Front Clip replacement considerations
02-16-2019, 05:48 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Front Clip replacement considerations
For those who would know better than I and don't mind weighing in...
What is involved in replacing a front clip on a 996 cup car?
Assuming a completely professional repair method, should the repair be visible or does it use factory "separation" points that when re-welded and painted become "invisible"?
Again, assuming a completely professional repair, is the final product as solid as an originally tubbed car?
Lastly, thoughts on value compared with a car that has an original (but perhaps tired) tub and thoughts on value compared with a cup car that has been completely retubbed? I think this is a more complicated question with race cars than street cars as I'm hearing that with the loads that modern tires put on these cars the tubs do in fact become fatigued and less stiff (cracked?) over time so perhaps a retub is a bonus in the race car category? Taking that thought a bit further I think the nose of the car may be the most subject to wearing out (total guess on my part) so could a factory new clip actually be a bonus on an older cup car like the 996?
Appreciate any thoughts and input.
What is involved in replacing a front clip on a 996 cup car?
Assuming a completely professional repair method, should the repair be visible or does it use factory "separation" points that when re-welded and painted become "invisible"?
Again, assuming a completely professional repair, is the final product as solid as an originally tubbed car?
Lastly, thoughts on value compared with a car that has an original (but perhaps tired) tub and thoughts on value compared with a cup car that has been completely retubbed? I think this is a more complicated question with race cars than street cars as I'm hearing that with the loads that modern tires put on these cars the tubs do in fact become fatigued and less stiff (cracked?) over time so perhaps a retub is a bonus in the race car category? Taking that thought a bit further I think the nose of the car may be the most subject to wearing out (total guess on my part) so could a factory new clip actually be a bonus on an older cup car like the 996?
Appreciate any thoughts and input.
02-17-2019, 03:32 AM
#2
Intermediate
I have seen many cars that have had front clip replacements. Some have been done better than other. When the job has been done correctly there should no issue at all.
If someone has done the right type of work it will be hard to spot. The things that stand out are bent bracket, and often the front jack mount will not look correct. The paint can sometimes look incorrect.
A cup car with a new front clip looks much better than an original with a beaten up floor and minor repairs.
I have never seen any repairs of this type fail.
The thing to remember is that the were all race cars and have all had damage and therefore have all had repairs.
996 cup cars are increasing in value. If you like what you see and are going to use in on the track, buy it and enjoy it.
If someone has done the right type of work it will be hard to spot. The things that stand out are bent bracket, and often the front jack mount will not look correct. The paint can sometimes look incorrect.
A cup car with a new front clip looks much better than an original with a beaten up floor and minor repairs.
I have never seen any repairs of this type fail.
The thing to remember is that the were all race cars and have all had damage and therefore have all had repairs.
996 cup cars are increasing in value. If you like what you see and are going to use in on the track, buy it and enjoy it.
02-17-2019, 11:37 AM
#3
Racer
I crashed my 993 Cup RSR at Spa in 2016 and had it professionally repaired using a front clip. The work was done by a guy in UK that only does race cars and to my mind the car is perfect. The geo is better than before and my lap times have come down over he past three seasons and fifteen races.
02-17-2019, 06:11 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
Nothing really hangs on front clip so its easy for a good shop . I have seen a ton of the clipped no issues. Re-tub is nice because everything is fresher almost like a new birth date. For a collector this maybe an issue but for racers its not really.
