Last night was loosely what I would call the 'last step' in the conversion of my 1988 Carrera into a 1971 'backdate' car. I've been working this last year to convert the standard '88 interior into an accurate replica of the early 911. I've done all the work myself, excluding the new seats from GTS, and I've done it on a pretty tight budget. There were a few things that required a larger investment, (Heuer Rallye dashboard timers) but most of those things were optional and funded by the money I saved doing all of the labor myself.
I want to emphasize that this is not a difficult job. I am not a professional. My day job has nothing to do with the automotive field. Backdating an interior is time consuming and calls for problem solving skills and a certain amount of 'handiness', but it isn't difficult.
The reason for my post and the last piece of the puzzle? I received my rebuilt/backdated gauges back from North Hollywood Speedometer. They are beautiful, and in my mind, remove the last trace of 'later car' from the interior. Most early car enthusiasts can still easily spot the differences, but I think on first blush the car holds up well.
Here are some links and pictures to relevant threads on both the Early 911S Registry board and DDK detailing the interior re-working. I've had tons of encouragement from everyone, and I am very grateful that these resources exist and that everyone is always so giving with their time. Thanks all.
Gauges!
They built the gauges to accomodate an 80psi sender, 140 is correct for '71, but who is to know?
Here's the main thread for what I've done:
DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker :: View topic - Backdating the Interior
The thread I wrote describing my custom Luggage Deposit:
Luggage Deposit - Early 911S Registry Bulletin Board
And the thread I wrote about my reproduction early harnesses (a stonking good deal if you want them!)
http://www.early911sregistry.org/forum/showthread.php?t=32915
Gratuitous exterior shot:
Cheers!
-Mike