New guy needs fender flare help, 1968 911L

[NorCal Ollie]

Hi guys,

After years of lurking your forum, I've finally purchased my first 911. It's a 1968 911L (yes, the one from eBay). The car is on it's way to CA from MI. I'm trying to have the car ready to go to some events at Monterey car week but if I'm going to make my timeline I need to order bumpers right away. I'm not a fan of the Iroc bumpers.

Here is where I need the help. Nobody can definitely tell me what flares are on the car and therefore I can't figure out what bumpers to order. If I have to wait till the car gets here, it wont be ready in time for Monterey. Not the end of the world but if the answer is obvious to anyone the help would be appreciated. The previous owner is really nice but he didn't know much about the car or Porsches in general.

I know the rear flares are fiberglass and it has 15x8 Fuchs all around. I've already ordered the new suspension components and I have 7" Fuchs for the front, amongst other stuff.

Can anyone tell me what fenders/flares are on the car and what my bumper options are?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to repaying the favor.

[craighardy]

Since they are fiberglass it's hard to say exactly. They do look like ST flares to me though. I can tell you that they definitely are not RSR, RS or turbo. Another giveaway is the torsion bar opening. On an ST flare the opening doesn't have a "step" for recessing the cover. Either way, it probably doesn't matter. There is no rear bumper that will just bolt up since this is a SWB, assuming the wheelbase has not been changed.

[Norm01]

If this is a 68 it's a SWB and those are LWB flares. Something seems odd, when you get it check to see if the torsion tube holes in the flares align with the torsion tube, I suspect it doesn't.

[bxd]

I see a lot of trim de-blacking, flare-removing, bumper-swapping, ride-height-lowering, seat-exchanging, interior massaging and wheel-width-lessening in your future

There are some great examples of well-sorted 68L cars, and everyone has their own preferential style, but IMHO Bob's is pretty darn close to perfection. Good car to use for inspiration.



Congrats on your new project, looks fun! Keep us involved in your journey.

[Flieger]

Anyone here also think that they look like ST/RSR front flares on both the front and rear?

[boba]

Whatever it is someone went to some effort. Either it was converted to LWB or extensive fitting was done with the rear flairs/bumper. LWB flairs on a SWB car will not lineup with the wheels, this one looks like it has been worked or converted to LWB. Rear bumpers do have a bit of a SWB look, but so hard to tell from the photo angles.
When you get it look it over closely and evaluate before picking a path forward.

[bob tilton]

Two wErds: Hart Ski.

Discuss.

[NorCal Ollie]

Whatever it is someone went to some effort. Either it was converted to LWB or extensive fitting was done with the rear flairs/bumper. LWB flairs on a SWB car will not lineup with the wheels, this one looks like it has been worked or converted to LWB. Rear bumpers do have a bit of a SWB look, but so hard to tell from the photo angles.
When you get it look it over closely and evaluate before picking a path forward.

Thanks to everyone for all the input. This would be a scary project without your help. I'd be surprised if it's been converted to LWB. LWB conversion is a nightmare. Why do it on a strictly cosmetic conversion? The only reason to invest that time or money would be to build a awesome 911, not to build a fiberglass flared looker. The car has zero performance changes. From what I can tell it was forward dated in the 80's and then rarely driven. I'm guessing the 4 matching wheels and tires are for ease of rotation? That tells me a lot about the previous owner/builder. And that don't sound like someone who'd take on a SWB to LWB conversion. Well, we will all know on Friday.

[bob tilton]

...but IMHO Bob's is pretty darn close to perfection. Good car to use for inspiration.

BTW thanks Jordan.

[mike curnow]

Save yourself a ton of money, aggravation, and time, leave the car alone. It looks OK as it is. You must have liked the look or you would not have bought it. If you get involved in the restoration shops to change it the car will be tied up for years. If you want a stock body sell this one and buy a stock one.