1970 911E- Aluminum decklid?

[BobNorman]

I have a 1970 911E (ROW) and I have read in a few places that it should have an aluminum centre panel and decklid, same as the S. I've also read that the aluminum rear panels were only for the S.

My centre panel was missing, but the decklid, which seems original, is steel. My COA indicates a rear wiper which the decklid has, and the original colour seems to be correct under a few years of recoats. Just wondering if all the Es came with aluminum, or if it was an option, or market dependent thing?

[76dno]

My 1970E is steel decklid . I was not aware that Es came with aluminum deck lids. I believe the S’s came with aluminum.

[Allen_70S]

The sources I have show that for the 70 E and S both the engine lid and the rear center license panel left the factory Aluminum. Both were steel on the T.

[FA-18C]

My 70E also had a steel deckled and aluminum center panel.

[BobNorman]

Interesting. I started looking for where I saw this, Peter Morgan's book "Original Porsche 911" mentions it on p.38 "For the C-program (August 1969) both the engine cover and the central part of the E and S bumpers were aluminum.".

Though, I'm starting to doubt that this was always the case, as I said my decklid is steel and looks original. Maybe its because mine had the rear wiper option and aluminum wouldn't support it?

I'm be interested in seeing any other sources of information regarding steel and aluminum on the E.

[FA-18C]

Digging in the back of my brain, after moving the clutters, as I recall 69-70 was a transition to the aluminum decklid. Originally, the focus was on the S model, and later the E. 70S was the first homologation install, through 1971. So there may be SOME S and E's from 69 and 70 with steel or Al based on build date, and maybe even parts on the line. 70 had a cool aluminum decklid and rear panel, with tape bumper trim and decal letters similar to the 911R - there are pictures out there and the R-Gruppe dudes often replicate and shave weight.

20 years ago there was a LOT of chatter on this topic on the EarlyS board...but, I think that given the facts that steel or Al seems somewhat random, there are arguments that delivery was based on luck of available parts in inventory, part of a special order, or maybe replacement at some time in the history.

II suspect that you will be hard pressed to find definitive info to back any proof other than talking to some of the old timers.

[GeorgeK]

Originally Posted by FA-18C

I think that given the facts that steel or Al seems somewhat random, there are arguments that delivery was based on luck of available parts in inventory, part of a special order, or maybe replacement at some time in the history.

II suspect that you will be hard pressed to find definitive info to back any proof other than talking to some of the old timers.

Most likely explanation.
My '69 E has an (original) steel lid, and no center panel.

[roblav]

The 70E I had in 1982 was both aluminum.

[70SATMan]

'69 was a different deck lid than in '70 and original Parts Manuals don't list Alum option for the '69S. There have been a couple '69 one offs show up, probably related to the '69 GTS cars.

'70 was the first year listing the Alum lid and valance as standard on the S AND the E but, as has been noted, seems supply chain issues sometimes affected what ended up on the cars rolling off the floor.

I've also wondered whether decisions were made concerning the rear wiper option and especially the factory AC option as to whether the Alum lid could reasonably support those added weights. For sure, the original Alum lids in period had the boss for the rear wiper and there have been cars reported with alum lids and original optioned rear wipers. I don't know about the Factory AC cars.

Those optioned cars might have had lids supplied in steel though I've not seen notes like that in the original parts manuals.

I would think if supply chain had issues supplying the Alum bits, the Esses would have received priority over Es built in the same period. Another variable thrown into the mix has to do with where the bodies were being produced and painted... The S bodies were built at Reutter and the majority if not all of Es were Karmann built.

Both of those factories would have needed their own supply of Alum bits for fit and paint before they went to Porsche for final assy.

[cvlcporsche]

I have an all original 1971 911E (no wiper or AC) and both the lid and center panel are aluminum.

[Allen_70S]

While it doesn’t address S Vs. E Aluminum panels, here is an interesting fact. I searched EBay and only one 70 911 S Aluminum engine lid was shown. It was the lid only, no grille, no P-O-R-S-C-H-E letters, no 911S emblem. Asking price is $2,499 plus $145 shipping.

Al

[PeteKz]

At that price, I'd look for another way to lose a couple pounds.

[mepstein]

I just got an early aluminum lid from Aase sales. $1,400 + 100 ship. I'm very happy with it.

[70SATMan]

The repros have gotten pretty good on the lids. Every repro alum valance I’ve seen sucked a$$.

[blue72s]

Originally Posted by 70SATMan

The S bodies were built at Reutter and the majority if not all of Es were Karmann built.

No, that's incorrect. I have an Euro 70E 5-speed manual (non-sunroof) and it was built at Reutter. Dec '69 build date.
Rear valance - aluminium
Decklid - steel.

[BobNorman]

Originally Posted by blue72s

No, that's incorrect. I have an Euro 70E 5-speed manual (non-sunroof) and it was built at Reutter. Dec '69 build date.
Rear valance - aluminium
Decklid - steel.

My Euro E was also non-Karmann built. Feb 1970.

[70SATMan]

Originally Posted by blue72s

No, that's incorrect. I have an Euro 70E 5-speed manual (non-sunroof) and it was built at Reutter. Dec '69 build date.
Rear valance - aluminium
Decklid - steel.

Like I said,,, majority,,, because I’ve seen a LOT of Karmann Es

Yours was obviously in the minority.

[djpateman]

Originally Posted by 70SATMan

The S bodies were built at Reutter and the majority if not all of Es were Karmann built.

Far from the truth. Porsche built 1294 911E coupe and 923 Targa while Karmann only built 657 911E coupe. In my database I have 41 Porsche built coupe and 26 Karmann built.

[FA-18C]

My 70E was Reuter built, steel deck lid, Al rear panel.

[70SATMan]

Originally Posted by djpateman

Far from the truth. Porsche built 1294 911E coupe and 923 Targa while Karmann only built 657 911E coupe. In my database I have 41 Porsche built coupe and 26 Karmann built.

I stand corrected by the Guru.. Thanks for keeping me in my place David!