RUSToration Sheet Metal

[Tom '74 911]

Hi,

I also posted this in the 911 Main Tech forum, but I though I'd post here as well because I think there are a few guys that hang out here, but not there...

I have 2 fairly involved RUSToration projects ('74 911 & '69 912) and have a question about what others typically do regarding replacement sheetmetal.

I have sourced a significant amount of replacement, stamped sheetmetal from a typical provider and I also have a '69 912 that I had planned to use as a sheetmetal donor.

I will have to use a few pieces from the donor that aren't available and I will have to fabricate a lot of small patch pieces myself from scratch, but what I'm wondering is if most of you guys who have done extensive panel replacements have found it easier to just start w/a clean, new to you, pre-stamped piece rather than harvesting from the donor? What I'm finding w/the pieces that I am harvesting from the donor is that I am spending so much time carefully cutting, cleaning and prepping the sections I am trying to use, that it seems like I would've been better off getting the pieces (at least the ones that are available) as replacement, stamped sheetmetal instead. If I were charging for my time, I'd probably be way ahead if I just had bought more pre-stamped replacement pieces...

Just curious what others typically do...

Thank you,
Tom

[lite75]

Tom,
This is my order of preference after doing numerous cars over the years,

1. oem replacement
2. Used oem
3. Aftermarket replacement
3. Formed from sheet stock

Of course there are always the exceptions to any preference.

[962porsche]

for the most part I/we do not use parts from donors . many reasons for this IMO just don't make sense to do it or worth the time . how ever on some cars we do but they are more rare cars that there is not a big aftermarket supply of aftermarket parts for . the 911 chassis cars you can buy some much for them NEW OE replacement or aftermarket there is no good reason to cut from a donor car . when it comes to making our own panels we will also do that quite often how ever you have to have the tools and knowledge to do so . with that being said this may not be the best for you ?

[Tom '74 911]

Originally Posted by lite75

Tom,
This is my order of preference after doing numerous cars over the years,

1. oem replacement
2. Used oem
3. Aftermarket replacement
3. Formed from sheet stock

Of course there are always the exceptions to any preference.

After some polling, it seems like new OE replacement panels are at the top of everyone's list, mostly followed by non-OE repro. panels (with parts by Dansk being at the bottom of that list), followed by cut up donor panels, followed by formed from sheet stock.

Although the most expensive option, OE replacement panels is ALWAYS at the top.

Originally Posted by 962porsche

for the most part I/we do not use parts from donors . many reasons for this IMO just don't make sense to do it or worth the time . how ever on some cars we do but they are more rare cars that there is not a big aftermarket supply of aftermarket parts for . the 911 chassis cars you can buy some much for them NEW OE replacement or aftermarket there is no good reason to cut from a donor car . when it comes to making our own panels we will also do that quite often how ever you have to have the tools and knowledge to do so . with that being said this may not be the best for you ?

After some months of fiddling w/donor parts, I can see that it's more often than not, not worth the trouble. This is especially true if replacements panels are available for whatever section of the car you are working on...

On making my own panels - I have basic fabrication skills, but that's about it. Flats, bends that can be done in a brake or with simple hand tools, simple shrinker/stretcher work - that's all w/in my capabilities. If a replacement piece requires an english wheel and lots of curve-making, it's not likely to come from my own hands!

Once I get a little further down the road w/my project(s), I will start some threads & post some photos...

Thanks for the input,

Tom