'79 SC Intro and build thread

[exploserous]

Hello folks!

I figured it's about time to start a thread to keep track of the build of my new to me '79 911SC.

I've had this car about a little over a month now and from what I gather, it's always been here in the bay area. It's a pretty honest and relatively original and pretty much stock car with a few nice little updates from a previous owner (best of which are the euro H4 headlights, for sure).

Here it is as I bought it.



Now I've started to ruin it. I put on some 15" Magnus Walker wheels I bought before I bought the car and a GT3 style muffler a friend had lying around his garage. I love the look and sound, but this will probably get replaced with something a bit less likely to drone and with longer, polished tips.

My big questions are where to go next. I've got a few small projects to work on (remove some partially installed things by a previous owner, grease the windows, lower the front a bit), but mostly my time is spent considering what to add or modify next and finding excuses to go for a drive.

Most pressing for me, aesthetically, is figuring out what to do with the bumpers. You don't see many 'hot-rods' without fiberglass bumpers, but there's something I love about the impact bumpers. I'm tempted to just swap the bumperettes for euro ones if I can find them, but am also open to suggestions on other bumper-related solutions.

[GaryR]

I like the bumperette delete myself as it sheds quite a few lbs. off the rear, but the Euro rubber is ok if you want to keep something there. Just do yourself a favor keep all the original stuff. Headers/heater backdate along with a light (single out = no drone) muffler is a great mod that adds a little performance and sounds/looks good.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by exploserous

...Now I've started to ruin it.

Most pressing for me, aesthetically, is figuring out what to do with the bumpers.

Explo... "ruin it" ...damm fine & amusing satire! Nice 911. Looking forward to it's ruination in your hands. So far so good.

Bumpers. Always thought Bill Verberg's program (on his '76 below) was a fine way to go. Doesn't look impacto but perhaps it is.

[GaryR]

I believe you can keep the impact bumper shocks in place and use an aluminium "nerf" bar connecting them under the "RS" fiberglass bumper shown above and it's matching rear, just requires a bit of fabrication. Having had both I now prefer (for street use) the stock bumpers without rubber bumperettes and in front (with a center cooler) an MA Shaw valence below the stock bumper. Nice thing is there are many ways to skin that cat!

[sdjaytee]

Literally in the same boat as you, except i found mine down in San Diego. 79 SC looking to make some bumper changes.




Im interested in the eb motorsports RS SC bumpers for narrow bodies (Lightweight Porsche Panels | Products | EB Equipment). Anyone with any experience in these? Their 911R stuff looks really good.

[al lkosmal]

It is a slippery slope, but if you are looking to make some changes.......maybe i can help........




regards,
al

Al Kosmal
the x-faktory
koz@x-faktory.com
RGruppe #669
www.x-faktory.com

[sdjaytee]

i love that grill, how and where do i get? Im stuck on engine stuff as we down here in Cali have to pass smog.

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by sdjaytee

i love that grill, how and where do i get? Im stuck on engine stuff as we down here in Cali have to pass smog.

https://www.x-faktory.com

[Bill Douglas]

Love the car. And what a wise choice of year to choose.

All the best, Bill 1979 911SC.

[betterair]

Bumper re-do:Faux RSR

!) Strip it down-free of bumperettes,plugs,rubber strips ,etc
2)use 1/2" x 1.5 " aluminum (or metric bolts if you can find them) weld Alum bolts inside and out ,then grind heads flush.2 1/2 "dia bolts will be sufficient.Weld all unnecessary holes closed.If your going to be using led licence plate bolts, drill holes to run power leads/harness behind plate.
3)machine bumper vent slots (or not)Aka - Ruf valence vertical pattern vents.
4)sand /prime and paint.

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

Nice pick up exploserous, can't wait to see what else you do to ruin the SC!

[exploserous]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone!

Originally Posted by GaryR

I like the bumperette delete myself as it sheds quite a few lbs. off the rear, but the Euro rubber is ok if you want to keep something there. Just do yourself a favor keep all the original stuff. Headers/heater backdate along with a light (single out = no drone) muffler is a great mod that adds a little performance and sounds/looks good.

This is the direction I'm leaning. I like the stock bumper overall, but would like to get rid of the bumperettes. Next time I have the exhaust off the car, I'll pull those off and see how I like it.

Originally Posted by al lkosmal

It is a slippery slope, but if you are looking to make some changes.......maybe i can help........

Hahaha, funny you should comment. I've been waffling between ordering your grill in raw aluminum or powder coated black. I think the car is maybe black enough and that bright aluminum would be a nice contrast.

One day in the future I might reach out about ITB's, but I think I have enough small stuff to keep me busy for a little while.

Originally Posted by betterair

Bumper re-do:Faux RSR

!) Strip it down-free of bumperettes,plugs,rubber strips ,etc
2)use 1/2" x 1.5 " aluminum (or metric bolts if you can find them) weld Alum bolts inside and out ,then grind heads flush.2 1/2 "dia bolts will be sufficient.Weld all unnecessary holes closed.If your going to be using led licence plate bolts, drill holes to run power leads/harness behind plate.
3)machine bumper vent slots (or not)Aka - Ruf valence vertical pattern vents.
4)sand /prime and paint.

Do you have any photos of this complete and on the car? I really like the idea of keeping the stock bumper but modifying like this.

[betterair]

I,don't .Its in fabrication at the moment.The pic above is of todays results.
I will post it when done. Do a search on it , you'll find some great examples.

[Lake Guy]

I went with the bumperette delete. I like the impact bumper look butvwanted to clean them up. Just like said above, weld up the extra holes and use new rubber strips.

Congrats on the purchase. So many cool things you can do so get at it!

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Going forward, just remember;
Brakes are overrated

[75 911s]

Welcome! Beautiful car. I did a full rear bumper mod on my car with welded holes and reverse mount sectioned Euro impact tubes. The US bumperettes and impact shocks combine for a staggeringly huge amount of weight - all at the far back of the pendulum.

Our cars are much lower in the US than 95% of every vehicle on the road. If you get hit in the rear it’s going to be around the reflector and decklid. You can find a used bumper cheap to modify. I kept my original just in case I wanna ho back to stock.

[sdjaytee]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

Welcome! Beautiful car. I did a full rear bumper mod on my car with welded holes and reverse mount sectioned Euro impact tubes. The US bumperettes and impact shocks combine for a staggeringly huge amount of weight - all at the far back of the pendulum.

Our cars are much lower in the US than 95% of every vehicle on the road. If you get hit in the rear it’s going to be around the reflector and decklid. You can find a used bumper cheap to modify. I kept my original just in case I wanna ho back to stock.

That sounds like a good idea. No one tried to mount/use the eb motorsports stuff?

[froggert]

My car's wearing an EB Motorsports SC RS front bumper. It fits well and took minimal work to mount up. Search my previous posts for pics.

[exploserous]

Got a lot done today! Pulled out most of an alarm system I imagine was installed in a couple decades ago.

More excitingly, I had Babes Lightning and Muffler in Downtown SJ try to clean up this old exhaust and I think it turned out pretty great.



The direction I think I've decided to go with the bumper is just swap out the bumperettes for the daintier European ones and have a custom valence made with some speedholes to make the car look a little quicker.

A couple days ago I dropped the Odo off for repair at Palo Alto Speedo, so hopefully I'll get that back in the car soon, too.