Beginners Guide to Modifying Porsche 911s
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Before ordering parts, decide what you want from your 911: a stock restoration, a road-going hot rod or a track car. Then list what is already on it. An engine swap, wider flares or a changed deck lid can matter more than the year on the registration.
Start with the right generation
- 1965–1968 SWB: short-wheelbase cars with their own rear-body requirements. A 911R-style build is different from fitting later RS or RSR rear panels.
- 1969–1973 longhood: long-wheelbase cars used for early RS, ST and RSR-style builds. Match the flares and bumpers to the chosen body width.
- 1974–1989 G-body: the impact-bumper cars, including SC and Carrera. IROC and Turbo-look parts need matching panels; a longhood backdate also changes the hood and latch arrangement.
- 964: check the bumpers, deck-lid hinges and lighting carefully. Earlier-style lids may need hinge adapters.
- 993: use the specific 993 application on each listing. A wing described as “993-style” may actually be made for an earlier 911.
Model years overlap at the generation changes. In particular, identify whether a 1989 car is a G-body or 964, and whether a 1994 car is a 964 or 993.
Choose the wheels and body width together
Wheel width, offset and tire size affect the flares, bumpers and suspension clearance. A nominal 9- or 11-inch flare does not guarantee clearance for a wheel of that width. Check the tires through steering and suspension travel before committing to the panels.
Plan the parts that go around the panels
Make a list of the hinges, latches, lights, seals, grilles and mounting hardware you can reuse. Check the cooler space at the front and the exhaust exits at the rear. For a complete project, compare the early RSR panel kit with the later-car backdate kit.
Fit first, paint last
Trial-fit body panels with their surrounding parts. Allow for trimming, alignment and finishing. Have a qualified workshop assess suspension, brakes, seats, restraints and any cage work as a complete installation.
Where to go next
Shop all parts, compare Maxilite wheels, or read the RSR build guide and soft-window Targa guide.
For examples of complete builds, see Bexco 001, the 1968 coupe and Bexco 002, the 1968 soft-window Targa.