Hi Folks,

I've been able to make some headway on handmade flares, and the how-to video...long ways to go yet, but with Zach's help it is going well. I've attached a picture. The wheels and tires are not the ones that will be on it. This is a mock-up. These are 16x7s with a 1" spacer, and 225 tires (too fat for 7s)...almost like having a 9" rim with a smaller tire. The 15x8s Zach plans to run will fit very nicely and give a better representation of the flares. This picture looks a little funny with such fat/tall tires. So far I've used a ballpeen hammer, a shot dolly, or shot bag, a modified vice grip clamp, and a hammer, and a few dollies. The two rear flares are roughed in, but will need more attention to get them perfect. Pretty easy to do...not as tedious as I thought it would be. I'm thinking this is a better way to go than welding flares (mine included) on. More pictures later. I'm enjoying the video making process. It makes me explain things I did not know I knew...things that were kind of instinctive I guess.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

John,
how are planning on dealing with this area?

That's where you put a scoop for the cold-air intake or aux oil cooler, or intercooler

Looks great John!
-Ben M.

Seanery,

Nothing! The wheels and tires Zach will use will look better... also lots of cars show tire toward the front and back. I did not want to get into the more complex flared rockers etc. as it's not necessary for a good looking flare (my opinion).

Thanks Ben! I'm looking forward to doing the front flares to get the overall look of the car finished. It's been a great project so far.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

John,

Are you still gonna do some weld on flares for anyone? I still want some, and the video kit. The video kit will go into the media library, for the kids. I don't think I could bump my own fenders...

Or, would/could you do mine? For a handsome fee, of corse. You want my first born son? (Damn terrible two's )

Hi Dave,

The flares are not worth that much!

I'm still making flares...it's just slow going.

I'm sending a personal message or email to you. Let me know what you think.

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

John,

I think your hammered flares look great! I was just curious how that area would finish out.

I really think I'd prefer these for a street driven 914! (even over gt flares)

Looking good John, I can't wait for the video.

Tony

I got this email from John today. LMK what everyone thinks.

Hi Dave,

I was thinking of seeing if we could organize a flare making session at your place starting in the fall. Do you have enough space, and are your neighbors tolerant of some pounding? We would need shop space, jack stands etc. We would need volunteers to strip paint/filler from the outside and inside of the fenders. More volunteers for hammering, and smoothing. I would be happy to supervise the project, and supply labor as well. My time is limited, and I'm sure everyone is busy, but I think if we had 2-4 people every saturday, and maybe sunday, for 4-6 hours we could get it done in short order. Having fresh hammer-wielders to step in when necessary would be great. Finish body work and paint would be for another crew. I'll post this if you think it's workable.

What do you think?

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

I have the room, privacy, etc. Who wants to come? We'll have a BBQ, party, keg

that would be bitchin' I wish I was closer!

Hi Seanery,

Make it a vacation destination...or just buy the video (insert sheepish grin).... my wife will think this metalshaping thing actually brings in some money!

John www.ghiaspecialties.com