pressure of the car if it's upside down. Guess a conversion should be done "the right sway" what ever that is-in order to have a safe car.
#15
Instructor
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Hi Guys,
seriously boys-how safe do you consider your "real" convertible to be?
If you are worried about that, you would have to install a full on roll cage or at least the rear rollbar to have any sort of real world protection from a roll over with a speed south of 15 mls/h.
And coming to think of it, are you suicidal because you drive a pre-air bag model without your Simpson RX and the Hans device?
And Jerry Seinfeld got live insurance even though he dares to drive a 550 Spyder with a teeny weeny lexan shield. He doesn't looked worried going 200 km/h in it ?
Horses for courses, me think. All you worried people might be better off in a Benz S-Class Tank with 35 air bags!!!
Just my 2 cents, regards
Martin
seriously boys-how safe do you consider your "real" convertible to be?
If you are worried about that, you would have to install a full on roll cage or at least the rear rollbar to have any sort of real world protection from a roll over with a speed south of 15 mls/h.
And coming to think of it, are you suicidal because you drive a pre-air bag model without your Simpson RX and the Hans device?
And Jerry Seinfeld got live insurance even though he dares to drive a 550 Spyder with a teeny weeny lexan shield. He doesn't looked worried going 200 km/h in it ?
Horses for courses, me think. All you worried people might be better off in a Benz S-Class Tank with 35 air bags!!!
Just my 2 cents, regards
Martin