Body or Mechanicals

[rhino874]

Hi there. I'm new to the forum but wanted some advice on buying an aircooled 911 project. I'm considering a long term project build (and yes, on a budget).

I know the "buy the best/most car you can afford" adage but was wondering if it came down to it, (and assuming a similar purchase price) is it better to buy a clean rust free 911 in need of mechanical work (engine issues) or a mechanically sorted car in need of metal work (ie rust repair)?

I appreciate any info!

[Trakrat]

Originally Posted by rhino874

Hi there. I'm new to the forum but wanted some advice on buying an aircooled 911 project. I'm considering a long term project build (and yes, on a budget).

I know the "buy the best/most car you can afford" adage but was wondering if it came down to it, (and assuming a similar purchase price) is it better to buy a clean rust free 911 in need of mechanical work (engine issues) or a mechanically sorted car in need of metal work (ie rust repair)?

I appreciate any info!

If you needed to repair the rust... where would you take it to? Do you have someone in mind? is that person local?

The same question for mechanical/engine work applies.

Unless the person was in the middle of a project and had to sell due to emergencies... most likely you will find that the mechanical condition of the car will match the overall body condition of the car and vice versa.

Buy the car that matches you body style (coupe, targa, cab)... then the exterior color... then finally the interior color... if the engine/drivetrain match the car.. then you found yourself a winner!

[rwest]

Rust can go real deep and take a lot of skill, money and time to eradicate. Not to mention that it'll need paint when done.

Mechanicals once repaired are repaired, so unless the mechanicals are in awful shape, I would take mechanical over rust everyday.

[75 911s]

^ This 100%. Get the driest, most solid body and chassis you can.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

+1 both members above hit the nail on the head - once the mechanical aspect is sorted, it's sorted.

[Dpmulvan]

Buying a pos because you have a tight budget is not a good idea.

[KNS]

Always try to find a clean, straight body FIRST. Little dents here or there are not big issues but rust can be a long, expensive project.

[RDM]

What are your skills? What can you do yourself, and what do you want to learn? An unrusted tub is the surest step toward success, but if you want to learn bodywork more than one Pelican has done it on his rusty 911.

[rhino874]

Thanks for all the great advice. I would be doing as much as possible by myself so that I can really learn everything about the car. In terms of skills, I do need to learn it all but the mechanicals seem relatively more straightforward than body work (which I think can be a bit of an art) and I'm patient enough to follow instructions from service manuals etc.

[Flat6pac]

It's way less expensive to make a good engine than a rust free body.
But then of course there is more engines than bodies.
Bruce

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by rhino874

and I'm patient enough to follow instructions from service manuals etc.

When I did a top end rebuild in 1997, it took 140 hours.

20 years later runs fine.

OMG, I was slow.

Skeered, in a favorable way.

Read, read, read.