My '87 Carrera

alfisti · 01-17-2014, 08:40 PM

Hi folks. Just want to do a bit more of an introduction. I've had my '87 Carrera for about a month now, and put 1400 miles on it. As Chevy Chase once said, I am "whistling zippety doo-dah out of my butthole" happy. :-)

There have been some adventures, but they have been minor ones. I never thought I'd buy a 911, I thought they were financially out of reach. Then I saw this car with a low-ball asking price... and was hooked.

I had a PPI done, and it revealed what looks like a VERY solid car. Doesn't smoke, seems maintained, and looks great. I'd call it a great 10 foot paint job. Nice enough for me to be proud of it, but enough imperfections for me to just enjoy driving it.

I am still sorting out some of the small details - the rear defroster doesn't work, headlights are "so-so" (maybe an H4 upgrade in the cards soon), and I always envisioned this car with a whale tail on it. I know there are arguments both ways, but that's how the car always looked in my head growing up....

In any case, this forum has already been a HUGE help to me. Even today, after taking the car through a car wash, and the car wouldn't start. Quick search on my smartphone, unclipped the distributor cap, quick wipe down, and I was on my way.

So THANKS to everyone for contributing. I'm sure you will be hearing a lot more from me, I plan on owning this car a long time!

Thanks
-Glenn

alfisti · 01-17-2014, 08:41 PM

Oh, and in terms of my sports car experience, I have owned 6 Alfa Romeos, a TVR, and a bunch of other, more mundane cars - Mazdaspeed Miata, MINI Cooper S, RX-8, 3-series, etc....

So I guess I feel like I'm READY for a 911 now :-)

Thanks
-Glenn

bbinder · 01-17-2014, 09:07 PM

Yes you are!

JQ911 · JQ911's Garage

Congratulations and welcome to Pelican! Nice and clean G50 there.

Uncle Enzo · Uncle Enzo's Garage

Looking great. Congrats. Im only 6 months in so I share in your excitement

NathanR · 01-17-2014, 10:24 PM

Congrats.

I bought my 87 six years ago and it still makes me happy every time I drive it.

I did an H4 upgrade after a rock took out one of my H5s. Also installed a relay kit from Daniel Stern at the same time. Tons of info here on this board on how to do both. I now use 80/100w bulbs. Fantastic lighting. It was well worth the effort.

Good luck, and have fun!
Nathan

mgro1959 · mgro1959's Garage

Welcome; You have picked the best marque in the world. Nothing but a big smile on your face when you drive these cars. Curious I did not see the headlight washers on the bumper. Are they an option or has someone changed the front bumper. thanks Rob

atc_marty · 01-18-2014, 03:21 AM

Sweet ride! A little advice on the headlights, since you mention them. I got them significantly brighter just by cleaning the battery-to-chassis ground with contact cleaner and a wire brush. Installed a JWest relay too, because my high beam switch short-circuited. Enjoy the car!

Hodgey · Hodgey's Garage

Welcome to the addiction........you picked a great year

alfisti · 01-18-2014, 05:35 AM

Thanks folks!
I don't think my car came with headlight washers.
I will clean the ground contacts... Great idea!

86 ssinit · 86 ssinit's Garage

Great looking car Glenn. Get ready for a lot of thumbs up and people chasing after you to see what your driving. That Gaurds red can be seen for a good mile or so on highways. Check out the Gaurds red picture thread you will see lots of cars with tails. Get a good idea what you want. If you do put a tail on it (got to have a tail) get a tail already on a deck lid and save the lid you have in case you want to go back to tailless. Good luck with it and have fun!!!!

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

congrats & welcome!

pensacola mike · pensacola mike's Garage

Beautiful car! I have just the opposite situation. I always wanted a 911 but without the whale tail, but the one I own is a Guards Red 1987 with the whale tail. I have received quite alot of comments about the whale tail and how they love it. It has grown on me but one day I will purchase a replacement lid.

enjoy your car!

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Nice! Enjoy her!

Doyle

SilberUrS6 · 01-18-2014, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pensacola mike

Beautiful car! I have just the opposite situation. I always wanted a 911 but without the whale tail, but the one I own is a Guards Red 1987 with the whale tail. I have received quite alot of comments about the whale tail and how they love it. It has grown on me but one day I will purchase a replacement lid.

enjoy your car!

You guys could trade lids - red for red, yes?

I LOVE a naked butt. It looks so curvy and sensuous. I could stare at one for hours.

Oh, and I like my Porsches without rear spoilers, too.

SilberUrS6 · 01-18-2014, 07:45 PM

Nice car, and happy driving. Well, obviously 1400 miles in one month?!? Sweet!

Welcome to the asylum, errr, club.

11and14 · 01-18-2014, 09:13 PM

Similar tastes I see. Picked mine about 2 months ago. Prefer mine with a tail. Carrera stripes were my addition - a bit too much red.

Jack Stands · Jack Stands's Garage

Just be sure to install a front spoiler (air dam) if you put on a rear wing. They're meant to work together.

alfisti · 01-19-2014, 07:09 AM

11and14, that looks great!! Thanks all!!

r-mm · 01-19-2014, 07:10 AM

Nice buy! Sounds familiar. Got my 87 last year and glad I did. Paint on mine isn't perfect either but then again its a driver. Horror of horrors, I took it to NYC twice this month and drove thru the snow as well. Performs like a champ. Hopefully one day ill get my alfa on the road too! Enjoy the car, its a beauty.