New (to me) 68 911s

[11801]

New to the forums. Picked up a 68 911s coupe sitting in storage for about 10 years.
Needs a few things: tire, calipers rebuilt, the throttle return spring is missing so it doesn't look like there's a link between the carbs and my right foot... The shifter... Is there supposed to be so much play between the gears?

This is my first Porsche so be easy on me.

Appreciate the responses.

[oh snap]

Beautiful, congrats! I don't know which 911 is my favourite but the early S is right up there. Good luck sorting it out

[RWebb]

Congrats. Porsche 911 shifters do have more play than many expect, but we can't tell if yours has too much play w/o more info.

Most importantly, you need to use these terms in the search box: critical safety issue

...and make sure each thing in that thread has been done recently, or do it yourself to protect you and your car.

The "nice" thing is that you bought your SWB (short wheelbase car) just in time to have all winter to work on it, esp. if they use salt in E. Canada.

[wp935]

Welcome to the insane asylum, you are among friends.
The throttle return spring has never been an issue for me, as my right foot is always firmly planted to the floor.

BTW, nice car, post more photos .....................

[Reiver]

Post some interior and engine bay shots....great find btw and good luck with sorting it out.

[weseeeee]

Congrats and nice car. The shifters are like that, but there are aftermarket ones that help a lot. Good luck and enjoy the hell out of it.

[11801]

Here's some additional photos.




I don't have any interior pics other than what can be seen. The steering wheel is a Dino something, looks a little small. The seats are missing the headrests and its got these nifty GM lap belts installed! The PO indicated the ducktail was a factory option that year, but then again, he probably installed the GM belts...

I've never seen an early 911 with tan chairs, what looks to be grey floor carpet & door cards.

[pete3799]

The Porsche shifter has been described as feeling like a stick gammed in a bucket of rocks.
Not true if all the shift bushings are new.
Nice car.....best of luck with it.

[docrodg]

Ducktail was not an option in 68. Good news, you have Euro rear lenses. Seat belts were an optional item on 68 so that is why weird ones are in it. Check all the safety items like RWebb says and survey for rust.

Get some pics of engine and interior and many can help you determine what is right/wrong.

Very nice car!

[11801]

Here's a few photos of the interior upholstery. Poor light conditions so grainy at best.
The momo wheel has got to go & would like to get a period radio for it.

Is the Porsche COA worth getting?

Next up, casting numbers.

[matt930s]

Fantastic find! Any back story you care to share?

Matt

[J2Hanson]

I thought there wasn't a "S" in '68 due to emissions concerns? Porsche sold the "L" in the US that was an S spec chassis and E motor. At least that's what I had (long gone).
JH

[Arne2]

Looks like the car may be an RoW '68 911S. Both front and rear lenses are RoW, and the speedo reads in kph.

[11801]

Originally Posted by J2Hanson

I thought there wasn't a "S" in '68 due to emissions concerns? Porsche sold the "L" in the US that was an S spec chassis and E motor. At least that's what I had (long gone).
JH

RoW and Canada received the "S" model. USA was excluded for 68

[11801]

There's a ton of dirt and crap built-up but I was able to pull the engine & trans numbers. What numbers are relevant to post? Is it safe to do so?

Also, the carbs are Zenith 40 ITN.

What spark plugs are recommended for this car? I hope I can drive it at least once this year.

[Daves911L]

Cool car. I'm particularly fond of '68s. My '68 L is also a ROW car. Some post their entire serial/engine numbers. Others think there us some risk. If you are concerned about it just don't include the last four digits of your sn, and just give the engine type# (ie: 901/02), not its sn. Trannny sn's are obscure enough that I doubt anyone worries. Your tranny type# might be interesting and could indicate special ratios. '68 S motor would be quite a find! But it should have weber carbs. Zeniths make it likely the motor is from something else (2.2T), but its always possible just the carbs got replaced. Lets see what the motor is before recommending plugs.

[Daves911L]

Oh, and additional comment on the shifting. 901's are an absolute pleasure to shift. But one must take the time to renew all the bushings in the linkage, which are invariably shot. And also to get everything properly adjusted (no magic, just common sense). Then you have to make the final tuning adjustment, which is in your head. They like a light touch (3 fingers, not a fist), and precise, deliberate movements. Not fast, but not slow either. You can't force them. With a proper 901 you can feel the shift finger finding each slot in the selector rods.

[11801]

Here's the numbers I've been able to find:

VIN: 1180****

Engine
Left Bank (or is that right): 901 105 111 0R
Shroud: 901 106 101 5R
On Engine by the pulley: *4081292*
Hidden under crud: 901/02 & 148** right underneath it

Trans:
901.101.102 1R
901.801.101 0R - the 8 could be a 3
17/68

Where else can I look? Have I missed anything?

[lonewolf]

901/02 is the important number. that means it is an S motor although it came ori with weber 40IDS carbs not zeniths.

some people here will tell you and some will not but what you have there is a h.ll of a find .

I strongly suggest doing a lot of searches so you know what you really have there.

not sure what you paid but that car even all rusted out and needing a lot of work is worth a lot.
yours ( at least from the pics) looks pretty nice.

[Arne2]

Might be worth poking about on Early 911S Registry for info, as they kinda specialize in this kind of thing.