Backdating a mid-year 911

Gulfblue · 11-24-2014, 04:03 AM

Tried to find a tread on backdating a mid-year 911 (74-77 model) to a longhood narrow bodied 911 S look. What I find is treads about backdating later cars to RS, RSR and ST clones. Do you know if there is a post about backdating a mid year car to a classic pre 74´911 look based on steel parts ?

Jcslocum · 11-24-2014, 04:31 AM

It's all pretty much the same.... Long hood fenders and hood in front and the proper old style rear bumper. The narrow rear fenders/flares will have to be welded on.

ej911 · 11-24-2014, 05:59 AM

IMO. The mid-year is the best to backdate because of lack of rear flares. Looks like a 73 when complete.

BK911 · BK911's Garage

Just put on front and rear fiberglass bumpers and call it a day!
10 years from now you will thank me.
You are welcome, in advance.

quattrorunner · quattrorunner's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK911

Just put on front and rear fiberglass bumpers and call it a day!
10 years from now you will thank me.
You are welcome, in advance.

I have to agree, you'll be happy you didn't cut and weld later even if you like the long hood more.

ej911 · 11-24-2014, 08:33 AM

I agree that the backdating craze will end soon, as the desirability of impact 911s has been increasing, but the backdate can be reversed easily.

super80 · 11-24-2014, 09:40 AM

I am about to convert my 77 911S narrow body to a longhood. The important thing IMO is to make sure it is reversible, and don't add flares. That said, my car was already a hotrod when I purchased it, previous owner added a 3.2 engine. So I have little to lose, and I prefer the look of a longhood anyhow. That said, the 69-73 fenders were the hardest thing (and costly $$) to source in good condition. Most were piles of rust. I don't want to add fiberglass fenders, so I had to be patient and wait for nearly 8 months to find decent metal fenders. As for the hood, I chose to go with the TRE conversion hood and bumpers. Great quality right there. I am not looking to replicate anything in particular, just want to add the longhood "look" to my car. In the end, it is your car and your dream/vision. Just think it through before you do anything

Photos of my project hopefully coming soon, still working on my garage renovation.

quattrorunner · quattrorunner's Garage

That's a perfect car to convert. Id do it.

ej911 · 11-24-2014, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by super80

I am about to convert my 77 911S narrow body to a longhood. The important thing IMO is to make sure it is reversible, and don't add flares. That said, my car was already a hotrod when I purchased it, previous owner added a 3.2 engine. So I have little to lose, and I prefer the look of a longhood anyhow. That said, the 69-73 fenders were the hardest thing (and costly $$) to source in good condition. Most were piles of rust. I don't want to add fiberglass fenders, so I had to be patient and wait for nearly 8 months to find decent metal fenders. As for the hood, I chose to go with the TRE conversion hood and bumpers. Great quality right there. I am not looking to replicate anything in particular, just want to add the longhood "look" to my car. In the end, it is your car and your dream/vision. Just think it through before you do anything

Photos of my project hopefully coming soon, still working on my garage renovation.

I was thinking to bite-the-bullet and get the Dansk repo fenders for $1350 a piece.

Eli W · 11-24-2014, 10:12 AM

+1 on the back dating craze fading away. If I wanted to do it I would totally to TRE route since it does not involve cutting up the car. I would put all the parts in storage so the car could go back to original.

ej911 · 11-24-2014, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eli W

+1 on the back dating craze fading away. If I wanted to do it I would totally to TRE route since it does not involve cutting up the car. I would put all the parts in storage so the car could go back to original.

Putting the parts in storage for future is the best idea. The other day I was dreaming about picking up (can't afford one) a 996 GT3 and backdating to MK1. Why? Cause there are no MK1s in the USA. Also, I like the looks of the MK1 much better. Just put the parts in storage until sale time.

redturbo911 · 11-24-2014, 08:37 PM

Agreed make sure everything you do can be reversed. I would do it. IMHO.

greasemonkey · 11-25-2014, 09:38 AM

At the end of the day, it's your car and I'm sure you've worked hard to get it. Have it how YOU want it. As the others say, you can always put it back to original if you want.

I've taken a rotten old SC and backdated it. Lots of people said I shouldn't, lots said go for it. It's now just about done and I love it. I put the seats in I wanted, painted it the Color I like, put a cage in it - if I want, put a big radio in, have the suspension just how I like it, put the exhaust I want on it etc etc. Just have some fun with it and enjoy life!

Gulfblue · 11-27-2014, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eli W

+1 on the back dating craze fading away. If I wanted to do it I would totally to TRE route since it does not involve cutting up the car. I would put all the parts in storage so the car could go back to original.

Thanks for all your posts and comments, backdating involves lots of emotion thats for sure. There will be no cutting and welding, the project will be totally reversible. I´ll go for the longnose hood in plastic from TRE, new steel fenders and body parts in steel from Dansk. The old parts will be kept safe in storage so I can put them back again later if I want.