My 1982 SC Build thread/chronicles of ownership.

[QueWhy]

I thoroughly enjoy reading through build threads, everything from high dollar restorations to quick and dirty hot rod builds. The talent, experience and resources of some of the people here is staggering. I also enjoy the builds from novices like myself and those on shoestring budgets, these are more relevant to my situation and watching others take the plunge is always confidence inspiring. This is to say noting of the thousands of threads on maintenance and troubleshooting filled with information. Without a resource like this forum 911 ownership wouldn’t be feasible and I LOVE my 911 so I am truly grateful for everyone that contributes.

With this in mind I decided to start a “build” thread of sorts, maybe it would be better characterized as an ownership journal. I also want to use this thread as a place to ask questions that don't warrant a thread of their own and solicit ideas and input from anyone willing to share. My hope is by chronicling my ownership experiences and projects this thread will continue to grow and be of value to others. I’ll do my best to take pictures and/or video of the processes. Even though good information or tutorials my be available hopefully I can find something to add or at least documenting my failures and pitfalls has the potential of helping others from making the same mistakes.

The car in question is a 1982 911 SC I purchased in the fall of 2016, HERE is a link to my introduction post. I wanted a car to drive that was on the lower end of the initial price spectrum with the intent of replacing and refreshing things as needed and as I learned what I like and don't like about the car. I didn’t want to go too far and end up with a basket case that was always down for some reason just as I didn’t want to buy a car that was “too nice to drive”. I wanted something I wouldn’t feel bad about putting snow tires on and driving up the mountain to go ski but I also wanted it to be reliable enough to hop in and drive anywhere. Cosmetics were far down the priority list, nice enough the wife isn’t embarrassed to be seen in it was the only limitation. After some diligent searching I found such a car.

The last 18 months have been blissful, from the long road trip home from Denver after buying the car to sliding around in the snow all winter and a couple long road trips this summer. My ideal 911 and thus plans for the car have changed a few times. I gave consideration to backdating, a tribute to the East Africa Safari cars, a stripped down streetable track car, a Group 4/Almeras look, keeping it stock and going for more of a restoration, and a bunch of others. I’ve come to the conclusion multiple 911s is the only answer but I don’t have the time, space, or money for that right now. So the silver SC is destine to be a 4 season jack of all trades master of none. Somewhere between a tarmac rally Group 4 car and a stock SC. I’d like it to be comfortable enough for a couple hundred mile trip to Portland or the coast but also be capable of a track day or two and also tackling snowy/icy roads. Changes will be slow and incremental with a focus on reliability and drivability then performance and ascetics. Budget will also be a consideration, free and inexpensive projects will take priority and I’ll do my best to keep an eye on cost savings wherever possible.

Here is the car as I bought it.



Here is what I like doing with it.





So far all I've done is remove the rocker panels, fog lights and rear bumperetts. Add 26mm spacers and 66mm wheel studs to the rear 16”x7”s. I’ve also removed the 35 year old AC system. I tackled a valve adjustment, it wasn’t as difficult as some had made it seem although I did leave one too lose and it is a little noisy. Next time I’ll try the backside method as an added check.

Future Projects (I’ll update this over time):



Near-ish future:
*Refresh and replace fuel lines and components.
*Replace transmission and engine mounts (I have these)
*Replace shift coupler bushings (I bought the bronze bushings from our host but need to find a machine shop to remove the old ones an press theses in)
*Replace or repair partially crushed oil line (probably do this during the SSI install)
*Install SSI heat exchangers and new muffler(I have these and the hardware ready to go)
*Backdate heat
*Tuck front and rear bumper and install 964 smile.

Distante future:
*Replace front seats with sport seats
*New windshield
*New headliner
*Adjustable spring plates / suspension upgrade
*Repaint and dent repair.
*LSD
*Power upgrades

Here is kind of what I'm going for.




Maybe one day...