Please enlighten me! Why backdate vs update?

[Last911]

I'm a Porsche newbie, can someone tell me why the 'hot' thing is to backdate 911's vs 'updating' them? I love the look of the smooth bumper 964's, but it seems like very few people do this. Most people would rather 'backdate' (the simple elegant look is nice), but it seems like a 90 to 10% split for backdating.

I will be updating my 1979 SC. I love the 964 bumpers and the whole look, and I would like to know the pro's of backdating (I did backdate my heat, but that's because it's efficient).

[djpateman]

Updating is to get the newer look, and backdating to get the retro look. It is a personal choice.
A lot of very early 911's got updated to make them look more modern. A lot of these cars are now very valuable in original condition and the trend is to return them to stock appearance; this can be very difficult depending on how much was cut away earlier. A lot of people like the simple lines of the early cars, but cannot afford the entry price; hence they backdate what they have.
As time goes on it seems to me that backdating and updating, while a personal choice, tends to reduce future value.

[86 ssinit]

My answer to this is its the "in thing" to do. I've only been here for a little while but when I first got here people were backdating there cars to look like long hoods. Funny thing was long hoods were available for cheap prices than. I understand the updating,people want there car to look like the newer models and I'm guessing this is what everybody was doing before they started backdating. I bought an 83 sc and the PO had updated it to look like a Carrera. Easy fix and it's back to normal now. I think the Thing now is to keep them original. But in the end it's your car so enjoy it. Do whatever you want just keep the old parts. Have fun and drive it. Take the top off !!!

[Matt Monson]

Take a look at the sc-RS. I think it is a great look without going all the way 964.

As for why anything? Different strokes for different folks.

[lsf911]

I have an SC that was updated to a 964 look back in 2002 by the previous PO. It looks great but I prefer the long hood look. Well, I really prefer SC flares and comforts with the long hood bumpers and lights. So, I am in the process of backdating the car. With the right choices, I think the long hoods are very clean looking. More so than the 964. Everything is pulled in closer to the body. My last choice would be the impact bumpers. I have all the original parts but I just don't like the look as much.
In the end, original is best but it's my car and I want it to my taste.

You should make yours the way you want it.

[plumb4u2]

Originally Posted by Last911

I'm a Porsche newbie, can someone tell me why the 'hot' thing is to backdate 911's vs 'updating' them? I love the look of the smooth bumper 964's, but it seems like very few people do this. Most people would rather 'backdate' (the simple elegant look is nice), but it seems like a 90 to 10% split for backdating.

I will be updating my 1979 SC. I love the 964 bumpers and the whole look, and I would like to know the pro's of backdating (I did backdate my heat, but that's because it's efficient).

I tend to disagree with your searching....the tend at this point and time is to not touch our cars period

I have only owned my 911 for 5yrs and have thought many times about changes but I have come to realize that with the market the way it is, keeping as stock as possible is the way to go

With that said I have no plans on selling but if I "had" to the money is in stock

[Reiver]

Most folks appreciate the clean lines (pre crash standards) of the original design. I do.
OTOH, backdate/update, I'm not a fan of either.
Find a 'look' close to your original cars design.

[timmy2]

I have back dated the heat, the exhaust system and the vent windows for better functionality.
I've updated the CIS to EFI for the same reason.
As far as the body is concerned I doubt I'll do anything to it.
All reversible changes with the original bits and pieces stored.

[Walt Fricke]

Dennis
Did you update the quarter windows so they open (or did the '78 still have that feature?).
Did you update the front of the door windows so they open out and can direct air in?

I agree that all your changes improve functionality as you and I see it

[timmy2]

Walt,
I installed opening vent windows from an old targa, '73 or earlier as they are chrome.
It is open in this photo.

[wayner]

For some reason the 964 was the least appreciated 911 design.

Many consider them the ugly duckling of the line and use them as donors for 993 updates or long hood backdates

[spyerx]

Originally Posted by wayner

For some reason the 964 was the least appreciated 911 design.

Many consider them the ugly duckling of the line and use them as donors for 993 updates or long hood backdates

That would be the 996 :-)

Backdated are fun. So are updates. Done well is the key. Here is my stock 89 car on right with bbi autosport 85 Carrera that is "updated". A few details... 964 style side, hand massaged fenders, 993 glass, seals, and mirrors, 964 rsa custom motor, yellow bird style front bumper, custom splitter, 70s turbo tail, etc.

[wayner]

Very nice!

I think regarding Last911's comment about smooth bumpers, that wa a big motivator for many to go backdated to the RS look. The impact bumper era always seemed like the bumper was an afterthought. They fixed that with the 964, but I think the wheel offsets really killed the look of the 964.

My 73


A 964


The 964 that looked good


The 964 to makeover to the extreme

[McLaren-TAG]

17 inchers look better on an updated body. I've never liked the look of them on a G bodied or long hood car. Singer being an exception because of all of the stylized body shaping around the wheels.

[techweenie]

Updates got a bad rap in the 90s as people were doing "C2 conversions" in order to make it appear that they had a newer/more expensive car.

The irony is that the SWB and LWB cars they spent thousands to convert are now worth much much less than if they'd been unmolested...

There's a smaller movement to backdate, but there is always the risk that at some future juncture, we'll consider those conversions blasphemous.

[jwakil]

Originally Posted by wayner

For some reason the 964 was the least appreciated 911 design.

Many consider them the ugly duckling of the line and use them as donors for 993 updates or long hood backdates

The 964 (non-turbo) in stock form is an ugly duckling for sure, never liked the look. With slightly different wheels and setup, it pretties up nicely however.

[Matt Monson]

I think Magnus Walker may be about to reveal a "new" variation on a backdate. I saw a picture yesterday that looked to be the 964 he's been working on. It still had the stock front fenders, but had gone with a front bumper that looked like it was off a 1967 car.

[evan9eleven]

[Bergo]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

I think Magnus Walker may be about to reveal a "new" variation on a backdate. I saw a picture yesterday that looked to be the 964 he's been working on. It still had the stock front fenders, but had gone with a front bumper that looked like it was off a 1967 car.

I've toyed with the idea. biggest hurdle to me backdating my car is the requirement to modify or replace the fenders and hood. a lot could be done with a bumper that gave a nod to the long hood with signal lights integrated into the bumper. what I really want is an RSR/930 width front bumper that deleted the bellows and has a longhood-ish look, without needing new quarters and hood.

[dickster]

Originally Posted by Last911

I'm a Porsche newbie, can someone tell me why the 'hot' thing is to backdate 911's vs 'updating' them? I love the look of the smooth bumper 964's, but it seems like very few people do this. Most people would rather 'backdate' (the simple elegant look is nice), but it seems like a 90 to 10% split for backdating.

I will be updating my 1979 SC. I love the 964 bumpers and the whole look, and I would like to know the pro's of backdating (I did backdate my heat, but that's because it's efficient).

I've never understood the obsession to make your car look like something it isn't (it doesn't matter what you do, it'll never be an RS!) - turns it into a bit of a kit car imho.

When I bought mine I went through the suspension, lowering it, uprated t/bars etc - worse thing I ever did. If it aint tracked, keep it stock.