chrcook

I'm in the process of looking at various 996 Cups with various levels of documentation. Absent paperwork stating a re-tub, is there a way to tell from physical inspection of the car?

Toby Pennycuff

I believe that the VIN tag at the lower left corner of the windshield will be blank if the car has been retubbed.

MarkPcar

I've never understood re-tubs. Isn't this a replacement of the entire body, with the components added from the 'old' car? If so, why isn't it just considered a new car and a new VIN issued?

Like I said, I don't get it. What am I missing?

Matt Romanowski

Tubs were considered consumable on the 996 and 997 cups.

chrcook

So, if the windshield VIN is missing, but the body VIN is in place (below the windshield cowling, above the firewall, near the airjack input bracket), would that be an indication of a re-tub?

claykos

Yes, that's the case.

I am not sure why people get uppity about retubs. It is The RIGHT way to fix a damaged car. I'd much rather have a brand new fresh tub than I've with tons of body and chassis repairs...frame horns replaced, etc.

chrcook

Actualy, I view that as a good thing (i.e.: less tub hours) assuming the work was done well.

I assume the ECU would no longer be a good indication of tub hours as it may or may not have been reset at the time of re-tub? Paperwork and records would yield that answer?

smsarchitects

re-tub is a huge plus if the work is done well. as previously mentioned, MUCH better than a "straightened out" damaged tub.
also, many race teams would strengthen and re-weld the seams of a new tub to eliminate any deflection.

jrgordonsenior

Sned the VIN to P-Motorsports. They'll tell you if it's a re-tub....

Mark, Porsche will only sell a new cup tub to an existing owner and they must present the existing VIN plaque. I guess they don't want clones built out of already crashed tubs....

tcsracing1

re-tub is common practice.

busy teams generally have a few dead tubs in the back yard and new tubs in crates waiting for transformations.

im told that teams can take a wrecked cup and retub it 16 hours....

I would say that a 996 body in white tub is a rare find nowadays.... but retubed race cars retired to D.E are around....

GTgears

Yep, and even then they get built. My former employer bought a 996 tub out the back door of a major race shop that will not be named. He had it straightened and sold it to a guy in Florida who built a car out of it. There are more than a few of these vinless "Cups" running around out there.

tcsracing1

Ghost Cups....