buying my first 911

I have started shopping for my fist 911. I have driven two cars so far. I am looking for the early years( they both were 71 targas). I noticed that I can get a car with the bodywork/cosmetics done, yet still needing engine work or vice versa for my price range. Here's my question.

Which would be easier to deal with, new paint and interior or rebuilding the engine/trans?

I am looking for pros/cons and expected prices for each route. I plan on doing most if not all the owrk myself. Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

Jamie
future 911 owner

Just a couple of things... Make sure you have the car inspected by a Porsche Mechanic before you buy. Also get documentation if the engine has been rebuilt, get a leak down test on the engine. As far as what is easier to do in home repairs I think mechanical work is easier to perform at home than body work. Unless the body work is small cosmetic type things. Engine work requires special tools and shop manuals and is time consuming. Good luck with your search and take your time.

Joe A

I agree about the pre-purchase inspection and getting the records. As far as cost goes, a complete paint job done to concours specs will cost as much or more than an engine overhaul. But realistically, if the paint is faded or there is a dent or two, but great running gear you can still drive the car and enjoy it. Which is why you want it in the first place I imagine? A final though, if you are looking at a Targa, check the rubber seals for cracks/wear, especially those around the top since they are a HUGE expense to replace. I did all the ones on a 914 and that cost well over $1000!

I concur...you are looking at BIG BUCKS to restore an early 911 either mechanically and/or cosmetically. Figure on $6K and up for major engine/tranny work and $4K and up for quality body & paint. Add another few hundred to couple grand for major interior restoration. Add another $400-600 for targa top restoration. Oh, and you could easily double the above numbers if you go really crazy with it...

If you enjoy doing this kind of work, as I and many other listers do, go for it! As long as you buy a reasonable solid, NON-RUSTY, and complete car to start with, this approach also lets you "pay as you go" as opposed to plunking down huge bucks up front for a totally perfect car. BUT...be sure you inspect the car thoroughly and budget appropriately for the work ahead, if any. The last thing you want is to buy a 911 that looks like a "bargain" thinking a day or two in the shop will make it good as new, and then find out it needs work you didn't anticipate. As long as you do a thorough research and inspection job and know what you are getting into, you'll have a blast and hopefully won't go broke in the process.

Good luck,
Chris C.

The last bargain 911 I saw was a '67 'S' in 1972 for $2195 ... and it was a bit suspicious! European spec. with km/hr speedo, had over 199,000 km on it and the air shroud was gray, not red, starter dragged and wouldn't always turn the engine over ... I passed on it, but SHOULD have bought it, suspicious or not! Funny thing was it drove perfectly ... 150 km/hr felt like 55 mph ... hasndling and brakes were SUPERB! But, I knew the previous owner was a jerk, and figured there HAD to be something wrong with the paperwork that would make the FEDS sieze it, or something along those lines ...

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Thanks for all the responses. I found a 71 T targa that is all original two owner car with all service records including original receipt. The car has matching numbers, suspension, oil tensioner as well as numerous other upgrades. It has virtually no rust, batt boxes are original and clean. YOu could almost eat of the floor. I found a little rust on the headlight trim mounting bracket. The chrome is in great condition except for the horn grilles. I think this would be an excellent candidate for me to purchase.

The price is very reasonable. It does need a new paint job and some int. help. The engine runs great except for some gummed carbs. It has been sitting for almost 3 years.

With a little effort it would be a good driver until I had time/money to get started on the restoration. I am very excited about getting one of these cars. I think that the paint and interior work is within my abilites and I enjoy doing this type of work. Looks like I might be taking on a new project.

Sounds good Jamie. Cars that have been laid up for a while usually need a bit of fettling, but that's all part of the discovery process. Learn as you go. I personally can't see why 911 bodywork causes everyone so much worry. It's just metal like most other cars and responds similarly to the hammer, dolly and 'gun. They're a lot better made than most, so at least things line up properly, or you can adjust them if they don't. The targa's hardly got any bodywork to do anyway- front, back and doors, no roof (my least favourite part to prep and paint). Be warned tho: some parts like those targa seals are insanely expensive. Can anyone tell me exactly why a few bits of rubber are so much? Surely, like metal, rubber is rubber....

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'72 911 TE

I am a new Porsche Owner.

I did it I put a deposit on the car last night. I made the decision after another detailed inspection. I found the receipt for the motor rebuild. This was done not to long ago(mileage wise). I found the following things like:

weber upgrades
SSCI, E spec cams, tensioner upgrades

The First Owner(FO) really loved this car. He drove quite some distance to get this work done. Must have been a good mechanic. I will be trying to call them this week.

Now I get to pull those webers for a good cleaning and then see what it can do. Thanks for all the info.

As far as body work. I found two small holes in the door jams. Other than that there is just bits of surface rust. rubbing compound and some wax should get rid of that haze. I think I just found a good home for that car.

Jamie
71 911T targa(its mine now)

Congrats Jamie, you're gonna love it! Targas are great cars with a fantastic mix of roadster and coupe. It's enough sun to make you happy, and enough car to go fast!

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2