SC or Carrera w/o a garage?

[Retr0grouch]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting an SC or 3.2 Carrera coupe. The problem is that I live in Seattle and don't have a garage. I talked a person selling an SC today and he said that keeping the car outside is a bad idea because water will eventually leak in. His has a leaky sunroof and he says the way water collects at windows will likely cause problems long term.

So, what's the advice here? Is keeping a vintage 911 outside in the northwest a bad idea? Despite being the body being galvanized, is a 911 merely water resistant, and not truly waterproof?

Thanks!

[livi]

Welcome!
The rust protection is now 25-35 years old and the SC/Carrera have their classic rust prone locations. Outside parking year round will most likely speed up the process.

[mike gilbert]

If your going to work on it yourself I would say no because you need a small shop if your going to drive it. If your having the work done then I suggest renting a small storage unit to keep it in. Its worth it. The fact that your seller is discouraging you from buying his car should tell you something, when does that ever happen.

[Jrboulder]

It can be done...but then again so can heavy duty rust repair.

[afterburn 549]

Maybe buy a small shipping container? BTDT

[merlinfe]

I would work toward getting a place with a garage first.

Crime, people not giving a fuch about your car, and the elements will take their toll very quickly on any car let alone an old Porsche.

-Steve

[Nostril Cheese]

There's a guy here in Portland with an SC that sits outside. It's got moss growing on it. I often think of going over there and throwing out a offer.

Honestly, you need a garage if you want to keep it nice. The seals are 30 years old. Water will likely leak in and you'll get a nice puddle and mold on the inside.

[Steam Driver]

Yes, the elements work quickly, and the older the car it seems they work quicker. "Back in the day" my 356C and later 914-6 were outside cars in K.C. With no apparent ills - then. But recently (well, two years ago now) when I kicked my DD CRX out of its garage for my SC project I've noticed it's original finish has deteriorated quite rapidly - but it's 22 years old. What surprises me is that since it was/is my DD it was always out in the sun during the day, so why should sitting out at night make such a big difference? Dew, perhaps? Or maybe at that age for the paint it is just "time."

[faverymi]

996

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Can you put up a canopy where you park it? That and outdoor car cover will probably protect it. As noted, the windshield corners and rear window corners are your biggest concerns. I would only do it if you can put up a canopy to park under.

[mike gilbert]

Originally Posted by faverymi

996

Yep.

[afterburn 549]

shipping containers are CHEAP in Seattle.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by Retr0grouch

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting an SC or 3.2 Carrera coupe. The problem is that I live in Seattle and don't have a garage. I talked a person selling an SC today and he said that keeping the car outside is a bad idea because water will eventually leak in. ...

Thanks!

Read this thread that I started.
Why windshield trim should be a regular maintenance item.

Also note the advice at the end of the thread (post #43) is a potential antidote.

[jchris]

I have no garage. I got the SC two years ago in a trade I could not pass. The first thing I did was to replace the windshield and rear window seals, as well as the sunroof seals. It is water tight. Then I bought a cover to hide it from the sun. This car is no concourse candidate. However I believe it is better off than it was, rotting in a garage with a dirt floor that flooded whenever it rained.

Truthfully the most difficult thing is working on it. Each job you have to set up, work on it, then put away the tools lest they walk off. It can be done though! I tore down the engine to replace the head studs in my shed. I called it little Gmund.

Mine was already equipped with some rust though. Nothing lasts forever.

I say do it!

Let the scornful replies begin!

[r-mm]

Im guessing its more of a "driver" condition car? If you are realistic about having to address any water ingress issues quickly and with a checkbook id say go for it. Make sure you never leave it for weeks at a time. Water ingress isnt the end of the world if addressed quickly. They are still cars. Carry excellent insurance with agreed value, low or no deductible for glass and who is willing to work with you and not write it off quickly. Obviously not ideal, but if it makes the difference between having a great car and not...

[OsoMoore]

If you can leave it covered, even with a car cover, I think you will significantly prolong it's life.

I think the bigger challenge will be doing regular maintenance without a working space. I have 2-3 small projects per year, and usually 1 bigger one where the car is on jacks for more than a day. Very hard to do in a parking lot.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

You would be surprised what you can do in a parking lot.

Weather is very hard on these cars, cosmetically and functionally, as noted above. With the SC/Carrera 3.2 especially, all that black trim is difficult to maintain wen exposed to the elements. Another thing to be careful of if you go the storage route is rodents. I just paid $2500 to repair a line on top of the gas tank of my Roadster that was chewed by a critter of some sort while it was in a storage shed. I told the guy at the storage unit and he just shrugged his shoulders. Anyway, a car cover would definitely help, but then you get the deal of dirty car with clean cover becomes dirty cover that hurts clean car. Invest in Speed Shine.

[TheSt|G]

I wouldn't. The outside simply ruins cars.

[911s55]

Check on insurance availability, most if not all collector agreed value requires a garage.