The Early 911 Sombrero

[prs356]

Thanks to Brett Johnson I learned something new about the early 911’s sombrero. It had a part number and was available from Porsche at one point. Below is a screen shot of the part and illustration in the part’s catalog. In the illustration it is shown as # 70.

I have been trying to replicate the sombrero. I have been relying on photos of original sombreros in their present, well-worn state. Most are in poor condition, which is to be expected given their age. I am wondering what did the sombrero look like when it was new. I imagine it was a hat-shaped cover that was pressed into place. I can't imagine it was a tar-like substance that was brushed/slopped on top of the gas tank. I have attached photos of two of my attempts to replicate the sombrero. I used the same material for both; I wasn't shooting for perfection. The first photo shows a black covering without any texture. The second photo shows the same black covering with added texture. I personally like the covering without texture, but that is because I like things neat and tidy. If I were to go either route with this material I would make the covers much thicker, neater, and consistent. I welcome any thoughts, ideas and comments.

[moito]

plenty of sombrero fotos here

https://www.early911sregistry.org/fo...light=sombrero

[John Straub]

I like the top one too. I remember it was kinda thick tar like.

John

[haul]

just to remember
the sombrero is attached on the gas tank in „built-in“ condition.
It overlaps the front crossmember.

I will have some detailed „cleaned“ material shots later post in the other thread,
which Moito mentions.

br
haul

[John Straub]

Haul, that's what I remember too. It made a complete circle.

John

[prs356]

I have been asked if I have made any progress in my effort to recreate the sombrero found on the gas tanks of the early 911s. I came up with two possible "solutions." The first involved applying thick coats of Plasti Dip. The second solution I came up with does the trick by achieving the look (black with a slight texture) and function (keeping the spare tire in place) of a sombrero when the spare tire is in place, keeping in mind that when the spare tire is installed all you see of the sombrero is what peeks through the spare tire, which is not very much. That solution involves the use of a round furniture protector that I found on Amazon that I molded in place using the weight of the spare tire. Here is a link to that item on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Non-Slip-Recl...zcF9tdGY&psc=1

[bob joyce]

Interesting
i do not need one for my car so I will not be making one
But pre356 has inspired the thought
Make a fiberglass mold of the tank and the full sombrero radius.
Then using 3- or 4-mm roofing felt (I actually found some of that for my 1968 interior)
Heat the felt (maybe some type of oven)
Then lay the felt into the mold and continue shaping/heating until size/shape achieved.
Then after trimmed and cooled place the "sombrero" on the tank and with a torch heat it until it adheres to the tank.
the roofing felts that are available have patterns that may simulate the original.

[prs356]

Hi Bob, if anyone can figure out how to recreate the look of the sombrero it is you. When you are done with the restoration of your car I can furnish you with a gas tank and you can give it a try.

Peter

[bob joyce]

Franz AKA moito is the man....
He has produced one
I do not know what procedures he used but it was a very good product.

[62S-R-S]

Time consuming : make a 'pattern' in a seamstress manner, that could be fitted 90% with several 'cuts' to areas that are high, overlap. If achieved, 3M adhesive to then drop and press fit pattern in place by hand, for half done.

Choice of a suitable black vinyl spray, 3 - 4 coats, and should start to resemble oem. Trial runs done on a lesser tank to work out flaws, as prototype.