Factory imperfection or repair? 911 3.2

[Wangan]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at a 1987 911 3.2 for a friend of mine. I've noticed some irregularities on below the A-pillar near the A/C vents (next to the top hinge for the door) on one side. There's a section there that is black steel and not covered by vinyl. My friend seems to think it's just a factory imperfection. I think it's not. Is anyone able to post up some photos of their car? Ideally a 1987-1989 with no accident history to see if this is how they are, or if a repair has been done. Surely it's not how it left the factory? I've had a look at a few photos online and the area looks very inconsistent between cars, so I'm not sure.

Not sure if this is factory?



This side looks factory though:

[wazzz]

Looks like factory.

Here is a pic of mine. 88 Coupé. Same interior color by the way.

[Wangan]

Originally Posted by wazzz

Looks like factory.

Here is a pic of mine. 88 Coupé. Same interior color by the way.

Thanks for that. I should have specified. That looks factory 100%. It's the other side I'm not sure is. You can see in the second photo it looks very different. Does yours look the same on both sides?

I had to do a double take. I thought you posted my photo again, because both the exterior and interior colours are the same!

[wazzz]

Sorry can't take a pic of the other side at the moment. Car is parked in garage against right hand wall and under interior cover, so I cannot open right hand door.

[Jonny042]

These cars were hand assembled at the factory and are pretty imperfect, especially in that area which is poorly finished.

I wouldn't be concerned about that. I'd be more concerned about the door hinge bolts having been repositioned at some point...

Post a link to sale and we could all give you our two cents...

[chrisbruck]

I just looked at my '87 and frankly it doesn't look much different on the passenger side.

[2.7RS]

Fritz or Otto were getting ready for lunch break

[bkreigsr]

Did the rest of the production cars use spot welds on that pillar?
On the right side only?

[Wangan]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

These cars were hand assembled at the factory and are pretty imperfect, especially in that area which is poorly finished.

I wouldn't be concerned about that. I'd be more coerned about the door hinge bolts having been repositioned at some point...

Post a link to sale and we could all give you our two cents...

It is not advertised yet. So have very limited photos, will be heading back there this weekend, so can take and post up some more pics though.

Surely it can be that bad though. There's even a jaggad edge that has pierced the doors weather strip, see below a close up.

[Wangan]

Originally Posted by chrisbruck

I just looked at my '87 and frankly it doesn't look much different on the passenger side.

As in neat like the bottom picture, or rough like the too one?

[ed mayo]

That's been worked on!

[pmax]

No way that's factory.

[Wangan]

That's what I thought, but a few photos online show the area to be very rough. Both sides aren't usually consistent.

[PeteKz]

It appears to me that the hinge bolts have been repositioned and repainted.

[Wangan]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

It appears to me that the hinge bolts have been repositioned and repainted.

Not too concerned about the hinge bolts. That side of the car looks ok. More interested in the section where it doesn't match the other side.and trying to figure out if it was just missed at the factory, or if it has been tampered with. If anyone has some more photos that would be great.

Here is another angle if it helps.




I've had a look at some photos online from an 1989 911 with 6k miles and it looks, not amazing, but the pictures aren't close up, so cannot tell unfortunately.

[bickyd]

For reference. 1988 911 coupe.

[Wangan]

That makes me think it's been repaired. I don't know how good quality was back then.

[Wangan]

Going to see the car again tomorrow. Anyone think it's factory?

[nospiners]

Pictures from my 87. Hope it helps

[bickyd]

Originally Posted by Wangan

Going to see the car again tomorrow. Anyone think it's factory?

i don't think that is factory. i think that damage happened after. not a hard fix and i wouldn't let it detract me from buying it if i liked the car. good luck and let us know if you find any more information.