Opinion: How hard can it be? to replace...

[masraum]

Originally posted by JeffreyNMemphis
Hey Gang,

The owner of this car came back to me accepting my counter offer of $12k. He does not have the time and the resources or the inclination to get the car fixed. I wonder if I can fix the oil leaks, brake job, and new tires and sell the car for a profit towards a 1989?

What would the car be worth all sorted out? Very nice and straight body with original paint black, very nice interior, plus a 2k stereo (I would not have put in the amp, bass tubes etc.)

$12k on an '85 with issues is not a good deal.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

This is the repair estimate. Plus $225 for an alignment, plus $675 for 4 tires mounted and balanced.

[SCWDP911]

Originally posted by JeffreyNMemphis
I found what might be a "no issues car" in a 1980 911, being offered by a Bentley dealer. Stack of maintenance records and detailed log with 100k miles for $13,000.00. The PO traded it on a Bentley. Would I know the difference between torque and power of an SC and a 3.2? Is it worth the extra $$$ for a 3.2?

I am starting have a greater appreciation for the car I have... I might wind up keeping my 924s. It truly is a no issues car. Why do we always want for more?

Buying a twenty to thirty year old car is risky and feels like labor, as in child bearing, and probably takes nine months to produce a healthy offspring. Premature birth may mean months of hospital stay...

Jeff,

I am in Jackson, TN. I work between Brownsville and Ripley, and come to Memphis weekly. I have an 83 SC that is in better than average condition, IMHO. My car is NOT for sale (only had it since October!), but I would be willing to give you a ride in an SC to let you feel the difference. And, in a couple of weeks, I may have my euro pre-muffler and M&K 1in1out installed.

PM me with your phone number if you are interested and maybe we can work something out - no promises, as my schedule tends to be hectic most of the time, but we can probably get together sometime. Another suggestion would be for you to check out the Midsouth Region PCA if you are not already a member - I think they let in 924's too... Just kidding....

[jjrowe]

Here is what I suggest after 5 years of owning and working on a 30 year old 911.

Do not assume you can fix these items, it takes time and patience to learn to be a good mechanic. This list of things will totally overwhelm you as a beginner and it will be a long time before the car gets back on the road. If you really like this car then have all the necessary items (brakes, alignment, fix oil leaks) done by the shop. Get the car back on the road. Then drive it and work on the other items on the list. Driving it will motivate you to make it better. You will not be motivated to fix it when its sitting in your garage for what will likely be months if you DIY.

Finally.. only buy it if you love it, don't buy it because you think its a good deal. The right car will come along.

Jesse
76' 911S

[ros74911]

amen! to that jesse

[JeffreyNMemphis]

I put a deposit down. Picking it up next Tuesday. The body and interior is better than my first impression. Take a look?

http://www.mpix.com/Customer/ViewAlbum.aspx?a=1159705&c=58ipmuf48jfn702ak5mc

[SCWDP911]

Originally posted by JeffreyNMemphis
I put a deposit down. Picking it up next Tuesday. The body and interior is better than my first impression. Take a look?

http://www.mpix.com/Customer/ViewAlbum.aspx?a=1159705&c=58ipmuf48jfn702ak5mc

Well in that case... welcome to the club! Make sure you join the Midsouth Region PCA if not already a member. See you on the road. I'll be driving this:



Shane

[lateapex911]

Looks very interesting, at least from a stereo aspect. It would appear he's installed a 5 channel system?? Interesting. Spent some money there!

Fix the brakes and get driiving! Congrats!

[JeffreyNMemphis]

Yes, I believe it is a 5 channel system. It definitely rocks...

I joined the PCA when I bought my 924s two years ago... I will have to make the time to go to some activities.

[ros74911]

it looks good jeffrey. congrats, welcome. yeah, i feel you. looking at that car makes me want to buy it.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

I noticed that the oil gauge was low... So I asked for a paper towel to check it using the dip stick. We popped the hood and I asked him where is the dipstick? He did not know, and I could not find it. He said he just added oil when the gauge was low.

I had agreed to buy and gave my deposit. But I would have felt a lot better if he knew how to check the oil... Is there a dipstick on a 911?

[911boost]

Uggh, yeah you definitely need 101 Projects for your 911.

Ignore the gauge, seriously. The way to check the oil is to let the car get to operating temperature, park it on a flat level surface, and with the motor running, unscrew the oil cap. The dipstick should be in the tube, if not, you will need to get one. If it is in there, take it out, clean it off and put it back in, checking the oil then. Don't, and I mean, don't drop it into the oil tank. That sucks, trust me.

If you just use the gauge, it is very easy to overfill the oil.

Bill

[911boost]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/POR_911M_ENGoil_pg7.htm#item30

Here is a link to the Pelican Part Order Page, it shows you the oil cap and the Dipstick so you know what to look for.

Bill

[lateapex911]

^^ What he said, LOL.

The good thing is that the PO probably drove it tamely, so oil starvation wasn't an issue. And 911s hold a case of oil, so running low is tough.

[Marco8]

Jeff,

That's a nice looking ride, and the punch repair list is not bad, barring something huge (rebuild), I think you got a good deal. I agree w/ others tackle one task at a time (brakes first) and enjoy your new car. Congratulations.

Marco