multiple newbie questions

[craigmakes3]

Hello:

I bought a "barn find" 81 sc in 2013 without ever having driven, or even ridden in a 911. This forum has been invaluable in answering every question I have had about rebuilding the car, which is now roadworthy. Now that I am driving it, I am finding some quirks.


1) When filling with gas, gas station nozzle automatically shuts down as though the tank is full. Excruciating amount of time to get it even half full, at which point I give up and go drive. Any tricks to filling?
2) I would like to replace the shocks in the front, which are green. No idea where to start on that. Something adjustable perhaps? Do they have to be Bilstens?
3) Spare tire won't grab the rim when I try to inflate. Is this a full replacement issue (wheel and tire)? Does a spare from a later year make more sense or even fit in the trunk?
4) I would like to adjust the switch on the parking brake, it lights up on the dashboard unless I am pushing the handle down into the carpet, and keeping pressure on it.


Thanks!

[tirwin]

On the gas filling -- a trick I use is to turn the fill handle upside down when filling. I find that there is some variation in nozzles -- some are more sensitive than others. Once you get the feel for it you get used to it.

Green means Bilsteins. Bilstein and Boge are the most common but the struts are different for each. There are other options. I would call Chuck Moreland at Elephant Racing for more info. He re-valved my rear Bilsteins to match the stiffer torsion bars I installed. I'll be doing the same on the front soon.

[85911]

One trick I've used to inflate tires when the bead wasn't sealing was to put a rope or strap around the center of the circumference. Then, tighten it as much as you can. This pushes the sidewalls into the mating surfaces on the rim. Almost works every time.

[Lmarche]

To adjust the parking brake light, there's a screw on a side of the PB handle base to adjust the trigger point. You have to uncover the base. It's an easy task. Just did it ones, don't remember which side is the screw but maybe right side looking forward. Good luck.

[fitchesbass]

I think I'd sooner get towed then attempt to use the spare - at least if its anything like the one in the truck of my '84!

I've had the same 'issues' with filling at certain gas stations. I normally dont trust them to start though so I don't use the latch to automatically fill it. I once had on of those fail to stop filling on my daily driver - and won't be trusting that again :/

Congrats on getting her back on the road!