Fomal introduction

[Bob VanDyke]

I recently posted a question and was lightly scolded for not introducing my car and myself to the group. So here it goes-

Hi. I'm Bob and I'm a Porsche-holic. I was born and raised in Watkins Glen, spent summers of my formative years at the track and had a pullout poster of a 1980 911SC Weissach from Car and Driver on the wall of my bedroom along with a Dalllas Cowboys cheerleader poster. After 20 years in the military, getting my youngest child into college and selling an SCCA racecar my wife finally let me get serious about getting a Porsche. I did quite a bit of research and while I very much like the look and simplicity of the early models I didn't feel that a decent one was realistically in my $10,000-$13000 budget. After reading that 911SC's were now considered great hobby cars that you can drive and enjoy for relatively modest expense (and the fact that I had that poster as a teenager!) I narrowed my search to that era.

While looking for several months on this board and other recommended sites I found a few cars that were very real possibilities, but they always seemed to be west of the Mississippi. Then on the same day last April I found on Craigslist a 1983 that was less than 3 miles from my house and a 1982 that was about 6.5 miles away. The 83 had about 140k miles and was asking $13.5k. The pictures the owner sent showed an honest car with a tired interior. I tried a couple of times to see the car and it just never worked out. The 82 had 197k miles and was asking $12k. The pictures showed a very clean car with a very nice interior. The wheels looked recently refurbished or replaced. There was 20 years of paperwork with the car that showed the engine had been rebuilt at 154k miles and had all the proper updates. I offered $11k for the car contingent on a clean PPI. The shop that did the PPI said it was solid but it had a lot original 27 year old parts on it and was going to need some maintenance. Also there was some rust at the base of the front and rear windows. When doing the leakdown test he couldn't get the number 5 plug out, but the other cylinders were fine. He said he would pay $7k for it, drive the snot out of until the winter and then start replacing some of original things like suspension bushings, strut inserts and heat exchangers. In the end I gave the previous owner $7k plus a motorcycle we agreed was worth about $2k and I finally have a Porsche.

I drive the car to work on days when it isn't too hot and I don't think it will rain, though I've been fairly spotty on my weather forcasting! I'm signed up for a Driver's Ed at VIR next month. I'm trying to decide if I want to keep it fairly original or go the route of back-dating the car. I don't feel there is a wrong choice and have plenty of time enjoy the car before deciding what direction to go with it.

Here are a few pictures.









Some pictures of the rust -

[Oh Haha]

Welcome to Pelican.

Looks like you picked up a pretty nice car. My .02 is to enjoy it , as is, for a year or two and then decide what direction you want to take.

I really like the color combination.






Ok, I'll be the one to ask, to get it out of the way.

Are you any relation to the show biz Van Dykes?

[Bob VanDyke]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

Ok, I'll be the one to ask, to get it out of the way.

Are you any relation to the show biz Van Dykes?

Just my daughter who has had small but illuminating roles in several community theater productions!

[K9Torro]

Welcome aboard,

Is that Schwartz Metalic, if so I have one that color too...

Todd

[Looking_for_911]

Doesn't seem too bad for 7k and the bike.... Enjoy her!

[austin552]

Great find Bob. I am in Norfolk/Va Beach allot. pm if you want.

[SteveinTO]

My '82 has turned out to be a great car. It too was a little ragged when I got it five years ago. I've fixed alot, both cosmetically and mechanically, and never had to walk home yet.

Drive it, but get after the rust sooner rather than later, unless it never gets wet.

[Bob VanDyke]

Originally Posted by K9Torro

Welcome aboard,

Is that Schwartz Metalic, if so I have one that color too...

Todd

Yes, it says schwartzmetallic, but that is all I can read from that decal in the engine compartment. The other decals are in good shape, though. I'm concerned that it will be hard to match the metallic paint when I get the rust repaired.

[SCWDP911]

Welcome to the plot friend... t-shirts are still available (unless you are a big guy) ;-)

[azasadny]

Welcome aboard!!

[83-911SC cab]

Welcome local pelicanite, looks like you have a good base to start your projects with. When it comes time to fix the rust I can tell you where "NOT" to take your car..

Gregg

[80-911SC]

nice , welcome home ... .

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by K9Torro

Is that Schwartz Metallic

May the Schwartz be with you!

[K9Torro]

Hi,

I thought that was it, that paint is easy I have a source here if you need help let me know, I am getting ready for some paint work in the fall, my sunroof is soon to be no more...lol

Todd