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Beck Spyders

Discussion in 'Porsche' started by HobbsTC, Jul 8, 2012.

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  1. HobbsTC

    HobbsTC Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 14, 2004
    1,469
    Lakeland, FL
    Full Name:
    Thomas
    #1 HobbsTC, Jul 8, 2012
    Just curious if anybody ever had any experiences with one? I'm starting the search for a 3rd car, a P-car of course, and am looking at 930s, but saw one somewhere and thought it looked fantastic. Not sure if I would grow tired of it or not, but wanted some opinions.
     
  2. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,142
    Orange County, CA
    #2 SrfCity, Jul 8, 2012
    Supposed to be good quality and fun. Personally not into the replica thing though. A 930 would be a much better investment. Stick to a US car and make sure the service is up to date as they're spensive. :)
     
  3. ScuderiaWithStickPlease

    ScuderiaWithStickPlease F1 World Champ

    Dec 17, 2007
    10,263
    NY Metro
    #3 ScuderiaWithStickPlease, Jul 8, 2012
    Here's a good forum on 550 replicas:

    http://www.spyderclub.com/

    From what I remember, many people sell their builds at a massive loss because they didn't know what they were getting in to. Also, a lot of folks seemed to have engine issues. (I forget his name, but someone cuts 3.0L flat-six Porsche engines down to 2.0L fours for all kinds of applications. These plants are packed with modern tech. While incredibly expensive and involving a long wait, it's one heck of an engine.)

    I hope this helped.

    PS Beck also offers a 904 replica:

    http://www.beck904.com/

    (I have no affiliation with any of the concerns I've mentioned in this post. Just passing out some info.)
     
  4. JeremyJon

    JeremyJon F1 Veteran

    Jul 28, 2010
    7,569
    Calgary, Canada
    #4 JeremyJon, Jul 9, 2012
    the beck cars are well built ...be careful of people trying to sell 550s calling them "beck" cars, when they aren't actually

    if you can, try to get one fully assembled ...give beck a call, they will have a bead on ones that you could buy from other customers possibly, they have a good rep for customer service

    i definitely have one on my 'to get' list, a 550 dean style :)
     
  5. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,599
    Gates Mills, Ohio
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    Jon
    #5 Bullfighter, Jul 9, 2012
    What he said. Values have been headed up.
     
  6. HobbsTC

    HobbsTC Formula 3
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    Jun 14, 2004
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    Thomas
    #6 HobbsTC, Jul 9, 2012
    I know they have. However I wouldn't keep one close to stock anyway. I'm a member of funfgruppen and have been "infected" by the 934 style. But I could get a nice used Beck for around $20k. Just wondering if I would get bored with it quickly. If the novelty would wear off.
     
  7. Ds1

    Ds1 Rookie

    Dec 27, 2011
    39
    Syracuse, NY
    #7 Ds1, Jul 31, 2012
    I would suggest checking out Thunder Ranch's stuff (www.thunderranch.com I think). They make such high quality stuff it blows Beck away. Actually, they just made a new improved frame for the 550 if I can remember correctly. Used ones come up here and there, and their kits a very reasonable.

    Check em' out!
     
  8. old blue

    old blue Rookie

    Aug 21, 2012
    1
    #8 old blue, Aug 21, 2012
    Had one, and it definitely was fun.

    several different manufacturers, including the one run by Beck's former partner,
    good quality, and the Thunder Ranch as mentioned.

    Some significant, useful developments in the Thunder Ranch.

    A couple of points to be made. The steering box is an antiquated item similar
    to the original, not terribly accurate or precise. Also note that brakes can
    vary significantly, and I'd recommend the disc brakes.

    There is also a metal 550 clone which is much more expensive, but well worth it.

    Also, a variety of engines can be used, including turbo subaru, which has
    needed careful sorting out of cooling, but which has proven quite good.

    One Spyder club member had also built a car with a porsche flat six - didn't leave
    much leg room to the front, however.

    Good luck and enjoy.

    Mine was a hoot.

    mike
     

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