Modifying a 911- Project 1677

[csbush]

I wanted to call this build thread “Destroying a 911” because that sums up how I feel about modifying what could be a lovely 1973 T in Dalmatian blue. However, despite my inclinations, they can’t all be saved, and probably shouldn’t be. So mild hot rod it will be.
The story started last Winter when my wife and I were talking about getting a project car and painting it in the Gulf livery. At the Hill Country Rally this Spring, we met some nice folks who were selling a project that had been stalled for eight years, and the plan kicked into high gear. I could buy and complete the car with the only stipulation that it be in Gulf colors. Done.
I drove up to Indiana a few weeks later and picked up the car with my truck and trailer. The car was as advertised- a stripped, but mostly complete, matching numbers 911 T with slightly modified but mostly rust free body.

[csbush]

The car was stripped and mostly disassembled. I loaded up the car and lots of pieces and boxes of parts for the trip home.





The car had originally come from the Chicago area. It had more recently been used as an autocross car. It had been painted black, updated with SC fender flares, Koni front struts, M brake calipers, and upgraded adjustable anti-sway bars. The engine, which came in pieces was a stock early 73 with CIS. Interior was beige, and pretty worn. The person I bought the car from planned on making it a race car. He had modified the front end to install a front mounted oil cooler, and removed the battery boxes for venting out hot air. I found out later that someone had gone around the car cutting out all extra metal pieces- trim brackets, wire clamps, ashtray mount, etc. The car was covered with 8 years of light surface rust, inside and out as it had been sandblasted many years ago. The outer rockers were rusted through by the B pillars, and there was light rust in what remained of the front pan after the oil cooler ducting was installed. But other than that rust, the body was amazingly solid for a car from the Chicago area, so it had evidently been well cared for during some parts of its life.

[csbush]

After much deliberation, I have decided to keep the car mostly stock. My plan is to paint the car Gulf blue with Gulf orange accents. I will keep the interior stock and already have the new/refurbished beige interior on hand minus the seats. i am ordering beige replica S sport seats, with beige houndstooth inserts. It will have an RS front spoiler with ducting for the front brakes, I’ll keep the SC flares which were well done, and finish the car with a duck tail.

I plan on using the car as a (most) daily driver that I can also autocross and do limited DE’s. To make keep it comfortable, I rebuilt the suspension with stock bushings, but am keeping the upgraded sway bars. I added aluminum S brakes to the front, put in a new master cylinder, and rebuilt the rear calipers. I figure I can always upgrade later if so desired.

I am no engine expert, so I am having the engine done. It is being upgraded to 2.7 ltr, and going to have E or S cams with Weber carbs. This should give it plenty of pep. I am also installing a front mounted oil cooler as well as an air conditioning system, since I live in Texas.

[patrick911]

Looks like that will keep you of the streets for a while Chuck.
Nice project with what seem to me logical choices (2.4 to 2.7L, keeping the flares, etc.)
Any reason why it's called 'project 1677'?

[csbush]

I called it project 1677 because that is the the VIN production number.

I have made a lot of progress with the car over the last few months. My first order of business was to remove the surface rust. I removed it with an orbital sander and by hand. Once removed, I used a self etching acid wash to prep the metal, and sealed it with a two part epoxy.




I then started on the metal work. Both outer rockers were rusted through at the top by the b pillar. I chose to remove the entire outer rocker to make sure there was no rust in the remainder of the rockers. Fortunately, the rust was limited to the exterior rocker and where it was attached to the quarter panel. I cut out all the rusted metal, and welded in new steel.
I sealed the seams with lead.

[csbush]

Done! There wasn’t much interest so I quit posting the details, but I did want to close out this thread.





Complete nut and bolt restoration. Engine modified to 2.7 S specs with Weber carbs. 915 with factory short shift. I have never completely redone all the suspension on an early 911 and it makes it a dream to drive. Still a few things to finish up- like the AC system, but I can drive it now and boy is it fun! See you Texas folks at Hill Country Rally next month!
Chuck

[Gumby]

Great to see a project completed Chuck, looks great!

Will this springs the Hill Country Rally be the shake down?

[ewills]

Great looking car! Surprised there was not more interest in this thread. Car fully restored in just a few months? Very nice......

Eric Wills

[Theunz]

Wow, you really accomplished a lot in a short period of time! Looks great. Time to enjoy your ride.

[RSTarga]

Great job Chuck, who did you source the sport seats from?