Well, I have just purchased an '86 911 Cabriolet and have a few questions.

911Seattle · 06-29-2002, 07:49 PM

Well, I'm very excited to say the least. It's an '86 that is in great shape but has high miles (149k). I will be taking posession of the vehicle on Tuesday if the mechanical inspection done by a mechanic comes out clear on Monday. I've done my own "kick the tires" test as well as run a carfax. The only thing (that I know of) that needs to be fixed is that the cnvt top has two leaks. The actual top is fairly new, rather the leaks (same spot on each side) are where the top meets the side windows (upper front corner). Now I know that these are notorious for leaking, however, I would love to hear any suggestions or comments on similar problems and how they were fixed. The rubber seal on the top is fairly worn, however it seems that there is a gap that a new seal wouldn't fix (it seems). Also, I understand that replacing those seals can be quite expensive, so I would want to make sure before I spend the money.

Also, if anyone can recommend a local, trusted, mechanic in the Seattle area.....that would be great!

Appreciate the feedback in advance!
JL

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Can't help with the cab, but John Walker's Workshop is the place

Superman · 06-29-2002, 08:48 PM

Yeah, we do:

http://www.johnwalkersworkshop.com/

carnut169 · carnut169's Garage

Sounds like your seals need to be replaced anyway.... I also need to replace mine and have shopped around- You will find the best prices right here.

don911 · don911's Garage

Congrats on the pending purchase. Bring it out to the autox and the DE events, they are a lot of fun.

As for shops. I'd stick with JW, Chris's German Auto or Squires. For alignment/suspension set up go to Fordahl Motorsport.

Who is doing your PPI? Make sure you get a leak down.

911Seattle · 06-30-2002, 07:16 AM

Thanks everyone. Sounds like JW gets good reviews. Don, for now, I'm taking the car to a place called "All European Autoworks" down in Tuckwilla. The seller has had his two porsche's worked on there. It will be nice because the mechanic can comment on the work he's done before on the car.

Thanks Again!

Kurt B · 06-30-2002, 07:28 AM

Get some rubber type stuff (without the adhesive) at pep boys (don't use silicone, of course, will make mess everywhere), get a hose and use the stuff as necessary.

They usually leak around the wing windows (that don't work, why are they there? left over vw parts or something?). There's a little rubber corner thing that pop on there.

anyone who can figure out any way to keep the windows from getting water down in the door wins a prize. I've tried everything and there is no way. if you're washing the car and squirt the windows, then for the following 3 days you will have streaked windows if they go up and down. Really-super-annoying too.

yelcab1 · 06-30-2002, 09:03 AM

I bought my 84 Cab when it was 9 years old and it had those same leaks. Changed the seals, changed the top and it was still leaking it. It got so bad that if I left it out in the rain (You will do that if you live in Seattle) it will FLOOD the car with 1 inch of water. Finally, I just gave up fixing it and not drive it in the rain anymore. I think the convertible body over the years will sag enough that no matter what you do to it, it will not seal totally.

So, live with it, or do not live with it but it can not be fixed. If you want a convertible that does not leak, you need to get something less than 16 years old.

Joeaksa · 06-30-2002, 09:30 AM

Try to get as many maintenance receipts and records as possible. Really means a lot when you are going back to see what was done on the car and shows whether the PO cared for the car or not.

Go to the garage when the PPI is being done and watch and ask questions.

Joe

Drago · Drago's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by 911Seattle
Thanks everyone. Sounds like JW gets good reviews. Don, for now, I'm taking the car to a place called "All European Autoworks" down in Tuckwilla. The seller has had his two porsche's worked on there. It will be nice because the mechanic can comment on the work he's done before on the car.

Thanks Again!

I just bought my Targa from a guy who had all his work done at All European Autoworks. They seemed to be a good shop that took great care of the car I bought but I think I'd take the car to somewhere other than where the buyer has his car serviced, in order to get a more "un-biased" opinion.

That said, I ended up taking mine to Gerber Motorsports on JW's recommendation (he was booked up for two weeks and I needed the inspection done right away). Call Mark Peters at Gerber, here's the number: (206) 352-6911

Oh, and be sure to ask for the shop tour, you won't be disappointed (bring a camera).

gregk1 · 07-01-2002, 07:50 AM

Monty at Redmond European is real good guy also, He works on alot of track cars .425-376-2655