My IM-6 build specs

Now polished and ready to start assembly. The elves in Canada have been busy. Check out the huge trunk even with a 15 gal tank.

First look at the leather color.......can you tell I'm a little excited?

Dave - Your car is looking great. I'm curious about the reason for the hole under the license plate.

Felix,

The hole will be hidden and not visible with the license plate in place. It allows extra air for the 3.0 6 cylinder for cooling. There will also be twin oil coolers up front as well.

Dave, thanks for posting these updates! I am just sorry we won't get to see this in person at Morro Bay this weekend!

Goot for fraish air AND timing AND belt rplcmt

Would that license plate hole give you access if the lid cable was to break? Saw a post on that issue once.

Doesn't look like beehives are going to be on this puppy...

Michael,

No beehives for me. This is a 59 GT Speedster replica. Beehives were long dead by then. I have also sourced a set of the ultra rare SWF 12627 wedge style turn signals for the front as well. These ones use the twist in lenses unlike the earlier two piece wedge units. They are out being re-plated and I hope to have them back before the car is done.

Fun stuff!

Will,

Next year.....there is always next year......or at Henry's BBQ this year in July.

A few more pictures. The dash leather and trim is done. I love the color!

Hey Mitchell, At least your in the same time zone> You get to sleep at night after Henry posts the photos. I had to stay up half the night hoping for a crum, sleep was non existent. Looks beautiful!

Howard,

When I check e-mail and Henry sends an update I'm up till at least 1 to 2AM before I can get my mind to calm down. The alarm and my cell still turn themselves on at 6AM.

Sleep is overrated..........in two weeks I'll be on my way up to visit the car and take Henry some of the final parts I'm supplying.

This is the most exciting thing I have anticipated since the birth of my first child.......;-)

Dave, I'm reliving my build through your eyes. Your right, being able to build a custom car to your specs is intoxicating. Half of the fun is reseaching, getting a mix of parts, vintage and repro, that will give you look you want. This body style is like a blank canvas. I have to admit, as Ive said in this forum, that the Porsche 6 in this car is the ultimate expression of generational power. Ferdinand Porsche would have built a 2.7-3.8 liter if he could have. Hell, if I had been more aware, I would have sourced a 993 motor, instead of the 3.2. Henry said it would work. Maybe......... Good luck and keep those pics coming... now Ive got to get some sleep.

It's coming along nicely. Nice combination of colors, too.

is bugorama a possibilty?

Bob,

It may be a bit far fetched but the elves in Vancouver are trying. I want it tomorrow but I also have strict orders to Henry that there is NO time deadline and do not rush anything. Even if it means picking it up at the BBQ in July........when it's done, it's done and I will be on the next flight out if at all possible.

A few more photos of the build. The headlights are NOS Hella units I bought years ago I was going to use on the 356 Restoration. The Wedge base turn signal units are NOT reproductions but original SWF K2665's with original lenses. The shine up is a high quality reproduction with the correct stamped numbers. The tail lights are the SWF reproductions using CU Layer LED lights. A bit pricey but I want my ass to be seen. http://www.culayer.com/356-12.htm

I get to see my new baby in person next Wednesday. I'm like a ten year old waiting for Christmas to come.......:-)

My Phoenix project may be finished around the same time. Hopefully, I'll be able to attend the BBQ this year.
Ron

dave. if i dont sell speedy#1 by bugorama and if u dont have a ride there u could come to hangtown and drive it down...but i will be in the newer one....or u can ride with me in new one..

Bob,

Check your e-mail........

Ron,

I sure hope you can make the BBQ even if the car is not done. I'll buy you a beer! BTW Henry told me it might be a few weeks before he can test fit my wheels to your car. Something about the suspension being all wrapped for protection. Sounds like paint time to me!

Cool!

Yes, I emailed Henry earlier this week. Exciting times!
Ron

OK so I went up north for a visit and test out the seat position and go over build items. The car is all I could ask for and more. Here are a couple of pictures. Now you see it now you don't.

I was looking at the wedge lights for my build as well, but couldn't justify the price and trouble of procuring them. They look nice though, and more correct.


Your car looks nothing short of amazing - and what strikes me the most is the paint job, it looks just so flawless and rich and smooth and shinny... :D

The hood shock is attached to the metal arm. Very smart.
None of the rest of us figured that out ...
Dang smaht, those Canucks.

Dave, that color is fantastic. It's not white, it's not a traditional grey; it's perfect. Can I steal the idea in about 10 years, whenever I finally get around to paint?

I plan on dropping the engine off at Henry's in a week or two. That will give me a chance to have a close look at your beautiful IM. My IM will be painted in the near future. I hope it turns out as nice as yours.

Keep those pics coming. Things are moving along well for you. Beautiful color combo. It will be all you could ask for. I have to tell you, Dave, with all of the cars Ive had in my life, aside from motorcycles, there is NOTHING more fun to drive. Its a rebodied 911, with a difference of 6-700lbs and more motor, brakes, everything. You just can't get bored with it. Everytime I think about scatching my itch and going on to another project, I drive "La Bomba" and don't "need" anthing else. Its amazing!!!!!

Indeed - more of everything that makes it better and less of the stuff that doesn't....

Absolutely beautiful David! When you go to pick it up, if you need a "spend the night" point - our casa es su casa. We'll move the blazer out of the garage for the IM.

angela

Cory's comment re: the hood "shock". I stopped at a local 76 station on my bike ride to BS w/ the mechanic and he was working on a Ford Explorer (guesstimate 5 years old). Hood hinges/gas shocks all one piece and very compact. Sure looked interesting with regard to your observation; check 'em out.

I'll miss Angela and Steve in Carlisle this year. Matthew still looks at Steve's "BACK" and just loves the Tat. He wants one in color, of course. Hope all is well in Medford!

Pedro,

The wedges on the car are already sold for big bucks because they are correct 356 SWF K2665 units with original SWF lenses. I have another set inbound from the plater that are for sale with the reproduction lenses. I have the correct one piece 1959 SWF K12667's wedge bases that use twist on lenses like the 356 1960 T-5's out being plated right now. I have options.......maybe the SWF K12667's end up being sold because I do like what is already on the car.

Cory,

It's just 1959 Porsche Fashion Gray..........Glasurit code R531CS base clear urethane. The hood hinge arms are Intermeccanica aluminum castings. The shock is mounted in such a perfect over center position that you have to lift the hood just a bit before it takes over the lift and holds it open. Simplistic perfection!

Ron,

I do hope your car will be done for the BBQ. I would like to have a beer and chat.

Howard,

Your are correct sir. Nothing more than a re-bodied 911 with the weight balance slightly forward of stock. It has got to be a good thing!

Angela,

Thanks for the offer. If things work out the way I hope the south run home will be interrupted by Emory's Campout. Not a bad thing ;-)

Dave, even if my car isn't ready I'll come in for the BBQ. I'd like to meet you and shoot the breeze over a beer or two.
If I really need top go topless I still have my street/track Miata, but it's just not the same.

Ron,
If you are going to "shoot the breeze" with Dave, prepare for more of a strong wind! And it usually takes more than a "few" beers!

I've never put this in a post but "ask me how I know"

Dave is always a great conversation and very little is bull shit.

Love ya Dave ;-)

Dale,

The price of the wheels just went up.......interest.......;-)

BEER! Somebody mention BEER!

Henry and the elves in Vancouver are homing in on the finish! To say I'm getting a little excited would be an understatement. Christmas in June!

Dave - That car of yours is looking more fantastic every time you post new pictures. Keep them coming. There may not be a more delicious car overall than a big-frame IM with a Porsche flat 6 in the tail. All the right curves, perfect steering and suspension dynamics, a body that feels as if it was carved from a single billet, and oh what a sound!

Dave, that car is going to sound soooooooooo good! I am glad to see it coming together for you. Can't wait to see it in person.

Dave, I'll have a good look at your car when I drop my engine off at Henry's tomorrow.

YES!!!!!! Looks like a winner. Beautiful, good idea with the dual oil coolers. Can't have enough capacity. Moving smartly now. Can't wait to hear about the 1st ride!

I got a good look a Dave's car today-I'd kill for that engine!
Dave, your car is a real beauty!
I tried one of your rear wheels/tires on the back of mine-that combo will fit if Henry shaves the inside fender slightly and I reverse one of the spring plate bolts. Thanks for the use of your wheel/tire.

Dave, what kind of wheel and tire are you going to run?

Glad you like the car Ron. Good to know about the wheels. How did they look on your car? If you have any pictures don't share here. You have my home e-mail. I wonder how close of a fit they will be on my car?

Marty,

They are custom made for my car and Ron is thinking of using the same company to make a set for him. They are three piece and can be made in any diameter and offset you need. We were checking offsets.

I want so badly to fly up next weekend but I have prior obligations.