I'm new and I need help!

[superqueso]

My friend completely took apart his '77S to paint it 4 years ago and decided he was more into motorcycles than Porsche's so I took over the task of reassembling it...... I’m making progress but I have a few questions that I can’t find answers to.

1. Where does the emissions charcoal canister mount? I have it plumed from the expansion chamber to the rear of the car but I can’t find anywhere to put it...
2. I can’t find a diagram for hooking up the door latch mechanism. I see how it all works but the cable inside the door seems to be too long and it doesn’t pull the latch to open the door so I’m missing something.
3. What is the proper way to restore the Fuch’s? I want black spokes with a natural aluminum ring. They are original and in good shape and I don’t want to mess them up.

Any help is appreciated, I’ve been traveling 3 hours each way for 4 weekends in a row to get this done and I’m getting close. Closer that the picture, that was day one.

[wcc]

Go here and download the Parts Catalog:

http://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/classic-originalparts/originalparts-originalparts/

That should cover questions 1 & 2.

3. Send them to Al Reed and they'll look like new. If you want to try them yourself here is a link to look at. (Try a search)

Refinishing Fuchs for Dummies

This was my list from searching:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=1888030&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

[David E. Clark]

Pick yourself up a set of the factory service manuals. They are the absolute best and most detailed source for information about your car. The manuals are very expensive if purchased new but they are for sale all the time on ebay and other auction sites. You should be able to get the entire set for this car (you need all 6 volumes) for about $400.00 or less. I know that sounds like a lot but you'll need them anyway -- the car is 30 years old and lots of things break -- so you might as well bite the bullett now!

I did a quick search of ebay and found this auction ending today, item number 8055692228. I have no relation to the seller so caviet emptor!

[Dan in Pasadena]

You don't say that you bought the car, did you? Are you trading the purchase price for the reassembly or something? With all that work you shouldn't have paid much at all.

Second, big congrats on getting into Porsches....you won't regret it.....eventually!

Third, thanks for restoring another Mid Year car. It is happening more and more these days (which once upon a time would NOT have been the case).

Keep posting your progress photos and guys here will answer almost any question you can come up with. Good luck, Dan

[superqueso]

Thanks for the great and FAST responses! I bought the car for $5K, which I feel is a fair price as it's in very good condition. (besides being taken apart. It has ZERO rust, the body is nearly flawless and it has a fresh paint job.

I did drive the car 4 years ago right before it was painted and it ran very strong. The thermal reactor was taken out years ago to prolong the life of the dreaded 2.7 so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it has a long life ahead of it.

[afterburn 549]

charcoal canister is in engine bay on right side upper rear fender on right side of car....sort of over right rear wheel

[Dan in Pasadena]

$5K is a good price for it with fresh paint - assuming it is NOT a Maaco or One Day job, is nicely done and had no rust...but your labor is worth a lot, frankly.

I paid $8500 for my '76 with a receipt for over $3500 in recent engine work AND it was in the paint shop for a metal up paint job over no rust nd a never-hit body when I purchased it. You will likely need most (or all) of the mechanical stuff my car had - valve adjust, full tuneup, battery, new distributor, ignition wires, rebuilt fuel distributor, all filters, all fluids...and then I spent more - pulled the engine for a clutch, oil leaks, sound pad (don't forget that while the engine is out).

Like I said, you got a potentially good price just be mindful of what may be coming. But if your paint is very good to excellent and the engine has little or no issues (a 2.7?) you got a great deal.

Good luck and please post a current progress photo. Go Middies!

[superqueso]

Yea, you got a sweet deal. The labor is worth more than money to me, I absolutely love it! It's completely therapeutic and I'm learning so much it's amazing! I'm documenting the whole thing and I'll post it when I'm done. This is a great experience. If I wanted a no hassle car, I'd buy a Kia with 100K warrantee!

[tonythetarga]

Found this in the cars for sale section.

[pmajka]

Congrats, nothing makes ya love a vehicle more than completing it with Sweat Equity.

Why can i have any friends who abandon Classic P-Cars in Good Condition totally unassembled and ready for me to snatch up.

But then my wife would say, "Isnt one enough!?"