Made the jump - new owner

[toddu]

I have been a car enthusiast for as long as I can remember. My first car, when I was a Senior in High School was an all original, perfect ’71 Chevelle. I’ve owned a myriad of cars since then, including a Shelby Charger (you remember those mid ‘80’s four bangers), a pickup (don’t ask), an old Celica I picked up for $25 (rear wheel drive, in the snow… common), but was bitten by the German engineering bug with my first ’87 Jetta GLI. I loved that car with it’s Recaro seats and German quirkiness, like the moon roof that you had to crank open by hand.

Anyway, I kept on the German path since then. I have always loved the 911 growing up and toyed with buying one from time to time. About a month ago I finally made a spur of the moment decision and bought an ’81 Guards Red Coupe. After struggling for a week or so with buyers remorse, I quickly fell in love with this car. Every time I open the garage door it brings a smile to my face. From the click the door makes when you shut it, to the sound of the starter cranking over its air cooled engine, to the noise the electric sunroof makes. It’s got all the quirkiness I love about early German automobiles. It’s as if the engineers come out with a precision machine, and then the marketing group said “but we need things like power mirrors and an electric sunroof. Oh, and a cigarette lighter would be great.”. Some of the switch and knob placements make no sense at all, and I love that.

So, I’m hooked, plain and simple. I feel not only like I’ve purchased the ultimate in automotive engineering, but I’ve also now joined a population like no other – a Porsche owner. My head is swimming with all the little (and some big) things I’d like to do. Reading everyone’s posts is very helpful, although it does keep adding to my list.

Cheers,
Todd

[cbeers]

Congrats Todd!

It's A GREAT feeling huh?



So, you will learn this soon enough, but to post your first post about getting a car without pictures will get you banned from this forum!

not really, but it is HIGHLY encouraged!

-Chris

[450knotOffice]

Great!

(but we need pictures)

[GothingNC]

Todd,

Congratulations

Hope to see some pictures soon and don't get too overwhelmed reading thousands of posts on the forums


also, check your CV bolts.....

[livi]

Welcome and congrats on buying into the legend!

You have come to the right place if you want to learn about air cooled.

And pics for God sake !

[vash]

81 coupe? you chose wisely.

[toddu]

(quivering in the corner.....) Ok guys, lesson learned.

I'll see if I can snap a pic or 2 this evening.

[defcon65]

Welcome to the Porsche community, Todd. It is a place like no other and trust me, that silly smile does NOT go away.
For your initiation rites, I recommend the following:

1. Stall it by dropping the clutch too soon.
2. Grind it going into first in front of a fine-looking woman.
3. Push-start it in a mall parking lot while teen-aged girls laugh at you.
4. Splatter gas on yourself while filling the tank.
5. Pass the keys from right to left hand the first 100 times you start it.

Now let's see those photos...

Joe

[GothingNC]

I have completed #2 & #4 on mine so far.

The problem i have now is trting to start the non-Porsche car with my left hand.

Got quite a few looks with the grind

[toddu]

I promise I will post some pics this evening. I had an issue with the bimmer night before last (dead battery), so it was a late night home from work. Then it took me until this morning to find the charger for the camera (note to self.... take charger out of luggage after vacation). Should be charged up when I get home!!!

Cheers.

ps - I've already got several projects lined up for it... if we could just catch a break from this heat!!

[Zef]

Congrats...please post some pics...

[GothingNC]

It cooled down a bit here in Raleigh.

Only 92 with 50% humity right now.

[KCPSG]

Originally posted by 450knotOffice
Great!

(but we need pictures)

DITTO..... Congrats...but we do need the obligatory pics

[MOMO3.2]

Congratulations Todd!

I have had my 911 for nearly 4 years now and I still smile every time I walk in the garage. Moreover, I look back at least once or twice every time I park it somewhere--sheesh.

I hope you get all the thrills, joy, and satisfaction I have experienced owning my beloved 911!

Lets see those pics now.

Mike

[toddu]

Ok, just snapped a couple of quick ones when I got home. I hope to take more, with a better background, but have to go get my plates on Monday.....



Sittin' a little high in the front, may take care of that this morning.



Whatcha think? It has the pop-off valve, cam tenrs, has had the head studs replaced, etc. Decent respray, but I'm thinking a real one soon (remove the glass, trim, etc). I would like to redo the motor perhaps this winter, or most likely next.. still real strong though.

Cheers!!!!

[defcon65]

Looks like a really clean body, Todd. Nice ride, careful with the Highway Patrol - they love red Porsches. Only things I'd change would be lowering, an antenna delete and Fuchs. I see from the cardboard it has 'marked' its place.

Enjoy!

Joe

[JonT]

Gorgeous car! Congrats and welcome to the club.

[hytem]

Originally posted by defcon65
Welcome to the Porsche community, Todd. It is a place like no other and trust me, that silly smile does NOT go away.
For your initiation rites, I recommend the following:

1. Stall it by dropping the clutch too soon.
2. Grind it going into first in front of a fine-looking woman.
3. Push-start it in a mall parking lot while teen-aged girls laugh at you.
4. Splatter gas on yourself while filling the tank.
5. Pass the keys from right to left hand the first 100 times you start it.


Joe

..and don't even think of going down from 5th to 4th. Just go over and up to 3rd from 5th. Much cleaner.

[wheatdog]

If you think the odd placement of dashboard knobs is cool, you'll just love the incomprehensible heater/defroster controls. I've had my Carrera for almost 4yrs and it's still a challenge.

Mike