Le Mans

Would I be correct in assuming the LeMans wings, nosecone, etc, would fit on a 'normal' GTA?

I've been offered a mechanically sound low mileage GTA for free by an elderly friend of a friend, however, the bodywork looks like its been through a bad night in down-town baghdad - its been stuck in a garage for ages and it looks like its been used as some kind of tool bench!!

Anyway, whilst my quest to find an original LeMans continues, I'm thinking that if I've got to spend money on new parts for this car, I may as well go for the wider / more aggresive LeMans look - which I really like.

I'm sure it is going to be a right pain to do (aren't all jobs on the GTA's), and would therefore definitely employ a suitable specialist to undertake the 'conversion' and paintwork, etc. However, does anyone know where I could acquire the parts needed?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

[Alpineandy]

I think they do fit, but talk to Paul Sage for confirmation (although I'm sure others here know as well).

Cheers

Yes definitely fit without too much problem...
I am doing same conversion.
The rear wings are more tricky as you have to chop up the existing ones.
On all wings the inner wing has to be built out to meet the arch.
New panels available from http://www.politecnic.com/default.html

There is also a french chap. pascal, who has done the same thing, there are some interesting pics on this site:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/alpine-ardennes ... index1.htm

Good luck

This is the direct link to the panels available... the only bit you won't need it the rear spoiler...
Tot it up?!
The list shows the inner wing extensions too, as well as the sill extensions needed
Rupert
http://www.politecnic.com/alpinelemanscaross.htm

Thanks guys, I'm going to organise collection of the car this coming weekend and then the project starts. I did a quick tot up and it isn't cheap is it??? but hey, I reckon its worth it. I dread to think how much the parts would cost through my local Renault dealer (thats if they could even be bothered to try and find them on the system).

Have you bought all the components Rupert? and if so how far have you got with the conversion?

Whilst I'm pretty handy with mechanics - I still think i'll leave the bodywork to a pro. Once I've got the car, i'll contact some specialists and see whether they're positive about the proposition (you know what some of them can be like).

Are you sure its worth it???? The Le mans doesnt actually look very different to the standard car....you'd get a good respray and a fantastic set of wheels for the price of the panels you need. The only people who would notice would be Alpinists......and they probably wouldnt approve because its effectively a replica!!!!!

The car needs a full respray, wings and nosecone anyway - so now is the ideal time to do it. The cost between replacing the panels with LeMans' or standard is not that huge and as said its got to be done one way or the other anyway.

If you saw the car you could even argue that its probably not worth doing anything to it, as it will cost more than what you can buy a good used example for, but for me its all about individualism - being able to put the car together with the exact spec that I want.

I'm planning on undertaking serious mechanical upgrades too, so there is no way I could consider doing this on an actual LeMans. So for me a 'replica' is the best option, that way I get the looks and performance but without the guilt of spoiling 1 of 25 original cars.

Personally I think the difference visually between the LeMans and the standard model is significant and worth the extra effort.

I forgot to mention, I'm in the process of trying to buy an original LeMans too. But thats for special occasions

[stephendell]

I should have a new Le Mans front shortly if you are interested.

Stephen

PS In the flesh the Le Mans looks very different to the standard car and is certainly worth the effort. The large numbers of clones at Zolder this weekend paid testiment to that!

I'll definitely have that from you Stephen. Let me know when you've got it and we can sort out collection, etc.