Oldmxnut Posted 5April, 2018 Report Share Posted 5April, 2018 Partly for my own interest in collating a bit of a journal of the build journey, I thought it might also be of interest to others. Not so sure, so happy to take comments or answer any questions. Due to the way in which this car become my project I ended up doing a lot of research and absorbing a bunch of intel, some of which might be helpful to fellow old nuts like myself... Background: Way back in early 15, I was super keen on the new 991 GT3 that every journalist was raving about. Saw a Guards red delivered locally and really just loved the shape, the lack of air vents of the turbos had the clean wheel arches etc. Still have the iPhone pic I took on the dealers floor. Made a casual enquiry and realised that there was a long long list of names before me. So joined the que for the "next GT3" with a small deposit. At a similar time, walked into the s/hand dealers in Sydney and walked out with a 91150th. Beautiful car, but a bit of consolation prize to be honest. But it did reflect the key desirables. A NA engine, manual, but also sans wing... So the wait started. Considered s/hand GT3's that started to come up and the dealer offered to swap my deposit onto the RS, but wasn't getting exited about any of them. Then one night, I happened to be on Rennlist and someone mentioned some sort of GT car that would come out without a wing. I thought that would be kinda of cool if true and wished Porsche would do it. To me it was sort of like the 50th but a raw GT version for which had a bit of a sleeper feel to it which I was enjoying with the 50th. Time went on, and I saw a few more rumours on various forums. So I went into dealer in 2015 and asked if my deposit could move over to this GT car that didn't have a wing that might be coming. They didn't believe there was anything like it but would change the deposit description over anyways. Few months later, rumours on realist gave it a name, said it would be called a GT3 R or R etc... Thought I really should get back into the dealer and confirm my deposit on this R but other things come up and went in a few weeks later. End result was, I was number 4 on a rumoured 911R (this is way before it was announced in early 16) . To this day, I don't know if I was forth in the door with the deposit specifically for the R, or 1st after 2-3 key clients that were notified early. In the states, they have a program where if you bought a 918 you would get first dibs on any future GT3 cars before anyone else. In Australia we don't have any 918 buyers (except on of our friends on here who has one ex UK I believe ?) so I have subsequently assumed local dealers looked after very good customers. I don't really know, but can say I haven't had any issues with transparency with my dealer or salesman and nothing like what the guys in the US put up with.. (contract on a car, just about to be delivered, then a premium being put on it called a ADM etc are some of the classic examples ).. so taking as face value. Anyways, 15 clicks over, most rumours are becoming more detailed and the 911R is announced early 16. I get a call that morning to say, yes Im number four for the R if still interested and they will know in a few weeks how many they might get ..... End result I was number 4 after three local deliveries. Then to be even more of a pain, all the things i was really wanting in the car, turned up on the R pretty much, stripped out a bit, bit rare / special, raw, manual and no wing. I had it specified in my mind in the white, green stripe and brown/ carbon seats and PCCBs.. I left my deposit on the R just in case for another six months... then gave up on that one. At about the same time, I saw some chatter on forums that suggested, that well since the R was so popular, it wouldn't make sense to just build 991 manual boxes, and perhaps the manual could come back on the gen 2 GT3. This time, I was a bit more proactive and swapped the deposit onto the manual GT3 that was coming. Per usual, dealer said, had heard nothing and didn't expect it to be, but this time made sure I was on the list. Next bit... PTS .. catching unicorns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 6April, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 6April, 2018 Somewhere in between missing the 911R and considering the GT3 as a real option, this picture popped up. An Irish green 911R. I had a picture of a Irish Green 911(s?) once on a poster somewhere when younger, so its been synonymous with the 911 in my mind. Hence started the aspiration to make the GT3 special as given it wasn't a 911R but no complaints if it was coming with some of the rumoured extras... 500hp NA engine, potentially a manual etc.. So started enquiring about PTS, what it cost (could only get an estimate, $15-20K), was it available, (nobody really knows, etc but sometimes if you make the request, it gets approved was the best answer I could get at the time). So wait continued...With visions of being able to get a GT3, potentially a manual obviously with GT3 wing and would try and get it in Irish green and do something like the earlier picture that had surfaced of the so called AP car.. (later noted to be a trial PTS 911R car) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 6April, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 6April, 2018 So sometime early 17 spy pictures start to reinforce announcement of the GT3.2 is fairly soon. But there is a random black GT3 car with no wing also floating around. In any case, car gets announced at geneva and I get a call from my dealer next morning to say hey its been released and your on the list at 5 so should be fairly safe to get one based on past numbers. Only problem is that there is a delay on manuals so only PDK cars first. . In fact the configurator when it gets up only shows PDK and provides no option for a manual. Dealer cant confirm if even manual will come to Australia or not. So there is a small concern about holding out for a manual, all the PDK guys stepping a head and then missing out again.. But resist the view and feel should be fine. So i confirm my order, and specify GT3 in manual when its available and irish green of which is suggested will be fairly hard to fill, so maybe GT Silver as a default choice. One thing about GT Silver on this series, is that previously its always been an additional cost colour, but this time around a nil premium other then metallic. I see in some of the stats in some of the forums, GT silver accounts for 15% which I think a reflection of what a classic great colour it is, but also fact it was "nil premium". Then mid march 17, Bardman on rennlist (who is actually from tasmania) drops into the conversation the slip up on the german configurator that nominates a "touring package" for the GT3. The page was taken down, but it was up for long enough to get the rumours going about what a touring package would consist off. Rear seats was the go too debate along with softer suspension and maybe no wing. Either way it was enough for me, coming into June/July 17 to decline a few more spots on the waiting list and hold for a "touring package" that was yet to be announced officially but rumours fairly strong. Further if you wanted a manual wing GT3, orders would be filled until late in year in any case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 6April, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 6April, 2018 The quandary ! August 17, So rumours floating around about some sort of touring package, no manuals confirmed for the GT3 Wing, dealer calls and says that there might be an option to get PTS on a GT3 but only on a PDK. What to do !. Either hang for a manual, possibly some sort of touring option with no wing (rumours were a bit stronger with pictures of wingless GT3 in black floating around) or take a green PDK with wing... Weighed up a manual against a car colour and declined the PTS (PDK) slot on a winged GT3. While chopping and changing and thinking I should have went with it, a few weeks later in September, the rumours proved correct and the GT3 Touring was announced ticking off on a bunch of desirables for me, namely 500NA engine, Manual only and sans wing. Effectively the 2nd place prize for any 911R aspirant. I wasn't complaining at all. Pretty much had my detailed spec emailed to the dealer for a GT Silver touring within hours of the announcement dropping onto the internet. But PTS..... Jumping a head to what I have since discovered is that I should have potentially stared down the risk of loosing to hold for PTS. Given the time it takes to order, then lock, then potentially exploit the final lock window before production. I think what I should have done was (a) accept the PTS / PDK car. (b) Then change the order to manual in October which would have pushed the delivery back to early 18, but possibly held the PTS allocation. (c) then changed the order in late December to touring , hopefully holding the manual and the PTS allocation. Because by then in February 18, Porsche annouced no further PTS orders anywhere in the world and effectively closed the window. Not sure if this would have worked to get a PTS Irish green Touring as potentially could have lost further spots as others stepped past. But does go to show, that PTS requires a special handshake, some poker skills against the dealer keen to get the sale confirmed and betting on rumours of future allocations. Its a game no doubt. There was also small window for touring orders/PTS in late december which I could have requested, waited for an answer, but it most likely would have delayed the car until late 18 delivery even if the answer was a no on PTS, as others step past while waiting for answers. Whilst I really wanted a Irish green (even painted a bike the colour to see how it would look) , I felt it wasn't that important to wait another 9 months for a car. At the same time, I had landed on Chalk and had a build in my mind I was wanting to work on. So Irish Green Touring wasn't to be. Im still waiting to hear if Bardman from Tasmania was able to get his in PTS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 6April, 2018 Report Share Posted 6April, 2018 Al sounds unnecessary complex and confusing and cloak and dagger. All serves to maintain the mystique and demand for these cars. You have much better stamina and patience than me (than most). Look forward to seeing photos and hearing about it when I finally lands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 25April, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 25April, 2018 Car has turned up. !!! Haven't seen it, going for a look tomorrow. (26th Apr) . Spent a few days last week sorting a bit of a schedule for the aftermarket work I'm doing. But stepping back a bit to fill in... After missing the PTS Irish. I started to think how I could make a crayon buzz a bit. Come across a couple of young fellas in the states called NS2 media. Working out of their garage, they had created a bit of a following for car renders, So I got in touch in the new year. Cost $350 I think, but spent a few days and at least half dozen versions and small change requests later eventually the following worked (at least for me )... Must have been ok, as to date it remains their most popular render on their instagram when they dropped it in. Further one of the things that really appealed about the 911R was the brown leather on the buckets and hounds tooth. Since I had hounds tooth in the 50th, I decided Id keep the touring inserts as they come out with a black corduroy unique to the touring. So with NS2, i spent a heap of time trying different browns and also stitching colours, logo inserts etc... then one day, after searching leather suppliers for a bit, I come across a group north of brisbane that specialise in kangaroo leathers. Thought why not ! .. add an unique Australian touch. So Red roo, (dyed brown) it is... Then designed a chalk coloured pipe and signal yellow stitched logo for the head rest. In addition to seats, will get the door arm rests and centre rest in brown roo as well.. So bought a dozen brown and one chalk dyed roo skins. Out of interest its a really tough but thin and soft leather. Its semi aniline finished so will scuff a little bit but thats what I'm looking for. A well worn and conditioned look.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barks Posted 26April, 2018 Report Share Posted 26April, 2018 Wow! Loving this. What a great looking car!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 26April, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 26April, 2018 First QLD delivered touring....Straight off the truck. Interesting Chalk/Crayon colour verse GT silver and White in the background. Its a colour that really works live. Hard to replicate clearly on iPhone pics. I like it. Small detail, chalk painted air slats, carbon mirror triangle. I'm really happy with the painted air slats (for those interested). Funny how you wouldn't think but really stands out in the all black leather trim and carbon dash. Blue nudge bar is the only free option available... NA Engine idles... well..it idles like it wants you to put your foot down.... Gear shift feels short, firm and smooth. Rough pics. - Wheels coming off, seats coming out along with armrests on Friday. Then on blocks for a week or so, while it gets dressed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_189 Posted 26April, 2018 Report Share Posted 26April, 2018 Brilliant colour, congrats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 26April, 2018 Report Share Posted 26April, 2018 On 25/04/2018 at 11:00 PM, Oldmxnut said: So you’re either a keen Hawks or Roos supporter? ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 27April, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 27April, 2018 14 hours ago, DJM said: So you’re either a keen Hawks or Roos supporter? ? Haha. Neither. Blues back in the day, don't follow that much these days up north. 22 hours ago, dan_189 said: Brilliant colour, congrats Thank you. Definitely a colour that draws your eye to try and determine if you like it or not without it being classic bright hue. Under shade its as close to fashion grey as you can get.. in other light it casts a beige hue. The car was unwashed / transported. Good thing is that it didn't look dirty, but up close clearly had a lot of travel dust which didn't show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 1May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 1May, 2018 Up on blocks this week. Seats, doors and other pieces out. Wheels and tyres off. On the wheels, I'm going to take 1mm lathe out for the yellow stripe so sits in and has some protection. Gloss over the Signal yellow and redo matt the balance of wheel including within wheel arch. From factory its a rubbish finish. Have picked up some black value caps ex Porsche. Ended up finding a perfect match for the chalk leather piping to the OEM genuine chalk leather floor matt edge. So dumped the off white kangaroo hide leather I had for the chalk piping as the sample I had was too light. Pleased we got a match. But honestly I'm nervous now about the main brown leather. There are safer paths..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barks Posted 1May, 2018 Report Share Posted 1May, 2018 wow!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poli84 Posted 2May, 2018 Report Share Posted 2May, 2018 I admire such vision and destruction (in a good way) on a brand new GT3. Good luck, can't wait to see it, the concept looks fantastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_189 Posted 2May, 2018 Report Share Posted 2May, 2018 Youre a brave man! Looking forward to the results! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MFX Posted 2May, 2018 Report Share Posted 2May, 2018 Brown leather looks great, but it needs more purple tartan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pokiou Posted 2May, 2018 Report Share Posted 2May, 2018 those seats look crap.. ill take them off your hand if you like haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 2May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 2May, 2018 3 hours ago, Pokiou said: those seats look crap.. ill take them off your hand if you like haha Haha,.. swapping them out for the comfort grey ones in the picture background. !! 5 hours ago, MFX said: Brown leather looks great, but it needs more purple tartan brown, black, chalk, yellow...... admittedly had missed the purple tartan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 4May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 4May, 2018 Update progress picture. One down, one to go. Apparently its been a bit of a challenge to get all the tight shapes, but the guys did it. Much more comfortable with the leather now I've seen it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 10May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 10May, 2018 Finished Product. Work by Warran at Lee Brothers Auto Trimmers in Albion Brisbane. Noted for their high end work, they didn't disappoint. Wheels have had some issues apparently. Still waiting to complete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 17May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 17May, 2018 Wheels are back !!!!!!!!!!! Now I am getting excited. Pick up tomorrow lunch time. Had to reschedule the XPEL and decals, so those have been pushed to Monday week. In the mean time..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tit Posted 17May, 2018 Report Share Posted 17May, 2018 Wow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozvino Posted 18May, 2018 Report Share Posted 18May, 2018 I thought you were nuts pulling apart a new GT3 - but that leather work and stitching looks fantastic, looking fwd to seeing it all together Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 18May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 18May, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmxnut Posted 19May, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 19May, 2018 A few more pictures from first drive.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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