21 Turbo Renault 21 ph1 vs. Renault 21 ph2

[stefan530]

Hi all!

I’m very sorry if this question has been already answered, but there is soooo mamy threads on this forum, so it’s really hard to find anything I need

But back to topic - I have a R21 Turbo Quadra, 1990 so it is a ph2. The problem with it is, it has been unloved for a few years, sitting and rotting away. No drama, but few bits need welding. I’ve spoken to a Classic restoration magician, and we both agreed that it would be best to just find a donor car - take whatever we need and just swap those pieces. And here is my question:
Are there many differences between ph1 and ph2, except the visible ones of course?
Could we use for example doors or fenders from ph1 on a ph2? Or what could we actually use?
Is there much of a difference in the construction of the underbody, as in floor panel between the version with transverse mounted engine and longitudinal Quadra?
Paradoxically it’s easier to find a ph1 than a ph2 back in Poland...

Please, Friends, help me get this beast back on the road! Any help and advice will be much appreciated!

 

[DaveL485]

Not much difference between the shell of a phase 1 and 2 2wd save for the rear end around the lights and tailgate.
Doors and bumpers yes, they will interchange
I dont know about the transverse shell, never really looked under one

 

[Big Steve - Raider]

Ask away @stefan530 ! That's why we're here!

 

[Deleted member 486]

Personally, I think the biggest issue you'll have is that they will either be in great shape having been looked after - so you might as well just buy that one - or they will be in the same state or worse than yours so you'll end up with 2 dead ones.

The Quadra floorpan is rather different to the 2WD regardless of phase. So if you have major floorpan work then you'll really be struggling.

Look at the thread in the build section about J2 MHR and you'll see how far that one has had to be repaired without much in the way of a donor car for the major sections.

 

[Haz]

There's lots, maybe best ask specific differences.
Panels all same, ph2/3/Quadra share same bootlid, spoiler, back panel.
Quadra front and rear chassis legs, centre tunnel, bootfloor different.
Rear bumpers differ, I think ph2/3 Quadra have more of a curve under the lights. The top strip may be taller too?

As mentioned, a donor is likely to be of similar condition and if better to cut the bits off the probably best to just do that shell.
Only a few panels on the rear to change it from ph1 to 2/3.

A non turbo shell could be used, but all the front end panels/lights are different. As is all the front suspension, steering etc.

Not much available new, and depends on what you want in the end but I'd find the best you can unless you're attached to that car.

 

[stefan530]

Thank you all for the replies!

The decission has been made - I’m getting a n/a 21 from France (looks pretty good to be fair), and then I’ll take it to the garage and see what I can use. Get them both in the same place and the same time and just compare.
I’m going to keep adding new information about this project, maybe it will help somebody too.

 

[Big Steve - Raider]

Thank you all for the replies!

The decission has been made - I’m getting a n/a 21 from France (looks pretty good to be fair), and then I’ll take it to the garage and see what I can use. Get them both in the same place and the same time and just compare.
I’m going to keep adding new information about this project, maybe it will help somebody too.

If you're going to Europe... be careful you don't click on this Link and come back with a 21 Turbo......

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[DaveL485]

I’m getting a n/a 21 from France

Make sure it's a longitudinal 2.0 variant and not the 1.4 or 1.7 transverse!