General Question – what to do with an old Porsche 911

[sportkaefer]

I am new to the forum so sorry for any questions that may be a repeat of other treads.

Here is the story: I bought a white 1980 Euro 911 it has only two mods that the previous user did: one is the whale tail and the other is a front spoiler. The car has 96000 km (German car) and was buried under boxes for last 21 years. Engine had the important upgrades and is leaking (naturally) . The exhaust heat exchangers are rusted but the rest of the car has no rust what so ever and the previous owner can’t find the keys (I am going to try to get replacement keys from Porsche with the vin-number and proof of ownership).


Here is the 20,000 Dollars question that I struggle with:
- Should I rebuild the car to its original condition or should I “hot rod” it?

My other Porsche is a 2004 Carrera 4S convertible that I love and drive. I would say I am mechanically good enough to work on the engine and everything else but I am totally not capable to perform any bodywork other then replace stuff with new ;-)

I am posting it here to get some constructive ideas because I am stuck between both options.

Thank you for any help with that.

[TheSt|G]

I personally would work on building it back to where it was. There are plenty of faster cars you can have for much much cheaper. I would instead view it as a period piece offering a radically different take on the driving expierence.

Shrug. Just my 2 cents.

[Ayles]

Looks a little too good to hack up for a hotrod.

[Flojo]

Easy.
Get rid of the WT and install a period correct bumper up front.

And then: just drive it...!

[Creve]

Keep the tail and the front spoiler if you like them, and just fix it up to essentially stock. You can always remove the 2 trim pieces and still have an original 3.0 to enjoy.

Love the white color and the tail is fine in my opinion.

[ppua]

Please check you VIN and Engine numbers:

1. Vin or chassis number

e.g. 9116610XXX

2. Engine Number

e.g. 666xxx


If it matches above, its a fairly rare Carrera 3.o, and whale tail could be standard

just saw its a 1980 then its not a 3.o

[gruppe6designs]

Change the front spoiler, get rid of the tail, add some 9's to the rear, lower her & then drive the snot out of her.

Best of luck with whatever you do to her, good to see another 911 being saved.

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by ppua

Please check you VIN and Engine numbers:

If it matches above, its a fairly rare Carrera 3.o, and whale tail could be standard

just saw its a 1980 then its not a 3.o

Just a 1980 with the rare decklid badge

[nickyclyde]

Wouldn't a 1980 be 3.0 sc?

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by nickyclyde

Wouldn't a 1980 be 3.0 sc?

Yep , because it's a Super Carrera

[Jfporco]

+1 Drive Forrest Drive!

Originally Posted by Flojo

Easy.
Get rid of the WT and install a period correct bumper up front.

And then: just drive it...!

[turbo951]

None of the above.... Please just send it to me .Thanks

[tazzieman]

21 years no start , no key...baited breath!

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by tazzieman

21 years no start , no key...baited breath!

They start them in the movies in a matter of seconds. Harbor freight screwdriver, scratch a couple of wires together. You are rolling. Rolling dirty.

FWIW, baited breath is derived from abated breath. Holding your breath.

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

They start them in the movies in a matter of seconds. Harbor freight screwdriver, scratch a couple of wires together. You are rolling. Rolling dirty.

FWIW, baited breath is derived from abated breath. Holding your breath.

Perhaps I was one step ahead of you Bob

[sportkaefer]

Thanks for the comments. Like I said I have a 2004 4s that is my daily summer driver and the "old" 911 is a real "barn find". It is not a carrera 3.0 - I wish it was and honestly I thought that initially because the previous owner didn't remember what year it was and I saw the carrera 3.0 on the back. - but it has a 91A vin - A for 1980.

I thought I like the front spoiler but after all the comments and me taking a second look in the garage ;-) I agree that it has to go. Still not sure about the WT.

I think I will “fix” it first and drive it as much as I can.

Here is my tentative plan for next few weeks:

- Replace oil twice to flush the engine.
- Replace the fuel filter and battery
- Fix the brakes??? Not sure how much I will have to go beyond replacing the brake fluid.
- Interior needs some work and of course I need the keys.
- Run the engine - listen and watch ……?
- Like I said there is no rust other then exhaust. (Pelican Parts will love me)

[RWebb]

good list but you MUST replace (flush) out the old brake fluid - replace the rubber brake hoses with new rubber too

crank it w/out ignition to make sure it is ok - I'd do it by hand with the plugs out - then put in new plugs

also, put in new trans. oil and run that for 500 miles then use Swepco

[sportkaefer]

Thanks,

I was planning to take the plugs out and use starter to crank the engine. I will do this by hand first though.

what trans oil would you use to run for the first 500 miles - why not use Swepco for that too?

[sleepy911]

Front dam is damn cool 80's style and the tail is awesome. I grew up with posters on my walls that looked like this. I would love her just the way she is with a weird nose and a big butt

[merlinfe]

Refresh, Drive, and Enjoy.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat.