What is the best option when restoring 911?
 

I have a 5K budget per year,

I have access to a

69-71 911S body (stripped) for $2000
74 911E body (stripped) for $1500
68 912 body (complete minus engine and tranny) for $1000.00


And I have access to a 68 2.0 (2.2 converted) engine for $3000 with no carbs or exhaust


Should I put something together my self (if so, what from the list above?)

Or should I hold out and be patiant and find one that is complete and running to work on and restore?

Out of all of those I'd go for the 68 and try and find a different engine and tranny. There are better deals for drivetrains out there.

Are any of those bodies rust free?

beware though I've spend $1K on my car getting it running and it was complete.

big, it depends on your interests. Do you prefer the short wheel base cars (e.g. the 68 912)? Ddo you like the styling of the 74 or the pre-74 cars? How much wrenching do you intend to do? Are you getting a car for a resto project, a weekend driver, a daily driver, a full or part-time track car, or a concours garage queen? Hopefully the answers to these questions will lead you towards the right choice.

The 911S body has some rust in the rear dash (under the window) panel and some more rust under the body with 1 hole about the size of a baseball. (all it needs is new floor boards)


the 68 is actually the most "rust free" of them all,just a little rust by the rear window seal and a litle rust in the floor jack slot. (nothing major) except for a ding on the front driver fender

Careful, careful...I restored (and amply modified) an '83 SC that I bought for $10,500 and ultimately put $64,000 into it. (No nasty comments, please, I knew perfectly well what I was getting into, I can afford any new Porsche made, and I did it purely for the fun of it.)

Stephan

Well jim, to be honest, I don't know yet. I would love to have a restored 911 (motor) with soem decent horsepower, my budget doesnt allow me to really get it track ready.

However I would love to join a vintage race some day. (if possible)

I'd go for the most rust/damage free assuming they all have clear titles. A salvage title would be less desireable. All things being equal, I'd go for the long wheelbase long hood 911s because it is stripped and you would have to do that to the 912 anyway. This will be a big project and could easily eat up 20K to finish with mechanicals and paint.

Not sure, I wil have to check the titles, assuming all salvaged, which way should I go with?

Don't do it. If you added all the cost, you will be spending way out of market price just to get the basic configuration right. It's better be patient and wait for the car that's already restored, especially these owners claimed "I will never sell my car" who has put so much in the car but sell to you at market price. Let other owners spend all the effort and $$$ and you get to enjoy their work.

68 912 = good for vintage racing, SWB, good shell for 911R clone (but not really, because you will replace the body with fiberglass anyway)

74 911E = No such animal. 911 or S that year

71 S= Great all-around machine for vintage, PCA, but probably not competitive with S motor in G-class, could be good basis for RS clone in E-Class.

I'd go with the '71: easiest to convert to 6-cyl, long wheelbase for better handling, good parts availability and interchangability with all pre-74 cars.

It all depends on whether you want a CAR or a PROJECT. At your current budget, this will be a project for the next two years, whereas, if you saved your initial capital, you could be into a complete, running car in a year and a half (albeit on the low end, a "driver"). But you wouldn't have as much fun or know the machine in the way you can only when you have held every part in your hands. My first car was a 2002 about which I could make such a claim: I have never felt as close to any machine, even the current stable.

Do you want an expensive hobby assembling the cars, or do you want to wait 2-3 years a buy a nice dirveable car?

I just want a Porsche damit!!!!!!!


I sold my 67 912 when I was flat broke because it had horrible compression and was not running more then 10 miles without a new problem arising, ( and I could use the money then)
now I regret it and I am ditermined to get one again!

you will be rewarded for your patience.

Ok,maybe it is time for me to be honest with my self, maybe I should be patiant and buy one when I have more money saved up, I'll buy one that HAS been restored and is complete.

In the mean time I guess I could get back in to go Kart's if I want the thrill of wrnenching and racing (since my 89 Wrangler is all done)

Sell the Wrangler and buy a complete Porsche with the proceeds?

I apreciate the adivice to sell the Wrangler, but asking me to sell the Wrangler is as painfull as when I sold the 67 912


( I would hate to regret selling the wrangler too, it's in great shape and runs like new with it's 137K miles and all, still glossy paint too!)


-----On second thought, maybe someone out there is willing to pay good money for my jeep, I guess everything does have it's price----------------------

Keep the Wrangler and be patient unless you have the garage space and want a project. If you want a project, then you can have your p-car but you won't be driving it for a long time.

look around for a mostly running early 911 (I'm assuming you want to go early) that is mostly complete - for $5000

at that price it may have been abused or it may be blowing smoke etc. - avoid rust like the plague, or go see dtw's website ;)

rebuild the engine next year, or the year after, spend next year's $5000 on engine parts/work, or a rebuilt engine that you can trust

if the bodies you are looking at are stripped (no interior?) putting a car together from nothing sounds a mighty big project

it sounds like what you want is a driveable 911, and can put some sweat equity into it

The cost to assemble any one of those cars will be greater than the cost of a decdent running version.

I think billwagnon hit the nail on the head. Thanks for helping me see reality, maybe the "complete" reconstruction could wait a few years after I have at least one mild refurbed running 911 under my belt that just requires minor TLC and little engine work

any other thoughts?

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...mages_0001.jpg

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

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/Jepp 50%.jpg

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.

Anyone?

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.