Widearching the Syncro
Posted: 17 Apr 2014, 13:15
OK, I am ready for a flaming, ribbing or ridiculing here. It's pretty inevitable and I don't care because despite the misgivings of others I really fancy widearching my Syncro. YES, you read that right
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:
The design is based on the Audi UR Quattro below:
I had a go at creating something similar - initially with a Syncro Westy:
And later with a hightop:
I also love the 80's Pemamobil vans which used GRP panels to create a more futuristic look based on the T3 platform:
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.
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.
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:
The design is based on the Audi UR Quattro below:
I had a go at creating something similar - initially with a Syncro Westy:
And later with a hightop:
I also love the 80's Pemamobil vans which used GRP panels to create a more futuristic look based on the T3 platform:
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.
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.