Where should I start? HELP!

[huss]

So I purchased the car back in 2007. The car is a 1969 Porsche 911T, an original survivor that hasn't been played with or chopped. It has the early original magnesium engine case, and was part of the short run of magnesium transmission 901/13. The car was running when I received it. I literally drove it from one location to another, parked it in a garage and it sat. I’ve pushed it on trailers to move a couple times since. Terrible I know...I'm ashamed to admit that, but life gets in the way as they say.

I took the batteries out in 2008, syphoned the gas out of the tank the best I could, changed the oil and thats it. Every year I manually turn over the engine to make sure it doesn't seize. I keep thinking, this year is the year I need to do something with it, but I’m afraid

So with that said, I’m not sure where I should start.

[huss]

Ideally I would like bring it back to life so it can be driven and enjoyed safely on nice days, and pass it down within the family when I’m gone. I was thinking a resurrection not a restoration. Its only original once and I love how original it is and want to leave it as is as much as possible. The aesthetic flaws shows its life and history. Upon inspection the body is very solid, with no bondo or filler found on the car. The floor pans and the rockers definitely need attention but I feel it might be a can of worms, and again, afraid to open that can. The rear suspension needs attention. The sway bar mounting point on one side has broken away and the other side is held together with rust. At one point during its life, someone tried to stop the bad areas of rust in the floor pan, by cutting them out, then reinforcing them with steel braces? I have attached pictures to get a better understanding. I can't take credit for this horrible idea, but I suppose someone felt it was their only option at some point.

[huss]

So with that said, I’m not sure where I should start.

Dealing with the rust, obviously something I need to confront. I think it would easier and lighter to deal with once the engine and transmission is out of it, but I’m afraid if I remove it, it will never go back in the car.

Is the engine and transmission something I could rebuild myself? or should I leave that up to a professionals. obviously anything can be done with time and money, usually the more money the faster it gets done.

Sorry for the novel, but I really do appreciate any feedback, advice you can give me. I'm not one to give up, so please spare me the comments about selling it, its too big of a project. I should also say, I'm in Canada.

[safe]

If the engine and trans is working leave that, a T engine is under stressed and will last a long time if maintained.

The rust must be fixed, there is always a lot more than you see, if you aren't experienced with serious rust repairs leave the car to a professional who is. Lots of cutting, grinding and welding is in the future. Removing engine and transmission is the least you need to do. From the pictures it looks like a job to do on a rotisserie.

[QuakerJacket]

Personally, I would try and get it running before doing anything else, especially because it ran before and you kept turning it over the years. That will give you a much better idea of what is required - time and money wise.

Why do you think the engine needs to be rebuilt? Rebuilding is probably best left to professionals if you are asking the question, but pulling the engine and trans, replacing hoses, valve clearance, timing, sealing oil leaks aren't too difficult. Lots of documentation on here by people with all levels of previous mechanic experience.

I'm a minority on here, but I'm not a replace everything kind of restorer. That can save significant sums of money, or at least spread out the pain. If your engine (main components) is half used, that's still probably 50,000 miles left. How many years of driving for you is that?

[kltarga72]

Huss,
Where are you located?
Do you have the garage, tools and the ability to get the engine running? then do so. With the knowledge that the engine runs, clutch and trans moves the car back and forth will answer a lot of future questions.
I would than drop the engine and trans and send the car to a 911 suspension and body repair shop for the rust repair.
From your description and photos it looks like rust is the biggest problem. Dropping and reinstalling a 911 engine is not that difficult and there is a lot of information available on PP.
Once the rust and suspension repair is made mechanical problems can be addressed.
Looks like a decent early 911.

[louielargo]

Huss,

Answer the following questions...

How much can you do yourself?
How much time can you commit?
How much money can you afford to spend on it?

You have had it since 2007 and it appears you have not made much progress.

I agree with the above member, start by getting it running. Then address brakes and lights to make it drivable.

After that will depend on your answers.

Cheers, Louie

[Bucketlist]

If you don't have the time, skills, money or desire to bring her back to life your best bet is to sell it, as is where is. I'll bet this car is worth a lot more now than you paid in 2007 so let it move on to someone with all of the above.

[safe]

If the swaybar falls out due to rust, I think its probably unsafe to drive, you know taking your kids in it for a ride etc... Getting it running is no use, not sure about Canada but where I live it would be an immediate fail at inspection.
The rust must be addressed properly, not saying total restoration... Then you can fix the easy bits, running gear, suspension and brakes.

If its been sitting for 13 years, its a good chance its not going to get fixed before the use of gasoline is banned.... Pay someone to fix it or sell it, make a profit, buy something usable.

[75 911s]

The rust is significant. I wouldn't bother getting it running to drive it. I'd be worried the suspension is literally going to fall off (as it is already).

Consider selling as is to someone who can do a full chassis restore and source yourself a non rusty replacement car.

Unless you have a shop and want to do the metal work yourself. That is the only viable economic path forward.

If you put this car in a shop it will eat you alive and take years off your life imho.

[MichaelSJackson]

huss,

I hate to say this but, I think you bit off more than you can chew. Let someone with more motivation bring her back. Then go find yourself a driver. It will be a much cheaper, easier path.

[Joe Bob]

No money or time? Sell it and walk away.

[Charles Freeborn]

That's a "rotisserie" restoration. Minimum of $50k project, and that's with you doing as much of the dirty grunt work as you're able. You'll put in hundreds of hours on the stripping and sorting alone. Engine alone is $20k to go through properly. Any less won't do the car justice and won't add any value.
As said, not safe to drive as is. The T is desirable and a specialized restoration shop may be interested. I'd guess you'll get around $25k for it as it sits, maybe more if the shop already has a specific customer in mind.

[rnln]

When I see this pic, I know I give up. Start to see if you can sell it as a whole or selling parts.

[911 Rod]

It all comes down to budget.
Have you done anything like this before?
Floor and rockers replaced I'd guess $15,000?
Can you even attach the new panels to the old?
How old are you? Takes years. Nothing to resurrect here. It's a restoration even if only some of it.
Ya. Not what you want to hear.
Search this forum.

[creaturecat]

parts car. she's done.

[pmax]

Assuming those pics are from 2007, wonder how the rust looks now after more than a decade.

But it does look complete and original so can be a labor of love for someone with deep pockets.
An unmolested car is not that commonplace.

In 356 land, this would be a pristine barnfind.

[huss]

I appreciate the honesty

[huss]

I like these 3 points.
How much can you do yourself?
How much time can you commit?
How much money can you afford to spend on it?
I'll need to answer these and formulate a plan moving forward. Basically it comes down to time and money, like everything else.

[huss]

I'm clearly in denial about this car. I'm only 42, so I could pick away this car, pull back the ugly layers bit by bit, starting with the obvious rust, removing the engine, trans, perform a leak down test.
I know I showed some ugly pictures of the floors and rockers, but its actually pretty solid, and the engine did run strong before sitting. I'm not convinced to throw in the towel yet. I appreciate all the comments and advice. Wish me luck, and I'd be happy to take donations...haha I'm kidding.