My buddy wants a long hood project
 

What resources should I point my buddy to for research before he buys a long hood project.

Background: he is an accomplished engineer who rebuilds airplanes. He wants a long hood to go full restoration on.

What should he read before he starts shopping?

Thanks!

resources? Depending on the car he will need the user manual to a welder.

There are lots of great resources. the factory manuals. Wayne's books (101 projects and engine build), Bruce Anderson, the "red book". even a 911 Hayne's manual.

How far does he want to go. There are cosmetic, mechanical, hot rod and full restorations. He should drive a few different cars and start to get a feel for these. They are all the same and different. Budget is also a concern - especially if originality is a key factor.

If he really wants a project, BHCC.

How much does he wana spend for the project car?

That's Tabs speak for "Does he want to spend 911S sort of money?" ?

Great feedback.

He wants a project. He has taken a number of small aircraft wrecks and rebuilt them. He designs parts for airplanes professionally. So, he has some good skills.

I think budget is 50 - 75K or less. He likes stock, no hotrods or weird mods. He would reverse stuff like a slant nose or big flares.

I knew about Wayne's books. Forgot about Bruce Anderson - good one!

What is BHCC? Not sure what that is?

Also, other than Pelican, The Samba, BAT, Craigslist and Rennslist, am I missing a good place to look?

He needs to sell some toys before this becomes reality. I did some quick shopping and got depressed about the pricing of cars that I have previously sold...so I may not be a big help here.

First things first... Is he a millionaire? (not joke)

I'm guessing he wants a project with an overall $50K to $75 total cost vs. a fairly nice LWB (my preference) that he can get in and drive for the same money all day long. There are plenty of good cars for that kind of money out there.

Might be able to find a '66-'69 912 and stay in budget...might not.

Start price is 50-75. Let’s not be silly. He is going to lose his azz on this. I told him.

My car is a project that's within striking distance of finishing. I think it might be a bit of a problem to find one that doesn't devolve into a huge money pit, labor pit, parts finding pit, etc. Unless he wants to spend a big part of his life and bank account, I'd advise him to find a good/decent example in good enough shape to drive with minor things he can work on. Rust is a major thing - as we all know - that has to be addressed on lots of these half century old cars that aren't restored or been protected. I'm hopiing I don't kick the bucket before I get mine finished and drive it, but at the rate I'm going, that's a possibility.

He'll have to go with a 912 for that budget. People here are always blasting Beverly Hills Car Club, but they have a ton of 912s and 911s for somewhat reasonable prices (on some of them, anyway). The wrecked white '65 911 is a bit steep, but it demonstrates the huge cost difference between a 911 and a 912, such as the red '65 right below it.

https://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/inventory.htm?make=%5BPorsche%5D&orderby=make,year

Patience and money. The only long hood "projects" left out there are pretty terrible chunks of rust. They are long, drawn-out projects that will drain the first-timer's soul.

It is a pretty expensive and massive undertaking to start with a driving, relatively rust-free midyear and fix everything/get it perfect (in that price range). That is where I would start and see just how well I liked that type of project before spending more time, money, and blood buying and rebuilding a project long hood.

Some recent BaT examples including a serious project that went for $10 on a yesteryear $1

And this is just BaT. FBM has some too, as well as other outlets. I'm sure a WTB ad on various forums would dredge up some interesting cars too.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-porsche-911t-68/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-porsche-911t-targa-28/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-porsche-911t-87/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-porsche-911t-62/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-porsche-911t-9-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-porsche-911t-85/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-porsche-911t-targa-26/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-porsche-911t-64/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-porsche-911t-63/

I gave him the 912 option. Pretty early in his decision process. Great input. I am clearly not up to speed on the market.

Interesting side note: I found a very interesting 356 the other day and pitched it to a friend as something we could partner on…

You didn't say if he was a body man or engine rebuilder.
If he is both, the budget could work.

For 912's, check the 912bbs.org classifieds.

His comment was that he "wanted to do a 100% nuts and bolts restoration." I don't think he is a body guy. Airplanes have cloth over the framework. He certainly has done aircooled engines in the past.

Thanks all! Great thoughts.

I was gonna suggest a 912 also, but not really in hindsight: some nice 912s are out$$$ 911s lately, the cheap 912 chassis era is over, and if he's gonna "invest" 50-75K of his own money + a lot of time, IMO he might as well get more of a return on investment by doing a real VIN 911...
I would bet he can find a nice project T for 30-40K, something with needs, no problem. His top budget would likely buy a decent running/looking car to begin with so a project, no problem!
The Qs to ask is what does he want - LWB vs SWB... SWBs are more twitchy/fun/valuable/expensive/less powerful (staying stock), LWB are more plentiful, cheaper, more stable, bigger engines, and 72-73 even have a proper gearbox pattern ( I jest, dogleg people) - so there are choices there !

I would contact Adam at Unobtainium, and follow them on ebay, they pull out "projects" all the time (way below his budget) and I would stay away from BHCC and their documented legal troubles...