The Chocolate Chariot: '85 Carrera, first-time owner

[Poopwink]

Hi all, I've been lurking here for quite some time reading through various build/restoration threads and reading up on how-tos for jobs I can't imagine doing myself.

I've had the Porsche bug for most of my life--growing up, my dad's 1965 356C sat quietly in a corner of the garage attracting dust and my attention. When I was in junior high, we finally got spurred to restore the car and the long slide down the slippery slope began...My siblings showed up to kick tires a handful of times but I was the only one who really took to it. It took over 2 years for my dad to complete the restoration (with help from myself and a newfound group of "P Car Guys"), but I learned just enough to realize that I'm no expert mechanic. The enthusiasm of the community probably let to what came next...

The actual dates elude me but the 356 was eventually sold (think of how much it's worth NOW!) to make way for an early '70s 911T with a 3.2 Carrera swap, as well as a 1982 Euro 911SC fully gutted, caged, and set up for the track. My father raced the SC with the Porsche Owner's Club all over the Western U.S. and I scrambled for as much seat time as I could considering I was in college in North Carolina at this point.


The "Yellow Peril," '71 911T with 3.2 swap.


The "Green Hornet" in action at Willow Springs Raceway.

In the mid-late 00s my dad had another stroke of luck. A "little old lady" in Fresno was selling a 1981 911SC, all original, 65k miles. How much did she want for it? My dad and his best friend split the purchase price of $11k because it was simply too good to pass up. An inexpensive SC would also be an attractive "entry-level" 911 for someone down the line...and between our two families, there are 7 children, all with driver's licenses...


"Blue Misty" parked in our friend's garage, as it would be for quite some time.

Over the years, the car spent less and less time with my dad or on the road, and more time sitting in our family friends' garage. I turned out to be the only person who showed any real interest in the SC, but I couldn't get any action from the two Porsche Dads. If I convinced our friend to sell his "share" in the car to me, then my father wouldn't budge, and vice versa. They were expert in their deployment of excuses, but then again, they have decades more practice than I do. As my father saw less and less of the car, he began to doubt it was being maintained properly. That, coupled with an earlier accident (shortly after it was purchased, Blue Misty was rear-ended by a teenager texting in his Prius), made the car less desirable, even if there was no indication the two owners would ever part with it.

More years fly by and I still find myself on the lookout for an SC--to me the most familiar, and least expensive, air-cooled 911. I move from a small ski town in the Idaho mountains back to a city. Now's the time! I start pestering all our old friends in the Porsche community for buying advice and I get convinced to look for a Carrera rather than an SC...a G50 tranny would be nice, but since I already have plenty of street and track time with a 915, that doesn't scare me much. Owners and professional mechanics were steering me clear of the CIS and its associated headaches. It seems like plenty of people switch over to carbs or EFI but that feels way beyond my ability level at this point.

Finally! After seeing a number of cars slip away as I was trying to make PPI arrangements, I finally found a clean car and pulled the trigger. Relatively unmolested 1985 Carrera, California car, decent service records and just under 100k miles. PPI from Midtown Autoworks in Sacramento indicated it would need a new clutch and some other assorted work, after purchase I shipped the vehicle to Game Face Motorsports in Whittier as we have a good relationship with Sergio and I trust his experience. Clutch replaced, along with other random items (sunroof cable replacement, seat switches, etc,).


Uncommon color but I dig it, especially in direct sunlight!


Whale tail was installed by a PO, which I plan on keeping. I've always felt tail-or-no-tail depends on the color and overall configuration of the car, and this checks all the right boxes for me!


Interior in pretty good shape considering the car is slightly older than I am.

I love it! I have a short to-do list but my number one priority is just to drive the thing and get to know it better. I've been getting it out at least once a weekend, sometimes on shorter city runs and other times along the rivers or into the hills of the PNW. I can't find any leaks whatsoever--to quote the mechanic who did the PPI, "it's one of the driest Carreras I've ever seen."

First thing I'd like to do is update the stereo system. I know, I know, I should be listening to the 6-cylinder symphony, but on a long road trip (or in a 25mph zone) I'd like that creature comfort. I've got pretty much everything I think I'll need through Crutchfield: coax Polk speakers, powered sub, new Blaupunkt Bremen retro head unit w/ Bluetooth, cables, etc. The cheap "chrome" '90s Panasonic head unit needs to go. I contacted a very highly-rated audio installation company in my neighborhood, who just finished some custom work on a 930, but they're quoting me $1150+ just to install the components I already have.


Custom USB port/bass knob panel built by Musicar NW. Attractive but $$$

My main concern now is the aftermarket alarm system, which I don't have any info on. If I disconnect the battery to install the new sound system, is it going to be blaring the horn as soon as I reconnect? I don't have any details on a reset protocol or anything like that.

As you can see from the interior picture, the PO performed some kinda half-assed audio installation of his own. Both speaker grills were cracked beyond repair and tucked away in the door pockets. I ordered some replacement covers from Stoddard but they're too small--should I look for a generic option instead? These speakers will be replaced with a set of Polk DB 5.25" coax.


Remote on the "PRESTIGE" alarm key fob, the horn chirps when locking/unlocking. No clue what the "OPT" button is supposed to do.


This looks to me like it's drawing power off the battery, probably to the aftermarket alarm? Haven't traced the wires (and wouldn't really know what to do).

I'm thrilled to have a 911 to call my own. There are some seriously impressive builds on here and while I plan on keeping mine pretty tame, it's great to see the passion and encouragement that pervades the community. Advice is requested and welcomed--I'm happy to share this wild ride with you all!

[Geronimo '74]

That’s some sweet chocolate right there!
Very nice looking car, congrats.

I really like that yellow ‘71 too.

Welcome to the board!

Driving and getting to know the car, great idea! (No, really, that’s the best part of new ownership IMO. )

It will look great with or without the tail.
Decklid swap is easy, I switch between on and off regularly. I love both looks but lately the tail is on.

[AG81]

Congratulations Poopwink..... Nice find. I too came close to buying this color...super low miles but I felt bad turning it into a hot rod.....

[nene]

NICE!!

LET THE RIDE BEGIN!!

Serge

[jjeffries]

Great upbringing you seem to have had, and a beautiful Carrera is now your very own. I like the sport seats and the colors. I'm getting my brown groove on over in the 924/944/968 Forum with a two-tone interior (dark brown and linen) in a Guards Red 924S; when I was a kid in late 1970's Europe, brown was everywhere, including on high profile cars like 928's and Big Benzes.

Someone has to ask this question: what became of the (Celeste?) blue SC?

Welcome and please keep sharing your experiences.
John (82 SC coupe)

[walt]

Yum, chocolate!

[Poopwink]

Originally Posted by jjeffries

when I was a kid in late 1970's Europe, brown was everywhere, including on high profile cars like 928's and Big Benzes.

We grew up with a fleet of old diesel Benzes, from a '77 300D to a '91 turbo wagon...we had something like a dozen of them over the years, so our family quickly learned to nickname each one. "The beige car" isn't helpful when there are 3 of them parked outside.

Originally Posted by jjeffries

Someone has to ask this question: what became of the (Celeste?) blue SC?

My dad and his bud still have something close to a 35/65 split on equity in the car. Apparently as soon as I bought the brown Carrera, the blue SC started getting driven again! A friend of mine lives around the corner and says he went from seeing it once a year to a few times a week in the last 2 months. It sounds like a lot of the recent work was being done at cut-rate shops rather than the Porsche specialists my family would've preferred.

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Great color combo! Looks to be in terrific shape

[darrin]

imo, you'd be better off removing the alarm system before starting down your stereo upgrade path -- looks like prestige alarms are still made and are manufactured by audiovox -- if you can find a "brain" for the alarm, it might have a model number you can use to contact the manufacturer and get an installation manual.

Also worth checking out what size the replacement speakers are -- PO could well have upgraded them to 6.5" diameter speakers, which would make installing your 5.25" speakers a LOT more difficult

agree, beautiful car and nice score!~

[4flyboy]

Welcome Poops!

Absolutely love that color, I've seen it in person and it's even better. Understated and elegant, not words usually associated with a 911.

I had a buddy do a pro install on my stereo, I couldn't cotton to the idea of a kid chopping up my wiring loom and using those crush connectors.

My buddy is an electrical engineer, everything is soldered, shielded and routed correctly. I used a CDR 220 (I think). Had the faceplate modified at SW Stereo and an aux input so that I can stream from the phone.

I too need tunes for a drive, makes all the difference

Drive the snot out of it!

[autobonrun]

Congratulations and welcome. You should add yours to the thread below . I’ve had my Tobacco Metallic SC 36 years.

Show us your browns

[famoroso]

Great story and sweet ride!

I'm a believer in "Do no Harm" and that less is more with these cars, especially less aftermarket electronic equipment. Consider tapping a local Pelican, with the requisite skills, to help you surgically remove that alarm system. I assume your radio wiring harnesses (power and speakers) have been cut. If not, consider sourcing an adapter harness (mine is from Scosche) for use with your new gear. Clean wiring please. 3M wiretaps and crimped butt connectors have no place in these cars.

Crap (nasty, nasty crap) I've pulled out of 911s the past few years...

K40 "built-in" radar detector...


Audio gear that was installed by a clumsy, slow, addled schoolboy...


Alarming security system install...


Thankfully, all of the above came out relatively easily and didn't leave too much damage behind. It is satisfying work, to right the tragedies that were foisted upon these cars over the decades (I'm guilty of dubious modifications myself back in the day).

[Pigeye]

+1 on the Sport Seats. So good.

[sugarwood]

Great story. Rare colors are the BOMB. Well bought. Where is the blue SC today? Still rotting away after a decade?

[Keithg]

GREAT COLOR COMBO! We yanked Clifford alarm which was $500 in 1984 around 1998. No more battery issues!

[Poopwink]

Originally Posted by autobonrun

Congratulations and welcome. You should add yours to the thread below . I’ve had my Tobacco Metallic SC 36 years.

Show us your browns

This is great, thanks for bringing to my attention. 36 years, that's fantastic!

Originally Posted by darrin

imo, you'd be better off removing the alarm system before starting down your stereo upgrade path -- looks like prestige alarms are still made and are manufactured by audiovox -- if you can find a "brain" for the alarm, it might have a model number you can use to contact the manufacturer and get an installation manual.

Originally Posted by 4flyboy

I had a buddy do a pro install on my stereo, I couldn't cotton to the idea of a kid chopping up my wiring loom and using those crush connectors.

My buddy is an electrical engineer, everything is soldered, shielded and routed correctly. I used a CDR 220 (I think).

Originally Posted by famoroso

I'm a believer in "Do no Harm" and that less is more with these cars, especially less aftermarket electronic equipment. Consider tapping a local Pelican, with the requisite skills, to help you surgically remove that alarm system. I assume your radio wiring harnesses (power and speakers) have been cut. If not, consider sourcing an adapter harness (mine is from Scosche) for use with your new gear. Clean wiring please. 3M wiretaps and crimped butt connectors have no place in these cars.

Good advice. I don't utilize the alarm system anyway, it probably makes sense to make removal of that system Step 1. From there I can determine best path forward for the audio system. My goal is to keep anything that isn't period-correct out of sight, that's why I obtained one of the new Bremen SQR 46 DAB units ($500 off eBay, all said and done). The car's just too clean to start freestyling with it.

Frank, between the alarm system and the '90s speakers/head unit, I'm almost positive the wiring harness has been cut/modified. I took a peek at the Scosche site but there doesn't seem to be anything available for a 1985 911. The "911" model only runs from 1987-2002, and the Carrera/3.2 isn't listed as a submodel. There is an option for 911/S/SC/912 that includes some Carrera years but no associated products available. I guess that means the only real option is to build it back up "by hand"?

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Where is the blue SC today? Still rotting away after a decade?

It sounds like our family friend got a little spooked, I think he believed I would hold out for that particular car forever. 11 years was long enough! It's finally getting out on the road again, but who knows what it needs in terms of maintenance/repairs at this point.

Originally Posted by Keithg

GREAT COLOR COMBO! We yanked Clifford alarm which was $500 in 1984 around 1998. No more battery issues!

Luckily, I have no battery issues whatsoever...it will be pretty obvious who's at fault if the car doesn't start after I start messing around with the battery, alarm, etc.!

This is the stereo install thread I've been rereading but that is on hold until I deal with the alarm system.

[Poopwink]

Time for an update following my first significant road trip, 650+ miles through Oregon' s high desert in August.
The Ochoco National Forest is an overlooked gem in central Oregon. It's home to a large number of wild horses and asses (not just me).


One of the faster sections of the summit trail through the Mill Creek Wilderness.


Custom detailing, brown on brown.


Spent an afternoon at Walton Lake to cool off.


Sports utility coupe.


I've been focusing on a major work project all year and have really struggled to carve out time for myself. Our team hit some key milestones recently and I finally locked some vacation time into the calendar. I spent 4 days on the road hitting swimming holes, skateparks, and hiking. The weather was warm enough that I skipped a tent and just used a hammock every night. The nights were still fairly chilly (mid-30s) so a good bag and an insulated pad in the hammock really help keep things comfortable. And as a plus, this sleeping system takes up considerably less room than any of my tents.

I checked oil level and tire pressure on a regular basis, in all I only added about half a quart of VR1 to keep it in the sweet spot on the dipstick. I've found that any oil added above the halfway point on the dipstick seems to burn itself off really quickly. Other folks on the board have described the same experience. I'm super grateful that I found a car with no detectable leaks after 6 months of ownership. At one point, I was on a particularly slow section of dirt road (read: 4x4 trail) and the engine temp started climbing so I parked it in the shade for a while. I refined my slingshot skills on a nearby log and 20 minutes later, temps looked good and I continued on my way. No big deal.


Hitchhiker
Friday night I packed up my garbage, double-bagged it, and set it in the frunk to keep it away from animals. In truth all I did was lure the animals into the frunk. I popped the hood the next morning and was greeted by a fully shredded roll of toilet paper and holes in the garbage bag. I cleaned up as best I could, re-bagged the garbage, and dumped at the next opportunity. The following night, in a campsite some 90 miles away, I strung the garbage out on a branch overnight but still found rodent activity in the frunk in the morning. Something had chewed into a bag of chips and ruined a roll of paper towels. Did I carry a hitchhiker with me all day or was that its distant cousin? Either way, I want these things out before they start going after upholstery or the electrical system. No evidence that they made it into the cabin at all.

Once I got back home yesterday I cleared the frunk of all items, peeled back the awful stock "carpeting," but couldn't find any more evidence of critters. I went out and bought a box of mothballs and set that in the frunk overnight (I have already removed this morning). I know the smell will end up lingering for a bit but I'm hoping that it overpowered any remaining hitchhikers and drove them out of the car and into my neighbor's cat. Anyone else have good tricks for rodent proofing/dispersal?


Steering Wheel
On Saturday afternoon I pulled into Camp Sherman to revisit an old campsite I hadn't been to in a few years. In the quieter environment I noticed a faint scraping as I turned the stock 4-spoke Carrera wheel. I can't recall any specific moment of impact or jerking the steering system. It sounds as though something has come misaligned/detached and brushes the interior of the wheel as I turn it, it's a combination of clicking and light brushing/scraping. It doesn't seem to have affected the operation in any way, although maybe there is a slight increase in resistance to turning the wheel? The steering still felt tight and responsive all 150 miles home through winding forest highways and then on crowded I-5.

It seems like the first thing to address is the steering column bushing. I'm not experiencing the same symptoms as most have described (vertical play in the steering wheel, vague feedback, etc.), but it seems to be such a common point of failure, it's worth a shot. The general consensus is that Mitch Leland's bushing is no longer available from our host but that the Rennline bushing is more or less the same thing. Can someone confirm this is the correct part?


It was a great trip. Many of the roads I hit were a real joy to drive, and the car turned heads everywhere I went, especially way down remote dirt roads. My a/c definitely needs some attention at some point, I remember it blowing cool and crisp when I test drove the car but even at full crank, it's more optimistic than effective. I have a budget powered sub and some $70 Polk speakers in the doors and it was exactly what I needed to crank tunes at 70+ mph with the windows down. All in all, a good first shakedown with only minor hiccups...I forgot the spare DME relay at home during some last-minute repacking and luckily that wasn't an issue at all!

[911obgyn]

I love those roads and the remote camping up in the hills, make sure you wash the dirt and gravel out of the wheel wells in the rear it piles up on the taillights and around the oil tank. In the front it gets above the window washer tank on the left and oil cooler on the right.

[famoroso]

Sweet update. Sweet car. Sweet roads.

I see you had a question re: wiring harness adapter that I missed. It looks like you're correct, Scosche no longer shows the wiring harness adapter for 3.2 Carreras. That's a bummer. There's another thread here that recently popped up that showed an adapter from another manufacturer. I'll look for it.

On your steering noise issue. Check to make sure that the horn contact between the steering column and the steering wheel (located on the turn signal cancel ring) is A) clean and B) lightly lubricated.

[Poopwink]

Originally Posted by famoroso

I see you had a question re: wiring harness adapter that I missed. It looks like you're correct, Scosche no longer shows the wiring harness adapter for 3.2 Carreras. That's a bummer. There's another thread here that recently popped up that showed an adapter from another manufacturer. I'll look for it.

It would be great to know if there's a viable adapter out there. Please share if you're able to track it down!

Originally Posted by famoroso

On your steering noise issue. Check to make sure that the horn contact between the steering column and the steering wheel (located on the turn signal cancel ring) is A) clean and B) lightly lubricated.

I'm waiting on a replacement steering bushing ordered from our host, then I'll pull the wheel and see if I can find the source of the friction/sound. Thanks for pointing this out. Can I use something like white lithium grease or is there a better option?