How not to buy a 911: my intro....(long)

[spiff]

Hi Everyone,
Although this isn't my first post, it is my introductory one. I don't have pics yet, but will soon. Similar to most of you, I've dreamed about getting a 911 since I was young and finally decided to take the plunge.

I've read all the recommendations about what to look out for, and upgrades to keep in mind and most of all, doing a PPI from a reputable shop. So I through all of that out the window and ended up buying a car sight-unseen from Ebay. The ad said "great condition, new engine, may need heater or a/c upgrades". It is a 1980 911SC non-sunroof coupe in silver on black with a whale tail and everthing else totally stock. Happens to be the exact car I was looking for.

So I tried to ask a whole bunch of questions none of which were responded to before the auction ended. I thought I'd bid anyways and ask questions afterwards to see confirm the state of the car.

I ended up winning the auction, but the car had no records, had been sitting for "sometime" and the owner didn't really have much of an idea of what was done to the car. It was originally owned by her husband who passed away last year and now she's selling. She said that the engine was replaced last year, and there was no rust, but the heating and a/c weren't working that well. The shop that did the engine re/re is no longer in business.

The car was 800 miles away. Taking a HUGE risk, I decided to go for it. What was I thinking???

When I got down to the car, I was very nervous. Unfortunately it had some rust spots (beneath the headlights, by the doorjambs, by the windshield), but the underbody was clean. There was no facilities to get the car on a hoist, so I did what I could with a flashlight in the garage. The car was clean underneath, all the panels seemed pretty straight, and everthing seemed more or less tight. The engine looked like it had new carrera chain tensioners and other pieces that looked somewhat new, so I thought the engine was actually replaced.

I put my money down and started on my 800 mile trip home.

I'm happy to say that the trip home was uneventful. I measured the oil before and after and it didn't burn any oil AT ALL (Bonus!).

I just got it back from my Porsche mechanic after a full checkout and he confirmed the engine had been out and many parts (pistons, valve covers, other pieces) look brand new. Engine runs strong and chassis is tight. Even has a pop-off valve in the air box. Boy was I happy and LUCKY!

Only things wrong with it are the rear sway bar and mounts are missing (looks like it was torn off), and the rear shocks are leaking. All the other major stuff was in good shape!

In the future, I'll be looking at rust repair and paint, fixing all the small jobs, possibly Ruf front and rear bumpers, and several other mods.

So, sorry for the long post, but just thought I'd say Hi. Thanks for all great info. Looking forward to being a part of the community.

[Rob Channell]

Welcome to the forum. Now be a good boy and post some pics....

[spiff]

Here's some pics from the original ebay auction. Forgot to mention that everything I hoped the car would be was confirmed on the 800 mile trip back. What a rush.....

[AFC-911]

Congrats on the new purchase...It sounds like a great trip.

I personally would not want to do rust repair, but that silver coupe looks hard to resist (I passed up on one that looks just like it).

More pics please!

[techweenie]

Sounds like you dodged a bullet. SCs are galvanized, so the rust should be fairly isolated, but you will need to be very thorough cleaning around the rusted areas when you fix them, and get familiar with POR-15.

It looks nice in the photos. Take more!

And welcome to The Addiction.

[ThePointman]

Very nice looking. Again more pics please ...

[village idiot]

Originally posted by spiff
Here's some pics from the original ebay auction. Forgot to mention that everything I hoped the car would be was confirmed on the 800 mile trip back. What a rush.....

AAgh!! I was gonna bid on that
Seriously, I'm glad it turned out well for you. Let the adventure begin!

[ThePointman]

I have to ask, how much did you pay?

[Zeke]

I think you did well. Lucky, but well. Thinking of lowering it a bit? If so, don't do a hack job, read up and do it right, or have it done right. Either way, read up because you want to know what's going on.

I like your car.

[Rod.911S]

Funny how we lose all sense of rationality when we find the right car...looks like you did just fine, though. Enjoy! And more pictures needed!

[Jays72T]

Cool story and great looking car, glad it worked out well. Have fun with it.

[lars63]

Grand looking car looks like you did just fine. Welcome to the forums

[livi]

Welcome and congrats to a very nice looking car !

I did the exact same maneuver. Reading up for months - full research and PPI mandatory. Found my car one day in a Toyota center. Payed for it and drove it home, no PPI no nothing. Well, I got lucky - like you.

[nostatic]

non sunroof cars make great track cars.

you have been warned...

[Joe Bob]

Be prepared to get beat by a 914.....mmmmuuuuuuhhhhhhahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[mkimber]

If it's any consolation, I did precisely the same thing you and livi did, and also dodging the bullet. So much for my 15 page PPI. However, if I didn't throw all caution and rationality to the wind, I still would be looking and have would have missed being a p-car owner for the last six months.

[imcarthur]

Looks great spiff. Looks like you rolled the dice & won.

Enjoy it! We're neighbours btw. Upper Scarberia here . . .

Ian

[masraum]

Great looking car, I'm glad that even though it wasn't quite perfect that it seems the little issues are just that, little.

[Christien]

Awwright, another Toronto area guy! Welcome to the party. Glad you dodged any potential bullets. I'll add my name to the list of 'broke all the rules" when I bought mine, but I've also got pretty lucky - no major problems. Will we see you at Mosport next summer?

[David]

Silver is my favorite 911 color, very nice. The non-sunroof cars are becoming more and more sought after. The rear sway bar shouldn't be a problem. There are some good aftermarket swaybar mounts to weld on and a used stock bar should be easy to come by.