What is "backdating"? Newbie question

[haileypcar]

Dumb question for most of you but I've "googled" and searched and don't get it?
Thanks all.

[jtkkz]

Hi
It is when someones takes a newer car and convert it to look like an older car....

[Dueller]

Backdating simply means modifying a newer car to older specs. Such as taking a 85 Carrera and changing body parts to make it look like a "long hood" 73 or earlier model.

Also used in context of backdating to earlier style heater system.

Welcome aboard!

[livi]

As I understand, it means making a newer car (in this case) look like an older car, with more or less authentic parts. I think the most popular backdate is from say a SC/Carrera to a longhood (pre 74).

[afterburn 549]

As the cars progressed... they got fatter (hvy)...so back date is to bring it back to the original idea it was made for. Race ready or at least sports car.......not a go to opera -be seen in car with hot and cold running water .

[Zeke]

The '73 Carrera RS has rear bodywork like non Turbo '78 to '89 911's. To change the impact bumpers out in favor of the Carrera RS is the theme that most follow. The Carrera RS came with both fiberglass and steel versions of the bumpers, so fiberglass reproduction bumpers are correct in that sense. The front fenders are different from the <'73's, so they have to modified for the <'73 turn lights. The hood is, as mentioned, longer and curves downward at the leading edge to meet the older bumper.

The work can be lengthy and difficult, but due to some "kits," most notably TRE's, it can be done in a way that the car can be returned to stock fairly easily if necessary (which I recommend).

A '74-77 can be backdated to the non flared look of the '69-73.

[haileypcar]

Ohhhhh... now I get it...sort of... so, one might "remove" a newer heater and replace it with an older, lighter one? Is an "a/c delete" sometimes backdating?

[mb911]

it is also commonly used terms when refering to back dated exhaust/ and heat components to increase HP and volume of heat along with cleaning up engine compartment

[MotoSook]

Backdating a 911 is probably one of the better use of the term due to the gradual evolution of the aircooled 911. For over 40 years newer 911 chassis and engine shared some or all aspects of the prior model. That makes it posible for those of us who dare to to revert to any older design or functional feature for our cars. Updating is also possible!

Just a few interchangeable features/designs, possible with varying degree of difficulty. Not necessarily backdate specific:

Engine: induction, exhaust, heat, oil cooling, heads, cam housings, cylinders and pistons, cam chain tensioners, ignition

Chassis: struts, trailing arms, springplates, crossbar

Tranny: you can just about mate any of the trannys to any engine. Again with varying degree of difficulty. Most common matings are with 911, 915, 930, G50 trannies to 2.4 through 3.6 engines. Power and tranny strenght is critical.

[afterburn 549]

dito

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by haileypcar

Ohhhhh... now I get it...sort of... so, one might "remove" a newer heater and replace it with an older, lighter one? Is an "a/c delete" sometimes backdating?

Not so much as backdating heating (but it is done) but usually means the bumpers, front hood, front fenders and so on.

Yes, people do backdate the heating but its really just taking the electric fan in the engine compartment out and replacing the ducting to the older style parts.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by haileypcar

Is an "a/c delete" sometimes backdating?

Well, lighter is better and the early cars weighed less....

[K. Roman]

Do a search for Ultimate Backdating Thread. it's massive.

[haileypcar]

Thanks for the insight guys. I really enjoy this forum. I just learned about Warren, very sad. "Love the one you're with".