Backdating 84 TLC

[draab29]

I'm considering backdating my 1984 TLC to the 74 IROC bodystyle. After reading some of the threads of the do it yourselfers, I realize it is way beyond my skill level. Does anyone know of a quality Porsche Bodyshop that could handle this conversion in the Central Pennsylvania/Maryland area? Thanks in advance.

[village idiot]

Why would you think it's beyond your skill level? You can learn just about anything with a little time.

I've never really had any money, so I always had to build the things I wanted. I've taught myself how to paint cars and motorcycles, do simple upholstery, built my own engines for my cars and motorcycles. designed my own motorcycle suspension pieces and brake systems.

Now I'm teaching myself how to weld and shape sheetmetal. As long as your car is not your primary form of transportation, then just take your time and teach yourself some new skills. You may surprise yourself.

Plus the satisfaction of driving something that you put together yourself is it's own reward.

But if you have the funds to pay someone else to build your vision, then go for it. Either way you'll end up with something unique and enjoyable.

Cheers,
Tom

[felix_browne]

i agree. go for it yourself. the ammount that you will learn about your car durring the proces will be huge. i am in the process of backdating my car to pre-73 styling. i had never had any experience doing any bodywork or even ever had cause to remove window glass prior to starting this project. if you just take your time and be carefull you can have a car that will make you proud every time you see or drive it. work close with the person that you will have painting it throughout the process and ask for help here whenever you need it. on top of that, your time is free to you so if you are not happy with the way that some aspect of the project is turning out, just keep doing it untill you are. lastly, and most of all, enjoy!

[draab29]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I think I will try to do it myself after some more research.

[tcar]

Having a body shop do the work would be VERY, VERY expensive, I think. Do a search, tons of info.

Get in touch with TRE.

Check this thread...

backdating questions

[TRE Cup]

draab29
the big items are the front, rear bumpers and the tail. Then the devil is in the details for the exterior
license plate lamps, grill, choice of using a center oil cooler or "faux finish" if you don't, correct seals, Euro H4 headlamps, reflector conversion, mirror conversion (iroc only had one manual mirror on the driver side) AND finally some wheels to get the look as close as possible.

Interior was really sparse on the real IROC's; race car with a roll bar and a seat. But a lot of people like to have some comfort and in making a close replica , decide to use the RS 3.0 styled interior with or without roll bar to complete the period look.

You don't have to change the front hood. That is for 73 and older models only. So if on a budget, bumpers and tail , getting match painted is pretty reasonable to do. You can stay with your 7 and 8 x 16's till you are ready for the big rims

[TRE Cup]

Serving suggestions:

[draab29]

TRE Cup

Thanks for the great advice. I definitely want to do the conversion. The picks in your last post are exactly what I am look to do. I would like to add the C2 bumper to fender rubber in the front and mst likely keep the interior similar to stock for now for comfort reasons. My greatest concern is prep work for the fiberglass. It seems very involved with sanding gel coats, etc. Is this something I should just leave to the paint shop? Thanks

Dave

[TRE Cup]

Hi
the body work, fitting, prep and paint will best be left to a shop that has experience with fiberglass. That way you get a quality fit and finish. We recommend the use of the stone guard film as well to protect all that new expanse of color

[draab29]

I'm going to check out a local body shop that has done some nce paintwork for me in the past to find out if the are cmfortable with fiberglass. Your web site mentions brackets to mount the bumpers. Do you have any current recommendations? Thanks

Dave

[TRE Cup]

we have prototype brackets that will make install of our bumpers a total easy item on 74-89 models. They will be produced within the next 6 weeks
thanks