TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:29 am

Looked into these a couple of years back and really wanted one. I believe there was one that was a direct bolt on to a vw chassis. Cant find that anymore.

My question is, is that still available and where can I find one.
Next question is, whats the most affordable one out there. I'm looking for the look and not an accurate replica of every part and detail that would cost out the roof to get.

Thanks for looking and answering,

Sun Aug 01, 2010 10:04 am

Goldenleaf, I photographed this 550 two years ago where it was on display at Porsche Center Johannesburg - it is the most beautiful replica of a Spyder I have ever seen, and is the result of some serious dedication by the builder. I believe the kit was supplied by http://www.replicarssa.co.za/porcshe550.html here in South Africa?

Sun Aug 01, 2010 10:08 am

Beautifull

Sun Aug 01, 2010 10:34 am

http://www.thunderranch.com

Sun Aug 01, 2010 10:50 am

Most of the 550 Spyders use their own chassis as they turn the engine to make it mid-ship.

Perry Designs makes (or made?) a 550 "like" replica that kept the rear engine configuration. It was a little longer and really lost the classic proportions of the original design.

Sun Aug 01, 2010 11:19 am

Perry D's still makes it, agreed with jspbtown that it's a little bit out of proportion, but many people may not be able to tell one from the real thing if it's done right. Direct bolt-on to a bug pan. You may be happier with a Speedster replica, since they are a bit more practical, have tops, are more comfortable inside, are a bit less complicated and don't generally lose their proportions like some 550 Spyder kits do.

http://home.earthlink.net/~perryds/html/ieindex2.html

A free website to join for 550 Spyder kit enthusiasts, lots of info, forums and a registry for Spyder kits:

http://www.spyderowners.com

Any more questions about these, you can PM me, I'm one of the more zealous kit-car guys here. :)

Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:48 pm

I've never been a fan of the back end of the 550 spyder's shape, but I really don't like the shape of the perry d's back. Sad because it seems the easiest. I don't think I could drive it and not think about it constantly which amazes me how one contour on a car could change it so much. I'm guessing the did it to fit the fan shroud. I wonder if they would of used the motor configuration that the blackjack zero has with its fan shroud (I think) removed or relocated.

Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:56 pm

Thanks for the link 34frasernash, ill sign up and learn. Hopefully this will be something I will own someday.

Sun Aug 01, 2010 8:48 pm

GoldenLeaf wrote: I've never been a fan of the back end of the 550 spyder's shape, but I really don't like the shape of the perry d's back. Sad because it seems the easiest. I don't think I could drive it and not think about it constantly which amazes me how one contour on a car could change it so much. I'm guessing the did it to fit the fan shroud. I wonder if they would of used the motor configuration that the blackjack zero has with its fan shroud (I think) removed or relocated.

Using a pancake engine (found in Type 3, Type 4, Porsche 914 and many bay-window busses) and restyling the back of the Perry D's spyder rear clip or adapting a Thunder Ranch or Beck rear clip may help. I have never seen one of these in person (only the mid-engine Spyder kits), but with a bit of work, that could allow you to have your cake and eat it too.

You're welcome regarding the link, I'm a member there and at its sister site SpeedsterOwners, look for a "DLW" in the member list or forums, and you'll find me.

Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:37 am

nightmanx11 wrote: http://www.thunderranch.com

Avoid these people....

Friend got a "Kit" from them and it took months to get all the parts, half of the stuff did not fit and many items has to be returned because they were wrong.....

As a example the the holes for windshield mount were predrilled in body( main supports a each end) and when windshield finally arrived it missed holes in body by about 1 inch on each side.... Not good for a $20,000 kit....

They also had a up coming show so the put his car on hold for almost 3 months while the did some of their own cars for the "show" but it did not stop them for cashing his check....

Front beams were from junk yard (we think) and bearing were caked with grease and sand and it took hours to get them cleaned up to where they turned free and did not grind and crunch when spun....

The upholstery was done from several different piece of material and color "shades" (dye lots) were obviously different....

His kit was actually a Porsche RSK with full swing up rear section and they used "door" hinges like one find in a house to hinge rear section.... Well its nice to know if one ever needs a new rear deck hinge it as close as Lowes or Home depot....

Welded aluminum tank looked like somebody uses top of tank to clean their fiberglass tools on... Had to have tank top surface sanded and polished to look decent....

Send nice wiring harness and set of reproduction instruments - with absolutely NO INSTRUCTIONS...

Definitely avoid "Blunder Ranch"....

Dale

Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:40 am

Mon Nov 01, 2010 10:44 am

I have one of these. Fits right on a Bug pan. The engine is the most difficult
part to get right. The rear deck is REALLY low! I tried to install a T4 with a 911
shroud, 3" too tall. Then I got the CSP upright fan shrouds to use a Thing shroud, 2" too tall.
I finally went with a PUMA shroud from CB. Fits great, but had to narrow it to fit between the Weber's by about 2".
The optimal set up would be a "stock" T4 cooling system or a T3 set up.
The car was designed for taller drivers, (Perry and his brother are over 6' 2"),
and I like the ease of registration (Calif) as a Bug.
Over all, it's a great kit, at a great price, easy to build and lot's of looks. And, yes,
he's still making them http://perryspyder.com/

Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:56 pm

I built a Perry Spyder. That was a sweet car. I didn't get to finish it had to sell it to help the family out.....i would buy another one in a second! I'' try to find my old pictures of it!

Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:06 pm

Dale M. wrote: nightmanx11 wrote: http://www.thunderranch.com

Avoid these people....

Friend got a "Kit" from them and it took months to get all the parts, half of the stuff did not fit and many items has to be returned because they were wrong.....

As a example the the holes for windshield mount were predrilled in body( main supports a each end) and when windshield finally arrived it missed holes in body by about 1 inch on each side.... Not good for a $20,000 kit....

They also had a up coming show so the put his car on hold for almost 3 months while the did some of their own cars for the "show" but it did not stop them for cashing his check....

Front beams were from junk yard (we think) and bearing were caked with grease and sand and it took hours to get them cleaned up to where they turned free and did not grind and crunch when spun....

The upholstery was done from several different piece of material and color "shades" (dye lots) were obviously different....

His kit was actually a Porsche RSK with full swing up rear section and they used "door" hinges like one find in a house to hinge rear section.... Well its nice to know if one ever needs a new rear deck hinge it as close as Lowes or Home depot....

Welded aluminum tank looked like somebody uses top of tank to clean their fiberglass tools on... Had to have tank top surface sanded and polished to look decent....

Send nice wiring harness and set of reproduction instruments - with absolutely NO INSTRUCTIONS...

Definitely avoid "Blunder Ranch"....

Dale

I could not agree more.... We have also been repped off by Blunder Ranch... Stay away at any cost unless you don't like your money....