Came across a possible good deal on a longhood 911 and need to make a quick decision

krichard · krichard's Garage

I'm going to take a look at it in a couple hours and will need to make the buy decision then. The price is low enough that a PPI doesn't make sense. This would be a total restore project. Any tips on what to look for on the early cars?

Obviously rust is a major concern and I already know it has some. What areas are the most troublesome for rust?

Any other big gotchas to watch out for?

tonythetarga · 08-19-2009, 02:28 PM

review this buyers guide. (it is right here on Pelican, along with other great tech info).

http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/technical_specs/911_guthrie_faq.htm

joetiii · joetiii's Garage

Well rust is the big thing for sure. Not so much if you're a bodyman but it certainly is a consideration.

Check the front pan, Head light buckets, batterybox, door sills, rear window tray, front fenders, jack point etc.

Does the engine run? Can it be driven? All these will help you decide how much time and dollars will be needed to restore the car. Long hood prices have cooled off as of late and investing in a restoration with thoughts of flipping for profit only are a consideration IMHO for rare or desireable cars.

If you're buying as a personal project and want to enjoy the driver involvement of a lightweight 911 as the end result, I say "Go for it."

Being close to 40 years old, the suspension should be completely done over to get maxim um driving response.

As well, 911Ts have different motors and are limited in the amount of performamnce modifications. 911Es and Ss with MFI are the cats meow when setup and running properly. There are only a few places around that tune these systems.

Hope this helps.

KTL · 08-19-2009, 02:43 PM

Quick purchase decision on early car has trouble written all over it............ Front suspension pan and battery box areas are big rust areas on early cars. So are the longitudinals/frame rails along the door sills.

Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment and pull the trigger if you don't want to, or if you feel you need to pull the trigger in order to avoid losing the car to another buyer. After a more thorough inspection when you have time with the car, you could find you've got yourself a real basketcase!

Good luck!

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

If you are able to do all the work yourself and have $10K to work with (to start) go for it!

joeybscarface · 08-19-2009, 02:53 PM

GaryR beat me to it

boxster03 · 08-19-2009, 02:55 PM

You are in Austin? I am available to assist with a look if you like. you can call me 512 673 0711

Michael

krichard · krichard's Garage

I plan to do most of the work myself, except paint... Having owned a couple others I know there is no such thing as a < $20k Porsche so I have that factored into the budget. The price of entry on this one may be too good to pass up.

jpnovak · 08-19-2009, 03:11 PM

Kerry, you have a PM regarding the car.

FYI it needs quite a bit of structural repair.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

Cheapest money you will spend will be on the cost of purchase.... Do not underestimate !

lin7310948 · 08-19-2009, 05:53 PM

get a nice one already done...most likely much cheaper in the long run and the market has cooled a bit of late...or so it seems to me!

krichard · krichard's Garage

oh well, it sold before I could get by to see it. Probably a good thing based on the input received. Thanks for the feedback!

AL Z · 08-19-2009, 06:23 PM

Kerry, if you are interested I have a 74 for sale.

Canada Kev · 08-19-2009, 07:17 PM

Al, that's a nice looking unit. What's the color?

sc_rufctr · 08-19-2009, 07:25 PM

Never rush buying a car...

No matter what crap the seller may be trying to tell you. Take your time.

Alan Lindquist · 08-19-2009, 07:47 PM

That's a sweet '74. What does something like that go for? Looks like a lot has been invested.

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

Damn Al, I must've missed that when browsing FS. Just did a quick search and found your thread in classifieds.

For sale 1974 911s

Awesome car!

AL Z · 08-20-2009, 07:24 AM

I had listed back in the winter when I was in between jobs. I had three other porsches I had for sale. Two of them sold, a 2004 TT and a build up 76 914.
I recently moved to Louisville KY and purchased a home. I dont drive the car much, i do have an other Porsche - 79 euro 930 in silver.
I was told by some people who have seen the car in person that the color is called Mexico blue. I just had elephant racing adjustable plates installed, had the car lowered, alignment done, valves adjusted, replaced all injectors and had the oil changed.

AL Z · 08-20-2009, 07:29 AM

I have removed the black fender covers just in front of the rear wheels.
If I keep the car, I will probably remove the turbo tail and install a regular deck lid or maybe a duck tail. Will also like to install an rsr front bumper and recaro pole position seats.
The entire car was redone by the previous owner.
Suspension has been upgraded, turbo brakes and such.......