![runaway :run](./images/smilies/runaway.gif)
The reasons?
#1 I would like to space out the wheels a little and create some room where the arches restrict tyre space.
#2 I love the styling of the T3 and it's teutonic 80's vibe. It harkens to other period classics like the Audi Quattro, Lancia Delta and Golf Mk1 - all cars I love. I'd like to mimic the widebody style used on the rally/race versions of these and try and do something special with my van.
#3 I need to do some bodywork anyway. My cab steps, outer sill bottoms and ends, sliding door sill panel and rear nearside bumper mount panel are shot/ready for replacement. I figure I can upgrade instead of just replacing.
My original inspiration was this Photoshop which I am sure many of you may have seen too:
![Image](http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m77tykW6ys1rzthnpo1_500.jpg)
The design is based on the Audi UR Quattro below:
![Image](http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/1985_Audi_Ur_Quattro_Coupe_Rally_Tribute_Front_1.jpg)
I had a go at creating something similar - initially with a Syncro Westy:
![Image](https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/20935_236552704354_2841752_n.jpg)
And later with a hightop:
![Image](https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/185355_10150258859239355_2248821_n.jpg)
I also love the 80's Pemamobil vans which used GRP panels to create a more futuristic look based on the T3 platform:
![Image](https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10176041_10152176590819355_5973389496778031282_n.jpg)
I'd like to combine the ideas and use repair panels to create a similar look, spacing them 25-40mm from the existing body with infills between. At the front I would use arch replacements, at the rear I could use an arch replacement and/or a full half panel. I'm not sure about the front doors as I haven't seen a door skin above the lower sill line to work from.
I'd welcome the comments and constructive criticism from members. I don't expect to have to justify myself much as it's my van, my style and therefore my prerogative how, why and what I do with it - but I would like your thoughts on the best way to create the panels and make them look correct and sympathetic with the overall design of the van.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I've looked at it from various angles and it seems a decent way to do this is to use repair panels and space them out from the existing body, creating a box-arch effect and blend them back in either side of the arch. A fabricator friend has recently done this with a Mk2 Ford Fiesta to great effect and he would be doing the welding on mine if work proceeds.