Backdate vs restore?

[jdonovan]

So I have a project 1975 911S that is red that needs a restoration. I am thinking of backdating it. trying to figure out what it would be worth restored? Backdated in steel? Backdated using fiberglass body parts? I know I want to strip it down and repaint it in the silver that it once was, and possibly do an RS style interior. This is what the car looks like, I bought it 5 years ago at an estate auction for $1,510 and have stored in a garage and am ready to get it on the road.

John

[timmy2]

Rust free '78 and up galvanized SC front fenders, doors and the parts to restore it to a stock external configuration will be less work and are more available. Then again, if you have to strip it down that far... Guess it all boils down to time and money. You can do the interior in RS regardless of the outside look.

[Bear911]

It looks like you have a nice project that awaits you! Personally I feel backdating is a bit of a fad and a 'restored to original' car will possibly be worth more in the long run. Having said that, a narrow body like yours will make for an awesome backdate.

Another consideration is rust, it seems from the photo that you may have a lot of it. If you are going to be replacing fenders etc, then I suppose you might as well go for the backdate. How bad is the floor/ suspension pan etc? If there is going to be a lot of chopping, you may as well do whatever you want and not worry about originality.

It boils down to what you want, it is your car. So long as you keep it narrow! :-) Good luck and keep us posted!

[LakeCleElum]

Looks like front fenders are iffy anyhow....I vote to back date it.

[Neel]

I'd check the suspension pan condition first.. (safety issue) Then I would get the engine running and check out the drive train.. After that, decide on back dating or restoration.. I prefer restoration, but it's your car so have fun with it!!!!!

[G450X]

I vote backdate as well. It already has bright trim and the front appears rusted. It will probably cost a bit to square away rust in the chassis, but FG parts swap will drop some weight since they need repair work anyway.

A '75 is one of the least sought after 911's - I would not worry about collector interest for another 20 years, can you wait that long? If it was a mint original (even a '75), I'd vote to keep it stock.

I still plan on backdating my '82 SC. I like the look and I don't care if anybody else does or if its considered over done. If my SC was a mint low miler, I would not do it. I'm pushing close to 165k miles and collector interest will never be strong. I will save the original pieces (they're not worth much anyway) so a re-conversion is possible, but I doubt it will ever be converted back to stock.

There's a lot to be said for a fun driver that mimic's an icon in both look and performance. The people I feel sorry for are the collectors (and their cars) who are afraid to drive a real RS for fear of devaluation. Some of those same people will make fun of people who drive "clones." I find that amusing - "poor" rich guys....

[Dublinoh]

Some of those same people will make fun of people who drive "clones." I find that amusing - "poor" rich guys....

So true....

I vote back date, narrow body, Aluminum trim, rust, great candidate.

[jdonovan]

What is the value of a backdate? I don't intend on selling, just curios if it adds to my mine?

[mike5876]

Originally Posted by jdonovan

What is the value of a backdate? I don't intend on selling, just curios if it adds to my mine?

depends on how much you spend on the backdate!

[Hugo930]

You'll never see your money back either way. Do whatever you want, I'd keep it stock but whatever floats your boat.

[jdonovan]

Oh, btw I will be doing all the bodywork and painting myself

[shbop]

Originally Posted by jdonovan

Oh, btw I will be doing all the bodywork and painting myself

You still probably won't see your money back. You'll have bragging rights, and maybe a really cool car, but it's very hard to make a buck. I don't want to say never. We have some really talented folks around here. Both mechanically and paint and body guys, but these usually turn out to be a labor of love. Build what you love.

[ratpiper71T]

I don't know but I feel every generation has its uniqueness. But, and that's a big butt do what suits you. There won't be much of a cost difference between the two if done well. Remember FG rarely if ever fits right and even steel for that matter-especially fenders are going to need some work for the gaps and body work. If you're nt partial to those fender trims and they are in good shape-from what I understand they bring a pretty penny on the parts market.

[Wiese]

Why not get it running and driving well first? Then decide. I personally would just leave it as a "rat" survivor, but that's just me.

[R K T]

Originally Posted by jdonovan

What is the value of a backdate? I don't intend on selling, just curios if it adds to my mine?

Just sold my backdated '87 for 36K.....today!