more backdate questions - cutting factory welds...
 

Alright, on the '77, I'm looking for the factory spot welds to drill out to remove the reflector panel in the rear. Are they in the vertical strip just blow the small lip/edge that runs across the top edge? Aproximately how many welds are there?


Additionally, I've almost decided to remove the '77 bumper mounts on the frame, where the factory welded them on so I can mount the '72 front and rear bumpers the way they were designed, and eliminate the need to notch the front fenders. Anyone else used this approach? Advise is always welcome.


Lastly, has anyone transplanted an entire '72 oil system into a later car? So far, I see 2 interior panels (one by rear seat, one in engine compartment) that need to be grafted in, as well as grafting in the filler door. What else am I missing in my observations?

Hows this? This is a pic of the rear of my 85 model after backdating and a 3.6 installation.

Do not believe that the number of welds is totally consistant, so counting them may not work. Look for them and drill them out.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1114141864.jpg

A good look at backdating an entire car is here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/188463-85-backdate-72rs-3-6-proceeding-nicely.html

Hope this helps!

JoeA

Here is my "how to" post:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/202970-big-rsr-update-how-lots-pics-long.html

ok, so I'l have to keep removing paint to find those welds - fortunately they are where I thought they were.

On my backdate, I am using original steel stuff, front and rear, so I have a conflict between the early and later bumper mounts. I see in the Patrick photos where they cut the front mounts back at 45deg. to clear the fenders. Unless I hear or perceive reasons otherwise, I am goin to entirely remove the rear bumper mounts and likely the fronts as well, depending on whether or not other key items are mounted to them...

You shouldn't need to remove any paint. The spot welds are obvious and the only other welds are the seams on the side. You might need to cut the tow bracket off to accommodate the bumper, I did on my 82...

Just cut the reflector plate off. Then you won't have holes where you drilled out the spots. A grinder and sawsall work great.

Keith,

Rear bumper mounts are worthless (in fact they are in the way) with the early style bumpers. Mine are cut off as well.

Geof is correct that you do not need to remove paint, you can see where the indent is in the metal, showing each spot weld very easily.

JoeA

I should be able to see the spot welds, I agree. However, the PO painted this thing like it was a trailer. Hell, I couldn't even see the fender welting on one of the front fenders until I pulled the fender off!

Lotsa paint. Did I mention lotsa paint?