pre-1976 bodies and rust

mulsanne · 08-18-2003, 05:36 PM

Is there that much of a difference between the pre and post 1976 911 cars in terms of rust. I know there are many factors involved in the rusting process. What if I bought a car in north carolina brand new in both years 1975 and 1976. How would they be today?? Given "normal" wear and tear. Hidden agenda: 1975 911S for sale that I am thinking of buying. What concerns me is the hidden internal rust that may never be seen.

First post and thank you for your replies!

19?? Porsche 911 wannabee

mulsanne · 08-18-2003, 05:39 PM

I know I should have searched....remember many junior posters as myself getting lashings for not searching first. I guess I was too excited about getting out a post............am running a search now

TimT · 08-18-2003, 05:44 PM

you can find well kept early cars with little or no rust......

And you can find post-galvanised cars with serious rust,

You need to have a ppi done by someone that knows the weak points of a 911 tub..... as well as the mechanicals....

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

No rust in my '74. Coastal and northeast cars (salt) are the primary areas to exercise more caution...desert cars have good dry reputations. In many cases, guys have bought cars with ppi's done only to find rust later. Lots of times the rust area can be repaired, most major problem areas will be caught by a reputable ppi. It's actually nice to hear 'rescue' stories by thoise who find it and opt to repair it...it helps us all on the long run to keep these cars around.
Ryan

dd74 · 08-18-2003, 08:25 PM

It seems the most prized cars come from the west, particularly California and Arizona, because of the dry air. Only until I tore apart my interior did I find that my car was truly rust free, which was amazing for a thirty-year-old car that spent most of its life fairly costal in Ventura County. In pre-76 cars, I believe the floorboards were galvanized, and little else.

901/05 · 901/05's Garage

911's can have the weep holes in the doors clog with stuff and the doors rust out. The drain method for the hood and center vent can fail or clog and the front pan goes. I have seen "never been in the rain" Arizona cars rust out from washing them too often...only because the turn signal units held water.

The only way to find out is the well recommended PPI. You can become familiar with the warning signs by reading the books recommended on this site and by lurking here.

I certainly don't wish to scare you off of porsche ownership. You will love it once you find a good one. Each of the early cars have thier weak points, get some books, keep on the updates on this board (there really is no better spot on earth for porsche info) and you will know a rusty bucket when you see it.

There are also many recommended sites for cars...perform those searches and be patient. It takes a long time to find the right car, and when you do, be prepared for long garage hour...thats half the fun.

Shawn.

dgagne · dgagne's Garage

Hi,
I am restoring 2 cars at the moment, a Euro 69 911T Coupe and a 74 911 Targa. The 69 has alot of the typical rust problems...The 74 was from California and it made its way up to Vancouver. It is in perfect shape but needs a front suspension pan. Number one place to check is around batteries as they leak and anywhere there may have been a brake fluid leak. You can follow the trail to where it pools and just goes to work! As for the earlier comment about unseen rust, you never find it all in the inspection no matter how thorough. On my 69 although the rockers looked good, if you tapped on them you could hear metal falling off inside! When removed I found the old ones had been "whacked" in with a hammer to have new ones...yes, welded on top!!!
So no matter how good you look...look again!
Cheers,
Derek

Zeke · 08-18-2003, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dgagne
When removed I found the old ones had been "whacked" in with a hammer to have new ones...yes, welded on top!!!

Wow! That's a terrible trick. I hate people who do things like that.

Paul Franssen · Paul Franssen's Garage

Yes, and when I jacked up my galvanized 88, the little jacking pods caved in, so I had her looked over, ended up taking off the front wings and, sure enough: holes big enough to stick a fist into, rusted right through the inner sides under the wings. No way to see this without taking off the wings...a fully galvanized car. The truth about galvanization is, that it is a several microns thick layer of zinc, which zinc "sacrifices" itself by oxydizing instead of the steel (therewith protecting the steel itself). After about 10 years (or more, depends on humidity and salinity), all the zinc is gone. No more protection, so the steel is next in line. I truly feel this galvanization provides car owners with a not altogether justified sense of security. But, I agree, galvanized Porsche cars -in general- have a very good reputation for resistance to rust. BTW, my 88 Carrera was repaired (welding, rust protection, etc.) and ... I keep her dry, mud-free, and I think she's in great shape (albeit with one used Carrera-2 wing, and a new one on the other side). If I go out, and it rains, then I wash the car, so she only gets wet once...talk about maniacs.

nick-moss · nick-moss's Garage

This is an 85 Carrrera 3.2 that lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England. It is possible to feel under the front fenders and over the oil cooler pipes, but not easy

Halm · 08-19-2003, 03:02 AM

There are several early car owners in the Charlotte area. There is a PCA meeting this week at Jock and Gill's so join us and we'll be glad to discuss this with you. Also, if it is a local car, maybe someone there knows it.

smithH · smithH's Garage

Nick, that is one horror story for an 85 car. Did it lead a hard life? Apart from being on the coast.

nick-moss · nick-moss's Garage

That's not my car, I saw it in my bodyshop

mulsanne · 08-19-2003, 04:34 AM

Thanks for the answers: I really like the early cars especially the 700 lb diet from say 1989, and the price tag. I want a spirited ride. Seems like the early cars offer more bang for the buck. The car is near Greensboro, NC. Sounds like I need to find someone to do a PPI for sure.

By the way took MUCH persuasion to get the boss (wife) to sign off on another project car. Have three small children; translates: no time for anything. So it may sit in the garage for a LONG time before I can work on it. Seems like a perfect project car and is priced right. So I think if the PPI is positive I will go for it.

Thanks again