This week I continued the 1973 RS Porsche Backdate process on the front hood. After the outer skin modification, the inner hood support structure needs to extend as well to provide support. In addition, the front lip and inner panel becomes the hood handle when I open and close the hood due to the formed inner rib. Last week, I had fun at the beach where I formed this raised rib. Now it’s time to weld it in place and finish wrapping the outer skin around it.
TIG welding this part in place was somewhat difficult because I didn’t have access to the backside to hammer the weld distortions out effectively. To make matters worse, the paint on the backside of the panels contaminated the TIG weld. Consequently, I had to clean and sharpen the TIG torch several times due to weld contaminates jumping out of the weld puddle. I use a dedicated sanding disk to sharpen tungsten only. Many seasoned TIG welders will tell you the metal needs to be really clean which is true. Sometimes a car is difficult to clean so I do the best I can.
Seal Channel Rust Repair – 1973 RS Porsche Backdate
Luckily my car did not have much rust, but the front hood seal channel did rust which is common. The simple C shape design begged me to make it myself. I challenged myself to reproduce this seal channel in under an hour. I considering buying this simple part, but at $50 delivered I challenged myself to make it myself. The material cost is about $1 for the sheet metal.
Please watch the video below for all the details and find out if I made the part in an hour. I’m really happy with the outcome of the front hood. In case you are wondering why I didn’t buy a new longhood here’s why. One, longhoods are expensive! Two, they require a new front latch panel too. So to save expense I extended the hood I already have. True actual 1973 parts would be more authentic, but I plan to cut the front bulkhead anyway to add an aftermarket oil cooler. So authenticity is out the window!
Please check out the outer skin Porsche backdate process by clicking here.
1973 RS Porsche Backdate