What to do...

[seafeye]

So I got cut off the other day....Car is a 1971 911e
The other persons insurance is picking up the tab. I took the car to the body shop of my choice and got an estimate of $7500 to fix.
So my dilemma is: Do I take the $7500 and buy many parts (not all) and convert the car back to stock look by myself? Then pay for the other panels, paint by myself at another time. Or just get the shop to fix the car so I can drive it this summer?
Eventually I'd like to return it to stock form. I don't have the original motor so it will never be a number matching car.

[911obgyn]

Hmm what a conundrum, 100 mph tape and drive it, start collecting parts.

[tharbert]

Your post was making me dizzy!

[Brokentoy]

Even though not numbers matching, I think the car would still have long term value if stock.
This may be a blessing in disguise, as long as the rest of the running gear is in good shape and chassis not rusty.
The heavily "updated" early cars are now expensive enough to warrant undoing the sins of the previous generation.
For what its worth, I think that 7500 could be low if ANY damage under the fiberglass.

[seafeye]

Motor is a twin plug 2.7l. Webers. Runs great. Pulls great. Original 901 box.
Very little rust. Usual places. Front suspension pan. Obviously if fix. And a bit by the rear left torsion bar. I like the speed tape idea till I get most of the parts.

[bhmkv]

I'd go back to orig. Or at least period correct hot rod.

[gshiwota]

I think it's a no brainer. Find the right parts and go back to stock. Even if you went the hot rod route, there's a lot of upside $$ in making that a longhood again.

[Bergo]

I'd try to take it back to stock, $7500 gets you a fair ways into buying correct parts.

[flatsixparts]

I know a few places to get original used parts you may need. Just let me know if you want the info.

[Reiver]

Get rid of the faux.....perfect opportunity.

[zedsn]

+10 go back to stock.

[JmuRiz]

Was the work estimate by a vintage Porsche repair shop?
If not, have them look at it and price stock parts...insurance can't deny using correct year parts can they? If they agree you are well on your way to returning to stock-ish look.

However you can get the most payment towards going back to stock looking, do it!

[RSBob]

You already answered your question unless you are made of money. Suck it up and bag this summer and start collecting parts to return to stock. Your car will be worth far more and you will be thousands ahead.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by JmuRiz

...insurance can't deny using correct year parts can they?

Yes they will. This car is a Bradley GT on a choice 911 tub.

Every panel on the car needs replacing except roof and doors to re-retro. Why is that the insurance companies liability?

The +10 mentioned is the $k cost to get proper parts in the garage. WELL worth it.

Then three to five years of OP working his natural ass off and stretching dear relationships unless he is retired with time. Preferably seafeye has a deceased spouse.

If not, eff it. Porsche is more important.

I have a local contact with a 72E MFI in his basement. Three years old when removed. Just sitting there in a box. Lonely ass b*tchin' hardware in North Canton. Just waiting for some attention......... for someone who cares about Porsches.........and wants to create the coolest thread ever on a revival.

[porsche930dude]

Its a big progect but I think youve got youre answer. Patch it up till you can collect youre parts and dive in. Blessing in disguise for sure. Fixing that up only to convert it in a few years is a complete waste of money.

[flat6pilot]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

...Blessing in disguise for sure. Fixing that up only to convert it in a few years is a complete waste of money.

There's your key sentence right there....take the money and run!

[seafeye]

Thanks for all the responses. This couldn't have happened at a worse time. I start a new job on Monday and won't have any time for a couple months to work on the car.
I have priced out many parts. Pelican is sure to get a lot of business. I just don't think fixing the fiberglass is the way to go. The insurance company says they are only responsible for brining it back to what is was. I still feel that it won't be back to normal even after the fiberglass surgery. I actually don't mind the look of the car. And really the only criticism I have wth the body kit is that the rear end feels heavy. And even with the big ass tires, it still wants to spin.
So with that said, i'm probably going to tear it apart. So the next question is, do I paint it back to the orignal Albert Blue? And Anyone need a slightly used 959 body kit and wheels?

[JmuRiz]

Blue = yes
Great color!

[porsche930dude]

Whats not to love

[seafeye]

Still waiting for my COA. Not sure what color the interior was.
Either tan or black would work well. Too bad I threw out a complete 1972 tan interior away 20 years ago...