noob questions...have patience!

[turnerrider]

Ok, so I've found what I think is a pretty good deal on a..semi roller 911. But, it's a few years older than the other one's I have been looking at, and I have some noob questions...
I've tried searching, but haven't had much luck, so I'm hoping someone will be patient and explain a few things to me!

Ok, the shell I found is a 1972 911, that has been converted into a c2 turbo widebody. it doesnt have any interior, front suspension, front or rear bumpers, doors, brakes, engine, transmission...you get the idea. It is however, rust free, decent paint, and has the widebody fenders installed.

I know with the later model Porsches (74+) a lot of the parts are interchangable, but what about the 72?

1. Do doors from 80's 911's swap on?

2. Does suspension swap on from later models? I think this may be my biggest hurdle...

3. I've seen a lot of 911's with somewhat updated interiors, but most sites I've looked over say the gauges swap in from 74+, what options do I have for the 72?

4. Seats, I assume I can use any 911 seat?

5. Brakes, would I be able to use large rotor brakes like 993 TT's, etc?

6. I'm pretty sure a 3.0L engine is swappable, but correct me if I'm mistaken?

Ideally I'd just take a 911 that's been in a horrendous accident, and swap the parts I need over...however up here in Canada those are a little less common.

Anyways, those are the 6 questions I have (for now!) If anyone can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[techweenie]

1. yes

2. yes, to '89

3. Gauges are interchangeable in fit, but not electronically, and if you have a '72, you have a mechanical speedometer drive, which rules out later speedometers unless you can throw a lot of money at adaptation

4. No, seat bases changed in '74

5. Yes, but the answer is too extensive for a posting. Do a search.

6. Yes, with minor wiring adaptation

[TRE Cup]

2. actually you can put doors on from 65-98, BUT you will have wiring details to handle with the later (90 up) doors
3. we have used hot rod kits that allow you to attach magnets to the inner axle cv joint. it makes the correct impulses to drive the later oe speedo. OR easier yet; no ho speedometer sells an impulse kit that attaches to your original speedo output on the transmission- converts to a electric signal the late speedo reads
6. don't forget fuel lines supply/return, later gas tank from 74-89, oil lines adaptation as well. But physically it bolts right in
4. but it is easy to make adaptor plates that allow 74-89 seats to fit your 72 chassis

[MRM]

Welcome to the addiction. Search the posts here and sign in with questions for a few weeks before you buy anything or commit yourself. Several people have done the project you are contemplating and have posted extensively here. Others have been talked out of it or steered into other directions.

The 72 is considered a desirable year in its original state but a wide body conversion almost ruins the value, even if well done. Make sure you adjust the price accordingly. Rust is a huge issue, so it's good the car you are looking at is rust free. That alone doesn't make it a good deal on a 3.0 or 3.2 conversion project because decent SCs can be had in the $10,000 to $12,000 range, so it's easy to buy a cheap older roller and get upside down on them quickly.

Anyway. look carefully, make sure you get any project car for a givaway price and ask any question you can think of here. The only question that will get you flamed is whether Armor-All on your tire treads could cause an accident. (The answer is yes). All other questions are cheerfully answered. The wealth of knowledge here is amazing.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Not trying to discourage you but is there a reason you want to START Porsche ownership with a project of this magnitude?

I'm certain you must realize that for the money you are talking aobut to acquire all these parts and subsystems, not to mention the time involved you could be driving a very respectable, nice condition 911 and immediately upon finding it. Just my $.02. If you opt to go with the project there is certainly enough expertise here to guide you through it.

Listen to Dave (TRE Cup), he knows exactly what he's talking about (no disrespect to techie or MRM intended).

P.S. +1 for the '72 being a most desireable (the most?) early car. I'd give a lot to have one in original condition.

[Zeke]

Hey rider, welcome a-"board." You might consider attending one or two gatherings of 911 enthusiasts and scoping out the cars. I've been looking at these cars for years and still catch something new each time. Total familiarity is your friend when approaching a new project. Get a book or two and read up. Lots of info here, too; some very specific and some in general. I'd take some time before jumping in.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Please remember you will spend lots more money on building one up than buying a nice one. What is your dollar spend allowance/budget? I'm guess you will be near 25K or more if you start with just a tub and have to add everything else sourced used and get some really good deals...

Check around for bondo! Spend much time with a magnet and a clean felt cloth so you don't scratch the paint. Make sure this is a rust free car (never rusted) not a rust repaired car with lots of bondo to cause issues later on.

Welcome aboard, and remember, I don't even play an expert on videos my cat shoots.

[turnerrider]

Thanks for the quick, helpful responses!
I figured the engine would swap, but I wasn't looking for any indepth info about it, that I can easily find.

I've looked at this forum countless times, just never really posted.
I used to be into VW's, but I've always wanted a 911.

The shell is a pretty reasonable price I believe, because of the no rust. It's equivelant to about $1000US.

The engine/transmission I think will be the most expensive endeavour. Ebay engines are tempting, as they seem relatively low cost...but you get what you pay for.

The reason for a project, I'm moving back home to go back to school as there's a college 5 minutes from my parents place. It'd be something me and my dad can work on together. He's a very experianced mechanic, owns a couple Porsches himself (mind you they're not 911's), and has many friends that have worked closely with Porsche's. Also, it'd be something I made my own...built with my own two hands (for the most part), and I have a horrible habit of needing things customized. I'm sure it'll take quite a while, but I've got almost 2 years to get'er done. Anyways, enough of the life talk..

I do also wish the car was original, but the price is right for now.

I don't really have a budget set out, just build till it's done. I never follow budgets anyways...which would explain why my mountain bike was 5x more than the price I originally set..

[Zeke]

Originally posted by turnerrider


The en...which would explain why my mountain bike was 5x more than the price I originally set..

It's your call. Just remember what many have said here, it's a 20K car now, or when you're up and running decently. Plus the 500 to 1000 hours. But, hey, that's what we do here. Bring it on!

[techweenie]

The cheap 911 is the most expensive 911.

I'm building a '72 up from a shell right now and have had Porsche projects for 35 years.

You do not want to source any more individual parts than you absolutely must in a project like this.

Even the adaptation issues you brought up in your first post will be unrecoverable costs. Seat and speedometer adapters are going to run over $250 alone. If, as Dave suggests, you can do some of this yourself, like running speedometer signal wires and creating your own seat adapaters, you can pay less, but can you create seat belt mounts that are strong enough to protect you and your passengers in a crash? That's part of the seat and bracket in a '72 and not incorporated into the later seat. These are the kinds of details that will stall your project unless it's well thought out.

[tonythetarga]

If you move ahead with it, sell of the body kit and get the proper 72 fenders and go that route. It will be easier and less expensive finding a 2.4 or 2.7 engine. At the end of the day you'll have a nice, desired long hood 911. Your customization can then be geared towards upgrading suspension and brakes to Carrera spec.
My .02 cents.