To backdate or not?

MARTIN AIDE · 04-22-2006, 06:58 AM

Good morning everyone,Here is my dilemma,I have a 77 targa that is in great condition but I know the rep and value is not the greatest on these cars,I have aquired a long hood,front fenders,steel front bumper, fiberglass rear bumper,rear that had been on a 72 with flares,sc flares,and recaro sport seats all out of a 72,wondering if it makes sense to backdate because I do like the look or would I be better off to sell the parts.just not sure what I would be getting into.Thanks in advance for all advice,Marty

Doug&Julie · 04-22-2006, 09:06 AM

I think a lot would depend on how much you like driving the 77. Most people backdate because they like the way their more modern car drives, but love the look (and possibly lighter weight) of the early cars. It can give them a true daily driver early car (something that's hard to achieve with an actual early car).

If you're trying to increase the value of your car...I can only think the best way is to keep it as original as possible. I'm not sure how much a backdated 77 would be worth. (..as opposed to a backdated 3.2 or 3.6, for instance.) But if you like your car and you want it backdated...go for it! I'm certainly a fan of the idea.

Even with the parts you have it won't be cheap...but you are ahead of the game.

island911 · 04-22-2006, 09:37 AM

backdating a 77 . .. I would skip the flares. (which likely means a different back bumper than what you have in parts)

MARTIN AIDE · 04-22-2006, 09:47 AM

why would you skip the flares?I already have a duck tail on the car and also have a set of 7 and 8 fuchs that I would be able to put on.what other expenses would I incur.I love the look of the wider rims with no rocker panels.Is there a lot of cutting and welding involved for the bumpers,Thanks,Marty

island911 · 04-22-2006, 10:21 AM

Flares are a lot of (extra) work. . . .backdating the front is enough, on it's own.

In my opinion, I would either add just the flares, 7&8's . . and go for the muscular SC/Carrera look. . ..OR, backdate with the dainty, non-assuming early look. --there is something sleeper-cool about that. IMO

No doubt the RS-clone-yacht-club will chime-in soon.

MARTIN AIDE · 04-22-2006, 10:26 AM

How about this,has anyone just added flares and the rear bumper and not changed the front?Marty

island911 · 04-22-2006, 10:29 AM

They have. . . and they were ridiculed.

but then again, no matter what you do . ..

(so just go with what fits you best)

Lots of threads on backdating here, in the past.

Sarc · 04-22-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug&Julie

Even with the parts you have it won't be cheap...but you are ahead of the game.

Just how cheap could a backdate be done for? Less than adding a 3.2 to, say a very nice brown '70 in Cinci?

Doug&Julie · 04-22-2006, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sarc
Just how cheap could a backdate be done for? Less than adding a 3.2 to, say a very nice brown '70 in Cinci?

When you consider you'd need to upgrade the brakes and probably a few other things as well....yes, much cheaper.

Note...very nice brown '70 in Cinci is for sale....

Sarc · 05-13-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug&Julie

Note...very nice brown '70 in Cinci is for sale....

Trust me, I know. Just as I know Cinci is just a short hop down from Detroit....

05-13-2006, 12:57 PM

Flairs look really wierd and out of place on an early targa. Island is correct. Backdate and leave the stock fenders.

Christien · Christien's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
Flairs look really wierd and out of place on an early targa. Island is correct. Backdate and leave the stock fenders.

Gotta disagree with that. When I bought my car it had SC flares added, and I love it - it really rounds out the look. Plus, it allows me to fit wider tires in there, which is nice for the track (plus I also thinks looks good). Mine's a couple, not a targa, so maybe that would be a difference, but picturing it in my mind, I think it'd look great. I guess it really is all about personal taste and preference.

Chris

05-13-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Christien
Gotta disagree with that. When I bought my car it had SC flares added, and I love it - it really rounds out the look. Plus, it allows me to fit wider tires in there, which is nice for the track (plus I also thinks looks good). Mine's a couple, not a targa, so maybe that would be a difference, but picturing it in my mind, I think it'd look great. I guess it really is all about personal taste and preference.

Chris

Talking about targa, not coupe.

MARTIN AIDE · 05-13-2006, 05:03 PM

I forgot about this thread but am still thinking of doing it if for no other reason than the 7 and 8 in rims,Mark,Idon't know how to show a link to another thread but take a look at Bobby Smith's 73 2.7 on the car for sale forum and tell me what is wrong with that look,also the seats I have are the same recaros,can someone tell me if they are original to Porsche?Thanks,Marty

05-13-2006, 05:19 PM

Marty,
Just my opine. I've seen several early targas with flairs and I think the proportions look funky. Each to his own. Cheers.

Shuie · 05:49 PM

backdate and forget the flares. Either sell the 8" fuchs and find another pair of 15x7s, or sell the entire set and replace with (4) deep 6 wheels. Early targas rock!

MARTIN AIDE · 05-13-2006, 05:48 PM

don't take me the wrong way Mark,I am not being sarcastic when Isay thatbut wanted you to be sure of the look that I would be going for,the only thing I would do different is my car has a duck tail.thanks,Marty

05-13-2006, 06:44 PM

No prob - as I said, just my opine. I love the look of the cars Shuie posted......