Do the right thing, not the "light thing."

[Victory1]

Hello everyone. I'm fairly new to the forum. Just purchased a 1979 Porsche "for a song" and starting on restoring or rescuing it from what the previous owner did to it.

I find myself looking at the forum classifieds daily, twice daily, and spending at least an hour each time. Maybe i should change the topic to "forum addiction."

The car started out as a 1979 SC targa. previous owner converted it into a cabriolet.
He then updated the bumpers and rear lights to 1990's model 964.

The car is now undergoing a backdate of sorts. One may argue its not a backdate but a restoration, to a more period correct look.

This brings me to the topic of the thread: doing the right thing in this case would add about 60 lbs. to the car, and that's just from the front and rear bumper.


this is what the car originated as


i believe this is the look the previous owner was going for


heres what it looked like when i picked it up


in the shop


engine out:



here's the 40 lb. rear bumper


the 40 lb. front bumper:


it seems like the bumpers are only a few of the things that add to the weight of the car. the metal targa roof weight is approx 80 lbs.


anyone who has any input, or anyone who has done this before, i would love to hear from you.


Cheers!

[75 911s]

I think you're on the right track. The 964 stuff has to go. Could be like a speedster hot rod look if you want. I think you have license to mod at this point.

[DaveMcKenz]

That looks like a good project. A restored 79 SC targa is a known entity, and will probably appreciate in value over time. I think you also like the 79 original look or you would not be thinking about this. Most of the time, with a few exceptions, stock will look better than most modified products.
Good luck, and please keep us posted,
Dave

[dicklague]

Leave it as a convertible or turn it into a coupe......

Targa.....uhmmmm....well,,,,I am a coupe guy!!!

[mickey356]

Well, it'll always be a "storied car" at this point so it doesn't really matter what you do it. If you want an SC Targa than you should bring it back one.
And I totally agree with with the above statement that VERY few mods actually make the car nicer.

[Matt Monson]

Before:


After


That's the 74 in my sig. I like to say that I rightdated it.

[Victory1]

Originally Posted by DaveMcKenz

That looks like a good project. A restored 79 SC targa is a known entity, and will probably appreciate in value over time. I think you also like the 79 original look or you would not be thinking about this. Most of the time, with a few exceptions, stock will look better than most modified products.
Good luck, and please keep us posted,
Dave

Thanks Dave. I'm just curious what was going through previous owner's mind. Was he thinking, "No one will know it's really a '79, but think it's a '92" or did he know Porsche connoisseurs could tell?

[Victory1]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

I think you're on the right track. The 964 stuff has to go. Could be like a speedster hot rod look if you want. I think you have license to mod at this point.

Speedester hot rod look sounds intriguing. I'd have to see some photos..

[Victory1]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Before:


After


That's the 74 in my sig. I like to say that I rightdated it.

I like the term "rightdated." You should put that on a shirt.

[T77911S]

unless its a race car don't be concerned about weight if you are going for a certain look or resto-mod.

also a coupe guy. had a targa but sold it.

I might have left the slant alone.
I have an 86 930, would love to have a slant kit for it, but I would still keep the factory parts.

[CBRacerX]

Yes to the bumper change but leave it a cab. They are more fun (ducks behind nearest tree).


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[shadowjack1]

Victory1. I think that you are going in the right direction. Are you going to repaint?

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by T77911S

I might have left the slant alone.
I have an 86 930, would love to have a slant kit for it, but I would still keep the factory parts.

I seriously considered it. It was all steel. But I hate black cars and it was originally Gulf blue, which is wife's favorite color. I just wish it was a targa.

[Flojo]

slant nose as targa look weird, it has no homogene contour at all

[nvr2mny]

Not to hi-jack, but I have that slant kit from Matt for sale....

Victory1, do a search for speedster conversions on here, there are some VERY nice examples out there. The good news for you is 'the damage is done' i.e.; storied. You have a blank slate. There are even some really cool long hood speedster conversions out there. Have fun and make it what YOU want it to be!

[Victory1]

Originally Posted by shadowjack1

Victory1. I think that you are going in the right direction. Are you going to repaint?

Yes, I'll be repainting, Shadowjack1. Still not sure about the color though

[Matt Monson]

Was it originally guards red or something else? Did it have the chrome trim like your "before" picture?

If it were me I would get weird with it. What I mean is I would go SWT instead of keeper by it can or a regular targa rear glass.

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by Victory1

Thanks Dave. I'm just curious what was going through previous owner's mind. Was he thinking, "No one will know it's really a '79, but think it's a '92" or did he know Porsche connoisseurs could tell?

My thoughts exactly. Good thing you took it away from that person.

[Victory1]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Was it originally guards red or something else? Did it have the chrome trim like your "before" picture?

If it were me I would get weird with it. What I mean is I would go SWT instead of keeper by it can or a regular targa rear glass.

Yes I believe it was originally guards red. Maybe not with the chrome trim.

By the way what do you think about the chrome trim on the windshield for a cabriolet?

[Victory1]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

My thoughts exactly. Good thing you took it away from that person.

I'm glad too. It's different buying a fixer vs. a finished product. Make no mistake it's not cheaper buying the fixer.