Short Hood to Long Hood Conversion

[Swoboda]

Although I think I already know the answer to this question, does a short to long hood conversion require new front fenders?

I like to look of the long hoods, but I'm sure there's more to it than just switching out hoods.

Thanks.

Lawrence

[plumb4u2]

yes

[rattlsnak]

you can either use:
older style fenders, new fiberglass fenders, or the add on kit to your existing fenders.

Then of course, you need the hood, turn signal housings, horn grills and bumper.

[Swoboda]

I have never heard of or seen the add-on kit. Do you have any more information on it?

[Flieger]

Talk to Dave B. at TRE Motorsports (TRE Cup on Pelican)

TRE Motorsports

[rattlsnak]

www.Rennspd.Com

[khamul02]

Check out the ultimate backdate thread for a bit more insight.

[.PORSCHE.]

A lot of time has passed since this thread was originally started, and new products and procedures have been developed since.

Has anyone come up with a way to use an original early (long) hood on an impact bumper era car without having to change out the whole latch panel in the front of the car?

I know there are Fiberglas hoods that allow this (TRE), but is there any way to do it with original parts? I really don't like the idea of cutting up the structure of any car.

Thanks.

[pors1968]

I read someone took front part of short hood weld it to long hood and keep front panel without cutting.

[rcotton]

I am doing a long hood conversion now. To solve the latch issue I simply cut off the short and long hood inner bracing that hold the latch. Then welded the short hood brace with latch on the long hood. The long hood portion of the hood is now unsupported by doing this. So I laid carbon fiber on the unsupported portion back on to the short hood inner brace. Hood fits good is strong and no cutting on the car.

[.PORSCHE.]

That's what I want to do. How did you get the measurements right? I've heard about nightmares where hoods get shut permanently because the latches are in the wrong place.

So, if I understand correctly, you cut the inner structure surrounding the short hood's latch out and welded it to the long hood's inner structure to match up with the latch panel. Then you had to add some support to the new piece on the long hood to keep it very stable. Right? I'm guessing this is reversible down the road by removing the pice from the long hood and welding it back onto the short hood. Right? Are you able to post a picture or two?

I wonder, wouldn't it be possible to just use those rubber hood hold-down, a la RS) on a long hood? Thanks a lot!

[sleepy911]

Take out the gas tank while your working on lining things up. That way you can see and access from under the hood

[Iciclehead]

Porsche sells the signal light frame for the front fenders, it is fairly easy to weld up the extension required using the filler part from the short hood car to make it work just fine. Just finished doing that.
There are modifications required to do this right, particularly replacing the front bulkhead, but it is not too difficult albeit time consuming. You can see some of the work front and rear on the thread I update from time to time...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/185692-fitting-6-speed-g50-89-carrera-new-post.html

I personally am not a fan of the fibreglas bumpers, but many have done them with very nice results, but metal can be done without too much heartbreak, but it is a fairly major modification.

Dennis

[MotoSook]

With the gas tank removed and the car on a lift one can easily bend sheet metal to act as a cross piece to support the long hood and attach the latch. I'd add a mechanism to release the safety hook from the edge of the hood.

Anything is possible if you have time and money.

If I did another backdate I'd do this.

[tocobill]

Where are you in baltimore? I have a backdated 911 long hood from a 86 carrera. Front and rear sheetmetal and all the little bits too. I had my 73 at the same time so I was able to duplicate alot of the factory looks. Let me know if you want to chat one day.

[rcotton]

I am traveling now and will post pics next week. I cut off the whole front latch panel from both hoods not just the area around the latch. You have to be careful not to cut through the hood. I will post pics. Because there is no structure under the hood in front of the latch but a couple of layers of carbon for strength you can easily get your hand in an unlatch the safety catch of the hood.

[rcotton]

[Joe Bob]

I used the TRE kit.

[jakz]

Is the TRE kit just an extension for the shorthood?
I hope i dont get too much hate from this but ive seen the weld up kits for the fenders and maybe im really cheap but they seem like a lot of money +-$800 everywhere ive found them is anyone making them cheaper now? Or has anyone made them from scratch?

[M491Cabriolet]

Originally Posted by Iciclehead

Porsche sells the signal light frame for the front fenders...
There are modifications required to do this right, particularly replacing the front bulkhead, but it is not too difficult albeit time consuming....
Dennis

I just retread this. Sorry to be dense, but I want to get this right. You say there are modifications necessary, replacing the front bulkhead... Did you mean that with respect to the hood or the turn signal housings?

I already have an original hood, right fender, rear bumpers, rear bumper center panel, and front bumper. Still need the front left fender. These are all original nice parts that I would like use to backdate a car, but my plan is to try to do it without cutting the structure of the original car. Any mods would be made to the add on parts, at least that is my uneducated, inexperienced plan. Do you think this is a feasible plan, or should I just resign to the fact that the original car would have to be structurally modified? Thanks.