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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

hi ricola !!

more pics of your body repairs ?


Benoît.

Hi Ricola,

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

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

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

Richard is registered !!!! (private joke)

Very nice cab

Benoit a écrit :Richard is registered !!!! (private joke)

Very nice cab

it took a few tries on German Spirit too!

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!

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

news???

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

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

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



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

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

Good job on the body

How will you reinforce the rear beam?

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...