911 with rust - options

[APZak]

My 911 has rust and I have several options. The car is a 69 911T targa and the floorpans need to be replaced, along with rockers/jack support/rocker support. I have all the parts I need in the garage, but the person that was to help me is worried because he never did something like this. So, I decided to have a professional do this work and I was quoted $2,000 just for labor. (couple places) I bought the car for $4500. It runs, but I'm not sure about it's compression, and how the brakes/suspension are. When I drive it, there are rattles and things shake. I have the interior gutted because I was looking for rust and will be replacing carpeting so this may be why things rattle. The body also has a few rust bubbles below the doors, and 2 dents on the rear quarter panel. A front fender will have to be replaced aswell. I'm guessing the body/paint will cost me $5000. I'll have to order carpeting and some small interior items that should be another $1000. This will only cover how the car looks. I'm not even sure about it's mechanical condition. The car is a 4 speed too. I know for a fact this car will be a money pit, but I'm asking for advice from people that been in my situation before. I don't want to spend serious money on this car, and be dissapointed. So I could either:
Sell as whole, part, or work on it. If I sell or part it, I'll look for a pre 73 rust free 911, possibly an SC.

[MotoSook]

Why not buy an SC or a mid-yr and use the early car parts you have off this car for a backdate. It will likely cost less, and you can part the 69 out.

[cstreit]

I agree, just be careful not to throw good money after bad...

I imagine many of us have much more than our cars are 'worth' into them, but if you feel like it's a bottomless pit, maybe it's better to cut and run..

[dotorg]

I don't think a '69T would be worth nearly what its going to cost you to repair it, especially if the engine is a question mark.

But that really only matters if you're looking to turn around and sell it. If you really like the car, the difference in what you'll spend and what its worth might not really matter.

I spent a few thousand more than what you spent on my '68 with a 20-foot reasonable body and some slightly worrisome rust, but nothing making the car unsafe to drive. I'm sure it'd cost me five or six grand to get it all fixed and an acceptable quality (ie, not excellent) paint job done to the car. What I did get for my money was a bullet-proof brand new motor, so there's one expensive part of the car I don't have to worry about.

My transmission is iffy, and will need to be refreshed in relatively short order, and the various minor paint bubbles get on my nerves from time to time, but at least I know I can drive the car every day and deal with those as time/money presents itself.

Did you get a PPI done before you bought the car? Mine was pathetically useless but at least it caught one or two things so I didn't end up suprised.

[techweenie]

IMHO, you will have to part it out to recover your investment.

:-(

[APZak]

What parts are valuable on the 911T? all the glass is perfect and the dash doesnt have a crack. targa tops are preaty valueable. I'm sure if I part it i'll make more then I spent. I'll probably end up with an SC because the early 911s and SCs are my favorite porsches, and with my budget it'll be hard finding an early 911 without rust. A reason I'm looking at selling this car is because a body shop told me once a car has rust you cant do anything about it. You could repair it, but in 5 years it'll come back. I'll probably have 10,000 to spend if I part this and use the cash I was saving for rust repairs/body work.

[svandamme]

if you get it fixed properly > stripped nekked, replace what needs replacing and get it an anti rust treatement , then i see no reason why the rust would return in 5 years time

of course if you only fix what you can see and leave the hidden areas to rot.. then yeah , it's going to creep up again , sooner or later

[1982911sc]

If you took the entire body and POR 15'd the frame, chassis, pans, etc. I am not so sure you would ever see rust again. That stuff is simply amazing!

Not knowing what the engine, and other components are all about, unless you have the time and will to really go through this, you may want to consider parting this out. This $$$ adds up pretty quickly as I am sure you know.

[APZak]

ok, i will start searching around the classified section and see what people are making on parted 911s. I'll also look into the SC. Anyone know great places to find a nice SC in the new jersey area? not looking to buy one anytime soon because I have to part this car and that will take a while, but I'm sure i'll learn a whole lot doing this.

[Allenk]

I know it's a bit old of a thread but I just notice it. If you are going to part this car why not take a step back and start by attempting those floor pans. If you giving up on it, get in there and cut those puppies out. If when done your overwelmed, well you had some fun. Perhaps you'll take a glance at those new floors and...... remember, you only have to cut out the bad. From there, you can custom the new stuff. Your looking at about 7k in money for new tools(welder, compressor etc..) and a lot of learning.

[emcon5]

I have all the parts I need in the garage, but the person that was to help me is worried because he never did something like this.

Well, you have to start somewhere.

If you do the work, it won't cost you much more than you have already spent. You already have the parts, all that is left is patience and cut & paste.

Tom

[Reg]

Remember parting the car out is work too. As is packaging ,shipping and collecting sometimes as well!

Buying any Porsche that is 20+ years old will be an expense. You never know what you have until you have had it for a while.

Good luck.

[Allenk]

All right, we'll gaining momentum. My first vehichle was a 78 jeep and when I got it home and started exploring, I found the same problem. I went out and bought a $120 mig welder 100v which I still use 14yrs later and spent hours burning on a piece of scrap. Next the sawzall, then compressor(a good one) and the next thing I new, things where not so overwelming. Remember, it's only metal, nuts and bolts.

[boston95]

Your mind will tell you to save yourself and part it out, however, your heart should tell you to try and save another one of these machines.