Porsche 911 Idea, need your input

[fljmarz]

Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum & new to Porsche in general. I’ve never been a fan of Porsches, until I recently saw pictures of a 1973 911rs and now I want one. The problem is the price & I’m hoping someone on this forum can help me.
I realize it’s possible to make any 911 form 1965-1973 look like a 911rs, so here’s my idea/question: is it possible to take a 1974-1983 911 & convert it to look like a 1973?
The 2 models look similar except for the bumpers. So can the bumpers be removed, older fenders & hood be installed?
Thanks for reading/helping.
Frank

* * Remember, I’m new to the world of Porsche…please be gentle. * *

[Flieger]

Body Conversion Kits

[porschenut]

Guys have been doing this for years.

Ultimate Backdating Thread

Here are pics of my '86.

[Bob Kontak]

Extend your search range through 89.

The 1976 (EDIT - Wrong year - 78 forward as GTC says below) and forward bodies already have the correct wheel arch flares.

Post 75 the bodies were fully galvanized - except maybe the roof. That may save you some cost down the road.

The 3.2 Carreras don't have as many minor running problems as the SCs having a more advanced injection system and they are a touch faster. 87 and on 3.2s have a beefier transmission.

If you drop off a body kit and the car at a good shop to do the conversion prepare for a $10,000+ invoice if you want it to look like the above car.

Just read old posts for background and consider buying one already prepared.

Welcome and keep us in the loop.

[Flieger]

I suggest buying the parts from TRE Motorsports, the link I posted above. You can install the parts yourself but they have the best quality fiberglass from the best suppliers and can tailor the parts to your budget. They can even squeeze exta resin out of the fiberglass to make them almost as light as carbon fiber. This "race layup" is more costly, though. They also have great seats, interior kits, etc. Dave can answer many of your questions.

[fljmarz]

Thanks for all the information & quick responses, I knew I found the right place to post my questions.
So now I’ll start my quest for 1976-1989 Porsche & the right body kit for me.
Frank

[gtc]

1978 was the first year of the SC, which has the rear flares you want.
Not 1976.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by gtc

1978 was the first year of the SC, which has the rear flares you want.
Not 1976.

That's correct.

fjmarz, the rear latch panel and reflector on the '78> has to be cut out and replaced. No simple bolt up parts for the rear end. TRE has the hood that will latch to the existing later front latch panel.

Also, you don't have to change the front fenders. There are filler strips that will hold the early turn lights and fill between the older style long hood bumper and the later fender. You have to look twice to notice.

[WIL84911]

76 - 89 have different engines/hp. You might want to zero in on the one you really want.

[sobamaflyer]

you really have a world of mind-boggling choices! There are quite a few cars that have been done to this fashion, you might find someone's already done project and get it for much less than you will ultimately spend to do this yourself.

[fljmarz]

I really appreciate all the positive/constructive input; I’ve been on forums where it seems to be the norm to “attack” the new guy for not knowing about the subject prior to posting. I never understood that, as I always subscribed to the “the only dumb question is the unasked question” philosophy.

Thanks Porschenut for the ultimate backdating thread…I started reading it last night
Thanks Graham for correcting my model year search criteria.
Milt: can you give me more information on the filler strips used to keep the original fenders?
Other then the TRE body conversion information that Flieger was nice enough to give me, are there any other companies that manufacture these conversion kits?

As for the looking for a finished car, it’s probably the smart thing to do, but I’m a hands on guy & working on the project is more then half the fun for me. Plus I thought working on the car with my two sons would be a great father/sons bonding experience for my boys & I.
Again, thanks for ALL the info.
Frank

[kiwiokie]

There is a partly finished RS replica for sale on the "For Sale" forum right now. No affilliation.

[RoninLB]

a 911 is never finished

save $10k and find a replica

[Flieger]

GT Racing: GT Racing - Porsche fiberglass parts. Manufacturer of quality lightweight body panels.

Their fit is much better than AIR. Avoid AIR.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by RoninLB

...

save $10k and find a replica

Definitely - if you live in an area w/o many 911s it might take a while tho.

be sure you get high quality FG parts - TRE is an xlnt. choice

- post where you live & see if there are locals to help you

[pplkook]

Originally Posted by fljmarz

As for the looking for a finished car, it’s probably the smart thing to do, but I’m a hands on guy & working on the project is more then half the fun for me. Plus I thought working on the car with my two sons would be a great father/sons bonding experience for my boys & I.
Again, thanks for ALL the info.
Frank

+1 on buying a finished car....Hell, even the most "finished" car is never done. It is like a boat, start at one end, and go to the other end. When done, start over. You will have countless and endless opportunities to be hands on with the kid even on a finished car.

Lots of people invest tons of time and energy into a big project and then sell for a myriad of reasons. Take advantage, be picky and get a great "finished car".

-Jack

[fljmarz]

I was reading thru the ultimate backdating thread & came across Damon’s (SERIES 900) post on his backdating kit…anyone know if this kit is still available?
Sounds and looks like a great way to approach the whole backdating thing, with the option to convert the car back at any time.

[Flieger]

I think TRE works with them for their kits. Dave gets parts from whoever is best (it varies by the particular part- hood, fender, etc.).

[fljmarz]

Anyone know for sure if "series 900" still makes his backdate kit?
Thanks.
Frank