When it comes to classic Porsche restoration, attention is often focused on the shiny exterior and engines, but some of the most critical components are hidden beneath the surface. In this blog, we’ll delve into a lesser-known yet vital part of your classic Porsche’s chassis – the kidney bowls. These structural elements, especially in 911 models of all ages, are often overlooked but deserve close inspection. We’ll explore why kidney bowls matter, where they are located, and how addressing corrosion in these areas is essential for preserving your Porsche’s structural integrity.

Understanding the Kidney Bowls:

If you’re not familiar with the term, you might wonder: what are kidney bowls? Kidney bowls are structural components that play a crucial role in reinforcing the center of your 912/911 chassis. They are situated behind the door lock post (B post), fitted to the inner panel of the rear ¼. These seemingly inconspicuous components are vital for maintaining your Porsche’s structural strength.

Corrosion Threat:

One of the main concerns with kidney bowls is their tendancy to collect debris and moisture, especially in the area between the lock post (B post) and the kidney bowl. This is a breeding ground for corrosion, and if left unchecked, it can seriously weaken your classic Porsche’s chassis. Over time, the structural integrity of your beloved sports car can be compromised, affecting not only its performance but also its safety. Tell tale signs of trouble are any small bubbles of corrosion coming through the B post latch panel.

Repairing or Replacing Kidney Bowls:

To address corrosion in the kidney bowls, it’s necessary to cut away a part of the bodywork. The extent of this invasive process can vary depending on the level of damage. Smaller repair jobs may require less invasive procedures, but in some cases, as shown in the accompanying video, more extensive repairs are needed.

Our Approach to Corrosion Repairs:

Restoring classic Porsches is both an art and a science, addressing corrosion in kidney bowls is one of the many areas of our expertise. In our workshop, we have the in-house capabilities to handle all corrosion repairs, ensuring that your classic Porsche is not only beautiful on the outside but structurally sound beneath the surface. Whether it’s preserving the heritage of a vintage Porsche or creating a unique, Safari-style 911, we understand the intricacies of maintaining and restoring Porsche.

How to care for the chassis.

Regularly washing the debris away from these nooks and crannies will greatly extend the life of the chassis, along with oil and wax-based corrosion treatments. Rinsing with a salt away product (which can be found in boat chandlers) would be wise if you operate your Porsche on salted roads.

How we can help.

If you would like a little advice on your car, just call our restoration team and they are sure to be able to help you.