I'm just beginning the process of turning my 1988 635CSi into a race car with an eye towards competing in some hill climb and HPDE events and, ultimately, open road rallies like Targa Newfoundland and La Carrera Panamericana. The car will have a full safety cage and it will go on a serious diet.

Does anyone know who makes replacement fiberglass (or carbon composite) body panels for this car? I'm particularly interested in a fiberglass hood, trunk lid, front fenders, doors, and fender flares. I noticed that Coupeguy (http://www.coupeguy.com/) makes some neat parts for the E9 coupe but I cannot find anything for the E24. I'd rather not go through the tremendous effort to make all the moulds myself but I will if I can't find any other sources. Your help is much appreciated.

What my car looks like now
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2174536490_31e75fee07.jpg

It will end up looking similar to this car but with fender flares and wider wheels/tires (hence the desire for fender flares plus it's cheaper/easier than fixing the rusted quarter panels with steel). I'm thinking I'll want a minimum of 285 width tires all around. Anybody know what's the widest tire you can fit on an E24 before needing fender flares?
http://www.justracing.com/images/classifieds/2156
http://www.justracing.com/images/classifieds/2157

http://www.justracing.com/images/classifieds/2158

Ive heard that there was some guy around that made carbon fiber hoods for the E24. It was a very limited batch, and im sorry, but i forget the name of the guy. Try and see if the guys on roadfly remember anything about those carbon fiber hoods.

-Jeff

I'm just beginning the process of turning my 1988 635CSi into a race car ......... I'm thinking I'll want a minimum of 285 width tires all around. Anybody know what's the widest tire you can fit on an E24 before needing fender flares?


You might want to ask this guy:

Putting 10" rims on the front?
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1556

RedShark Racing:
http://www.brannfors.com/

http://www.brannfors.com/redsharkracing/images/t8_exit_slide_small.jpg

Thanks guys. I asked Erik over at Roadfly forums by bumping his thread from exactly 1 year ago. If I don't hear anything from him within a few days I'll e-mail him directly. If/when I learn anything more I'll post back here.

Also, I'm looking for bigger flares than the dinky M6 items that appear to be little more than cosmetic adornments.

I am glad to see someone making a gt racer out of a shark. I have lusted after the race car that is for sale you posted above. Alas, the guy that did cf hoods isnt any longer but there is a waiting list if he ever comes back.

Have you thought about doing a build log or website? I'd love to see the progression and see how much weight you get out!

I am glad to see someone making a gt racer out of a shark. I have lusted after the race car that is for sale you posted above. Alas, the guy that did cf hoods isnt any longer but there is a waiting list if he ever comes back.

Have you thought about doing a build log or website? I'd love to see the progression and see how much weight you get out!

Chris Gregor has a carbon fiber hood mold. He runs a batch every now and then so he would be the one to contact. His phone number is 941-623-3816. If you're REALLY serious, call him about it. He is a really nice guy and super smart. Knows just about everything there is to know about both e24's and engines in general.

Thanks! If Chris already has a mold then it doesn't make much sense for me to make one. However, I may still consider making molds for the dashboard, trunk lid, and front fenders. Composite doors, anyone?

Thanks! If Chris already has a mold then it doesn't make much sense for me to make one. However, I may still consider making molds for the dashboard, trunk lid, and front fenders. Composite doors, anyone?

I think he's actually been planning to make those as well - not sure how far he's gotten along that path. Give him a ring, he would definitely be a good contact for your exploits. :)

I don't know if you guys saw the NASA Spec3 Build By Kaplhenke Racing (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=973215) thread over in the Track Car Build forum. Ben has agreed to assist me with chassis development including cage, brakes, and suspension on my E24 race car project. The scope will be a bit different than Cobetto's E36 as I am working to a tighter budget and building the car for a different purpose, namely open road racing at events such as Targa Newfoundland. The car can still do okay on the race track but it will be optimized for less predictable road surfaces. As such, I will need lots of wheel travel and a sensible amount of ground clearance. I am fortunate that Ben is able to work with me to meet my particular needs and desires on this special project.

Also, Ben will likely help me with the composite fabrication. Once the cage is built and the suspension installed I will finalize my wheel/tire package so we can begin working on the fender flares. Right now I'm really liking the CCW Classics. I don't know if I'll do 18x11.5 like Bob put on his car below but it sure looks great.

http://www.tunnellracing.com/competition/flares/LBH4.jpg

MCpeS2k has CCW Classics on his Z3MC 18x8.5 front / 18x10 rear
http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/9264/gillsside1wy0.jpg


I love the BBS CH but I don't think I can justify the high cost ($500+ each) for a single piece cast aluminum wheel that isn't the exact correct offset.

The '80's... shoulder pads and wheel flares!

None of that Koenig Special / Gemballa / ABC Exclusive crap for me, thank you.

Those Crazy 80s (http://groups.msn.com/1980extremetuning/anintroduction.msnw)