1974 911s!!

[overblown]

Hey guys, this seems like the place to be when it comes to diehard Porsche fans! Glad I found it. I've been building, rebuilding and restoring cars and motorcycles for years but I recently came across what would be my very first import project. I'm going to go look at it this weekend but I want to be armed with a bit more knowledge before I jump in.

The car is white and looks very clean in the pictures. Has the Faus(?) wheels that are black. As far as issues, he says there is a very minor oil leak, it needs new carpet, the only rust is a small bubble under the side window, the wipers/washer fluid doesn't work, the dash has cracks and the heat exchangers are rotted. He also say that when cold, it will die but then start back up and be fine.

Wow, writing that out makes it seem like way more than it was just in my head He is asking 10,200. My question is, you guys know these cars inside and out. Are any of the things I listed out of the ordinary for these? I figure the heat and dashboard will be the most expensive things to fix. Given all of that, does the asking price seem in the right ballpark? It's crazy what NADA says this car is worth in even the lowest condition compared to what he is asking so it just makes me wonder.

Anyway, enough rambling. Any info, help or advice you guys can spare would be greatly appreciated! I might be well on my way to owning my first Porsche!

[kyle242gt]

Price seems high.

Good background reading: Excellence :: Buyers Guide :

Fuchs wheels are pretty common, nothing to get excited about.

Are you buying to fix-n-flip, or enjoy for a year or two and move on, or join the madhouse and never leave? Makes a big difference.

If you're new to 911's, most suggest a SC 78-83 or Carrera 84-89. A nice SC can be had for 10-15K, Carreras are about 5K higher.

Fill in your location, check craigslist listings nationwide to get a feel for price. Online price guides aren't a lot of use on something this old.

[overblown]

Wow! Fast response, thanks! I did some checking on craigslist and ebay and man, the prices are all over the place. I'm going into it planning on fixing the issues it has this winter and enjoying it for a summer then moving on to something else I've never owned in the fall. Rinse and repeat. My gut is telling me that I should be around 8,500 with this car. I don't wish to insult the guy though.

[dhagood]

the rust is a concern. if i remember correctly, a 74 did not have all galvanized body panels. i believe the floor pans were galvanized however. if this is indeed the case, then visible rust is just a symptom for more rust elsewhere. this is eminently fixable but requires skill, takes a long time, and requires a lot of work. if your rebuild cycle is limited to a year or so, rust may upset your plans and timing.

[Kemo]

Since you are not super familiar with these cars, I would recommend you pay a couple of hundred dollars to have a Pre Purchase Inspection. Might be the best money you will spend on this project! Plus, the inspector, if you get the PPI done at a reputable porsche shop, will most likely find all kinds of stuff that the owner didnt even think of. Most likely, the PPI will give you even more ammo to haggle the price down. From your description, I would pass on this one and maybe look at a 78-83 in the 12K range. Good luck and let us know how the deal goes down...

[kyle242gt]

Originally Posted by overblown

I'm going into it planning on moving on to something else in the fall.

I'd skip this one then, the 2.7 cars have a mixed reputation. A cosmetically solid SC needing some minor mechanical rehab would be my suggestion.... I had a similar mindset (though more of a "keep an eye on the exit" than a plan), which led me to my choice.

Be careful though, you might find that you won't be able to move on as quick as you think. There's something about these cars that gets under your skin. (and on your garage floor, haha)

[timmy2]

8k for this one:
Just have to put it back together...
FS: Garage find 911S

This one for $9900;
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/index3.html

[overblown]

Guys, this has been great already. What a wonderful forum! Lot's of good, honest opinions here and I appreciate all of it. I'm starting to come around to the idea that this one just might not be for me. It's hard to do so after the initial excitement you know? I've cruised these boards for a few days now and I've seen some absolutely amazing project cars that you guys have done and it's impressive.

It's also really eyeopening though seeing how much time and money can be required to get them right. Kyle is right on the money with his warning about getting attached. I have no doubt that would be a "risk" with a car like this. Hhhhhmmmm well, I think I'll take you guy's educated opinions to heart and start my search for a later SC. Oh well, I never expected this to be easy. Thanks again guys!

[overblown]

Thanks for the offer Timmy but that's just alittle more work than I'm looking for

[timmy2]

Yeah, that's what I thought.
The second one looks nice.
Browse the Pelican cars for sale, there are many good cars to choose from in the same price range.

[manbridge 74]

74 is a good year but I'm biased.

Rust is the reason for walking away here. If there is some there is likely to be a lot.

Test drive it to get experience in what to look for.

[overblown]

Timmy you are right it does look pretty good. I like that color too. It also puts the one that I am looking at in perspective price wise. Manbridge, that is exactly what I was thinking too. I've never looked at one up close and personal like that so it will be great just to add the experience. I've gotten many ideas and clues from looking through threads on here on what to look for and where. Never in my life have I been behind the wheel of a Porsche so if nothing else, I can at least look forward to changing that this weekend!

[j930]

i purchased my 84 930 2 years ago this week. low miles , rust free Az car. a few bad oil leaks, some poorly replaced oil lines. long story short i have at least 30K into it more than i bought it for but now she is perfect. i would strongly suggest a PPI from a good Porsche guy as these things can be expensive to fix.

[Tidybuoy]

I paid $14k for my '74. I paid a premium because the car had belonged to a Porsche mechanic in our local PCA who owned a very well respected shop. The engine had been rebuilt 10k miles before I got it and included a very detailed spec sheet of all improvements done to the engne (i.e., new heads, P&C's, boat-tailed case, balanced, Carrera tensioners and front oil cooler, and other items).

Even after I bought the car, I still spend a few thousand getting the car perfect (i.e., tires, suspension, exhaust, battery, etc..).

Although I may have invested more than I should have, I have no regrets; it's a great car. Lightweight, fast, and very fun to drive.

$10k for your car may be ok but I would be concerned with the rusted out heat exchangers as that could mean rust elsewhere and in places not easily seen.

My 1974:

[overblown]

Beautiful car Tidybouy!

[overblown]

The rust really has me worried as well. I feel like that little spot that is visible is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. There is almost certainly more of it hiding elsewhere. I want no part of that. Mechanical issues are one thing. That is my cake and I'll eat it. Rust is a whole 'nother animal.

[Trackrash]

Buying an old Porsche is not something to be taken lightly. You could easily drop another $10K into a car that needs work. Do a price check on some of the items that obviously need replacement.

You should spend some time doing research and test driving a variety of 911s.

Go check out some of the local PCA events in your area. You will find a lot of enthusiasts who are willing to offer good advice.

Good luck with your quest.

[DanS911]

Welcome to the board lots of good advice here
Whatever you do get a PrePurchase Inspection first!
Get in touch with the local PCA guys they will be happy to recommend the right shop.
Walk away from any car that the seller balks at a PPI it is normal with these cars.