Time to Re-Think?

[nvr2mny]

Guys/Gals, what would you do? I've got a '69 912 non sunroof coupe without an engine/trans that is very straight and almost rust free. It has a complete correct interior (orig slate gray w/black int) that I was going to turn it into a hot rod with the Polo engine set up. In beginning the teardown process I've discovered that the front clip was replaced many moons ago. The welds look ok, but how do I know? It has kinda soured me on using this car as the candidate for this build project. What do you think? Strip it and move on, or continue?

[Matt Monson]

Add your location to your profile so that myself and others can help advise you who can give you a 2nd and 3rd opinion on how good or bad the clip work is. If you put a Polo in it, it will never have value as an original car. Its only value is as a renegade. So, if the clip was done well and properly continue. If it has questionable strcutural integrity that changes the game.

[Matt Monson]

ps. That's not much of a clip. It is behind everything structural. This could be one of those cars that got an IB conversion in the 80's and got taken back when longhoods came back into fashion. Your suspension points aren't an issue.

[C. Clark]

It could be cleaned up a bit. If it's structurally sound cosmetics could overcome the sin.....Polo is a major departure anyway, personally I don't feel the clip would matter, once tidied up.

[nvr2mny]

Matt, done. Sorry for my ignorance, but what is/was an IB conversion? Chas. & Matt, I am having a couple of guys look at it in the next week whom I believe will be able to give me an expert opinion. If you know of anyone in my area that could give their opinion I would love to be in contact with them. I don't have the "original" mechanicals that came with the car. I thought the Polo would be way cool in this (from what I've read, and in speaking with Chris P. as well as Dean P, it would be a lot of serious fun). I'm in the process of restoring a '68 912 SWT (with matching engine & close on trans) as well as having a '68 911 SWT and a '65 912 Coupe (again, both w/o mechanicals) and lastly a '69 911 Targa to Cab conversion all in que for resto's. I will be quite busy (and broke) for the rest of my life. Thanks for the input.

To me it looks that replacing the front clip was not caused by a rust problem but by a crash. Looking at the welds and sealer I would say it's not done by a professional - these are the kindest words I could found for the work. Do you know what's under the slate gray? Often, the non-professionals are real artists with fillers and sanding paper. Don't ask me how I know...

Whatever project you start with the goal to have a really nice and reliable car, be sure to have a good quality parts on a secure base. In other words, blast the body and all the other sheet metal. Only than you can really judge where the weak parts (rust, bad welds) are and what you have to repair/replace.

It is a step to decide to go that route, but in the end you will love the result. And don't forget that there there are enough resources - from parts to written and personal help - to realize the project.

Otto

[Matt Monson]

An IB conversion means updating it to impact bumpers as were used from '74 to '89. You only need to move the bulkhead for the conversion, but someone could have clipped it instead. 20 years ago people didn't value these cars like they do today.

Let me see if I can come up with anyone in the Kansas City area. You might search up in the 911 Tech forum. I seem to recall it coming up once or twice where people were looking for good p-car shops.

[Butzip]

That's a pretty burly repair (read, hack-job) but not beyond repair. Clean it up, put a new pan in and she'll be good as new. Now for the rest of the car, I would be concerned i.e. rear torsion bar area, floors etc..... Polo motor is huge $$$ there are other less expensive, equally as fun roads to go down. But to each his own, looks like you have no shortage of projects or funds..... I say build what you want!