This series of posts will cover the build of this unique 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder. Find part 1 here, part 2 here, and part 3 here.
Out of thirty-four 718 RSKs made by Porsche, this is number six, an unknown number survive.
These photos will summarize setting the RSK body in with the datum frame and checking the results. This was a very important step in the restoration – we wanted to make sure the body was square and symmetrical. When a car has led a racing life it can end up slightly off or pushed to one side, especially when the repairs were done quickly and using hand-formed panels, as this 718 was.
Here is the “datum box” which helps to align our patterns nicely on each side.
Flange forming on the Porsche Spyder, using a custom hand-made jig.
The resultant RSK flange at the front corner of the car.
Front end view, with most of the front end panels set into place on the 59 Spyder (hood is added down below).
Here’s what the inside cab of the Porsche RSK looks like during the build. You can see the frame details very well here.
Checking the door gapping from an upper angle – looks nice and even all around. We also check it with a tool around every perimeter.
Here we are checking the right side door gaps, from the side angle, with all the front-end panels in place on the RSK Sypder.
Here you can see the inside of the right Porsche Spyder door, with the windshield, inner frame, and rocker panels.
View of the right-hand RSK body side from the rear, including the windshield and nice even door gaps.
