Oh the right hand drive conversion, Just a Paint Shop image mirror. This is how we do RHD conversions in New Zealand

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398711429.jpg

Yes it does.....all be it slightly thinner than stock. I think it fell on a belt sander.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398712160.jpg

That is cool as hell, and for some reason I thought it would look like a size 15 foot stuffed into a size 10 shoe. Hell, that looks like it belongs.

August Update
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1407699586.jpg

Iv been away in the badlands again, but some stuff has been updated. The new Becker radio has been installed. The sound is not fantastic as it was only designed for a single speaker, but it is certainly better than silence. It came with a MP3 cable so I can at least listen to my iPod, and Radio 4 of course...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1407699743.jpg

The downside is that this rather ugly antenna must be up all the time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to boost (I'm deaf) the sound or amplify it? Any suggestions about a better antenna that still looks period?

Thanks to Mike at Original Vintage Classic Car Radios For Sale London. BLAUPUNKT GRUNDIG BECKER PHILIPS RADIOMOBILE OEM for supplying the radio. I realise it is not authentic Porsche, but it certainly looks very 1970s to me....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1407700026.jpg

Lovely new Firestone tyres too as the Yokohamas were cracking. I was told that painting the text white was a bit vulgar.... thoughts?


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1407700324.jpg

My electrician guy also fitted a set of Engelbert's LED lights as well as repairing my clock, and the lights are a vast improvement. Engelbert now has a set in a slightly less white tone of white, so I'll see how these go for a while but might replace them....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1407700618.jpg

So having replaced the original seats back (I might sell the black Recaros, but undecided right now) and added some cheap carpets to avoid wearing out the originals, this is how the interior currently looks.

I have taken on board all your comments about backdating, but the idea is still tickling me. I'm off to Afghanistan at the end of the month again and won't be back until late November, so will think harder about it then, but even if I make a drastic decision it will have to wait until next spring before the chopping begins.

If I stick with the G-Series look, what might be a good bumper replacement? I really don't like the bellows and the impact rubber bricks at the back....

As someone who has built a backdate car out of a mid year I suggest keeping the G-series look. Sure change the bumpers (and keep the stock ones in storage). Perhaps consider a SC/RS front bumper with a narrow IROC rear bumper?

One option is to replace the windshield with one from a late 3.2 Carrera that has the antenna built into the windshield. Then just fill the stock antenna hole with a rubber plug.

By the way... nice car! :cool:

http://www.eb-motorsport.co.uk/Image...mper%20800.jpg

http://www.rennspd.com/PImages/74-77...0823153642.jpg

Thanks, I love it too.

Those are much cleaner looking bumpers and I think there is a place in Birmingham that has them. Thanks also for the antenna tip.... Is the bumper replacement a big job?

I would not back-date such an attractive and original appearing car. Back-dating has become a bit of a cliché as of late and someday soon people will crave unmodified cars. (Just look at the U.S. vintage musclecar scene for proof.) If you must back-date then find a worse-off car to use!

I'm getting that feeling a lot from here, and the last thing I would want to do it ruin it. I think I am more in love with the idea, rather than the practicalities of actually doing it...

But rest assured, I'm listening! Thanks for your views....

Agree with others. Keep this one original , it's a great looking car.

how did my car make it into this thread is beyond me hehehe


Do Not Backdate

I agree with all of the above, don’t go with the backdate hype, in the end you will have spent a lot of time, money and lost an original car.:eek:

That depends on many variables. For a professional body shop (especially one with aircooled 911 experience) it's a pretty straightforward project assuming you start with good quality fiberglass parts.

The SC/RS front bumper and narrow IROC rear bumper from the vendor links I listed in my previous post are good quality parts.

mid-year cars are awesome, last of the true narrowbodies - I would absolutely keep it as-is.... I think you will find it growing on you. Just a few years ago, people avoided them, but they've enjoyed a nice resurgence in the last year or so, values have come up quite a bit for clean examples.

Glad you junked the black seats, all other mods are nice and fitting to the car. I'd say just assure everything mechanical is updated, throw some H4's on it, get it down to european height and corner-balance. Enjoy as is, and the rest will come to you.

sorry, narrow body Gs are the worst in optical apearance.
the fat bumpers spoil the fine design line their slim bodys and chrome trim offer.
real Gs are from 78/79 onwards with the SC (or if you want with the rare 75 carrera 2,7/3,0)

So this brings up the inevitable question: how shabby does a shorthood 911 have to be before backdating could be an interesting option for someone with the passion to do it properly? I'm unsure how to define a car that would be "eligible" without upsetting too many purists. It isn't as though all of us like impact bumpers.

That said, the OP's car is lovely and in nice shape, so I'd say H4's and mechanicals and enjoy it as is. This isn't the car I would have purchased if my goal was a backdate project.

oh, so "backdating" better must be allways a bare-metal restauration?
or at least on a car that has rust and must be welded?
or what "level" is fair to do it?

I'd say no... as a backdate is absolutely possible to not damage outer/visible sections of the body and just do the "behind-the-scenes" setup for the thin bumpers, I'd say its a gain to do it on a solid car (to save time and $$$).

the fenders are the only to wory about; he can store the original fenders and purchase longhood ones instead.

and he'll have the early look for way less $$$ than searching an rebulding a longhood.

but well... we're discussing on HIS taste.
whatever he decides, ist fine to get out and drive!!

Right, message received: No backdate....

The wedding is off.... It was an emotional rather than pragmatic idea...

So..... the jobs now are select the bumpers (thanks Kaefer), change the windscreen for one with integral antenna, get ALL of the mechanics sorted - it's running very good, but could be better - and then new interior tidy following the respray...

No doubt I have skipped a few hundred other things that need doing.

A few questions if anyone can answer them (in no particular order):

1. Apart from the bumpers, what else made this US spec?

2. The vinyl seats are in near perfect condition, but they sure do get sticky on a hot day: Are there leather covers in tan available, or do I need new seats?

3. What period speakers would work better than those ghastly bricks on the rear shelf?

4. Iv been tempted, but never had the courage to open the sun-roof: Does anyone know if these ever get stuck open?

5. The AC does not work, it blows air though and is original. Is is salvageable or a waste of space?

6. What else am I missing?

I was at a local gathering this weekend and parked my turbo flared SC next to a '72. I have always planned to do a longhood conversion on my SC but I realized there's a time and a place for each look. I love the longhood look, but the 80's child in me also likes how my car looks. It's worth sometimes just taking a step back and looking at the whole package. I hate the bumpers on my car but as a package it works really well.

Back to the OP, it's almost like your seats. You loved those seats but as a total package it didn't work with the car. My opinion however is if I had a mid-year car I'd do the conversion. I don't find them particularly appealing. You can save your parts in case original mid-years sky rocket in price. The only area you might have a problem with is the rear reflector, I believe there's a metal piece that needs to come off.

anyone who says impact bumpers look bad must get the taste section of his brain checked :)

just look at this

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps150a16a6.jpg

Although I am myself in the middle of a backdate project, my shop is also restoring a 75 S back to original and it really has grown on me. There is something special about the mix of narrow body and short hood. I do not think you will regret leaving it alone.

Totally agree. Since I got my Carrera, I have found that impact bumpers have a certain type of charm to them. I plan on leaving mine as is :)

If you end up using a windshield with built in antenna make sure you get the antenna amplifier too (although I'm not really sure how effective they are). These are available used and are pretty inexpensive.

2. Yes leather covers are available. You'll have to do some research to find the sources.

4. Yes they can get stuck open however I strongly suggest you start using it and make sure it's in proper working order. If it's not then get it working properly. A working sunroof is very nice to have!

5. I would delete the entire A/C system. Add lightness! Use the sunroof!

6. I would consider getting a set of (4) 7x15 Fuchs wheels, (4) 7x16 Fuchs, (4) 7x17 aftermarket Fuchs, or even (4) 8x17 et 30 offset aftermarket Fuchs wheels. Some negative camber may be needed for proper fitment.

That one is beautiful, but I don't think it works with my green and chrome finish....

Do not backdate that car. The value of that car is in its original, rarely found condition. I too am a fan of the Midyear cars in their original configuration. Not many left that haven't been cut up or rusted to oblivion. Do not cut or weld and only make bolt on changes. Keep all of the original parts that you removed too.

I am glad you put the original seats back in. Those others looked out of place. Personally, I like the original steering wheel better than the Prototipo and would change out the white shift knob for an original style black one. Love the radio too. The car looks great the way it is - do not change a thing and drive the piss out of it.

Thanks, I will: I'm probably doing a long weekend along the west coast of Ireland in a couple of weeks, if I get time.

Fear not, there will be no cutting and it will be bolt-on bumpers as suggested by Kaefer. The original wheel was also falling apart and was too far away, but it is returnable so no permanent insult to the car has been inflicted. Same with the gear knob, and in the pictures it looks white, but in fact it is off-white/ivory and is not so harsh on the eys as the pictures suggest. Anyway, its a bolt-on so no harm there either.

What he said

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1411648655.jpg

Thanks for all the advice and commentary over the last few months....

I'll be offline for a while as will be in Afghanistan until Nov... In the background you can see the other 1970s vehicle that I have to worry about....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1411648863.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427750392.jpg

Here she is on a spring evening in Wiltshire.....

Now that spring is here, it is time to get on with things.

Firstly, I had mice visit during the winter and they nibbled on some peanuts in the car. I set traps and killed three, but thought deterrent was better than capital punishment, so got googling. The solution is suprisingly easy: Put some Bounce tumble dryer sheets in the car, they hate the smell and the car smells lovely afterwards! So far no repeat visit.

So first things first is that I have set a date for the complete refresh: In August I have a lot of leave, so the car will be stripped, resprayed and reupholstered.

Interior:

The air conditioner has to go. In California I am sure this was a necessity, in Cambridgeshire less so...So luckily I have bought these from Prez! and will strip out the A/C next week with any luck and streamline my interior...:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427751021.jpg

(If anyone is interested in the A/C, PM me please. It works (as in it blows air) but it needs re-gassing. The missing vent is present and will come with the system.)


Then there are the seats: I listened to everyone and have stored the black Recaros away, but luckily bought these today for £300 from Kurt at Black Country Porsche:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427751175.jpg

As you can see they are terracotta red and will not match my tan interior, so I have two options, either to retrim completely or have them dyed: Have not decided yet, but I have time.

Next is sounds: The Becker radio is OK, but the sound quality is lousy - we must remember that it was only designed to play through a single speaker. So my options again are to:

1. Find a way to amplify it.
2. Have a separate modern but hidden system using the space vacated by the A/C and the head unit in the glove box.
3. Delete the radio altogether and stick with #2.

On the dashboard I was also hoping for a trim kit, but they all appear to be pre73 and after 83...? Anyone know better? I am aware that a backdate can be done but means the sacrifice of the side vents....?

Exterior: At first I hated the impact bumpers, but I have grown fonder of them, and they do actually serve a purpose. I have already survived a helicopter crash (unlike some news anchors), a gunshot wound, hearing loss, 6 x Mine/IED strikes and made safe over 1000 explosive devices: Let's not temp fate and put my faith in fibreglass...

I therefore intend to pay homage (ie copy) what kiwiokie did on his SC Hotrod and recess them a bit deeper into the car.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/5035183-post53.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/498568-overdue-intro-sc-hotrod-project-10.html

Colour: This might draw some flack from the crowd - the Ice Green is the original colour, and I do like it, its just it does not really suit the leafy lanes of Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. So, after deep thought and consideration I am planning on going from this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427752701.jpg

To this:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427752731.jpg

This is Uncle Enzo's car and the Oak Green metallic is a bit more 'English Gentleman', and on the rare sunny English days it really shines. On cloudy ones / low light, it looks like this:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427752845.jpg

Opine away, Pelicans!

Back to the interior: As discussed I am contemplating retrimming the hardbacks I got at a bargain price, and if so thought a more squared-off edge might look a bit better, like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427753599.jpg

And whilst I am keeping the car completely reversible to stock, (old seats into storage) I was thinking of upholstering the hardback seats, replacement door cards and back deck with this stitch pattern:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427753727.jpg

It looks suitably mid-70's groovy....

Thoughts? Everything seems to be covered in diamond pattern stitch these days, and I am wondering if it is a passing fad....?

A bit of an epic day today: I started to remove the air conditioner and this proved to be a lot more difficult than I thought...

Started at the back end and took out the Compressor and Condenser: The Condenser was easy, the compressor caused a lot of swearing.... The back end looks a lot better for it though:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428185254.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428186024.jpg

Lots of space now for air to circulate. I bought a hatch stay from a Yachting website, but one the condenser was gone the lid stayed open by itself....:confused:

Removing the hoses and getting them free from the engine bay was also something that was assisted with tri-lingual swearing.... The screws holding the hoses in place inside the wheel-well were a bit corroded, but a squirt of WD sorted that out.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428187234.jpg

Final task of the day, as I was losing the light: The smugglers hole....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428187445.jpg

The connections in this were grizzed-up super tight and no amount of swearing worked this time, so luckily I recruited my brother to assist. The problem was turning two spanners in opposite directions with so little travel available due to the torsion bar and front bulkhead. Once he held one in place, I could get a two-handed grip on the other and give it a good tug. Eventually it came loose....


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428187725.jpg

A lovely discreet space to conceal an amplifier perhaps....? Any other suggestions?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428187932.jpg

Then once this little bugger was off, that was the whole of the right side cleared, hoses the lot:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428188111.jpg

One way to fill the holes from all of the A/C hose clamps under the car, I found the screws in the lower right of this photo at Home Depot, took the washers off and installed them with the original clamp screws. They are galvanized washers with neoprene washers attached. A pack off 100 was less than $10.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1428211141.jpg

Thanks, I was thinking of a similar solution with rubber washers, but neoprene might do the same thing once Iv sprayed paint over them....

Saw this lovely '74 at the local cars & coffee yesterday. Perfect stance, not adorned with add-ons that detract from its as-built appeal. I came back to it several times and just looked it over.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...pstlhbyfup.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...pskmzpd7yg.jpg

That certainly is a beautiful looking car.

My intentions are to not make any irreversible changes and keep or the original parts. I was considering replacing the impact bumpers, but I like them now and will recess then in the car a bit. Im conflicted about fog lamps though, as the square ones I think detract from the car and don't really do much for illumination anyway so they might get put in storage also.