What is the best option when restoring 911?

[bigrubberjeep]

any other thoughts?

[Alan Cottrill]

my $.02

you'll spend more piecing a car together than buying a complete car.

even if the complete car needs a little work to get it going.

The only "basket case" I ever bought was still a basket case the day I gave it away.

[caliber60]

"I bought for $10,500 and ultimately put $64,000 into it."

If he select a '73 RS as a restoration project. With the market price around $75K-$85K, he should break even. But not on a '83 SC with current market value about $11K-$13K. What a big difference.

[RichMason]

wait and buy a complete car. I bought my 69 E Targa for $3500 six months ago. I drive it every day. Sure it will always eat 500-1000 a year in maintenance and restoration but it burns no oil, runs fast and smooth, is 100% complete, everything works and is just gorgeous - glossy paint, shiny chrome, etc. The deals are out there just be patient. You will spend unheard of sums bringing those other cars back to life that could buy much nicer complete cars now. If I had your budget, I could have spent $3500 to buy the car, a few thousand on service to make it perfect and I would have money in another year for a 3.2 conversion.

Good luck with your search.

[n8marx]

jeeper,

I wasn't trying to be a prick when I suggested selling the Wrangler. I just know that when I was in a similar situation that's what I did. I bought a '72 Chevelle when I was 15 and spent 13 years driving/restoring/loving it. Selling that car was unfathomable to me. Until I set my sights on a 911. I looked into cheap cars I could rebuild but ended up selling my baby last summer and using the funds to buy a very nice 3.2. I haven't looked back and honestly, now I undestand what a pile that Chevelle was. I don't miss it a bit.

Again, no offence intended. Just offering an alternative plan.

[Jgordon]

Post some pics of the wrangler!

I agree with these guys. Unless you really have a desire to spend your time and money building the car (which you might have) I'd wait for a more complete car.

[TerryBPP]

Save up for 3yrs and buy a real nice SC. Although, I have always wanted to do a completely stripped and acid dipped car. I don't think I'd try it my first time out.

[Harlan Chinn]

If you really want to own a Porsche, you must think to yourself of what you can sacrafice for that elusive car. These cars like most cars are potential money pits as evident in many of these threads. With the best intentions, we end up putting much more into our cars than we could ever recoupe. Keep saving and get yourself something that runs so at least you can drive it instead of having it parked in your garage for who knows how long. If you really have the bug, find yourself someone locally that is building a car and offer to help in that endeavor. The experience is invaluable and it's not your money involved.

[bigrubberjeep]

I think I found "the One"

It is a 68 911T with a 2.0 (no rebuild according to owner)
121K miles


Positives

New Tires
Fusch wheels (originals, very shiny)
2 year old blk paint (very nice job)
new carpet
Momo short shift
Momo Steering wheel
early 90's blk leather seats (mint condition)
reat seats are perfect
Under (pan) rust free
New rubber all around
Perfect glass (no chips or noticible scratches)
very shinny trim
engine feels strong
tubo bottom engine covers
Custom exhaust

Negatives

Webber carbs need tuning
burns a llittle oil (cant smell it inside the car)
leaks a little oil (small dime size after 30 minutes parked)

$7200 asking price


(attached is my 89 jeep Wrangler, IT HAS 33" BFG news tires on it now)

[bigrubberjeep]

Here is the Wrangler again, do I sell it in order to finance the 911?

[Alan Cottrill]

go see the car again. bring your $5k. All $20's. Show him the money and ask if he'll take it. You'd be suprised!

I bought my 77 911 coupe in similar condition to the car you describe for $4k using that method. he was asking $6500.

[bigrubberjeep]

Anyone?

[Rot 911]

Keep looking. Personally I would not buy an early (pre 69) 911. They are not as desirable as later (69 and up) 911's due to the shorter wheelbase. You will also find parts harder to find and more expensive.

[bigrubberjeep]

Hummm.....ok anyone else agree with or disagree with Kurt V?

[FLAT6FAN]

I would wait year and save up for a 911 that does not need as extensive of a restoration. Get a more complete car that is running. It sounds like cost is a major driver in your decision. This way you could at least drive the car while you slowly work on restoring it.

[billwagnon]

I searched for a 72 or 73 - 2.4 litres, still had chrome, every year cars are updated.

Decide what you want and then keep looking. The problem with ever damaging or heaven forbid totaling the car is the time spent finding a new one!

[makaio]

With the money you have to spend, i would keep looking. I'm not bashing on the long hood cars, but I would try and get into a SC or newer. The deals are out there, you just have to be patient.

[nostatic]

a dime sized oil leak after 30minutes?
121K and no rebuild?

How much $$$ do you have lying around?

I'm with Kurt on this one...get some more money in the bank and keep looking. It is not uncommon for people to search a year or two for "the one". Let the impulse pass, keep learning and looking and saving. These cars, esepecially considering their age, are all over the map with regards to condition and potential expense. You should look at a bunch before you leap, unless you happen on something particularly special. Given your description, I wouldn't put this car in that category.

It sucks to have a Porsche and not be able to drive it becuase you can't afford to fix it.

[bigrubberjeep]

hum........I keep seeing many of you suggesting to me to wait and be patiant. I definetly apreciate the advice.

I take it, the 68 911T is no jewel. Maybe I am a bit over zelous. It just looks like everything possible has been done to it except for a complete engine overhaul.

So it looked like a good buy not to pass up on.

Any other suggestions so I can comfort the ants in my pants to buy this car?

[Tim Walsh]

I can second nostatic's conclusion. I bought my car knowing it's a project and it frankly sucks wrenching on it for months without being able to drive it. On the other hand I found the wrenching to be great therapy. Crappy days just melt away when it's just me, my hunk of Al and Mg and a bunch of wrenches.

Keep looking if what you want to do is drive then keep looking.