Need advice for a beginning project

[patart]

I looked over the other categories and this seems to be the best place to post my question.

My son is almost 17 and for years has just devoured all reading material and things Porsche. A good student with a head for math and science. We work on electronics projects together. While I am a commercial artist by trade we have found that we can figure a lot of problems out if we just stick with it. Never done much on cars other than oil changes and minor maintenance but truly love cars especially the 911. He did take a general automotive class at the local community college here in Cleveland,OH this summer.

So here's the question. I have considered buying him a lower cost used Porsche that he/I could work on. Maybe not in running condition. Not sure if this would get us in over our
heads. Is there a Porsche model that might be a good suggestion for a starter car? Even thought about the idea of a Karmann Ghia as a real inexpensive car that he could tinker with to learn some basics.

I would appreciate your thoughts as I see most of you have tackled some big projects!

Thanks,

Pat

[johnsjmc]

You can still buy an air cooled early VW beetle pretty cheap A lot of .the same engineering as a 911 and much cheaper replacement parts. Much cheaper to insure for a young driver as well. Then if he is still hot for a 911 when budget allows.the midyear 74-77 are still less expensive than some

[Danny_Ocean]

914. Perfect "starter" Porsche...

[Chris Morse]

Hi Pat,

I too am a newbie on the chat but have played with cars for many years, perhaps more than i should have.

Budget is a major factor, how much do you want to put in to the project, both initialy and totally, (this can be very rough), but you need something to start with.

Is this just a fun/learning project with your boy, or will this be his college car, (needs to be very well sorted for this to be practical and this takes $$$).

If your skills are not comprehensive, you can farm out paint/upholstry/interior work, or even some of the more serious mechanical work.

What kind of facilities/tools do you have to do the intended work? Garage space that will not stress the spouse??? Are you willing to invest more to buy a tools, more tools, supplies, an engine stand, compressor, ad infinitum........?

How much time, on a fairly regular basis, (or al at once), do you have/want to spend doing this work???

Personally, If my son were interested, (which he was not), and it was in a period in my life when i had a bit of time, I would leap at the chance to get into a shared project like you have suggested. This may be your one shot, (I am trying to get my son (25) interested, but he has other interests...).

If the budget is there, I'd start with something classy, like an early 911 - what ever the initial budget can stand, ( allowing a bunch for rehab work).

If you are not too experienced, i would suggest a thorough PrePurchaseInspection, (ppi), by someone you trust, that is knowledgeable in the car you are interested in. This is critical to get an understanding of what you are likely going to have to put into the car.

If the budget is a Karman Ghia, so be it. The ppi will give you an idea of what needs doing. The 914 is a great handling car. I don't know the prices, but this might be a good step up from a Ghia.

If you don't want to deal with uphlstery or paint/rust/body issues, get estimates for what those things will cost, so you don't get in uncomfortably over your head - this is supposed to be fun, not a back breaker.

Some deal killers would be substantial electrical issues, anything more than a bit of rust, (this will be expensive or a big time commitment), bad or salvage title, big interior work needed, or bad paint, (generally way beyond novice capability).

Budget, time available, space and commitment are some of the variables that are difficlt to initially assess. Good luck.

Keep us posted, Ask away,
chris

[Poor-sche Lover]

I like Danny Ocean's idea. The 914 was my introduction to the great mysteries of Porsche. By the time I graduated high school, I had bought three of them for a total about $800, and had turned them into a decent facsimile of a car. I'm still using the tips and tricks I learned from tinkering with them. I hold a special place for the 914. One day, I'll get myself a /6.

[JT912]

Don't forget about a 912. That was my first car. A 914 would also be a good candidate I think. Or even a 911 if that is within your budget. They are all great cars that can help one gain a sense of responsibility.

[RWebb]

I would also vote 912 -- fix it all up and if the power is not enuff, you are very close to making it a 911.

this may scare you or inspire you:
Long term & Commonly Neglected Maintenance

re the 914 - it is a great go-kart; but I have to wonder if the value of the cars justifies the expense of the parts. with a 911 you know you cannot get more than, say, $50,000 underwater.

[NOLAsc]

If I could find a nice 914 that is not too rusty or complete, I'd get it. I probably should not have sold my last one nearly twenty years ago.

That said, 911s are probably easier to come by. But they may be more expensive or involved to fix right. All depends on budget. You could get a fixer 911 for the price of a gonna-need-fixin camry, I'd guess.

[James Brown]

Another way to go is to get a 914 engine and a engine stand and rebuild it. Then do the same thing with a 911 engine and work up from there.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by NOLAsc

If I could find a nice 914 that is not too rusty or complete, I'd get it.

Got a spotless 914 roller with a $5k paint job available. Cut for flares. Not a speck of rust:

[patart]

Wow! Thanks for all the great and prompt responses. I have considered the 914.

A few responses to Chris Morse's questions.

As for budget I was thinking $3,000 to $5000 initially. With room for another $5000 over the next few years if that sounds realistic.

Yes. It would be a fun learning project with my son. His everyday transportation is already taken care of. We have two VW Golfs 2003/2004. I purchased the 2004 for my daughter this past spring
and he shares the other with his older brother and my wife. And sometimes he uses our Ford Econoline van.

Tools. Just a few wrenches and sockets so far but would be interested in your estimate about what a good set of basic tools should be budgeted for. $1000??

Space is at a premium. We only have a one car garage but may take down the big oak that is growing roots through the floor of the garage and put up a two car garage. I see that there are places that rent space for car storage but that would drive the cost up on a monthly basis.

Time. We normally work on the electronics projects on Sunday afternoons for 3 hours but will wrap up a small robot project shortly and could probably commit 2-3 hours a week. Not sure if that is realistic time to tackle this sort of project.

I will have to look into somebody local that can do a Pre Purchase inspection. Thanks for that advice. I would assume something like that to run $300?

So there it is. Let me know what you think.

Pat

[RWebb]

what I think, is that I'd much much rather have that oak tree

can you build around it?

as to the cars & budget... if that is your total (and not the initial hit) then you are in VW territory - look up the $6,000 911 thread, active today

now, if we add $1k for tools & then much much more for a new garage (extension), this hobby is getting quite spendy

would a m/c rebuild satisfy your goals? would you trust your kid on it?

a friend rebuilt a 1950s BMW m/c and it was class ride

[aigel]

I would spend 8k and buy a beater SC that needs some work. Something that runs but needs considerable work (oil leaks, suspension, interior, window seals, paint ...)

The work and time you put in will be the same for a more desirable car.

George