We've seen quite a bit of Nakai-san's action on Dominick's RWB in Part 1, but in Part 2 the spotlight will be on Christian's Gulf RWB where the master boldly shows us how the classic backdated conversion is done.
Nakai-san began day 3 with the aim to accomplish the exterior body of RWB #04, but first he had to cut and grind some metals at the rear section using his reliable sand belt grinder to make space for the classic 911 lights.
Safety mask? No thanks, said the master.
By the way, do you know that Nakai-san will be appearing as one of the 5 main characters in the upcoming Need for Speed game? Spot him in the latest E3 trailer.
I remember someone from the RWB family told me to go ahead and help Nakai-san if I want to, and I did. Even though these tasks are relatively simple, they contributed in some ways and most importantly, I get to enjoy myself and understand better the process of building RWBs.
After the rear 911 tail lights were mounted, Nakai-san showcased his electrical skills by rewiring the mismatched wires with ease.
The front signal lights together with the grille sat perfectly in the signal box (black plastic bracket). It was eye-opening to see what Nakai-san did to secure the position of the lights with using just glue and his sharp eyes.
The important front and rear signal lights were up, so the following task was to give it the trademark RWB wide body treatment. The new fenders were screwed on temporarily for quick marking before being taken off for the real cutting.
Oh yes, if you're wondering what's with the number '412', there's a hidden meaning to it. Christian built the backdated convertible for his lovely wife, and the number '412' refers to his wife's birthdate which falls on the 4th of December.
The elongated custom straight pipes produced some really loud angry noise when Christian teased us by igniting the 3.6L boxer air-cooled engine. Me gusta.
Remember the rear wheel studs which have been threaded the day before by Dominick? Those tyres could now fit in perfectly without kissing the fenders. Nakai-san made some minor height adjustments on the H&R springs, dropped it down, and rocked the car hard front and back to confirm its balance.
Christian specially ordered the fifteen52 x Magnus Walker 3-piece wheels in orange colour to go with the matching Gulf livery on his #04. The wheels were fastened and the car was dropped for the first time, ...
... but immediately, Nakai-san realised that Christian's Cabrio had shorter wheel studs than Dominick's and they couldn't make up for the fifteen52 wheels due to its offset difference. Moreover, Nakai-san still needs a bit more length for the spacers to go in.
Since the wheels studs on Dominick's RWB are able to hold the fifteen52 wheels, Nakai-san suggested the wheel studs should be switched between them. Therefore, two Porsche specialists came over to carry out the tedious swapping work.
While they were taking some time on the wheel studs, Nakai-san worked on the front bumper of RWB #04. The 911 RS inspired front requires only 6 bolting points which Nakai-san magically creates them out from nowhere.
To close the gap between the signal lights, long hood and the front bumper, he used ordinary rubber strips with glue. Practical, and yet, it looks clean and tidy.
It was already past 10pm that night, but Nakai-san wasn't showing any sign of fatigue and he went on finishing all four fenders. Nakai-san was on fire that night! The holes were drilled apart based only on his estimation and experience.
Quickly he masked the area that he'd be applying the silicone sealant, and ended the long 3rd day with a complete front bumper and fenders.
We were all very excited to see what the backdated RWB has become. This car would definitely be one of the most unique RWBs Nakai-san ever created.
The master had no problem mounting the rear bumper as the process was pretty much the same as before. Drill, screw, rubber strip and silicone sealant.
The car might look like it's almost finished (just slap in the wheels and voila), but it was actually still far from it.
Nakai-san can't afford to deliver an incomplete RWB to his customers. To him, perfection is what he needs to achieve, in every single RWB he builds.
More awesome detailing in the interior of the fender.
Christian also seized the opportunity to surprise his beloved wife with a beautiful RWB Porsche cake. Little things done to celebrate the important moment in life.
The wheel studs exchanged yesterday were tested, ...
... and it requires some tweaks on the ride height and negative camber angle to create the stance effect Nakai-san desired. He also prefers toe-out setup at front, so his cars can have better cornering ability.
When Nakai-san moved on to spraying the 'Idlers' letters on the tyres and applying 'RAUH-Welt' decals on the windscreen, it indicates that the car is almost at the end of the build.
RWB #04 had a classic style 'Rauh-Welt' decal at the back which I think fits perfectly on the backdated RWB.
Unfortunately, we couldn't stay any longer to witness the completion of the Gulf RWB, and officiation of the birth of both RWBs in Malaysia by Nakai-San, as we had to rush back to Kuala Lumpur that evening. See the complete car here!
Nakai-san is 47 years old this year, and for the past 20 years he has been traveling all over the world building RWBs, making people's dream come true.
At one point, I directed my last question to him "What is your dream, Nakai-san?"
He thought for a moment and answered that he doesn't have a dream, he doesn't know what will happen to him tomorrow, and he doesn't want to think about the future. But for now, he just wants to do keep doing what he likes most, building RWB Porsches.
Throughout the 4 days at the making of Johor Rough (#03) & Hyakka Ryoran (#04), I had honestly enjoyed myself being there photo-shooting, meeting many like-minded car guys, getting some hands-on RWB experience and above all, understanding a little better a man I have great respect for.
Nakai-san's idea of Rough World inspires me to not think so much, instead, just focus on things you like and do them. That rather motivates me to continue to be passionate for cars and achieve my AE86 dream.
Thank you Christian, Dominick and the rest of the RWB family for the awesome time.
And, thank you Nakai-san! Hope to see you soon!
