New to the 911 world

[Steeve]

Well, a bit of good fortune has landed me in the world of the 911 owners. Last month I was able to buy an '86 911 targa (guards red) with 105K miles, for a very good price (almost TOO good). It hasn't been driven much for the past couple of years, so obviously it is need of some restoration. I think that after a nice paint job, recovering the seats, and some minor work to the engine, I'll have a keeper.

I don't really have a question now; I just wanted to introduce myself, and thank everyone in advance for help with my new obsession. I am not much of a DIYer, so my technical knowledge is somewhat limited. I have been reading through the archives here though trying to educate myself. I have even started tinkering with things in an effort to expand my DIY status.

I have had a hard time finding activites going on in the Houston area. Is the Houston area relatively quiet for this board, or have I just missed some things?

Thanks everyone!!

Steve

[1973911s]

Welcome, post some pictures.

Michael

[nostatic]

yes, you must post pictures. And also abandon all hope.

[bigrubberjeep]

Your gona have a great time from here on.

Your life is now complete!

Ok get past the honeymoon and post some darn pictures!

[Silveresrty911S]

Welcome Steve,
You'll be a DIY'er in no time if you spend enough time reading and searching this great site. Prolly the best bang for the buck is Wayne's book, "101 Projects for your Porsche" you can pick up here.

[Steeve]

Here are a couple of pics I took immediately after it was delivered. I have since taken it down and gotten a hand wax, which dramatically helped the paint. I will try to get out later today and take more. It isn't much to look at right now, but even in this condition I get tons of looks and honks as I drive.

[Carl_Boehme]

Welcome Steve,
Looks like a nice original car dressed in one of the preferred color combination. I am sure it will provide you with lots of enjoyment.
Carl

[Schrup]

Steeve, welcome. Congrats on the moneypit err 911. These car don't require a lot of money untill you get sucked into the "upgrade zone" then watch out. Seriously, when I bought my car, I went to Home Depot & bought their biggest mechanics tool set, then on to Lowes to get a tower tool box. They have paid for themselves many times over just in the first year. These cars are a joy to work on, & I've always hated to fix cars. Enjoy & get Waynes book.

[Steeve]

Actually, I was thinking about getting Wayne's book. I have also seen the Bentley manual, which seems much more thorough. But Geez Louise!! I have a hard time parting with that kind of cash for a book that has a good chance of being read like a fiction novel. Any feedback on the value of that book?

I saw a thread a while back telling how one of the posters stripped the paint form the rollbar and left the metal finish. Any thoughts on this? I liked the end result in the pics, but have never seen it in person.

Also, not to be ignorant (ok, yes, to be ignorant) but am I safe in assuming those are Fuchs on my car? I tried using some of that Mother's polish on the center caps, but it didn't help. I think they may be beyond hope. Any other thoughts before I replace them all?

[rcecale]

Originally posted by Steeve
Any feedback on the value of that book?

As a recently-joned member of the DIY club, all I can say is "Get Them Both!" You won't regret it. Even if you end up not being a DIYer, you can get a better undersanding of what your mechanic is doing whenever you take it to him.

As far as your wheels go, I don't have any personal experience here, but if you do a search for "Al Reed" on this board, you'll find all you need to know about having your wheels looking great!

Hmmmm, a Guards Red, 86 Targa, eh? SWEET!!!! Don't forget to post your pics in this thread.

Welcome!!!

Randy

[allaircooled]

It isn't much to look at right now, but even in this condition I get tons of looks and honks as I drive.

I hear you brother, I get tons of looks everytime I drive it seems. Good thing they cant see all of the blemishes while driving.

[1973911s]

Your car came with the black targa bar, the other one your a reffering to was an early long hood, that came in silver.

Michael

[Carl_Boehme]

You'll never regret buying both books. Reading Wayne's book will teach you alot about your car and enable you to prioritze and plan your upgrades (if any). Even if you don't DIY it will keep you straight with your wrench.

If you just learn to do oil changes, 15,000 service (read "valve adjustment") and change brake pads you'll save a ton of money.

Have fun.

[Yellowbird RS]

Welcome!

[89 Speedy]

Congratulations on your first Porsche. Nothing quite like it. Prepare to be obsessed.

[Steeve]

Carl,

The valve adjustment is the thing that frightens me the most out of your list. Of course, I'm not even comfortable with the oil change yet, but hey, I figure I can learn SOME things...

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!

[steve911]

Originally posted by Steeve
Also, not to be ignorant (ok, yes, to be ignorant) but am I safe in assuming those are Fuchs on my car? I tried using some of that Mother's polish on the center caps, but it didn't help. I think they may be beyond hope. Any other thoughts before I replace them all?

Steeve--

welcome and great looking car. Yes, those are Fuchs. The center caps were originally black matching the wheels. We can do an exchange of your caps for ones with hand painted crests if you're interested - click on my signature line for samples or email me at steven_rosenzweig@yahoo.com for more details.

enjoy the new ride!

[jdowty3]

Congrats on getting your Porsche and becoming a Pelicanhead.
I know there is Porsche Swap Meet happening in Houston on July 31st.
Here's a link to some info

http://www.lsrpca.com/WhatsNew/Articles/All%20Porsche%20Swap%20Meet%20073104.pdf

[PRE-H20]

congrats,.... everything these gutys have said so far is dead on,... thius will be your FAVORITE MISTAKE! i bought my 911 with the intent on driving it for a year and selling, i wanted to be able to say i owned a porsche at one point in my life..... that was 10 years ago........ my favorite mistake.

welcome.

[Steeve]

Jim,
The swap meet sounds like a good idea. I think I will have to show up to that one.

Alexander,
I was originally thinking the same thing: turn the car for a quick profit. I just don't see it happening now...