Shakedown Cruise - Issues

[RSWiser]

Today I changed the oil in my 1980 911 SC. Just bought it on Thursday this week.

Trying to use us some of the old (4 years gas) mixed with about 1/2 tank new.

Car is running great.

I do have a few issues I need advise on and ideas.

#1. My car is a Targa and the power windows are not working. I put in a new fuse and tried the switch. It immediately burned the fuse. Any tips on where I should start chasing this?
#2. When I shift into first I have to be almost to a complete stop or I may get a grind. I did find that I could usually do it as long as I let the RPMs drop down.
#3. I had a hard time hitting 5th gear. I kept ending up in 3rd. I was never over stressing things so it wasn't bad but I was able to get into 5th but it really took my full attention to get there. Is there an adjustment to the linkage I can make to help this.

Maintenance items.
The paint or anodizing on a few thing has peeled away. The door handles and metal trim around the windshield. Are these items paintable and what paint should I use.
My seats definitely need some new skins. I hate the sheep skin that is on there now. Where is the best place to get the replacements.
Being a large person, it is difficult to get my legs under the large diameter steering wheel. What are the acceptable replacements and how hard is it to replace them. I am looking a a wheel that is basically the size on the inside diameter of the current steering wheel.

Thanks in advance for the good info I know I am going to receive.

I would like to post a photo but all of my pics are too large. How do I get them under 2 Meg?

[efhughes3]

First of all, you need to try the search button, most all of your questions have been answered many, many times. But, welcome and hope you enjoy your car. Secondly, get a Bentley repair manual, and probably Wayne's 101 project book, normally advertised up top of this page.

You need to pull your door panels off and check for shorts or mis-wiring. If there is nothing, the switch can be replaced.

2. You have no need to shift into first while the car is moving IMO. You'd need to be proficient at rev matching to match things up to where you get no grind. But again, why do you need to downshift to first while moving? What you are seeing is pretty normal.

3. Odd are your rear shifter coupling needs to be adjusted or the bushings are going away. This procedure is written up several times on this forum. While at it, spend the $25 and get new rear coupler bushings and those for the front.

There are several upholstery sources, search for various opinions.

Wurth Satin Black trim paint in spray cans is what most use for trim.

One last bit of advice. You may want to handle each topic as a seperate thread as opposed to having several questions on one. This will probably give you better replies and helps future people searching for answers.

On the pics, download Picasa3 from Google. It is a very quick way to downsize pics, althought typically camera software allows this too.

[RSWiser]

Ed,
Thank you for the tips. I appreciate your help.

[tonythetarga]

As far as the steering wheel goes, you can put in a nice Momo or similar wheel BUT you need the correct corresponding adapter. Check the Custom Accessories section right here on the main Pelican page for different wheels and adapters. The swap is pretty simple.
Hint: Have a look also on the left side column of the 911 section. There is a "Tech Articles" section that give step by step procedures for a number of DIY projects.