New (to me) 86 Carrera Cabriolet

[zippy_gg]

Hello all! I just acquired a 1986 Carrera cabriolet with 133k miles and had it shipped from the seller in MD to my home in CA.
It is a blue with blue soft top and tan interior.
The interior has be be entirely redone, including the leather seat covers. Not too big of a deal, except from a budget standpoint.
The engine has the typical oil leaks (valve covers, etc...) but otherwise runs great!
I am more concerned about the manual tranny. I am having difficulties shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, but not from 3rd to 2nd, and also downshifting from 4th to 3rd. When hot it is a bit sticky getting into 1st as well.
Where to begin? I have read suggestions on replacing linkage bushings and trying new transmission fluid before considering taking the tranny apart. Would I be wasting my time doing that?
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I will probably take the engine out to fix all oil leaks and also replace the clutch while it is accessible.

[MindtrapX]

Congrats on the car! Looks great!

Heres a good place to start with your tranny. Had the same prob with my 84. Wel worth a look... Shifting issues driving me Crazy! Few ?'s...

[buttjoint]

Looks like you have H1 headlights. Nice, Very pricey. Keep them.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by buttjoint

Looks like you have H1 headlights. Nice, Very pricey. Keep them.

I am considering upgrading the low beams to HID, keeping the same housing.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

I am considering upgrading the low beams to HID, keeping the same housing.

Congrats Brother!

I have H1's with H4 Lenses and planning on the HID upgrade for my lows too. Which brand of HID are you planning to get?

When you install, I love to see it in person. My Moms live in Tarzana

[buttjoint]

Don't think you need to do that. Before you do anything with them , do a search on here. Probably $1000 for the pair if the adjusting screws arn't toast. Real trick headlights. You'l need the adjusting directions before you touch them. Cheers.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by MindtrapX

Congrats on the car! Looks great!

Heres a good place to start with your tranny. Had the same prob with my 84. Wel worth a look... Shifting issues driving me Crazy! Few ?'s...

Wouldn't it be nice is my issue was as simple as a loose alignment fork, as in your case...!!!
Thanks for the link!

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Congrats Brother!

I have H1's with H4 Lenses and planning on the HID upgrade for my lows too. Which brand of HID are you planning to get?

When you install, I love to see it in person. My Moms live in Tarzana

I was considering the DDM Tuning kit http://www.ddmtuning.com/index.php?p=product&id=157&parent=85

[MindtrapX]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

Wouldn't it be nice is my issue was as simple as a loose alignment fork, as in your case...!!!
Thanks for the link!

With any luck. It was a hugh relief when I pulled the plate and it was hangin on by 1 bolt! Quick, easy fix & the shifting was Much better...
Good luck!

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

I was considering the DDM Tuning kit http://www.ddmtuning.com/index.php?p=product&id=157&parent=85

Do you know the Lumens on those puppies?

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Do you know the Lumens on those puppies?

Typically an HID light will output about 3 times the lumens from an halogen light. Personally I like to stay within the 4300-5000k color temp as I prefer a white light to a blueish one (better lighting vs. "looks").

[craigyirush]

Welcome to the Board. Nice car, but it would look so much better with Fuchs, and the factory steering wheel!

[450knotOffice]

He's right, but one thing at a time. Enjoy your beautiful Cabriolet! Is this you first old-school 911?

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by 450knotOffice

He's right, but one thing at a time. Enjoy your beautiful Cabriolet! Is this you first old-school 911?

I had a couple of 924, but the 911 has been a dream of mine since childhood.

[Chuck Jones]

I don't know if you've changed out the tranny oil....but I noticed a bit of improvement in ease of shifting when I went to the SWEPCO 201. Nice car....

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by Chuck Jones

I don't know if you've changed out the tranny oil....but I noticed a bit of improvement in ease of shifting when I went to the SWEPCO 201. Nice car....

I have not changed any fluids yet. The engine oil needs to be replaced badly but since I am planning on taking the engine out to fix all oil leaks and put in a new clutch I think I'll wait.

[zippy_gg]

I found that tool kit is missing, other then the car jack and the air compressor.
What do I need to have in the car with me, other than the standard screwdrivers and pliers?
Is there a tow hook or anything special to these cars?

[Barrpete]

Check the classifieds as tool kits come up for sale frequently. Yes there is a tow hook in the tool kit. You should also have the spanner for the alternator pulley and the spark plug wrench.

Here's a link to an old thread in the classifieds. These both appear to be sold but it will give you an idea what tools are included.

FS: Tool kits and Interior

[Netspeed]

Welcome aboard!

[zippy_gg]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and for the answers to my 911 newbie questions!
I hope to become a contributer to this site soon myself!