What DIY Project should you have never...

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

taken on. I ask this as I have a long list of things to do on my 911 this winter. I consider myself mechanically inclined and think I could probably perform most anything given enough time. However for me, there comes a point where the time and aggravation outweigh the money to have someone else do it.

For you other mechanically astute members, I'm curious what project just ate your lunch in terms of time, restricted access, or the need for special tools? Have any of you just boxed up the parts half way through and taken them to a mechanic?

Colby · 10-10-2001, 05:43 PM

I unfortunately only have one car, my 911. This poses the problem of having to have the project done by the end of the weekend so I can get to school/work. Therefore most of my projects I wish I hadn't started more because I didn't have the time to finish them right, moreso than they were to involved. If you have the time (winter project), the money (plan to spend more than you initially project for "while I'm in there" expenses), and the desire then there really isn't anything you can't do yourself. My dad rebuilds motors, etc. in his garage over the winter. My weekend tasks are suspension upgrades, exterior upgrades, etc.

Colby

JDaniel · JDaniel's Garage

I'm begining to see a project coming on that has the potential of either breaking me... or breaking the bank.
See the post-http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum3/HTML/013989.html

I have to admit. The first time I did a valve adjustment I kept asking myself,"What the hell am I doing to save $200"?

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Dan Tolley
1987 911 Coupe
http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/gallery.asp?sort=0&userid=294

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by JDaniel:
I'm begining to see a project coming on that has the potential of either breaking me... or breaking the bank.
See the post-http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum3/HTML/013989.html

I have to admit. The first time I did a valve adjustment I kept asking myself,"What the hell am I doing to save $200"?

I looked at your post. I have a similar leak on my 79SC but it is not very bad yet. I beleive my mechanic said that mine was coming from a cam tower line and I should probably just wait util I upgraded to the Carrera style tensioners to fix it all at once. May be something to check. Good luck.

Mike Feinstein · Mike Feinstein's Garage

I think Wayne started a similar thread a few months ago...as I recall...he indicated that replacing the headliner was among the worst jobs he'd attempted.

There's nothing more persistant than gravity.

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Mike
94 C2 cab

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike Feinstein:
I think Wayne started a similar thread a few months ago...as I recall...he indicated that replacing the headliner was among the worst jobs he'd attempted.

There's nothing more persistant than gravity.

thanks. I'll search for his thread.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

Replacing the heat/vent/defrost ducting and controls found under the dash in the trunk. I took it all out to do a color change paint job and - two years later - couldn't remember how all the cables and valves and rats nest crap went back together. Took it to a P-mechanic who placed another 911 right next to it so we could see how it went. What a mess.
By the way - he did the headliner as well, while the glass was all out.

Superman · 10-10-2001, 06:54 PM

I have never regretted taking on a project, no matter how far out of my league. I have made some pretty regrettable mistakes too, so I should probably regret something.

When I took my rear hubs off recently to have them and the rotors turned, it would have been easier if I'd had the car in Tyson's shop. But then the car would have been laid up there while the parts got turned....unacceptable. And besides, I did not know Tyson except as BRAINIAC. In the end, Tyson brought his special bearing tool to remove and reinstall the rear bearings. I had thought I could fab the tool. Brought it down in the middle of the night. I appreciated that.

I have also been in the position of having to repair the vehicle by morning. Outside. In the rain. No drop light. With tools that all fit in your pocket. Stores closed. No money anyway. No fun.

Did I get off track? No, as long as you have something to drive or ride, and you are okay with that, take your car apart.

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'83 SC

Decolliber · 10-10-2001, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JDaniel:
[I have to admit. The first time I did a valve adjustment I kept asking myself,"What the hell am I doing to save $200"?
[/B]

Yes, but at least you know it was done. Ever since I paid for a 60K service at a place called European Motors in Cedar Rapids Iowa, I have been discovering things that I paid for but were obviously not done. Given the valve noise I hear, I am sure they were not adjusted, so I plan to do it (again?) myself very soon.

Clark Griswald · Clark Griswald's Garage

I can think of only one; Painting a car. I mean actually taping and spraying yourself.

I have painted two. I guess that makes me a slow learner.

This one is not worth doing because 1) takes experience to build technique 2) takes special equipment 3) specialized knowledge 4) it is a lot of work!

Since that time I have fully prepped two cars for painting, then taken them in to be sprayed at a shop. That I would do again.

I am not sure I would tackle a transmission rebuild.

Other than that, I know no limits.

911racer · 10-11-2001, 07:13 AM

I have the ultimate DIY project standing in my barn: a COSY 3 seater Canard aeroplane. I don't know if it was a good project to start, since the German aeronautical authorities are a lot more stuck-up than the FAA and I wonder if I will ever finish and get to fly it.
Cheers
Stef

Jim T · 10-11-2001, 08:18 AM

I too painted a car, in my garage. It was a lot of fun, I had no regrets, but I would not do it again! Was a great experience doing it once, though.

(Actually, if I had more space and nothing but time on my hands, I might do it again. It is actually quite satisfying).

My worst experience, and the only one that I would not have started if I could do it again, was, like Superman, a rear wheel bearing (on a BMW, though). Without the right tools, I could not finish the job. It was the only time in 20+ years of very extensive DIY repairs that I had to give in and have the car towed to a shop. The real insult was that after I spent all Saturday working on it, the shop did the job and charged me $65 labor!! To try to save $65 replacing a part that only needs to be replaced once every dozen or so years was not worth it.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I took apart and put back together my 78SC for painting. Needless to say, it comes apart much easier that it goes back together. So far, I haven't regreted a DIY project on my P-car. That said, I am planning either a Paxton supercharger upgrade or a complete 3.6 transplant. I'm giving myself from friday evening through Sunday night. I'll see if I'm to optomistic.
The biggest DIY job has to be the complete interior remodel of my recently purchased home: plumbing, crown molding, gas lines, kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, sinks, faucets, toilets, paint, banisters, tile flooring, new doors, hinges, tile garage floor, garage work bench, electrical, hanging lamps, recessed lighting, closet organizers, etc. And no I have never been in construciton. Although I saved tens of thousands, I'll never do all this work again.

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Paul
78SC Targa
Pelican Parts Members Gallery

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I haven't done anything big on my P-car yet. Once a brake job on my Bimmer became a nightmare though. I know, I know -- it's a very simple job. But...

I was using my parents' garage and they live pretty far from the neighbors and several miles from the nearest store. While playing with the caliper in my hand, the piston closed and locked on my thumb -- I mean tight too. My fingers were already weak and sore from trying to work the brake pads into the other caliper. So here I was, stuck to my car and of course, my tools were about 6" out of my reach. No one else was home, no neighbors could hear me. So I could have torn the brake line off and then had no way to get into town to buy parts. I worked my thumb loose after a while. It was totally numb for several hours later and I felt like a real idiot.

Now I can replace all four rotors and pads in about an hour.

old_skul · 10-11-2001, 11:58 AM

Rebuilding my calipers came damned close here and there. But once I got it done, and felt those brakes (sledgehammers of death, I call 'em)....it was worth it. And I saved a lot of money doing it.

Adjusting my valves was a wonderful project. I ran through the motions twice to make sure I got it right. I must say it's very maddening doing the driver's side exhaust valves, but once done I felt pretty confident. Then I started the car up, heard tap-tap-tap-tap, and wound up spending $240 on a valve adjustment. The wrench was like "I've never seen 911 valves so far off before." I hadn't told him I'd tried to adjust them.

But I'll probably do it again anyway. Stubborn, I am.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9 RIP
The Porsche Owners Gallery

John Brandt · 10-11-2001, 12:43 PM

Yes, the rear wheelbearings. I listened to a friend who directed me to remove the trailing arms to get at the hubs. I had to take them to a machinshop anyway to have the bearings pressed out.
took me several days to do it but the silver lining is that I really learned a lot.
I'd probaby do the job again, but using the JWW prybar method.
I just bought a replacement tranny and I'm gonna rebuild my old one over the winter. It'll be a friggin disaster i'm sure, but if i get it done right I will be like Mt Everest.