Ultimate Backdating Thread

[Jens]

Eric, of course there is...just do it.

[Series900]

Several methods can be utilized for converting an sc fender to 69-73 version. Recognize the parts that I make are non intrusive, reversible, bolt on. The seam is practical for this reason. Other alternatives, use entire early fenders, cut early fenders and weld on lower section, or grind and fill seam.

Jens, bring your checkbook, we can bolt it on today, Gran Prix white?

[Joeaksa]

Damon,

How about us who do not live in the NE?? We have checkbooks as well!

Please make up some sets of the parts to convert the fender to using a early style turn signal and make us all happy!

JoeA

[EWPurdy]

Damon,
You say your long hood is "special". Does this mean your fender conversion will only work with your hood or could one use a stock long hood off a 69-73 car?
Eric

[rcm]

EW,
I can answer that question I think. The deal with Damon's hood is that it is a long hood w/ short hood configuration. Meaning that, although it looks like a long hood it will close or work with '74 and up latch placement for the shorter hood. The inside of the hood is the skeletal works off the newer shorter hood.

So, really unless you change the catch placment on the steel original long hood, and that's tricky....no you can not use it.


That do it?

[EWPurdy]

Rick,
Thanks - I guess what I'm getting at is the actual lines of the two hoods. Are they the same aside from any internal stuff for latches? The reason I ask is because I already have an old long hood that I'd like to use for my backdate using the tiedown stap method and want to be sure that the lines of the hood will match Damon's conversion parts.
Thanks,
Eric

[MotoSook]

Damon...how much for the f-glass longhood? I need one soon or I'll have to weld a latch under my 71 longhood to fit on my short hood tub. E-mail me privately if you are not sure on price.

As for the fender extension. Damon has a good product going, and I don't see why someone can't fill the seam after bolting it onto their short hood fender. If the time ever comes to go back to short hood, that can still be reversed. The f-glass extension and filler can be knocked off. But one thing to keep in mind is the rear. If one were to go back to short hood, the rear reflector panel will have to be restored (converting the back requires cutting the rear out for the RS rear bumper).

Damon,

Maybe you can make a rear bumper that will cover the reflector panel so one does not have to cut it off. See old pictures of Jack O's BB1 with the license plate cover.

I don't think it would be hard to do, and it would look good. When I was working on my rear bumper, it occured to me that an RS rear bumper can be cut and modified so that one wouldn't have to cut the sheet metal in the back. But I was going all the way with my backdate and I didn't want to have to work with the f-glass....but Damon is equiped to do it.

[EWPurdy]

Here's how it might look with a little bonding/filler applied - Rick hope you don't mind me using your pic as the demonstration.

[rcm]

EW,
Yes, the lines follow front to back exact, just longer. I know Damon can make a spline(?) so you can use that latch assembly. However, the guy is butt deep in work. There is at least 2 complete restos, a suspension pan, a very dented 944 Turbo and the list goes on. I think he is working at least 15 hour days right now trying to keep up.

Hats off to the guy, everybody wants him to do thier car.

[adamred]

Just spent around an hour of company time reading and soaking in all 11 pages, very impressive.

Rick, your car is magnificent, and curtisa's car here and in excellence is also incredible. Rick your car is so close in color, etc to mine the temptaion is upon me (especially considering I was thinking of a repaint anyway)...so anyone care to give a price range for such a conversion?

Sorta taboo to ask but inquiring minds want to know...

Adam

[rcm]

I'm guessing that you would be into Series 900 for around $2000 to $2500.00 jus for parts. I don't beleive that would get you front lenses and body gaskets. THIS IS JUST A GUESS. I'm assumeing these will be a little higher priced then most FG parts because they will fit perfect. We spent a ton of time on getting perfect molds for these parts. Some other FG parts that were there brought in by his customers did not fit anywhere near as good.

[Jens]

Hey Rick, I stopped by the Series 900 shop today. The car look very good. The hood is really very impressive...inside *and* out. The method of adaping it is clever and flawless in it's execution and the workmanship is first class. I'm impressed that all the parts are hand made by the boys on the premises. The car has a lean and tight look, agile. The paint looks factory. That's a very good thing. I'm jealous enough to just *have* to get in line for my turn. Some more photos-

[Jens]

[Jens]

[Series900]

Jeez think I could get some mirrors on that thang! the big debate which style? anyway , rick is right on in price. complete package, hood,fender extensions(wrap around to accept die cast or frp light hsngs over to horn grilles), light buckets, bumpers, all bolt on, 2500, still need lenses horn grilles and gaskets/rubbers, and I will take care of those that are willing to step up. I put many hours in perfecting these and many other parts, and am sure of the results. RCM's car is awesome, wait till you see my previously rolled over RSA backdated...

[Series900]

the hood is stock lines, mold taken from perfect 67 hood, inner adapted for late latching. I can only tell you I take great pride in my work, the parts fit. BOLT ON!

[rcm]

Jens... cudos coming from you make me more impressed with my own car. Thanks.
Rick

[Joeaksa]

Rick,

Also like the license plate! Mine is "Tchuss"... German for bye!

JoeA

[Jens]

Talbot mirrors would really bring it back in time. http://www.talbotco.com/index_1.htm

[Joeaksa]

Jens,

Agree that the Talbots look nice but not factory either. I bought some 71-72 model mirrors for mine. Just need to get it put together and painted so I can mount them. Using the orignal "flag" style mirrors is a dead give away IMHO...

Joe