backdating, complaining + PICS

gerard vaglio · 06-13-2007, 04:22 PM

I’m looking for a thread (yes I used the search button), that shows how to backdate the rear end of an sc. Specifically, this thread had pictures of how you remove the panel behind the rear reflector of an sc by drilling out a few welds.

The body guy who is doing the repair is good but he’s never done a backdate and doesn’t believe me when I tell him people do this all the time. I’d like to go to the body shop tomorrow with pictures so he, and I, will feel more comfortable.

I got all the parts I need for the backdate from TRE, does anybody have this thread? Thanks in advance.

Ya know, I understand that when you get rear ended its customary to complain about how unfair this is but instead I’m trying to turn it into a positive by backdating my 79sc at a slight discount. Her insurance company is paying for the rear end of the backdate and rental car and I’ll be paying for the front of the backdate.

Okay, I’m really not that evolved.

I’m on a road where people are doing 45-55, turning right onto a road where people are doing 30. The right is a long sweeping curve with a yield sign, you have to slow down to merge with traffic, you don’t have a choice about this. I slowed down, I merged, I even got the chance to speed up to 25 and a few seconds later ...BAM???

She started to cry a little and I ended up telling her it was all going to be alright??? Rear ending, not fair, crying, not fair.

Okay, I’ll stop now.

SCWDP911 · SCWDP911's Garage

is that the way all SC's look under the rear reflector, with the punched hole panel?

gerard vaglio · 06-13-2007, 05:10 PM

No, I did that for fun and to save a little weight. That panel normally has very small square holes that the rear reflector clips into.

I knew a backdate was in my future so I went ahead and cut holes in a panel that is usually removed when the plastic rear bumper is installed.

One guy told me I should put round lights in the holes so the back of the car would look like a "close encounters of the third kind 911".

The close encounters of the third kind 911 is generally considered to be more rare then the 911R.

SCWDP911 · SCWDP911's Garage

I have been considering doing something like that if I install my ducktail. I would paint it satin black with the tail. I was actually wondering what it might look like with the reflector mounted behind the holes somehow.... just thinking out loud...

rsrfan · 06-13-2007, 05:49 PM

back date, the back half

hope this helps,

JP

Rot 911 · 06-13-2007, 06:09 PM

Ultimate Backdating Thread

gerard vaglio · 06-13-2007, 06:41 PM

rsfan, thats it, thats what I needed, thank you verrrrry much.

I'll download these tonight and show them to the body guy tomorrow.

When I'm on this BBS I feel like I'm truly home, (gushing), I will continue to post updates of the car as we go but right now I'm thinking this will be a silver 911R thingy, sort of, concept that I know never actually exsisted but hey, I like it and I'm not hurting anybody.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

I used a sawzall....but I have a soft touch.....

Dutchie · 06-13-2007, 09:16 PM

i drilled mine out but a sawzall will be much faster and look better.
The rear is easy ! the front will be harder i think. Dont forget to take out all the bolts first and dont forget the one in the headlight. I did and it took me a few hours to figure out why the freaking fender wouldent come off

Cheers,

haycait911 · haycait911's Garage

in defence of bodymen, my natural reaction, would you be able to get him an older car to compare. if he saw the two side by side with the bumpers off things would be much clearer/easier. would be better than pics. maybe a pelican in your area would be willing to let his car be the 'demo'. Don.

gerard vaglio · 06-13-2007, 11:02 PM

I watched the body guy work for about an hour today and I have to say I was impressed.

He pulled on the passenger side rear quarter panel, heated the metal, hammered, pulled, heated over and over and after an hour returned that folded in edge to normal.

He said it won't need any body filler.

Tears of joy ran down my cheeks as a wave of gratitude overtook me ...just kidding.

But I was impressed.

Joeaksa · 06-14-2007, 03:04 AM

Drilled mine out but only because I did not have a sawsall. Its not difficult.

The Ultimate Backdating thread has everything you would ever need for something like this. Also getting rid of 200 pounds of bumper and hyd shock absorbers for the impact bumper will really help. As well it looks 100x better.

gerard vaglio · 06-15-2007, 01:39 PM

Okay, no more complaining.

It seems that the spirit of Ferdinand has made Ray, my body guy, his instrument here on earth.

This afternoon, when I went to visit the body shop to see if the pictures helped any I saw that Ray had already cut away the panel behind the rear reflector to get the backdated bumper on. Another surprise, Ray ordered the panel behind that from Porsche because he said he might want to replace the entire thing if he feels its tweeked in any way once he gets in there and has a better look. “...no reason it shouldn’t be done right,” Ray says?

Then we all joined hands and sang German folk songs.

Can you believe my f’in luck!

khamul02 · khamul02's Garage

update?

gerard vaglio · 08-22-2007, 01:11 PM

Still waiting for the last parts to make it to the body shop. They want to begin when they have all the stuff in place. Should be starting up again in a week or so.

Fingers crossed.

khamul02 · khamul02's Garage

Keep us posted with pics

Dutchie · 09-20-2007, 03:36 AM

any updates Gerard ? would love to see how the front is done. I used the rubber latches in front the "easy way" but like to go with an old frontpiece in the future.

Cheers,

gerard vaglio · 09-20-2007, 09:58 AM

Waiting for the gas tank, it's due in next week then we begin again.

Once we get the tank should take about six weeks to complete the project although I doubt this car will ever be done. I see this as a stage which will be followed by other modifications down the line until some adult in a position of authority tells me
I'm going too far.

Being single means a lot of things, one of which is there are no responsible grown ups in my house.

Zeke · 09-20-2007, 06:05 PM

That looks like one hell of a stout frame bench. What is it?

Also, it seemed like when the panel with the large hole was removed, you were just about there. What is it about the older cross member that HAS to be installed?

gerard vaglio · 09-20-2007, 06:23 PM

Hey Milt,

The bench isn't mine, it belongs to the body shop so I don't know what type it is but the owner did show me the lazer gismo he uses to check that the frame is straight.

I'll bet my car is now straighter then when it left the factory.

The older cross member in the back was a little tweeked according to the tech guy and he elected to replace it a while ago. I couldn't see anything wrong with it but he said it wasn't perfect and he wanted it perfect before he continued. You'd like this guy, he's a real perfectionist. He also drives a Porsche.

The shop won't move forward until TRE gets me the new gas tank and they are almost ready with it. Dave has been great and has answered a lot of my silly questions along the way.

I'm looking to create a car that reminds me of the 911R but I'm not looking for strict authenticity. If you have any pointers for me while this backdating is going on I'd welcome your input. I often read your posts so I feel like I kinda know you.

Take care,

Gerard