VWRX 1303 cab

[ricola]

Hi All! Some of you may know me from my website: http://www.ricola.co.uk I did get distracted with another car but now am back on my bug Sorry for the English, it has been a long time since I was in France so my writing isn't so good, I can understand you all though!

Just a quick summary of my project so far and my current plans!
Before it came off the road:

I had fitted 996 brakes on all corners and also kerscher front struts with the cup 2 wheels

I then found some serious rust so it is now off the road for a BIG overhaul!

Inside the heater channels, same both sides!


I am also going to use a short nose G50 transmission

It has only done about 30k km and I also have an LSD to go in it.

Engine will be a WRX RA with VOS chip so about 300bhp, I had it in the car temporarily on the AT transmission:


I was originally thinking about modifying the dash for the subaru instruments, but now I am considering using the complete subaru dashboard complete with heating and air conditioning, also moving the steering column so it is less off-centre



I also have some 996 sports seats:


For now I am concentrating on fixing the rust, but after that I will work on the chassis. I would need to do some serious modifications to fit a G50 so I am considering building a new chassis with 996 suspension on front and rear! Alternatively either 996 rear suspension on bug chassis or finally work with what I have and make new framehorns and strengthen all the rear end up as I would have to cut the middle from the torsion bar housing.

Let me know what you think!

Rich

[coxy-ben]

hi ricola !!

more pics of your body repairs ?


Benoît.

[germanbuilder]

Hi Ricola,

happy see you here ! i'm 1303RSII on vwkd

you can make presentation of speedster too, i thing everybody will be interested

[ricola]

I haven't properly started the repairs yet, I will post pics when I do, just waiting for my new MIG welder at the moment..

I sold the speedster years ago! Lots of pictures are on my website...

Rich

[Benoit]

Richard is registered !!!! (private joke)

Very nice cab

[ricola]

Richard is registered !!!! (private joke)

Very nice cab

it took a few tries on German Spirit too!

[ricola]

Making some progress and uncovering MORE hidden rust!


Rear strengthening panels removed:


I need to make a frame to go in the door gap using the hinge bolt positions, then I will cut out the old heater channel and strengthener and start putting new metal in.

There are a LOT of spot welds on this car!

[Benoit]

yeah, kill this f****** hidden rust :twisted:

[prototix]

news???

[alex1303]

what a project....it was already a cool car ... it will be amazing once finished....
go on....

[ricola]

OK, I am well overdue an update, I've been very busy over the last few weeks/months off and on!

I made up a removable frame to add extra body support while the heater channels were cut out


New channels and strengtheners after being stripped and repainted


New A post bottoms on both sides


New crossmembers


New bulkhead


Inner wing strengthening was also rusty...



New inner wing


That is as far as I have got so far, will hopefully get most of the bodywork finished this weekend
For ALL the pictures have a look here: http://www.ricola.co.uk/cabrio_rust.htm

I can't wait to finish the bodywork and get on to the fun modifications!

Cheers,
Rich

[ricola]

More done today, both spring reinforcing sections replaced...



Just the footwell reinforcement panels to replace and then I will have a solid body!

[ricola]

The bulk of the body repair is now done



Now for squeezing in the G50...







I have positioned it 25mm higher and about 70mm forwards compared to the standard bug trans to get the subaru engine under the bodywork.

Rich

[Superflo]

Good job on the body

How will you reinforce the rear beam?

[ricola]

I had a few different ideas, now the gearbox is in place I can see better what space is available. I will probbaly make a steel U-shaped link underneath the framehorns. I will also make a link going between the damper mounts over the gearbox (either the stock mounts or remade similar to a bus) I am also considering remaking the framehorns as a lot was cut out of the one on the right hand side...