911 project

[squidmarks]

I'm would like to find a tired, worn out mid-80's 911 to do a complete ground-up rebuild. I've told my wife that I'd like to spend <$5K on finding a car and $20-30K rebuilding it. Aside from painting it, I'll be doing all the work. I'm not interested in heavy performance modifications, just looking for a project to keep me busy for a year or two that will end up with a nice ride. Are those numbers realistic?

Any ideas on where to start looking for a beat-up mid-80's 911? A quick scan of the usual suspects showed a lot of >$10K reasonable shape cars, but not too many beaters. Are there any to be had?

Thanks.

Geoff

[Paul K]

I'm sure others will chime in, but here goes- I think any 911 for <5k will be a basket case. Even sub-10k cars are a tad iffy. I would say if you really want a project, maybe do a backdate- and for that it seems the most important part is a rust-free tub. Maybe a stolen/stripped car? Sure, you'll be burdened by a salvage title, but if you're going to do all the work & keep it forever, that may not be so much of an issue. Another option is a very high milage car- those tend to be cheaper because of the inevitable & expensive engine rebuild issues- but it might work very well for your plan. Where are you? It helps to add your location to your profile. Anyhow, I'll step aside & let the experts chime in- welcome to Pelican, and I hope you find a car that works for you!

Cheers,

Paul.

[randywebb]

what is your location?

[squidmarks]

Originally posted by randywebb
what is your location?

Thanks for the replies. I'm in Massachusetts.

Geoff

[randywebb]

You are going to have a long search to find a car with no rust. That owner will want a premium, since he has carefully preserved the car FROM rust and has spent years sublimating his desire to drive the car each Spring to avoid rust.

I don't know how much but others can chime in from new england...

[petrolblue83911]

Squid,

Welcome and good luck!

-I'm also in MA, if I hear of a good car I'll PM you on it.

-with that kind of budget, I would look for a nice G 50 Carerra in good shape. You should be able to find a really nice one for low 20's or a pretty nice one for high teens.. and you'd still have $ left over for mods and fun stuff.

-Getting a beat on 5 k car means that you'll need to replace everything. Unless you are going to turn it into full on race car with tube frame etc... I'm not sure you'd come out ahead by buying low and spending from there.

-A good 50-75k mile carerra that's been really well maintained will be reliable and won't need much, -including paint, and you'll have a more easily saleable car in the end as well, since it will likely have lower miles and be more origional

-Adam

[petrolblue83911]

Also to your point on doing work on it your self,

-even getting a nice car as I suggest, trust me, there will be plenty of jobs to do if you want to turn it into a really nice car. My sc for example drives extremely well, and I've been using it a ton over the past few years...that being said, I have a mental list of 5-10 things I'd love to do to it when I have the time..

[squidmarks]

Originally posted by petrolblue83911
Squid,
-Getting a beat on 5 k car means that you'll need to replace everything. Unless you are going to turn it into full on race car with tube frame etc... I'm not sure you'd come out ahead by buying low and spending from there.

-A good 50-75k mile carerra that's been really well maintained will be reliable and won't need much, -including paint, and you'll have a more easily saleable car in the end as well, since it will likely have lower miles and be more origional

The thing is, I'm not really looking for something to drive real soon - I'm looking for a long-term project. Getting a rolling chassis - even something with a salvage title might be best. I'm not looking to turn it over to make money. Just something to keep me busy for a year or two that will end up with a pretty cool car I can be proud of.

Buying car that's almost there but just needs a little polishing wouldn't do it for me. The fact that I would probably spend as much money rebuilding a junker doesn't bother me as I would end up with a car I built and could be more proud of, and it would have kept me off the couch.

Geoff

[tonythetarga]

http://rochester.craigslist.org/car/230151770.html

I went and looked at this car on the weekend. The gold one is in awesome shape but needs seat recovering and probably carpeting. The tub has 88K on the clock. He also has a fresh rebuilt 2.7 short block with many of the parts to complete it. There is also a 915 trans and starter. The second car is optional and does not have to go with the deal.
The engine and trans came out of the black car after a CIS fire as you can see. It also had similar milage.
What I could see was missing was:
clutch; engine carrier and muffler brackets; distributer; half shafts, rear shocks; muffler; engine tin; heat exchangers. There is a wiring harness but it is out of the car. Fuse box is fine and trunk area is in great shape. This car did not come with a front oil cooler so if you want one, that will need to be added to the list.
The engine has been upgraded with Carrera tensioners and dilivar studs on the bottom (exhaust side). It still has original valve covers (non-turbo covers).
I think you could get everything without the second roller for right around your asking price.


It was more of a project than I want. Fairport is near Rochester, NY and about a 7 hr drive from Boston.

[petrolblue83911]

Geoff,

I hear ya, so in that case your pricing is about right, some considerations to think about,

-do you want a more basic sports car or more GT with creature comforts?

-if you want basic, and are looking mid 80's, then go with an SC and plan for upgrades, including MFI kits to replace the CIS

-if GT, look for a rough carerra -I'd still go for a G-50 car if you can find one , but if not all of the 3.2's were nice..