59 replies to this topic

[CI 0308]

Just want to double check what I think is the correct alignment for Torana front flares before I re do mine as I think they dont look quite correct. (sorry but I am fussy)

mine at the moment don't really follow the lines of the car and lean up at the front.

 

I think the picture below is correct or how I like it at least as the bottom edge above the wheel line is level.

 

 

 

These photos below are like mine and the top edge above the wheel goes up at the front.

 

 

 

 

Thoughts!!!

Edited by CI 0308, 21 July 2017 - 08:58 PM.

[CI 0308]

WoW that took some doing, Images just do my head in,

[Bigfella237]

Shelly had a thread on this same subject recently here...

 

http://www.gmh-toran...e-front-flares/

 

...with some good advice (save us typing everything again).

[CI 0308]

You know I followed that post and read it and even replied but missed this bit which was what I was talking about!!

 

Cheers Bigfella

 

 

mick_in_oz, on 21 Apr 2017 - 20:18, said:

Everything said above is spot on! Listen to Andrew about where they need to be rather than where you feel they fit best.

 

As above, align to finish fit all of the front panels, tape on both front flares and spoiler, and stand back and check the bottom side edge of the spoiler sits level with the ground/sill and that the wheel arch of the front flare looks right rather than pointed up towards the front somewhat, like plenty do. You will probably end up with the spoiler low enough to almost or actually be able to see the ground between the indicator cutout and the nose panel, there really will be a gap if the spoiler is sitting about right. Cut the front lower corner off the guard, cut the wheel arch off the guard AS CLOSE AS YOU DARE to the bolt holes, cut off and weld up the Firewall/A Pillar seam, if you have deep dish wheels or a taller tyre combo then maybe take come out of the firewall/pillar area (another 2"), if you get this keen you will have to also cut the lower back corner of the wheel arch off the guard along with more of the flare.

 

Edited by CI 0308, 21 July 2017 - 09:46 PM.

[mick_in_oz]

Yup, everything I said there 

 

I was going to comment on the pics you put up. The first pic has the flare sitting about right but the bottom of the spoiler is up at the back, bottom of the spoiler not level. The pic of the white car has the flare up to high at the front, but at least the spoiler is level at the bottom

[Shiney005]

Don't forget that even when they were new they were not perfect. They were fitted by a grease monkey out the back of a car yard. 

New cars.

 

 1 of 1 mint julip A9X hatch 4.jpg   196.83K   15 downloads

 

 A9X near new2.jpg   204.68K   14 downloads

[CI 0308]

Yes Laurie I have come to the realisation that any thing that was done to these by human hands including sticker location, flares etc could be any where. There really is no right or wrong. I just look at my flare fitment and it annoys me so I'll attempt to refit to level up the flare and spoiler. Mind you having the 10 inch wires on the front doesn't help as the front edge has been hacked out to allow for full lock. I'll source another set of flares and have a play. Another excuse to tinker with the car.

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

Edited by CI 0308, 22 July 2017 - 07:58 PM.

[Shiney005]

 Flare.jpg   76.93K   49 downloads

 

 flare1.jpg   72.64K   29 downloads

 

 flare2.jpg   107.27K   20 downloads

[CI 0308]

Awesome photos Laurie. Straight to my reference section. Just checked mine and they arnt even close to those measurements. I was worried that when I correct mine I wouldn't cover the old holes but with those measurements I should now cover. The trick now will be to source correct repro flares. Looked at some yesterday that were that thin and flimsy and rubbish.

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

[grumpy xu1]

I can't remember the company name that originally did them, but about 15 years ago i bought a original slr 5000 front spoiler from them, painted it & used the original holes & the fit was almost perfect. I thought they still did the flares & spoilers ? Gary.

[mick_in_oz]

There is a mob in or near Brisbane, Raider Industries, that mine came from over 24 years ago, the front flares and spoiler fit like a glove! The rears, not even close.

 

No idea if they are still about, but if they are and the fronts as still the same quality they will be worth looking into.

[Bigfella237]

They didn't actually supply the A9X original fitment stuff but the goto place all the dealers used to buy replacement gear from was GS Motor Bodies in Sydney, sadly they're closed down now but I did hear somebody claim that they bought all the original GSMB molds, I'll see if I can find their name again?

 

But their stuff was always spot on, I fitted quite a few of their kits to Torana sedans & hatchbacks over the years, plus an early Commodore SS replica kit and it all went straight on, no cutting or modding required.

 

But most of the stuff today is junk, molds taken from old parts, whose molds were in turn taken from older parts... it's like copying a VHS tape from another VHS tape, copied from another VHS tape, eventually the end result is useless!

 

Plus they make them thin and flimsy these days, well they have to really otherwise they won't fit!

[CI 0308]

Thanks Andrew, yes mine were fitted to my car 20+ years ago, they seem quite thick but over the years have been hacked at and could do with a fix up.

 

My flares

 

Edited by CI 0308, 22 July 2017 - 08:17 PM.

[Bigfella237]

Yeah I see what you mean, those seem to be fitted way too high, both front and back, the rear of the flare is supposed to be level with the bottom edge of the guard and the whole front spoiler looks too high.

 

They almost look like they're mounted too far forward as well, but that may be the wheel alignment settings too (positive caster)? Although the net result is the same.

 

I'm also seeing all different shapes to the wheel arch openings too. Looking at all the photos above, the back edge of some flares comes straight down vertically, but some open out toward the rear of the car, and others (like Laurie's) seem to curve back toward the wheel at the bottom?

[CI 0308]

I think I will be happy if I can get a fit like this

 

After a bit of searching on the net I think Fibremaster may have purchased GSMB moulds

 

"Fibremaster started in 1996 developing/producing bodykits for the current models. In 2001 FibreMaster acquired moulds from GS Motorbodies, one of Sydney’s largest bodykit manufacturers that had been established for 38 years. This acquisition added to our already impressive range."

Edited by CI 0308, 22 July 2017 - 08:56 PM.

[CI 0308]

Now to find a decent supplier of original style front flares and spoiler.

[Shiney005]

They didn't actually supply the A9X original fitment stuff but the goto place all the dealers used to buy replacement gear from was GS Motor Bodies in Sydney

I have a set from GS Motor Bodies here.

 

No you can't have it!!!!

[CI 0308]

Ill give Fibremaster a call and sound them out on the moulds they have

[myss427]

I was told by a mate in the A9X club that there were a few suppliers, GS motor bodies was one, Alfa Fiber Glass was another, and one other that escapes me now, will ask again.

[CI 0308]

I was told by a mate in the A9X club that there were a few suppliers, GS motor bodies was one, Alfa Fiber Glass was another, and one other that escapes me now, will ask again.

Had a look at Alfa Fibreglass, from the photos on their website it looks like they just do race stuff that doesnt appear to look anything like the originals. 

[myss427]

Had a look at Alfa Fibreglass, from the photos on their website it looks like they just do race stuff that doesnt appear to look anything like the originals. 

 

Coming up to 40 years since they made them, things change.

[CI 0308]

There are a few sellers on evil bay. Thoughts on any of these if anyone has purchased before.

 

Ernicks/wilson fibreglass, Tarren Point NSW - I actually bought my scoop here and it was ok but was damaged by the time it got to Perth and I had to repair it.

OzzFibre, Brisbane QLD.

The fibreglass factory, Yarram Victoria

[Shiney005]

Don't forget these guys. At least you will be able to go and have a look. (I'll send you that photo this weekend. Remind me if I don't.)

http://www.spoilerfactory.com.au/

[Bigfella237]

We can deliver to SA, QLD, NSW, ACT, NT, TAS and VIC. Phone us on 08 9399 4774 for more information or to place an order.

 

LOL... So if you're in WA... YOU'RE SCREWED!

 

EDIT: Actually, looks like everyone is screwed...

 

We no longer have a showroom and are not manufacturing any new body kits or spoilers while we are concentrating on fulfilling several large truck wind deflector contracts.

Edited by Bigfella237, 26 July 2017 - 11:12 PM.

[76lxhatch]

Had a look at Alfa Fibreglass, from the photos on their website it looks like they just do race stuff that doesnt appear to look anything like the originals. 

They used to make the original style flares, I bought some rears from them a number of years ago. Would be worth the ask as they were better than some in terms of the amount of material around the mounting tabs and edges, although the shape was not much better than everyone else - will always require some work if you want to clear big wheels and tyres.