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Posted by: Aircooledfool Oct 14 2018, 12:11 PM

I'm looking for input on best practice for replacing front clip up to firewall. All input appreciated.

Posted by: mepstein Oct 14 2018, 01:10 PM

A good jig and a good welder. 99% is the prep.

Posted by: Aircooledfool Oct 14 2018, 01:21 PM

I found this jig https://www.stoddard.com/t52-1975.html. Is this what you are suggesting?

Posted by: Aircooledfool Oct 14 2018, 01:36 PM

From the factory body manual, looks like these are the cut lines to follow https://imgur.com/a/HZpspDl

Posted by: mepstein Oct 14 2018, 02:21 PM

No. That’s just for the front suspension pan. You really want something that sets the front suspension to the body of the car.

Posted by: tomeric914 Oct 14 2018, 02:42 PM

Is this a NOS clip or are you piecing two 914s together? How far back is it being installed to?

Posted by: Aircooledfool Oct 14 2018, 02:48 PM

Clip is coming from donor car. Need to replace to firewall. Car was hit in front and the repair wasn't done very well.

Posted by: mb911 Oct 14 2018, 04:16 PM

Never saw that before.. That is where mine was cut.

Posted by: mgphoto Oct 14 2018, 06:15 PM

The factory manual has a lot of info about doing this repair, pdf versions available online for cheap, printed version $600 to $1000, get it some how, you won’t regret it.

Posted by: Aircooledfool Oct 14 2018, 06:21 PM

I have a full set of factory manuals and have been studying them. Just hoped for first hand experience from another member.

Posted by: Valy Oct 14 2018, 07:08 PM

Be careful, that jig doesn't have vertical alignment for the big cut you are doing. You may end up with your front clip at an angle, either up or down, or even worst: twisted.
You would need a full car jig that goes all the way to the rear suspension in order to replace the entire front clip.

Posted by: IronHillRestorations Oct 14 2018, 09:00 PM

On a difficulty scale of 1-10 this is probably a 12.

There's so many ways to go out of whack on this kind of repair. If you have to get into any of the suspension mounting points, you should seriously consider getting it done at a professional shop with the equipment to do it correctly. Then factor in all the panel gaps involved for a satisfactory repair.

I won't say you can't do it, because I don't know you, your skill set, or your equipment; but if any of those areas are not up to the task; serious consideration of all options should be taken.

Posted by: mepstein Oct 14 2018, 09:09 PM

We are doing an early 911 at the shop that crunched the front end. First the front was pulled back to near original specs on a celette bench. Then damaged metal will be removed and new metal welded while being held in alignment on the bench. without a bench or jig, It's very hard to build in 3D.

Posted by: Aircooledfool Oct 15 2018, 07:21 AM

Thanks everyone for the input. If we proceed, the repair is being done by local body / restoration shop as there is no way I would consider this on my own. I'll keep everyone updated as we move forward!

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Oct 15 2018, 09:18 AM

make sure you use like parts so you will not destroy the value of your car, so:

70 71 72 interchange

73 74 interchange

75 76 interchange