turning my SC into a one of a kind

rfuerst911sc · 08-14-2011, 11:48 AM

I have started my project of turning my 83 SC into a one of a kind custom coupe. I say one of a kind because there is only one set in the world of these bumpers: Thinking about selling THOSE bumpers
I guess I will call this a custom backdate. With these fantastic bumpers from Milt and a proper ducktail I think it's going to look sharp. The wheels on the car are Borbet 17 inch with the proper offset so no spacers needed. They are heavy but look good. I also have two sets of Fuchs in 16x7 + 16x8 that I plan to rotate between this car and my 914GT clone. One set is semi polished the other will be done in RSR finish. I would like input on using the rocker covers or take them off ? I like the blacked out window trim and I plan on keeping that but I'd like to add the early fold out rear quarter windows. The car runs great and I don't plan on any engine mods at the moment. Any feedback is appreciated. Here is what she looked like before I started today. Last two pics are the front bumper/valence removed. Here we go.

The color is quartz gray.

911Freak · 08-14-2011, 12:17 PM

Cool! Looking forward to this

brads911sc · brads911sc's Garage

They are going to look great! Looking forward to seeing it done.

Zeke · 08-15-2011, 04:59 PM

Me too.

Plecostomus · 08-15-2011, 05:16 PM

Oh lawd..

Jerome74911S · 08-15-2011, 05:31 PM

I love that color. It's going to be nice.

rfuerst911sc · 08-15-2011, 06:13 PM

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to have the front bumper installed this coming weekend and do any detail fitting. If I can get that done then I'll start on the rear. I'm a little nervous about the rear because I'm going to have to make two exhaust cutouts in the valence. I want to make sure I get them marked correctly and then use a hole saw. Getting them marked correctly has me a bit nervous. Any suggestions on how to do that ?

brads911sc · brads911sc's Garage

By no means an expert but what if you did a partial engine drop, installed the bumber and then marked the new bumper as you got the engine raised in position? just an idea. Im sure the experts will think this is a stupid idea...

jdbunda · jdbunda's Garage

I followed the link - I love those bumpers. Wish they weren't one of a kind! Looking forward to seeing it!

Zeke · 08-16-2011, 06:33 PM

Another way to do cutouts is to slide the bumper on a flat surface towards its destination noting where the exhaust tips want to come out. Eyeball a circle from strait on and mark out. You can cut twice, you know, so keep it small until you figure out the true circle. You'll want to cut about a 1/2 over in the end for movement, not so much heat.

AFA heat, line the interior of that puppy with some heat shield material. I never did, it got hot but as you know, it did not destroy the paint. Another driver did that for me.

w21055 · w21055's Garage

Gonna Look great.

Phillip

Jgordon · 08-16-2011, 08:08 PM

I'll be that guy. I admire the artistry but not the look of those bumpers. Think you'd be better off staying original.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Those bumpers look great! Milt is a class act and you got some fantastic bumpers!!

rfuerst911sc · 08-17-2011, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgordon

I'll be that guy. I admire the artistry but not the look of those bumpers. Think you'd be better off staying original.

I disagree but I've never liked the look of the impact bumpers. Not everyone is going to like what I'm doing but that's OK I'm not doing this for anyone but myself. To each his own.

rfuerst911sc · 08-17-2011, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milt

Another way to do cutouts is to slide the bumper on a flat surface towards its destination noting where the exhaust tips want to come out. Eyeball a circle from strait on and mark out. You can cut twice, you know, so keep it small until you figure out the true circle. You'll want to cut about a 1/2 over in the end for movement, not so much heat.

AFA heat, line the interior of that puppy with some heat shield material. I never did, it got hot but as you know, it did not destroy the paint. Another driver did that for me.

Milt I like your approach for getting the cutouts to line up that's the way I'm going to do it. And yes I will line the interior with heat resistant material. Appreciate the suggestions.

strath44 · strath44's Garage

These look amazing, retro backdate! Surely worth getting moulds made up at some point!?

Like the style without the time and work needed on the wings etc for a full backdate.

looking forward to seeing it done!

+1 on not being a fan of the impact bumpers!

redturbo911 · 08-17-2011, 06:04 AM

Great start. Love the lift in your garage.

klaus · klaus's Garage

Given the backdate craze I am a bit surprised that these bumpers are no readily available. I think I would have considered them when I picked up the RS set currently on my car. That said, knowing these are a one and only, good luck with the project, I think it is going to look great when you finish it up.

Jerome74911S · 08-17-2011, 08:27 AM

I'm not really a fan of impact bumpers, either. The rear bumpers aren't so bad, but the fronts look like the cars are sticking their tongues out, my car included.

People have taken many directions with imaginative alternative bumper designs, and clearly they are responding to something that was a bit "off" on the impact cars. Porsche did a good job addressing the bumper strength regulations of the time, but maybe it's time to address something else.

Creative energy is good. It leads to better solutions to many things - we sure see plenty examples here on Pelican. Therefore, rude condemnations of someone's attempt at an elegant departure from the original are very counter productive.

Go to it, that's what I say.

Zeke · 08-17-2011, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgeinhere

No worries, allow me to pull up a seat next to you. I am not a fan and think that they look like a half-ass attempt at creating a backdate, the look is clunky...the back is not as bad as the front.

Also, beautiful color on the car...never seeing it in person.

In fact there were several people that did not like the look. It really was/is a classic case of love hate. I never once encountered anyone who didn't have a strong opinion either positive or negative about the bumper project.

But, I can assure you that it was no "half asssed" attempt. I've been making customizations on and off for 45 years. I'm no Gemballa that's for sure. And not everyone likes that stuff either. In fact, if I did, I wouldn't have taken 6 months to build mine.

But, if anyone cares to know, I saw a blue short hood car here on Pelican with RUF wheels and 964 bumpers along about 2004. The body was on a dolly and the bumpers and wheels were just placed to show the concept, not even bolted. I vowed to make a car like that right then and there. It took me 5 years to get around to it and now Richard is the one with the "vision."

Never did get the RUF's. Well, there's time for that I guess.

I have to add a special appreciation to Richard. He paid my asking price which was on the high side given what you can buy from GT Racing, et al. The money was raised to care for my very elderly MIL.

Thanks again, friend.