difference in flared bodies; SAW questions

Hi everyone, long time speedster lover, first time poster!

I was just wondering if the molds that are used for the flared fender bodies for 356 speedsters are all set off some original specs, or if each individual company (SAW and VS, specifically) creates thier own unique mold?
Visually, it looks as if the Vintage's body is more blended, a-la "widebody" more than "fender flares", where as the Specialty Autoworks' body *looks* to have a more aggresive line, and much mroe "fender-flare" than "widebody" style (more towards the CMC cars). Also, it almost looks as if the nose between the VS and SAW cars are different, with the VS nose sitting higher...? Granted, I haven't seen a SAW in personal at all, so all of this is coming from the pictures posted on the internet.
I am drawn much more towards the SAW cars-Are there any owners out there that can ring in on this? Also, what is the exhaust tone like for their Subaru engines? Thanks again guys, and here are some of the image links I mentioned
http://www.vintagespeedsters.com/photos/photos.php?p=20
http://www.specialtyauto.com/bills_356a_flared_cabriolet.htm

Hello Preston. Welcome to the Speedsterowners site. The wide-bodied Speedsters, sometimes called the "Speedster C," have a custom look that appeals to some. The particular SAW Cabriolet you provided the link for is owned by a gentleman in New England and features hefty tires mounted on 17" rims; this may account for the stance that you noted. This fitment could not be achieved using the conventional body style. The car was created using a modified Speedter body from south of the border, a source that is no longer used. All molds for all models are owned locally and actual body parts are created in Tennessee.

I'm not certain how the styles you refer to evolved, but I'm certain that each look has its own devotees. Personally, I prefer the conventional look. That's the nice thing about taste; there is no dispute about what you like. If it appeals to you, that's what matters.

As far as the exhaust tone, it varies from car to car. Mine is pretty loud compared to the silver car. In Mass., the noise pollution law is pretty restictive, so that car is as quiet as a new Outback. Steve O'Brien's car seems to be a happy medium with a nice chortle eminating from his dual pipes.

If you would like to discuss the cars, you are welcome to e-mail me for a more in depth discussion.

Hoss

thanks, and i will be sending you an email

i wasn't real clear with my question, after rereading my post. I was really wondering if all the "c"/wide-body bodies that manufacturers use today are all from the same specs and diminsions and just molded and punched out by individual shops, or if the molds are unique between the different manufacturers. the reason i ask is because it looks like there is a difference in the widebody bodies from vintage and SAW, as it appears that the widebodies from vintage are smoother and less agressive while it appears that the widebodies from SAW are more agression in the lines around the fender. thanks again

Vintage and JPS offer a widbody whose flairs are more integrated than the others. I believe that they use the same body supplier. Vintage also offers an ultra-widebody that's pretty extreme. The Streetbeasts/CMC wide body is similar to the shape used by SAW, with smaller flares than the VS/JPS, but they appear to differ in detail, particularly at the front. I don't believe that anyone else offers such a style.

thanks lane-i was almost about to burn my eyes out trying to see differences in grainy pictures!
and i guess, since SAW is tube and vintage is JPS, the bodies cant be interchanged, right?

I would imagine that the inner structure is very different. I like the JPS/Vintage flared body best of the widebodies, but that's just my opinion. If you agree, be aware that John at JPS offers a tube frame (really a pan replacement) for an additional $1200.

The "flared" look is believed by many car historians to have originated back when the original cars were being used to race. As many racers wanted better wider tires, the only way to get them to fit in the wheel well was to take a pry bar or lever of some kind and use the tire to pry the edge of the fender out....it developed over the years as being related to a racey look and then was actually manufactured to look like that on some cars. This was done on cars other then the 356.

There is nothing "original" about any flared 356 car in this sense, so it really only matters what you like for looks.

NO, a body for SAW is not going to be interchangeable with VS or JPS or any aircooled car. While the outside may have the same basic dimensions SAW makes their own bodies to better accomadate their frames and powerplants.

Preston

Can you explain the follwoing :
"since SAW is tube and vintage is JPS,..."
I understand that SAW uses a cxhassis made of tubes but what is the relation between Vintage and JPS?

Not sure what he would mean by that. Vintage and JPS are different manufacturers although I've heard that they may get their bodies from the same source. Both are based on shortened VW pans with a reinforcing subframe. JPS also has the option of a square-tube frame to replace the pan.

Hey Lane, Vintage also offers an ultra-widebody? never heard about it.

Somebody have a picture of this ultra-widebody? I would like to see this.

Yeah, I've seen a couple. I'ts pretty badass looking, but I prefer the normal widebody style that they and JPS use. All a matter of taste.

There you go....VS Wide Body, I have sold it to Paul C. in NY State

that's the regular widebody, I,m talking of the !ultra-widebody!
Acording to Lane there is two styles: widebody and an ultra-widebody)

NOPE ALANS IS THE ULTRA WIDEBODY AS MINE IS THE NORMAL WIDEBODY FROM VINTAGE AND JPS

Oh yeah baby, now I see the diference.

JPS also make the ultra widebody?: or is only made by VINTAGE?

dont know ill ask john on saturday

Gerd, who make your Speedy?

MICHANGELOS LONG LOST GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GRANDSON
JOHN FROM JPS :)
IN OTHER WORDS JOHN IS AN ARTIST

LOL.

Gerd, please ask John the widebody question and let me know.

I will need your help. I going to E-mail you later today or tomorrow.

Thanks.

GV.

OK
JOHN IS ONLY 20 MILES FROM MY HOUSE SO LET ME KNOW WHAT U NEED