(Curtisaa)

[CamB]

In another thread Curtisaa wrote:

"Rob, once you rid yourself of the front bumper and the shock it's basically a early car. Yes, you'll need early fenders but the long hood will lay flat w/o the locking hardware. Just attach the the RS front rubber latches."

Sooo, to help me get this clear. If you have a 74-89 body, and you get pre-74 fenders, hood and bumpers (fibreglass or steel), then you can make an early car?

In other words, it isn't vital to swap the trunk latch panel (which was what I previously thought) - you just use the rubber latches.

What about the back of the car - just the licence panel etc to replace the reflector???

Thanks

Cam

[CamB]

Geeez, lack of concentration - sorry about the 1/2 finished title.

That's a good point...What about the rear end of the car? I imagine it's easier to convert than the front.

Is anyone in the midst of a long hood conversion? It sounds pretty straightforward, but pictures are always fun to drool over...I mean, examine.

It was kind of an idle question I asked on the '73 RS thread, but now I'm more interested, and happy to see others are too.

[74911s]

on the back of the car all you do is remove the reflector and drill out the spot welds that hold in the metal bracket between the rear lights and mount a fiberglass early rear bumper. it might be more difficult if you want to use original rear bumper parts, i do not know about this.

the whole job is really quite simple as long as you do not want the front hood to utilize the factory latch.

i am collecting that parts right now to turn my 77 into a 73 rs clone on the outside.

[Jack Olsen]

The Long Hood Brotherhood begins to chip away at the SCWDP.

[racemor]

As they say, "long hoods are good"!

Tom

[74911s]

yeah, and my 77 long hood imposter being galvanized should last forever!!!

muha ha

[silverc4s]

I can see it now, bogus long hood early S cars all over eBay......aaaaarrrrgggghhhh

[CamB]

Yeah, that was why I asked - I don't need to do it (2 cars already), but if I ever build up a car to replace the '69 the temptation to start with a galvanised car is strong.

Pity the '75 (which is and will remain short hood) isn't galvanised either...

[silverc4s]

Not from anyone here, of course. Sorry if that came across the wrong way. No intent to do that...

Oh no, anyone here would go straight to an RS clone!

[curtisaa]

OK..guys, this is how ya'd do it... If you remove all the front gooddies from a post 73-88) car, like the hood, bumpers and shocks( you'll need to cut these off with a welder), and 2 front fenders...then you take off the rear bumpers ( and shocks [ by welder]) you will end up with a early car. The rear hood(motor) will latch because it's part of the body, no problem. The front will require 2 early front fenders, and 2 Left and right, turn signal assemblys, and then you'll need a front RS valence assembly, it WILL all fit. Ahh, you say... get yourself a very good "body man". If he has a laborer, doing the work give him a tip ( at least $100.00) and tell the assembler you want the gaps perfect. This sounds pretentious, but it's very important. You will not need the latch for the front hood. Get a set of RS rubber hood latches, and you'll be good. I've had my car over 140MPH and no problem.

This is a good starting point...if you would like call me:
800-888-7287..

Please consider this: you will need to Paint all parts prior to re-assembly.

[Adam]

What a stunning looking car! Have you got any more pics, Curtis?

When you say the shocks, do you mean the ones for the impact bumper?

[curtisaa]

Robh..yes that's correct. When they are cut off ( or disassembled) the front of your shorthood will appear as a early car, ( assuming you've taken off the front fenders and valence). The only thing that will appear a bit strange will the "shorthood" locking mechanism which is attached to the body. You can take apart the ghardware that attaches to the body and leave the plastic molding for appearance sake. Once you've attached the 2 new fenders( from a early car) and the turn signal assemblys then you'll be able to proceed with your RS ( or one of your choice) to install the valence. ...KEEP IN MIND, that if you're going to do 3.6, you'll want to make the necessary preps for an additional oil cooler and those options are numerous. It will be necessary to do a bit of creative design to do this, but it's not difficult. Sherwood Lee, is a very good source for these mods.... Let me know if need more inspiration !!!

thanks Adam for the kudos...

Oh, I have lots of inspiration, I just need a 911...

[cegerer]

Of course, Curtis failed to mention the final step in the conversion process: shred SCWDP membership card. -- Curt

[curtisaa]

..but then he can submit a application for the Rgruppe......