Thinking of bringing back a 67S

[hdavis]

Believe it or not, underneath this "thing", lives a matching numbers (cardex verified) 1967 S. I have agreed to exchange most of the 80s stuff for a 1967 T body, that would provide rear and front fenders and bumpers, a hood, horn grills, US headlights. It has correct taillights, and I have a set of front turn lights.

Interior is mostly original except for seats (ouch), steering wheel (I have one) and radio.

This is a major project for me, and I wouldn't do it myself, but labor down here is much cheaper than in the US.

If the engine, gearbox, suspension, breaks, etc check out OK, what more should I be concerned about or be careful with? Should the rear fenders be a huge concern.

I'd love to bring this S back, but I'm worried, almost scared to go for it.

Finally, the big question, how much should I pay for this "thing"?

I will post more pictures when I have them.

[gruen911]

That's a damn good question Henry. I am looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

[bobmagyar]

Sounds like a very doable project.

Depending on how close to original you want to make it of course.

Most of the body upgrade stuff is bolt on so the rear quarters are the hardest to undo.

Door window frames can be chromed again.
Suspension probably can come from the 67T.
Seats are easy to come by.
How are your door panels?

If you are looking for a labour of love you have found a good candidate!

[kenikh]

If you have a donor car, go for it. The major pieces will be welding in the rear fenders from the '67 T and the front bulkhead from the T and the commensurate paint work. The rest should be doable in your garage.

[hdavis]

Kenik, my main concern is exactly the welding of the rear fenders. I guess a competnet welder should have no trouble with that though. The paint will of course be a major issue, but I would like to return it to at least a period correct color anyway. I will be taking a much closer look at it on Wednesday.

Door panels are there but with speaker holes, I would need to re-cover them.

Price anyone?

[bobmagyar]

My costs for my resto in Canada have been:

Media Blasting the whole body and all panels: $1800
Metal work: $4500
Paint: $5000-$22000 (Hobby shop - High end commercial shop)

Not sure what quality Mexican labour rates are with respect to Canadian.

What it would take to restore the drivetrain, interior, trim, and suspension really depends on what is currently correct and salvagable.

Good luck with this.

[hdavis]

Not sure what quality Mexican labour rates are with respect to Canadian.

Good luck with this.

Thanks, labor here is much cheaper, I can't think of spending more than $7 - $8K in the whole metal work/paint process, this is in a good shop with good quality paint.

Drivetrain, suspension and other mechanical things will be the deciding factors in this case. If the engine, transmission and suspension check out all right, and I can get it for around $10 - $11 K, I might go for it, hoping I don't end up puting more than $15 K + in it.

We'll see

[kenikh]

Henry, if you can do it for those numbers, you are way ahead of the game. I say go for it as I know you can get great bodywork/welding/paint in Mexico on the cheap. If you can get this car all the way back for less than $30K out of pocket, you stand to have made an excellent investment if resale is the goal (or not).

[platas]

Henry, rescue it, they do quality paint there, and keep us posted, very intresting project

[raspy2point2]

Henry-- Make sure you get Glaseruit German paint ; and epoxe primer-- on my paint job these materials cost $750 just for the paint. Also stay away from any aftermarket body panels. They are famous for not fitting correctly. I read in 911 & Porsche World Magazine that people finding RS replicas for sale are turing them back to standard 911S's if that was the orignal model of the RS clone. Regards Chris 70S,Early S registry#205