Considering this '76

TimB · 10-08-2001, 04:46 PM

OK,
If you hate the middle year cars you can decide if you'd like to help me or not.

I am considering the car below. Original paint with tan leather(?) interior, refinished top, supposedly no rust, no dash cracks, very nice shape. Current owner moving to Germany has only had the car for 7 months, is 3rd owner, thinks there has been an engine rebuild but is not sure of any details, has receipts from previous owners. I am in CA, car is in Portland.
I am going to have a thorough PPI. Any recommendations for a place in Portland, OR?
What smog concerns might I have here in CA?
What else should I look out for (typical 76 head studs, rust, etc...)

Thanks,

Tim

Saffs · 10-08-2001, 06:14 PM

The PPI should look in to most the things you need to know. Also, the PPI really must check the headstuds to see if they're OK. Is it a so called 49 state car? Is it a ROW one? - I'm guessing the former. I'm not sure about CA smog issues. Looks quite nice in the photos - but cars often do, I guess. Would be good to see what the engine rebuild consisted of.
Good luck on the PPI.
Let us know how it goes....

------------------
'75 911S Targa
'81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3

canyonlands · 10-08-2001, 07:15 PM

It might be a good idea to see if you can talk to the last owner. 7 months wasn't that long ago and unlike when the person was selling it they may be apt to tell you more than the current guy knows. Just a though.

Best regards.

cary · 10-08-2001, 07:54 PM

Here are some shops for a PPI in Portland. I can only personally recommend Kurt @ Marque Motors. He and his staff were very good to my 75S when we lived in Portland 10 years ago.

Stuttgart Autotech Lake Oswego 503-635-3098
Marque Motors Portland 503-293-5386
Motor Sports International Portland / Beaverton 503-643-2656
Sunset Motors (Dealership) Beaverton 503-641-8600

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Cary Kutter
77 Euro Carrera w/3.2
74 914 2.0 ( base model )
PCA Region - Big Sky

TimB · 10-08-2001, 08:51 PM

Thakns all. Here is an overview from the receipts the owner has. Photos show a 5 blade fan. Will try to get a PPi scheduled tomorrow.

The last complete engine overhaul seemed to have been done in '88. Total of
this overhaul was $4799.10, included about every hose and wire, new psitons,
crank shaft, cylinders and all the major bearings!!! Grinding valve seats,
and tensioners.
One year later a complete transmission overhaul for $710.
The mileage for at the time was 97,132. So about 30k Miles ago!!!
Since then many smaller things were done, mainly cosmetically, including a
new targa Top, All kinds of rubbers, wheel repolish, starter, alternator,
steering system etc.
The latter parts were mainly done between 1993 and 1996.
Since then services every 2500 Miles. Mobil synt. only.
I have all the receipts.

mike f · 10-08-2001, 09:08 PM

Look carefully under the bra(should't you always?!). If left on for long periods or in the rain, there will be discoloration from oxidation differences between the 2 areas.

Adam · Adam's Garage

Hey, Nice color!

------------------
Adam Chaplin
1976 911 2.7 Euro
My 911 Website
Pelican Gallery Page
Porsche Owners Gallery Page

CamB · CamB's Garage

Steve Weiner from Rennsport Systems has been really helpful to me - he posts all the time over on the Rennlist Board (sorry Wayne). I mean helpful as in advice on Rennlist - I have never taken any business to him (I probably would if I could).

His website is at: http://www.easystreet.com/~porsche/

Regards

Cam

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 10-08-2001).]

TimB · 10-09-2001, 07:53 AM

Saffs,
Yeah, all cars seem to have a gleaming paint job in online photos. Is there a way to tell if this car is a 49 state or ROW by looking at it, or would I need the VIN and a Red Book (which I will be ordering shortly)?
I have a shot of the motor, which wasn't kept in show quality but of course it's 25 years old.

Tim

Saffs · 10-09-2001, 08:00 AM

Tim,
Not got my books with me as away from home. But if you post the VIN and engine # I'm sure someone will check it out for you here.

------------------
'75 911S Targa
'81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3

TimB · 10-09-2001, 09:04 AM

OK I just noticed something I didn't think of. This car (besides having ugly floor mats

) doesn't seem to have AC. Shouldn't there be vents under the dash for AC? Has anyone ever ADDED AC? Not a high priority but might be nice in the future.

Also, do most of your engines look like this? When I change out the fan is there a good method for cleaning the motor up without taking it apart? When I was in high school I remember people talking about steam cleaning engines, but that doesn't sound like a great idea to me. I'm not talking show quality, just a "taken care of" look.

Another shot just for fun...

TimB · 10-09-2001, 09:32 AM

Thanks for the contacts Cary. Got ahold of Motor Sports International. Canyonlands - they actually did the work on the car back in '88 according to the current owner. MSI says they will give me the complete history of their work if I get the license plate. He seems to understand the issues of the 76 and will do a full PPI as well.

Tim

pwd72s · 10-09-2001, 10:41 AM

Wayne at Motorsports is a nice guy...he should be able to help you well.

makaio · 10-11-2001, 06:53 AM

Did you ever find out if this car was a 49 state car or a Cali car? If you have the VIN I can let you know.

Nice looking car!

------------------
Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

stlrj · 10-11-2001, 07:19 AM

Check to see if you have the SC type exhaust with a pre muffler in place of a cat. and you'll know if you lucked out with a 49 state jewel.

Gotta love the robust rumble of the five finned fan over the high piched whine of an 11 blader though, kinda takes the testosterone level up a notch.

Joe

[This message has been edited by stlrj (edited 10-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by stlrj (edited 10-11-2001).]

TimB · 10-11-2001, 07:49 AM

The VIN is 9116210649. I'm not sure if it's a 49 state car bt it has all the "West Coast" smog equipment if that means anything. I started another topic "should I avoid this '76" because after talking to the mechanic who did the rebuild in '88, he said the head studs would not have been touched back then.
Paranoia broke in regarding this and smog, so I decided to look into a CA car. There at SO MANY cars out there and I know I seem flaky, but I WILL be happy with my final choice. I am going to check out this '80 SC (different ride but I still like it) on Sunday. It has the chain tensioners and valve covers. It also helps that it has my favorite wheels and is local.

Tim

VenezianBlau 87 · 10-11-2001, 08:21 AM

Unless you have your heart set on a pre-SC, I'd say pass on this one.

Did'nt the 76-77's have thermal reactors instead of the later fitted catalytic converters? These generated intense heat directly under the motors right? And the air pump can be seen in picture. These were temporary fixes for the environmental demands of the time.

I've not read anything positive in buyer's guides, books, or articles about these years. And, it's a targa.

Bob Sauerteig

TimB · 10-11-2001, 08:42 AM

Like I said I'm not married to any particular year - but am AM married to the Targa.

Targa Targa Targa - YEAH!

VenezianBlau 87 · 10-11-2001, 08:54 AM

I understand, Tim. I just could'nt resist being a smart*** wrt the targa remark.