IMSA Body Work, Is it still availiable? Options

[Tomcelica2]

Hi Guys:

I wondered if anyone knows if you can still get Topper (not sure about spelling) body work that was popular in the early 1980's?

Like this pictured in the link below:

http://www.racingsportscars.com/photo/1984...4-04-29-036.jpg

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Rob

[Mugs914]

Hi Rob,

Glen is right, that bodywork was developed by Wayne Baker for his GTU car back in 1980 or so.

If you are interested in running that bodywork drop me a PM or give me a call at the shop (Number below). The original molds are still around and new parts can be made. The rear deck and whale tail were different on Wayne's car (his whale tail was actually fabbed from sheet aluminum), but the front clip and rear fenders are the same ones pictured.

Jeff, do you know if the molds for Topper's rear deck and/or whale tail are still around? I have one that I got from a swap meet or something years ago, but I sure would like for those to be available again.

Cheers!

Mike

[Jeff Hail]

Hi Rob,

Glen is right, that bodywork was developed by Wayne Baker for his GTU car back in 1980 or so.

If you are interested in running that bodywork drop me a PM or give me a call at the shop (Number below). The original molds are still around and new parts can be made. The rear deck and whale tail were different on Wayne's car (his whale tail was actually fabbed from sheet aluminum), but the front clip and rear fenders are the same ones pictured.

Jeff, do you know if the molds for Topper's rear deck and/or whale tail are still around? I have one that I got from a swap meet or something years ago, but I sure would like for those to be available again.

Cheers!

Mike

Mike,

Here is my pm to Rob.

Hi Rob,

The IMSA kits were pretty abundant when 914s were young. Many styles were available depending on which group they were running in. The wilder ones were when the formula specified a "silhouette" was required but width and wings were less regulated.

Anyway. I have the rocker moldings and rear bumper from Maurices race car. These are spares that are basically new and unmounted. I bought a bunch of parts from the estate just after he passed away.

Topper had a few 914's that ran different bodywork. The rockers I have are full length for when he ran the wider quarter panels for 11 inch rear wheels. The Chasse/ Kirby car used the narrower quarters which are similar to Sheridan narrow body panels. The long nose front bumper helped with aerodynamics since the 914 is as swoopy as a brick and would lift at high speed.

Not to many people making any glass panels for 914s anymore. If you can find the originals used in IMSA during the 70's and 80's you struck gold for period correct.

The decklid with whale tale was actually a factory steel deck with a tail grafted on in fiberglass. He had two versions he used. The spare deck was pretty beat up and I passed on it because it wasn't even worth the $150 they were asking. It was built for down force and not meant to be pretty. Up close it was pretty rough held together with rivets.