Replacing a front tub on a 996... how easy?

[cc_topcat]

Hi,

I've got a Carrera 4s with a damaged front tub that really is beyond repair!! Does anyone have any advice on how easy it is to replace? Can a standards 996/986 tub be used or is the c 4S and turbo different? If anyone has had experience of replacing these, I would really appreciate any info/help you can give. Also, both rads have been damaged and need replacing; are these all the same on the Carrera 2/4 3.6 as a second hand item could be an option?

Many thanks!!

CC

[Rockster]

cc_topcat said:

Hi,

I've got a Carrera 4s with a damaged front tub that really is beyond repair!! Does anyone have any advice on how easy it is to replace? Can a standards 996/986 tub be used or is the c 4S and turbo different? If anyone has had experience of replacing these, I would really appreciate any info/help you can give. Also, both rads have been damaged and need replacing; are these all the same on the Carrera 2/4 3.6 as a second hand item could be an option?

Many thanks!!

CC

I hope you got the car for free. Replacing the front tub is a real pain. It is part of the car tub proper. About all I can guess is it would require cutting the old tub off and welding a new tub on. Can you say Frankenstein?

You'll have to have a Celette Bench and use it to make sure the new tub's hard points are properly positioned. Otherwise nothing will line up, align, fit right.

Might point out when my brand new (4 weeks, 2K miles) 08 Cayman S was hit the front tub was knocked just a bit out of kilter and the car was totaled.

Can you use a 996/986 tub? Well, anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort but the question is which suspension/drivetrain/steering parts will bolt on/fit right? Will the fenders fit? What bumper cover will fit? What about radiator air flow and about a zillion other things.

Will the car meet any roadworthiness requirements in your area? Will anyone insure the car?

[SalesManager]

Anything is possible if you have the cash. If it were at a Porsche approved shop then the procedure is to cut away everything that is bent is cutaway at the factory welds and new panels welded on so it all looks factory.

Anything can be repaired, but its not DIY, nor back street. You may find that its uneconomic to repair
and that breaking it for parts is the best option. If you find someone who can repair it, watch out its not bodged and then a nightmare to move on.

[Porkupine]

What on earth is a tub? Part of chassis?

[Rockster]

Porkupine said:

What on earth is a tub? Part of chassis?

Yes. The front tub in this context refers the "tub" like sheet metal box the front suspension/steering/etc all bolt to. It would be clearer if I had a link to a bare 911 chassis to post. Then you could see the front tub, the body enclosure proper, with back end to which the engine/transmission/etc attached.

These various sheet metal/formed metal assemblies are built up separately then they are combined/joined by welding to form the car's chassis/ or frame if yo will.

The front portion of this is called a tub since most of us see it as the front trunk cavity which resembles a 'tub' though of course as I touched upon above it provides for the very critical mounting points for the steering, suspension, and the myriad other hardware (gas tank to name just one) that also are attached to this.

[clubracing]

I don't think the OP's talking about replacing the whole of the front of the chassis in front of the bulkhead, just the part that forms the floor of the boot?

As in this picture:


If that's the case then, replacing it is a relatively simple job for any competent bodywork repairers.

[Rockster]

clubracing said:

I don't think the OP's talking about replacing the whole of the front of the chassis in front of the bulkhead, just the part that forms the floor of the boot?

As in this picture:


If that's the case then, replacing it is a relatively simple job for any competent bodywork repairers.

I was not aware in the newer models the tub had some kind of metal inner portion that was "relatively simple" to replace. The few modern cars I've seen the entire front portion of the car is unified and the only things that are easily replaced are the trunk carpet liners and such. But the OP is at the car and with sufficient tear down he can or should be able to determine if the damaged portion is a separate piece.

[fioran0]

Everything forward of the main bulkhead (windscreen level) can be removed and replaced easily by a proper bodyshop. That includes the front chassis rails.
It's all essentially consumable in the event of a front impact (996 & 997) and all panels are available from Porsche.
It is however not a DIY job nor is it one for a budget shop.

As for the economics of it all, that really depends on extent of damage and how much mechanicals are reusable.

[graemel]

I would also add that if the car has had a big hit in the front. The chances are you will find more structural damage else were in the shell. Around the geabox tunnel is favourite. Needs proper investigation buy someone who knoes what they are looking at.

[pauljmcnulty]

Given that we've seen really good, low mileage 996s discussed here not selling at around the £10K mark, is it ever going to be worth such a large repair on one?

[cc_topcat]

Many thanks for all the replies on this topic... really useful!! clubracing... exactly what I'm going to do as I've spoken to Porsche who sell the replacement section like you highlighted; many thanks for pointing me in the right direction!! It's the way forward as it's the floor part of the tub that’s damaged.

Edited by cc_topcat on Tuesday 18th December 22:40