Hello new member

[Jeff550]

Hello everybody,
I am Jeffrey and for years I am into the Aircooled VW scene. Now that it is not allowed anymore to shorten an VW chassis to build a Speedster, 356 etc. and also the use of a tube frame is a hard way to get a registration in Holland, the Netherlands I am focused now to build the Tribute 550 Gullwing on a Porsche Boxster 986 as a donor. I saw the Vintech in 2012, but as it is a demonstrator, it will not go into production and would like to own one.
So no VW chassis and engine, but modern technology and classic styling.
The first step was to adjust the model into the wheelbase and length, width to fit the Porsche 986 and also some detail changes as the sidewings and taillights from the original 550 spyder, I want a classic look ! I consider to have a rear window like the metal vents , same shape and place and a trunk- lid etc.
When I have the final 3D format, I will make a foam-templex real plug through CNC first ,to make the moulds. grp or carbon panels.
Hope to find some information here too.

[hot66]

Welcome to Ddk. Sounds an interesting project

[Bootsy]

Welcome to ddk

[sladey]

That would be this little puppy then



Let's have a full thread with plenty of pics

Oh and welcome to the forum

[Ian 2.2S]

Welcome to the forum. That could be fantastic.

[Jeff550]

Consider a full treath, but still in the beginning of the process, as I am developing the inner metal subframe, which part will be intregrated into the GRP/Carbon midpart, for the smaller frontwindow, hinges for the gullwings , dash etc..so very strong and solid.
Because off good reliabel connections with craftmanship and modern tools , to produce a very good product, I will properbly take it in production..
The model has the same wheelbase as the 986 Porsche with some stretching and changes and fits perfectly , as it is some what wider 2,4 Inch, which is good ! and length is about 7 inch smaller frontside , but if you dismantel de bumper and black bumper block in the front..it will fit.
Now... the modelchanges, as I donot want an exact copy and I want more classic style, so the sidewings and tail lights from the spyder and some more.
Same wheelbase :



Compare the prices of the donorcar it want be that difference, as a good classic VW Beetle will cost me about 2 K Euro and still lot to done, like brakes, floorpan etc and also the engine is mostly a 1200-1300 and minimum you want a 1600 with double Weber carbs is also 5-6 K and for that money I buy a 986 here in Holland so in between 7-9 K.....and can sell all the parts not needed !
So a modern drivable classic car.

[RichardBTek]

Welcome too the forum Jeff!

Very interesting indeed! Please keep us updated with your progress.

[Jeff550]

Last post here......I consider to make the trunck-lid with hinges like this shape, but a bit longer and wider to get excess to the 986 trunck.
Also I like the old fashion way of air intake on the side, which will be at the same place as the 986 intake and......maybe a rearglass window.. same shape with the metal frame....or...or....

[neilbardsley]

Interesting project. Welcome to DDK

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

[Jeff550]

Using a Porsche Boxster as a base for the 550 Gullwing with the modern technic, also needs to find classic parts which can be used like electronic gauges, a suitable hub for the steering etc and also the classic wheels with the right PCD, offset, width etc, but...also this has been overcome and can be custom made !

[Mark A]

Welcome !

[roy mawbey]

Looks a super project. Will follow with interest.

Roy

[Jeff550]

After looking at all the 550 models and ofcourse the coupé version, I was impressed by the original 1956 A-0104, and
the tribute that has been made. To give the gullwing model a more classic design the rear part has been customized,
but I donot like the flat rear end and will not fit the 986 porsche donor...so will adjust this....higher mid part, round upper fenders and lights positioned like the spyder. Front will be changed into bigger air intakes for the 986 coolers and the round indicaters

[neilbardsley]

Just found an image of the car you are talking about. Lovely car but I hate to see these car being pulled around at a show!

[Jeff550]

Picture is not visible for me, but if it is the Vintech, it's the one off , the french designers made just to show,what they are capabel of, so not available and properbly very expensive ! .There are more gullwing coupé's made, but I intend to custumize it ,to a more classic model and built it on a Porsche 986 base, so GRP panels and body, metal subframe and fit to wheelbase and also the mid-engine. So a modern Porsche into a classic...love it. Customers can order on a turnkey base and in-and exterior on their request.