what do you guys make of this early 911 ?

trader220 · 07-15-2003, 11:21 AM

Could I get some opinions about this car please? I know Schmitt has been known to be very suspect to deal with. I am really just thinking about the car itself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423935311&category=10156

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I never know SWB cars came with 380SL owners manuals.

Check for rust. MM engine? Lots of wax and armorall used there.

trader220 · 07-15-2003, 11:27 AM

funny I breezed right over the shot of the manuals

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

I didn't see anything on the engine other than what I saw (old powdercoated fan, MSD CD ignition, K&N watershields)

It doesn't have the right seats or stearing wheel but othewise looks very good.

rust could be a HUGE issue though.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 07-15-2003, 11:32 AM

I am no expert, not even close, but the fit of the trunk lid and the passenger door just does not look right to me. The rear window appears to have been a soft top at some point (snaps on the body). That is a re-spray, no?

Jack Olsen · 11:37 AM

Well, it's missing its windshield trim and front right turn signal lens. The non-original 7-inch wheels in back look like they'll contact the rear fenders. Somebody's spray-painted the brake calipers. But I guess that matches the aftermarket antenna and later-model seats.

Are those snaps for a soft-window Targa in back? Seems a strange mix with the hard window. It looks like the rear grille is sitting funny, too. And I don't know if it's the picture or if they've mixed and matched the colors of the badging letters. It looks like the chrome is pitted on the horn grilles.

It's hard to say much from the pictures about rust. But if it's a Midwestern car with those miles, and so little paint fading, I'd be suspicious about a repaint. The windshield and rear window changes might support this, and it looks like the seals around the foglight covers might have been painted over. Looks like the fender seals have been painted white, too, although it's hard to be certain.

What's up with the point where the Targa bar meets the tub? Looks rusty and poorly-fitted. Was there a door-jam plate on 67's? If there was, it looks like it's gone, now.

Moving on, the spray-paint on the fan and the MSD box point to less-than-thorough work. The lack of engine-bay decals also points to a quick-and-dirty respray.

And I'd guess the Mercedes manuals are just an ebay-listing mistake.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

hmm.. is it an ex-softie? it's got what look like rivets under the rear window.

THe hood gap looks a little off as well.. not sure how bad

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

THe seatbelt webbing on the pass. side is tan... wonder if it's a new interior in addition to new seats?

trader220 · 07-15-2003, 11:42 AM

I'll phone these guys and get a some ehhh hemmm straight talk on the issues you've all broght to my attention. Should be interesting to hear what they say. I'll keep you posted.

fig911 · 07-15-2003, 11:57 AM

I live in St. Louis and would be happy to go by sometime and check it out for you. I don't know anything about the early cars so you would have to tell me exactly what you want me to examine.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

eveidently it was not uncommon for softies to be converted to hard windows. You'd think on a repaint they'd pull the snaps out.

I am reminded of Dave B.'s story yesterday when picking up my car...something about an early targa that was in for a ppi and when they started to lift it the top fell into the passenger compartment due to the chassis flex.

David E. Clark · 07-15-2003, 12:55 PM

Those seats look like the post 1974 Porsche sport seats. If they are, they are MUCH more comfortable than the soft factory seats put in prior to 1974. I put similar post '74 seats in my '73 and love them. I'd check to see if the PO kept the original seats, however, so that you can put it back to original should you decide to go that way. Almost the same story for the steering wheel. After-market wheels enhance the driving experience but you might check to see if you can get the original wheel as part of the deal.

I've seen LOTS of cars for sale on Ebay by "Daniel Schmitt & Company." I checked their feedback an it looks pretty good. Only one negative:

"gmcpheter( 17) Sep-28-02 14:21:37 PST 1862379181 S
Complaint : After a "Buy it Now" Bid, was called by dealer to say the car was already sold. "

All in all, I'd say the car is worth further investigation and spending a few bucks on a PPI. Good luck. I hope you don't find any rust!!

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Yea, I think the hard window was not an option until 69 if memory serves me correctly. I would put it back to soft if all possible. Not sure if anyone makes a replacement soft window, though. But, that's whats cool about the early Targa's. Otherwise, I would just go with a newer long wheel based one.

Does look kind-of tired. More of a project car. Wonder what the reserve is. Probably too much.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Wow, you guys are observant as heck!

I am suspicious because there is literally no information on the car in the ad. Not saying it isn't worth the money. I do like that color.

Ove · 07-16-2003, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by trader220
I know Schmitt has been known to be very suspect to deal with.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423935311&category=10156

trader220,
I don't know Mr. Schmitt, but when we are talking about people being suspect to deal with another recent eBay ad comes to my mind. Would you buy your performance exhaust from this guy?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=35596&item=2421274518

ChrisL · 07-16-2003, 03:10 AM

On the rear deck lettering, the S is silver, the POR and CHE are gold.

Chris.

trader220 · 07-16-2003, 05:13 AM

Cars Schmitt has a very bad rep on Rennlist. I sent them an email with a long list of questions. My guess is that they wont respond. They're looking for buyers that dont ask a lot of questions.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by trader220
Cars Schmitt has a very bad rep on Rennlist. I sent them an email with a long list of questions. My guess is that they wont respond. They're looking for buyers that dont ask a lot of questions.

I emailed them during my 993 search and one of their sales guys called me within about 30 min. He was very nice, helpful and seemingly knowledgeable. I have read all the Rennlust slams on these guys and their BBB rating is very worrisome. But they do have their fans too. My biggest problem with them would be that they buy EVERYTHING at auction.

trader220 · 07-16-2003, 05:40 AM

Richard, I went to the auction in May and I saw their guy running around buying all he could. I wrote a long thread about my observations on this BBS. I am going to try and go to tomorrows auction also, we'll have to see how usy the market is today.

fig911 · 07-16-2003, 05:47 AM

I used to live in Chicago and was looking at a 930 they had. I wanted them to take it to an Porsche Dealer for a PPI and they said they would if I gave them a $500 non-refundable deposit first. I explained to them that if the car passed the PPI I would be buying it but they wouldn't work with me. I have had a bad feeling about them every since. I stop in once in a while to check out there inventory. They have a lot of salesman turnover (like most dealers). They have, from time to time, had some very nice cars there. They usually want top dollar for them.
\
Mark

I guess my thought is that if they have a great car that you are looking for, and you can strike up a good deal, buy it. But, don't count on them to stand behind anything or offer you any decent service.