Can anyone inspect a car in McArther CA?

jpnovak · 09-08-2002, 06:23 PM

I am looking at a 72 coupe. OK I know ebay listings should be investigated. I have talked to the owner on the phone several times. Car is three owner. Originally from Spain, spent life in AZ until a few years ago, now in NE(?) CA. Seems to be rust free - the all important factor on these early cars.

I need some eyes on the west coast. Pictures do not always tall the whole story. Does anyone know of a garage/mechanic for a PPI or can personally inspect the car for me. Car is located in McArther, CA near Redding. I don't really know where that is.

You can email direct at to discuss. Thanks

Jamie

jpnovak · 09-09-2002, 05:41 AM

Well I finally looked on a map and it seems this car is in the middle of nowhere. Seems to be about 30 miles from Redding if this helps. Looks like I need to look elsewhere.

Jamie

Jim Richards · 09-09-2002, 06:28 AM

Hi Jamie. I recently looked at an early 911 in Fredericksburg, VA. It seems the seller used local "generic" wrenches and body shop to maintain the car and it really showed. A lot of kludgey looking looking repairs, along with bad paint and body work. I'm wondering if you'll find similar problems most places where there's no local p-car specialists.

Of course there are aways exceptions!

makaio · 09-09-2002, 06:55 AM

Hey, I live about 1 hour away. Would you like me to look at it? Let me know, for it would be a good excuse to go for a drive

.

jpnovak · 09-09-2002, 06:56 AM

Hey Jim,

I talked to this guy on the phone and have received lots of good pictures. Seems to be the same thing. has lots of VW experience but little Porsche. There seem to be many good things about this car(including price) but minor problems(needs carbs cleaned and tune-up). The thought of a nice rust free chassis (AZ and CA car) is very tempting. I think I will probably pass on it since its in the middle of nowhere. I could not even fly there to inspect it easily(100 miles from nearest airport)

Jamie

makaio · 09-09-2002, 06:57 AM

Additionally, the closet place for a full PPI would be Oasis Service center in Redding. Chuck & Steve there are great guys. They have been working on Porsche, VW, Audi, & other European cars for over 20 years. That's where my wife's Passat goes for service.

jpnovak · 09-09-2002, 07:50 AM

Thanks Matt, I guess I should have waited longer for the West Coast people to respond.

Check your email and PM box. I sent you some info.

Jamie

grsilvia · 09-09-2002, 07:03 PM

Jamie,

I live near Marysville, Ca., so I can help you out if you need a ride. I have a 90 964, so, while I'm not eligible for the SCWDP I would be happy to lend a hand.

Matt would know better about airports up there, but Sacramento (SMF) is about 45 min away from me.

Gary
grsilvia@aol.com

pwd72s · 09-09-2002, 09:46 PM

A '72 911 with "carbs that need to be cleaned"? Uh, they didn't come with carbs when they were built. MFI. T, E, or S...in '72 it was MFI! This alone doesn't make it a car not worth looking at, but it's sure something to think about, eh?

jpnovak · 09-10-2002, 06:38 AM

You are right Paul, It should have MFI. That was not a consideration to not buying the car. While I am usually looking for the next project I have several other things going on in my life that remind me not to get a third early car. The timing in life is just not right to jump into another one.

BTW, IF anyone is interested in this car let me know and I can pass on the name and phone number.

Here is what I have learned from the current owner. Car originally delivered to Spain, where a US service man brought the car to AZ. The car lived in AZ until about 5 years ago when it was moved to its current location. I think there have been three owners. The car was orginally blue and then repainted (signal?) yellow. The tub is very solid. There is some surface rust in the battery boxes but does not appear to have migrated past. Also some surface rust near the front AC condeser box, probably from condensation as I have seen this before. Underside of pan looked perfect with original factory undercoating. Longitudinals and rockers look dirty but no detectable cracks from pictures.

I assume the car had engine work when the MFI was removed and converted to webers. supposedly there is a folder of records that may indicat what was done. Currently the engine sputters and pops until about 2800 where it smooths out and runs strong. Sounds like the car has been sitting and the idle circuit(and whole carb) needs a good cleaning and adjustment.

Interior looks great. No tears or splits in seats, carpet looks good but slightly worn. There is a dash cover but only one small crack from the speaker grill.

Overall for $6000 the car is a good buy - especially considering the trend towards increasing prices in early 911s. I would think that an additional 1k would make it a great little driver - able to do what the car was built for. Its not a show car but then I like to push my cars as Porsche meant them to be.

I can answer more questions if any one cares.

jamie

makaio · 09-10-2002, 02:29 PM

Jamie,
I have actually seen this car before! I saw it at a football game in the little town I use to work in. Once you said it came from Arizona, I remebered it.

jpnovak · 09-11-2002, 05:34 AM

Matt what were your impressions when you saw it? There is still that question of buying it. Of course, I really don't NEED another 911.

Funny thing you saw it at a HS football game. Seems the owner is a HS coach.

Jamie

makaio · 09-11-2002, 07:28 AM

Jamie, when I saw it I thought it was decent looking and was ready to buy it. This was because I had just seen Mike M's awesome 72 at ThunderHill, and had grand visions of building a car like his. I even left a note under the wiper blade telling the guy if he wanted to sell it, give me a call.

On a scale of 1-10, I would say the paint was a 5-6, the body 6-7. That's all I could really tell you, since I didn't hear it run, and couldn't crawl under it.

If you really wanted a 72 I would by it. I'm not really in the market for an older 911 right now, otherwise I would by it. But then again you have that whole shipping across the US thing.

If you change your mind, and want me to go give it a good look, just let me know.