Introduction and southeast Pelicans

[id911T]

I've been lurking (most of my questions were asked long ago) and occasionally posting on these forums for awhile now, but it dawned on me that I forgot to make any type of an introduction so here goes. Right now I'm grad student at Mississippi State University, studying electrical and automotive engineering with emphasis on power systems. I actually got my BS degree in physics, but I decided to move onto something I enjoyed more. I currently work at an automotive research facility (CAVS) doing prototyping and testing. I picked up my first Porsche last October, and have been cleaing engine parts and doing prep work for the rebuild in my spare time. As some of you may know, an engine rebuild on a college budget is a slow prospect, but all the labor and machine work is free (by me), so that helps. I'm making a detailed picture log of the engine rebuild, which I'll post when I get it all done. Here's a pic of my $1000 baby on the trailer the day she came home.



Anyway, enough with the intro. So how many of you are here in the southeast with me? I'm located in Starkville, MS, and it would be nice to get together and go for a drive with some other 911's once I get my car done. If you're anywhere near, post a pic of your car. I'd like to think I'm not alone down here.

[rattlsnak]

$1,000?? as in thats what you paid for it?? Details please..

oh, and Welcome!

[id911T]

Yep, $1000. It's a long story, but I'll make it short. My brother picked the car up after it had been sitting for several years and had suffered water ingress to the engine from being left out in the rain for a few months sans aircleaner housing. He pulled the engine apart, lost interest, and traded it to a friend. I really wanted to buy it from him, but I didn't have the money. A year later, the friend picked up his 3rd DUI and was desperate for cash. Naturally, I was there waiting with money in hand. So, after much ado, the 911T was mine. Amazingly enough, all of the major parts of the engine are in spec and reusable, so mostly the engine rebuild is a re-ring, re-bearing and reseal. 57k on the odo as she sits.

[Dueller]

Hey Stephen...

Welcome to the lunacy of Pcar ownership. I'm in Jackson, MS.

Just curious about the hood pins and history of this car.

Jim

[Jim Richards]

Wow, even with the looming engine work that's a great car for the money. Nice color, too. What are your plans for it? Street/track/resto?

[beamonk]

I am up here in Tuscaloosa, not too far away. We have a good group of guys and we do some track stuff from time to time. In Meridian, is my friend Howard Freeman, who is about the best Porsche mechanic around. It may serve you well to call him sometime 228-861-1977.

[id911T]

"Just curious about the hood pins and history of this car.

Jim"



Despite the hood pins, I don't think this car has been raced. I have the complete history of the car since it was purchased in 70, by way of receipts, titles, etc. It was bought by a doctor in Birmingham, Al, with S options, Fuchs alloy wheels, and dealer installed A/C. During his ownership, the car traveled around, living in North Carolina and Florida. It was well maintained. He owned it until 74, when he bought a newer Pcar, and sold the T to the wife of a county official in Alabama after moving back. She drove the car for several years, but as most older cars do, it eventually needed work, and went to the local shop for a tune up. The mechanic pulled the aircleaner housing off, realized the carbs were not something he was used to, and promptly put the car back outside. It sat outside for a couple months, and naturally rained inside the engine. When the wrench realized this, he told the owner that the engine needed rebuilding and quoted a large sum of money. The owner had the car towed home, where it sat in the garage until 1999, when my brother noticed the for sale ad that the owner had listed. So, he headed to Al, lowballed the sellers asking price, and left with the car on his trailer, $1700 poorer. He pulled the engine, carefully tore it down, and later lost interest in the whole project. A friend of his became interested in the car in 2004, and after some careful trading, the 911T was passed to yet another owner. Unfortunately (for him), the friend had his run in with the law mentioned above, so now she's mine.

As far as my plans, I like the look of the stripped down RS/RSR clones, but this car is in pretty good shape, and the early cars are getting rarer every day, so I think I'll do a daily driver resto with some modernization. Most of the performance modifications will be made non-invasively, and will maintain the stock appearance of the car. Any track use will be sports club driving.

[wholberg]

Very nice. I like the color too.

[mede8er]

Cool.....Porsche's popping up all over the place.....it's Springtime...

[emcdan]

That sure is admirable to keep as an original. Sure looks like a great project. Congratulations....you lucky dog! Love the color also.

[id911T]

yeah, I have to say I like the color. The paint isn't that great on it, but I think I can restore it with some careful polishing and care. If I do repaint it will be a long way down the road, and probably the same color.

[Jim Richards]

Great story, Stephen. It sounds like this car is now in good hands.

[hoff944]

I'm in Nashville. I'm just finishing up a project on my SC. I did about everything except a rebuild. It's fun and educating, but it'll kill you not being able to driver her while she's down.

[livi]

Great year and color ! Welcome!

I am in the Southwest..

[SCWDP911]

Any progress reports or pix neighbor. I am north of you in Jackson, TN. Looks like you may have scored a treasure last year. Are you going to Porsche Palooza next weekend in Arkansas?

[IROC]

Huntsville, Alabama here...there are quite a few of us in north Alabama

[id911T]

Holy smokes, it's been a while since I started this thread! Just thought I'd provide a random, however-many year update. Still have the car, still working on it, and still driving it regularly!

[SCadaddle]

Hail State! Go Dogs!

If you are still in Starkvegas, you're only about an hour and a half up the road from a couple of the most knowledgeable early 911 guys with shops anywhere in the Southeast. I'm down towards Jackson.