Restoration Process Advice

[mtrovato13]

Hoping to get some feedback on restoring my 911SC. It's a '82 and quite honestly in very good condition, inside and out. I am l eager to make it something special / bad ass, and plan on changing the exterior and interior color and all that goes along with this, i.e. seals, trim, silencer foam, etc. The engine & transmission is pretty solid but does need some work but nothing immediate. A complete exhaust upgrade is on my radar as well.

I love this car and not willing to knock it up indefinitely for a complete overhaul due to time and money. I am accepting that this will be a long term project as it is my hobby car. I'd appreciate any recommendations on whether do take on the interior or exterior first

[911t Fanatic]

get matching seats and enjoy it while you find a long term project that you can do anything you want and still have one to drive. imho

[GregRRich]

The "restore it while you drive it" concept pretty much never works out the way you hope, and always costs more in the long-run. With maintenance & repairs, restoration and upgrades always take the backseat... all with only the current weekend to get to a stopping point in order to drive it again on Monday. Better to get a "cheap" car to drive while you do everything you ever wanted to your project car and really have something to show for it in the end- without feeling rushed every weekend to get to that stopping point. Just my opinion from experience in this situation.

[kodioneill]

Is the engine sound, valve guides, leaks, broken head studs etc... How many miles.
I would start with a set of Eruo H4 headlamps, vast improvement in the look of the car.

[RWebb]

always do safety related things first - assuming all fluids are fresh (incl. brake fluid < 2 years old), be sure the
- rubber brake hoses are < 6 years old
- age of rubber fuel lines?
- age of tires must be < 6 years

Next, do any maint. or mods to the suspension - the bushings only last about 20 years for example

Last hard parts to do are motor and tranny

interior & exterior are the LAST things to do - I usually think it is better to do exterior the very last as I like others to think my car is a beater, but I look at the interior all the time.

[RWebb]

you will need to define what special / bad ass means to you

it's also good that you love the car, since you are going to spend about 5x what it is worth

[mtrovato13]

All, thanks for the feedback. Safety will always come first and yes the fluids, lines, brakes, tires, etc are all in good shape. Transmission has been rebuilt recently. Engine is in good condition. I like the idea of the Euro headlights and starting with a complete upgrade on the interior to get rid of the 2 tone black-brown. As far as the cost, I don't know of anyone who has overhauled and renovated a classic car and not exceeded the street value...it's something I am willing to accept.

-----------------------------
1982 911SC Chiffon White
2001 996 Carrera Lapis Blue

[RWebb]

yes, get rid of those horrid sugar scoops

do you want the car lighter?

[mtrovato13]

Lightening the car hasn't been on my list. Balanced reduction would be nice but I don't plan on doing it any time soon.

[Fsquad]

I have the exact same car. Same color, same year. Did have the same interior. Mine has the amber side marker lights though. !40,000 miles on the clock and runs real well. Uses, no oil and hardly leaks a drop. A spot on the floor after sitting all week. This is the first time I have seen that color other than mine. Good luck, Tom