Potential Purchase - Paint "issue" - Im worried

[Supra8903]

Hello all -
First off thank you for providing a great resource to a new to 911 guy like me.
My list is coming together and think this 1980 SC is a good option.... but these 2 pictures are a bit concerning. Looking to see your thoughts on if this is bad or normal.
First pic looks like a bit over overspray, not sure if this is normal, or most likely repainted in the past....
This leads me to the more concerning picture #2
Seems like the paint is coming off by the door latch.
Want to make sure this wasn't a poor re-spray. I not a purest needing original paint, but a poor paint job to be is worse than bad OEM paint.

[mepstein]

Definitely looks like a bad respray. What's more concerning than a bad respray is what was covered up. I'm no paint pro but there are guys out there who are very good at dissecting paint and bodywork issues. It's always good to pay a couple hundred for an expert opinion vs getting stuck for thousands, if not tens of thousands to fix unexpected issues. It's amazing how fast the cost of repair will add up.

[Supra8903]

Agree - my family has some experience in the autobody world, but didn't think this was "normal" on 911s. This is a ROW import car, so it scares me even more vs having a good history.
I trust the shop... and its an OK price (i think), but really the only reason im not flying to see it.

[silverlock]

I would definitely want to inspect the inside of the rear fender — behind the door latch — where that peeling is. Increased likelihood of rust there.

[Dpmulvan]

Door jam could be rusted, look behind it from the wheel well, or it could be contamination from poor prep. Yeh the respray looks like crap but the question is why was it painted? Accident, color change?
What’s the color code?

[Matt Monson]

That car has hidden rust. Get inside each fender and give a good deep look. Google kidney bowls.

[shoooo32]

They made a lot of SCs and Carreras and most have held up well. There's very little upside financially to buying a rusty one and having it repaired. Have a PPI performed by a reputable aircooled shop and buy a good car. You'll only cry once....

[isby]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

That car has hidden rust. Get inside each fender and give a good deep look. Google kidney bowls.

^^^^^ Agree 100%. There is likely rust behind both door jambs where water, dirt etc. get kicked up from the rear tires. There may also be rust under the door thresholds as well as the other usual spots (lower corner of windshield, etc.). If you can weld and you're game for paying $$$$ for a good quality paint job, it could be worthwhile depending on the price. But definitely get a PPI from a reputable air-cooled shop as others have noted.

[Marko888]

100% look for a different car. The usual story is the rust one cannot see will be worse than the visible rust.

[Supra8903]

Thanks all for the comments. I’ll keep looking.
There is another example that’s local. Hopefully putting actual eyes on it this weekend.
But looking for your thoughts.
Interior needs some work (carpet) and not sure what’s up w/ the heater ducts.
Other than that looks ok I think.

[911obgyn]

Other than the old motor meister red fan spray paint there are many other things to look at, drive then feel then inspect.

[Supra8903]

Thanks. I’ve watched the PCA inspection videos a few times.
I’ll check the usual and also get a PPI if it makes it past the first few steps.
But is that heat vent stock? Above the shifter?

[Ian Comerford]

As above the first three things to look for are rust, rust and rust. It kills these cars financially UNLESS you are practical and can self-repair. Also consider whether a car looks cared for. If it doesn’t look it then literally everything will need doing, brakes, suspension bushes, dampers, fluids, all service items. Keep looking, that last car didn’t look cared for and you didn’t show any pics of the common rust areas.

[group911@aol.co]

That vent isn't stock but there is or was a small diverter in it's place that was made to do the same thing. It wasn't an uncommon addition and it may indicate it has some mods to the a/c system

Originally Posted by Supra8903

Thanks. I’ve watched the PCA inspection videos a few times.
I’ll check the usual and also get a PPI if it makes it past the first few steps.
But is that heat vent stock? Above the shifter?

[Supra8903]

Originally Posted by group911@aol.co

That vent isn't stock but there is or was a small diverter in it's place that was made to do the same thing. It wasn't an uncommon addition and it may indicate it has some mods to the a/c system

Thanks.... AC condenser is not shown in the pictures. so not sure. Hoping to take a look at it soon. Just got more snow up here

they say it has been maintained by the local air cooled shop R&D Bavarian Rocket Science
R & D Automotive - The Bavarian Rocket Scientists, LLC
So im hoping its mechanically sound.

[creaturecat]

both are seedy. .......keep looking.
nice ones are out there. more money spent up front is usually worth it.

[creaturecat]

double post - slowest website ever.

[ant7]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

both are seedy. .......keep looking.
nice ones are out there. more money spent up front is usually worth it.

[Supra8903]

Here is another on the “go look at it list”. Not a lot of pictures at the moment as we have feet of snow up here.
This looks ok, but sitting very low.

[Bill Douglas]

They can be expensive cars to fix. My recommendation would be to pay more upfront and buy a really nice one.