Living the backdate dream

[ibmiked]

Last night was loosely what I would call the 'last step' in the conversion of my 1988 Carrera into a 1971 'backdate' car. I've been working this last year to convert the standard '88 interior into an accurate replica of the early 911. I've done all the work myself, excluding the new seats from GTS, and I've done it on a pretty tight budget. There were a few things that required a larger investment, (Heuer Rallye dashboard timers) but most of those things were optional and funded by the money I saved doing all of the labor myself.

I want to emphasize that this is not a difficult job. I am not a professional. My day job has nothing to do with the automotive field. Backdating an interior is time consuming and calls for problem solving skills and a certain amount of 'handiness', but it isn't difficult.

The reason for my post and the last piece of the puzzle? I received my rebuilt/backdated gauges back from North Hollywood Speedometer. They are beautiful, and in my mind, remove the last trace of 'later car' from the interior. Most early car enthusiasts can still easily spot the differences, but I think on first blush the car holds up well.

Here are some links and pictures to relevant threads on both the Early 911S Registry board and DDK detailing the interior re-working. I've had tons of encouragement from everyone, and I am very grateful that these resources exist and that everyone is always so giving with their time. Thanks all.

Gauges!



They built the gauges to accomodate an 80psi sender, 140 is correct for '71, but who is to know?



Here's the main thread for what I've done:

DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker :: View topic - Backdating the Interior



The thread I wrote describing my custom Luggage Deposit:

Luggage Deposit - Early 911S Registry Bulletin Board





And the thread I wrote about my reproduction early harnesses (a stonking good deal if you want them!)

http://www.early911sregistry.org/forum/showthread.php?t=32915



Gratuitous exterior shot:



Cheers!
-Mike

[sc_rufctr]

Wow... Nice car Mike.

Now drive her and enjoy!

[StayGold808]

VERY nice job Mike... I've actually read your thread on ddk a long time ago, as I was planning to do the same to my interior..

I think too many people backdate the exterior, but let the car down by leaving the 3.2 carrera/SC interior in place. Your car looks great.

One question, can you give me some info on how the chrome trim piece fits in the door cards? I'm preparing to make some basketweave door cards myself, and really like the chrome trim!

Thanks,
Adam

[ibmiked]

Thanks Adam. The door trim is actually a piece of 1" wide aluminum that I attached to the inside of the door top trim. Only the bottom 1/4" is visible, so it's not actually on the door card itself. It's a very inexpensive and easy way to break up the monotony of the RS door card. Plus I did mine in basketweave as well.

[StayGold808]

Sorry Mike, might have to hijack that idea hehe =D

By the way, how do you find driving with no arm rests?

[ibmiked]

You're welcome to any and all of these ideas, help yourself!

I haven't missed the armrests yet. The way I drive I seem to always need both hands on the wheel!

[cbush]

Beautiful car. I am in the process of backdating my 1970 (that was updated in the 80s). It is a lot of $$ and work so I commend you on your successful efforts!

[Rich76_911s]

Wow that is an impressive machine!

The thought and execution of that rear luggage compartment is awesome.

Any chance you'll be bring that car to Hershey this year?

[ibmiked]

Any chance you'll be bring that car to Hershey this year?

I was there with it last year uncompleted (way off on the edge of the parking lot). I'll be there again this year definitely. Come up and introduce yourself, I love to talk about Porsches.

[JTO]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for posting. You have done a beautiful job carrying on the project from where I left off. It has turned out stunning!

Troy

[ibmiked]

For those of you who don't know the back story, Troy gets all of the credit on this car for taking the exterior back from '88. I made some small changes to dial it in to '71 which was my preference. He and TRE deserve the kudos for the outside.

Also, Doug&Julie deserve the praise for sticking in the 3.6 (lightweight flywheel naturally) lurking under the engine cover. Troy can correct me, but I think they were responsible for the full Elephant Racing treatment to the suspension and 993 brakes as well.

They say it takes a village, and this car is definitely evidence of that. Built by forum members with help and advice from other forum members. It's truly a cool car and a group effort.

Cheers,
-Mike

[JTO]

Hi Mike,
Actually Bernie (einreb) on PP gets credit for putting the 3.6, the 993 brakes, and ER suspension goodies on the girl. I did the Lindseys and the backdate. You put the icing on the cake. Doug and Julie were the PO (before Bernie) of the 88 Carrera. That car has a real history on PP.

Troy

[calling911]

DUDE. Love it.. and I see you made it yours too.. Early cars are just the bomb.. my 76 is a backdate waiting to happen.. I think its the perfect year for it.. galvanized, undesireable... drool... now i just need a whole boatload of money.. your an inspiration.


very nice work..

[mike monde]

Mike,
Looks great, I plan on being @ hershey and I look forward to seeing your car. Thanks for sharing.

[w21055]

Mike, very nice, your threads served as resource material when I did my interior. Who did your gauges? I need to look into those belts. I somewhat stopped as I think the next step for me is a 72 dash top and old gauges and have not ran across a good dash to start back up on it.


Phillip

[GaryR]

Mike - the car is beautiful, you did a great job. Only thing that makes me cringe is those harnesses. The rear deck is not a safe attach point and the length from the seat to the deck is far too long. If they are only for show and you use a stock 3-point using the regular belt attach points then no worries.

[RWebb]

very nicely done!

have you taken any wt. out of the car?

[joe payne]

It looks like a Touring version of Jack Olsons car. Very nice!!!

[zithlord]

Fantastic! Please post the story and pics at the early911sregistry forum.

John

[Mark Morrissey]

Great photos Mike. The car looks awesome. Can't wait to see it, again.