Put it in the Weeds

[capt2320]

Well it is a sad story but familiar to some of you.

One day out having fun I got into the "marbles" and swapped ends and put it in the weeds. "It" is a 1980 911 SC...my "wife's car" .... Damage: both rocker panels, bottom of one door, one quarter panel and the bumper took a whack..exhaust tip bent over and muffler bent up. I replaced the muffler and have driven the car it needs an alignment but the suspension looks good, ie no bent parts. I also dinged up the rims a;ldkfja;slkj I sooo pissed at my self but anyways..................

I was in the process of "fixing" the car up. I have 10k into the engine and transmission next was a glass out re-paint which it needed along with some other body work. No rust. Now it needs allot more.....ugh...

So I have some questions that some of you may help me with. Having read and read here and other places I am of the mind to purchase a 71 to 74 911 and put my drive line in it and start over there. I don't think it be worth the $$ invested to try to put the 80 back together again.

What are the pitfalls of re-powering an older car that is straight? What are some ball park costs to have it done by a shop vs me spending 2 months doing it and then taking to a shop to make right anyways.....

Some thoughts would be helpful or of all you out there that have done a re-power what did you learn and what would do differently?

[DW SD]

buy one already done for $15k and make an insurance claim on yours.
Good news about 75 or earlier is that you'd not need smog testing in CA.

Often, it is cheaper to buy a new one than assemble one or pay a shop to do it.
Maybe you should get a bid for someone to evaluate yours. Maybe the repairs aren't as expensive as you think?

A picture might be worth 1k words. How bad is it?

Doug

[Zeke]

That doesn't seem to be a lot of damage, body wise. However, before making a final decision, get the car on a frame machine to determine exactly why it now needs an alignment.

Or, maybe start with a cheaper visit to an alignment shop just to see if it's a bent crossmember or tie rod. I know about those.

In either case, go to a Porsche specialist. I don't know who that might be up your way, but surely someone in Sacramento can do this. The best frame machine is a Celette. If they have one of those, you're probably in good hands.

If the car is not bent, I'd fix what you have. Doors and rockers are cheap. Plug and play. The quarter might take some work. Find out what made the quarter get damaged. Check your body gaps.

[lateapex911]

And do some track days... (Cheaper to get the driving sorted out there, than the roads, as you've discovered)

[bell]

i did this years ago.......it was only body damage, a bent tie rod, and damaged wheels after getting hit by a car doing at least 45mph at a 45 degree angle.
these are very strong cars, if the chassis checks out strait i'd say fix it......
but let's see some pics....

welcome to the board

forgot the pic LOL

[Mitch Leland]

I wouldn't be too quick to trade horses, there's no magic bullet, you could just be trading problems with another car. Like has been said earlier you should really check out your car first to see how much damage and cost you've got. If you've got a good running gear and this is your only problem then take a deep breath before committing yourself to another car.

After all if we all bought the "perfect" car Wayne would be out of business in short order... LOL

[capt2320]

I will take pictures and post. Thanks for the time and thoughts

I do have some track time and Bob B's School some time ago.. I just hung it to far out ...lost the rear and snap I was in the weeds........your right I should only drive like that on the track...I was under the influence of "radar love"...big boys big toys ...big bills...

So off to the frame shop and some bids on the body work.

[capt2320]

Any one have ideas of a "good" shop in Sac?

[EarlyPorsche]

Originally Posted by capt2320

Any one have ideas of a "good" shop in Sac?

Do you want a good shop or "good" shop? Totally different animals.

[Zeke]

Maybe Tom Amon can take a look. Search his name here. He's mobile mechanic in NorCal and might be in your area at some point. He'd know what's up in 15 minutes.

[ditch68]

Post some pics. I'd also be very interested in determining why the alignment is out.

Maybe a good time to add some fiberglas body parts. lower weight=free HP!

Good luck!

Jeff

[80-911SC]

ok maybee a dumb ? but do you have insurance just turn it in as a claim and go.
rocker and door bottom not that bad , would definitly take in and have front end checked on alignment jig or if you want a rough idea search body points in the forum and string it out (center hub to center hub, jack plate to rear torsion etc ) that would give you an idea if you twisted but as others said these are pretty tough little germans

[fredmo1947]

Capt.
I'm in Browns Valley and after doing the turbo tie rod upgrade will also will be looking for a alignment shop. If you find one in our area please let me know.

fredmo1947@sbcglobal.net

[Rusty Heap]

IF you're wanting to fix it up, I've got all the parts you need that you say you've damaged.

All parts from my '82 SC I'm parting out up in Seattle.

I've got both doors, both rocker panels, and both rear qtr panels / SC flares. Maybe you're even luckier if it's guards red as mine is.

Yeah, you can fix it for sure, don't be so quick to shoot the horse if it's not dead yet.

Post some pictures, and PM me if you need any parts.

[capt2320]

My brother in-law (who is a trained 25 year Mercedes body guy) states to fix it pending the frame shop verdict...but his expert eye states it is straight and go for it.

Still looking for shop in Sacramento. "good" Good Goody better you bet for who ever wants to split that hair

[capt2320]

Thanks all for the help and advice!

[regency]

I'd call Ron @ IPB Porsche in Sacramento, He'd know the best shop in Sacramento.