rust

[expat]

I'm new to 911's. I'm looking at purchasing an 87. Seems like a good buy but it has three rust 'bubbles' on the right hand fender on the top. Should this be a problem to repair or is it likely to be the same as any other car. I'm thinking that a section would need to cut out, a new piece gradted in and resprayed. Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks
Mark

[Jdub]

Generally the rust you see represents 10% of the total amount you will eventually find in that area. This is a pessimistic estimate, but then again, you are in the catbird seat here.

Because you are buying. And you can use a PPI to find the RIGHT car, probably not this one. I mean, an '87 with rust already? I'd move on; there are many Carreras out there that are better-maintained.

Check out the latest "911 and Porsche World" for a reasonably comprehensive overview of the Carreras, with a buying guide. Spend up to $200.00 for a good PPI that should include a comp and leakdown.

Jw

[This message has been edited by Jdub (edited 06-26-2001).]

[patalive]

I would guess there are not that many 911s in Hong Kong from which to choose. Were you in the States, I would recommend looking for a different car. Rust on top of the fender is not that common, unless something bad happened to that fender. In my mind, that bit of rust makes the rest of the car very suspect. My advice is to have a good pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified Porsche shop.
Chuck

[expat]

Yeh, there aren't many older 911 around HK - most have been sent to Australia due to the dollar exchange.
I have been looking for a project car that I can slowly work on and this has need of TLC. I paid today for a comprehensive assessment from the Porsche dealer here, so I should have this tommorrow. The price the current owner is 'willing' to go down to is HK$150,000 (I think that's about US$17,000). I was looking for a 944 for about a year but decided to hold off as I love the 911's look more. This 911 is the first I've seen for the last 3 months I've been looking seriously. From what I can tell it runs smoothly but the interior is pretty rugged. Needs new carpets, seat refurbishment etc) and I think the dealer said a new mass air flow sensor (?) priced around HK$5000. It has nice Fuchs wheels (spelling?) and new tires, engine purrrs, brakes quick and clutch seems bit heavy but then its been 4 years since I drove anything but an auto! Air con. works well but needs a new pipe to lead away evap water. All the panels align well and steering geo seems secure. Overall I think its a pretty reasonable vehicle but in need of love. The ragtop is in good cond. which is a must in HK's rain!

Thanks for your thoughts.
I await the dealer report with anticipation!

Cheers
Mark

[Doug Zielke]

A '87 Carrera will have the body shell factory hot-dipped galvanized. But...they can still develop rust, often due to poorly repaired accident damage. This can be a tip-off to walk away from the car.

------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website