Gaugin Interest: 908 Experimental Caliper

[Eric_Shea]

Hi Gang,

I apologize in advance as I don't want this to turn into a SPAM the list thread but, I wanted to get the information out to the masses and gauge interest before we decide if this is a production type product.

I have in my possession one of the only surviving experimental 908 calipers. This unit belongs to Dave Pateman (DaveP here) and we've had it a while with the thought of re-creating it.

This caliper and a set of very early S-Calipers are sitting at the machine shop awaiting the final word. The idea is to create a physical match of this rare caliper. These would be for vintage cars of the period (914-6/GT cars, 911ST and TR cars) who's vintage calipers are long gone (happens a lot) and for those that just want a unique caliper on their hot-rod or otherwise.

The Early S-Caliper was no doubt built off the 908 casting. In that regard, they are identical. I'll try to outline the details of this caliper so you can make an educated decision as to whether these would be right for you.

The V-Coded (Versuch) Experiment Caliper:


Basic 908/S-Caliper Casting
Clear Anodized Aluminum Alloy
Top Shaved by 3mm
910 Endurance Pin Mechanism in Place
No Knockback Pins or Mechanism in the Pistons
These were Not cut for Deeper Pads
There is no notch for the compensating line making removal and installation difficult.


The PMB Versuch Caliper:


Early S-Caliper Casting
Clear Anodized Aluminum Alloy
Top Shaved by 3mm
910 Endurance Pin Mechanism in Place
No Knockback Pins or Mechanism in the Pistons
Not cut for Deeper Pads
There will be a stock notch for the compensating line making removal and installation easier.
New Stainless Steel pistons.
New Stainless Steel compensating lines.


Bottom Line:

These will be put on a CAD machine and will be meticulously matched to match the 908 Versuch caliper.

Machine Work Only - The cost for the machining to "your" early S-Caliper would be $600.00. You may then want to opt for a full restoration which would involve de-anodizing the original finish, polishing the caliper and re-anodizing. This would be extra as would the pistons and the lines. Again, this would be machine work only on your calipers. It would include the 910 pin mechanism.

Complete Versuch Caliper - The cost for a complete bolt on set of calipers would be $1,595.00

Thoughts? Interest? I would need a couple sets to even cover the jig for this and get it off the ground. I do have enough early cores to do two complete sets.

Let me know.

Thanks,

E.

P.S. You can see the Versuch 908 caliper here:

http://www.early911sregistry.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21244&highlight=908+caliper

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-1110-1213421903.jpg

[Robby]

My current brakes make me very happy... In fact I am going on out to the garage to stare at them right now ;)

But these look cool too!

[Eric_Shea]

These might be as nice as your's when they're done... maybe! :D

First pair is spoken for. One more available on the first order.

Looks like this is a go!

[gms]

I apologize in advance as I don't want this to turn into a SPAM the list thread but...
Anytime you are helping the 914 community it is not SPAM :D

[Eric_Shea]

Thanks Glenn... I am sensative to it though. Fine line.

[davep]

The history of the caliper is that I traded a 1959 356 Convertible D to Gary Hirsh of Toronto and got this caliper, another S caliper, some titanium connecting rod bolts for a 906 engine, and cash. This was about 1980 or so. Gary had raced various Porsche's including a 908 and had owned Harry Bytzek's 9140430033 race car. We have been able to determine that this type of caliper was used on the 908 about 1968, so it is a very early example of the S type caliper. The machining on it is not exactly the same as the 1969 and later S calipers.

[Eric_Shea]

Given the progression from 910 to 908, with this having the 910 pad pin mechanism I would say this was/is one of the 1st 908 calipers. How many they made; I do not know. So far we've only be able to source one picture that Jeff found with this caliper on a 908 (pin mechanism gives it away) and no other examples. I would call it a very early example of the 908 type caliper.

While the machining isn't exactly the same, the casting is, with the exception of the under-wing logo placement. We will be able to match the machining to a "T" with the exception of the cutout around the bleeders and the compensating lines as seen in the picture above. The top will be milled and the notch for the clip milled and the holes opened up for the pin.

I sure wish Gary knew where it's mate was.

I may have some interest in the second pair of initial units.

[Eric_Shea]

Finally... made some progress on this caliper build. I guess the machinest got busy, etc., etc. Now the fixtures are made and we can move full steam ahead.

Very happy with the results so far. Tomorrow I'll drop them off at the metal fabricators' for the pins and the clips. Once those are done they will go into plating and get a coat of yellow zinc so, we're probably still two weeks out on a final product.

Let me know what you think.

[Robby]

Eric,
If I save enough aluminum cans will you make me some rear calipers to match my front ones? :confused:

[Eric_Shea]

Finally!

This project is coming to a close. Many thanks to Dave for graciously allowing me to drool over his very early prototype or - Versuch 908 caliper.

Much time was spent looking for a machine shop to take on the task and then waiting for him to finish it. The entire process is now in the CAD system and should be much easier moving forward. In fact, we have 4 more pair going in next week - two of which are sold.

The final process was getting the clips and pins made. There were dies that had to be made and purchased and then plating on the finished parts. I picked those parts up today... I'm happy!

I'm going to attempt to throw together a video showing the actual Versuch caliper and the new version until then... I present to you:

[gms]

Nice work Eric, it is a work of art!

[Eric_Shea]

Pictures of the finished product. These are off to John's IMSA car in Florida.

[Eric_Shea]

Link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq7DKXnWRu0

[gms]

very informative, thanks Eric