Do you think I should keep and restore this car?
 

Do you think I should keep and restore this car?

I drove my recently acquired, garage find, 1965 911 today. This is the first time the car has been driven in 16 years. I had to replace the Facet fuel pump and flush all systems and replace the fuel lines but that is all I did to get the car running. The carbs are in terrible shape with lots of poping and missing but at least it runs. The clutch worked well and all the gears shifted smooth (it is a 4 speed). The front calipers are dragging a little but at least they work.

My goal was to drive the car and see how I liked it. I now have to decide if I want to restore the car. It will need a lot of work but it is all there. The car felt very light and peppy. It is a unique old car. I saw an elderly couple driving a 64 356 today and that was an inspiration. You seem to see more old 356s on the road than old 911s. I wonder why?

Attached are a couple of photos. Note the hole in the engine cover. It was evidently attacked by a vandal with a hatchet while sitting on the street in San Rafael.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1144544765.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1144544812.jpg

Well if you don't want it I'll take it off of your hands. I'd start restoring it if I were you. But I love working on these cars, if you love it go for it, if not forget it. Good luck!

Rich

If you don't do it, you'll regret it. If you do do it (he said do do) they'll be times you'll regret it, but you'll forget all about them once it's done.

Personally, I'd love to have a 65.

Here is a link to my yahoo briefcase that has a video of the engine running. I took it to show the previous owner that I did get it running.

It is the file called "1965 911 running"

http://briefcase.yahoo.com/marinmcgreevy

The dent in the bonnet appears like a step bumper or other higher vehicle just backed into it. At least it's an easy panel to find!
Keep it and restore it on your timetable. You'll have a lot of fun.

Looks like a good candidate for restoration. You need to decide to what level you want to restore it and funds needed so you wont be caught off guard. I did my 71 to a high level but it was by no means a "spare no expense" job and it was the coolest thing ive ever done ( except for the time I was in the audience on Letterman and he gave me a canned Ham).

I'd keep it and go for it. Let me know if you need any help\advice. Since I live in San Rafael, maybe I can make amends for our hatchet-wielding delinquent. Hope to see it soon!

ianc

A friend came over this morning who saw the car when I unloaded it off the trailer. I casually asked him if he wanted to take it for a spin around the block. He thought I was joking, but I reached inside and hit the starter and it started right up. He was very suprised. The car ran even better the second time. This time we went a litter faster and further away from home base. The car is amazingly tight for how it looks. No rattles and the suspension is tight.

Buy it if you have the money should it become a worse-case scenario.

You will realized that you have learned so much after it's done.

Restoring a car can be a very rewarding but be prepared for a long process with it's ups and downs. It can be extremely frustrating at times and very difficult to see progress. That being said it's still worth it.

Every 911 I've owned has been a project. I never stop learning. That's what keeps me going back.

Ziplock bags, Sharpies, masking tape, boxes and shelf space are your friends.

Unless you have deep pockets be prepared to spend a year looking for parts on Pelican, at swapmeets and ebay. Make a list of the parts you need as you dissasemble and be ready to pull the trigger when they come up for sale at the right price.

By the way, what's that hanging in the rafters? It looks like fun.

Do it, you wont regret it and in turn you will learn a lot and gain lots of new friends and technical advice on the forum.

win win situation

If you can drive it you should keep it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SmileWavy

If you can commit the money and time to do the restoration, I would strongly recommend that you do so. You'll have a great car when you're finished. Good luck, either way. :)