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Re: new project
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 10:23 am
by chris white
cp99 wrote: Fri Feb 07, 2025 10:19 am
Wait, you did the Aime Leon Dore 951? I saw that car at the store in SoHo NYC.
No (there is nothing for drivetrain upgrades in that car - sits to high IMHO.
we are talking ot the shop that did the interior work. They did a nice job,
Re: new project
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 11:25 am
by NCGermerican
One thing to consider as a modification - Replace the factory front turn signals with a daytime running light (that spans the entire space) that flashes amber turn signal/hazards are applied, then turns back to a white driving light when the turn signal turns/hazards turn off. All while looking like a factory style, but clear lens. That's been an idea I've been playing around with, but figuring out the wiring would be challenge for my skill set with all the issues trying to run LED's for turn signals in these cars.
Key on: white DRL on; turns to amber w/ turn signal on
Key on, parking lights on: white DRL; turns to amber flash with turn signal or hazards
Key on, headlights on: DRL off; turns to amber flash with turn signal or hazards
Re: new project
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 6:27 pm
by SirLapsalot
Cool project!
Regarding the audio, have you looked into the Blaupunkt retro options? They have a handful that are meant to look like ~70's - 90's OE radios but with Bluetooth connectivity, speaker input for wireless calling, RCA outputs for sub, etc.
https://blaupunkt.com/product/frankfurt-rcm-82-dab/
https://blaupunkt.com/product/hamburg-sqm-23-dab/
https://blaupunkt.com/product/bremen-sqr-46-dab/
I installed the Frankfurt in my e36 and love it. Having the modern iphone streaming/connectivity in a period correct looking piece is pretty cool! Of course you don't get the GPS visual or touch screen features you'd get with a double din, but I personally think those look tacky in a 944. Some love the double din, but wanted to PR the Blaupunkt incase you hadn't seen that option yet. There's also a Conti retro option that is popular in the retro 911 world, but personally I think the Blaupunkt pieces look more proper...
The picture below is immediately after installing, so I hadn't changed the text/backlight color yet. I've since set it to a pretty darn close match to the red in the rest of the digital displays in the center console. I think some of the yellow/oranges are a pretty close match to OE backlight colors in the 944.
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Re: new project
Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 7:24 pm
by chris white
This is an interesting area, while I like the retro look I also want streaming music and good gps, so probably going with a double din flat screen. Sorry to say I am not going to revive my cassette collection!!!
Re: new project
Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 4:58 am
by SirLapsalot
For the 4-1 header, custom or will you go with a current 944 supplier?
Re: new project
Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 3:36 pm
by 944m3
Bigger all aluminum radiator with integrated oil cooler like the Wizard one.
Re: new project
Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 6:11 pm
by Jotronic
I had the same idea two years ago when I bought my 951. Was sad to see no one was doing this but at the same time, the market is much different compared to the air cooled market and 964s specifically. Not that there is NO market, but it will definitely be smaller yet hopefully it would maybe spark something for a larger eventual opportunity. It's exciting to know you're starting this.
So, I decided to go for my own but without maybe quite the fit and finish. I'm well on my way with brakes and suspension and after the motor work is done next week I'll start on the interior and paint & body. I'll suggest for the bumper, the same one I have from my friend Martin in Denmark. He's an incredible fabricator with a unique mind and aesthetic. This bumper is at my shop and is going on this spring. I utilizes the OEM tails but requires a rewiring so that you have one more brake lamp, and the reverse lights are moved to two LED strips embedded in the lower section. For NA regulations I had him add similar LED strips to the sides to mimic our marker lights. It is what I feel the rear of our cars should have looked like from the factory to get rid of the design from the 70's.
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Re: new project
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:02 am
by barnwerks
Some of the styling ideas of this bumper are attractive. The concept of stick-on body parts however is a no-go for me. It's like a comb-over for your 944. If I remember correctly, there was no accommodation for impact protection with this design either.
Re: new project
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:50 am
by cp99
Jotronic wrote: Sun Feb 09, 2025 6:11 pm
I had the same idea two years ago when I bought my 951. Was sad to see no one was doing this but at the same time, the market is much different compared to the air cooled market and 964s specifically. Not that there is NO market, but it will definitely be smaller yet hopefully it would maybe spark something for a larger eventual opportunity. It's exciting to know you're starting this.
So, I decided to go for my own but without maybe quite the fit and finish. I'm well on my way with brakes and suspension and after the motor work is done next week I'll start on the interior and paint & body. I'll suggest for the bumper, the same one I have from my friend Martin in Denmark. He's an incredible fabricator with a unique mind and aesthetic. This bumper is at my shop and is going on this spring. I utilizes the OEM tails but requires a rewiring so that you have one more brake lamp, and the reverse lights are moved to two LED strips embedded in the lower section. For NA regulations I had him add similar LED strips to the sides to mimic our marker lights. It is what I feel the rear of our cars should have looked like from the factory to get rid of the design from the 70's.
IMG_0625.JPG
IMG_0634.JPG
IMG_0633.JPG
That looks nice! How is that bumper attached?
Re: new project
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:04 am
by chris white
We are in discussions with the fellow that makes the bumper shown a couple of posts earlier. Out of all the concepts I have seen this (IMHO) is the best take on a more modern 944 look with out going too far. The original designer made it as a bolt on to minimize changes to the existing body and paint. Initially I really didn’t like the seam at the rear quarter and then I realized it was reminiscent of the 968 bumper. But since we are doing full resprays we can permanently mount it and make it seamless. The other issue is the clever way he did the taillights. The new bumper cover goes over the stock lower half of the lights. Looks good at a distance but not the way I would like close up. So we are going to get them made with a return to the stock rear metal work at that area. Custom modern LED tail lights to be designed and fabricated. Still thinking about the center panel. With modern 3D printers the sky is the limit.
I favor keeping some of the original design language for the tail lights, 3 segment display.
Any thoughts on the center panel?