67 912 - Too much rust or not?

[flatable]

Background:
I have a 67 912 that has been sitting for the last 6 years. I am starting the process of evaluating it to get it mobile! I have taken it to a local shop who was kind enough to point out that the support "beam" (round 3" diameter - guessing) located in front of the rear axle and holding up where the engine appears to meet the transmission (Best guess) has rotted.
Pictures:
I have attached pictures 1) Pic of the support beam 2) beam is located behind this portion of car.
Question:
SO...one side of the beam has rusted enough to be sagging and is going to have to be patched/welded back in place. This looks critical to me. Any thoughts on if this is a reasonable fix, cost? A previous 69 912 I had, basically rusted so much in the rear, the suspension sunk into the car. I assume a fix is possible, but does it make sense? The rest of the car is a project...but the floors seem ok (can't tell if they are original).

[JT912]

That "beam" is the torsion bar tube. It is critical! Repairable, yes. If the rust is that bad, I'd bet it is even worse once you get into it. Start saving your cash, looking for replacement parts, or hone your welding skills. Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

[flatable]

Thanks John. I'll know more next week about options, at least from the shop.

[craig356]

"Too much rust?" is a very opened ended question....Another way to ask it would be - "Too little money?".....Ask me how I know

As you know, everything on your 912 can be rebuilt, replaced or reproduced. The big question is how much do you want to spend and to what level are you willing to go. It is a very slippery slope, especially with a vintage Porsche, so the best advise I can give you is to get a pencil and a piece of paper, write down the big ticket items that you know you are going to need, then add another 25% on top of that number. If the number you end up with is more than what you can purchase a 912 for on the open market, I would quit while your ahead.

I know all this sounds negative and I certainly do not mean to be harsh, but unless you have an emotional or sentimental tie to the car, on the surface is looks like a big, expensive project and that is based on what you CAN see.

This is just my 2 cents. Now, to end on a more positive note, I absolutely love the vintage 912's. Very fun cars to drive! All the best to you whatever you decide.

[flatable]

Well, the shop came back at $3,000 to weld the torsion bar tube in place. I'll admit I know very little about welding, however now seems like a good time to learn.

Does anyone know of braces/patch kit that can be purchased to be welded in place on this torsion bar tube?

(I asked pelican parts, they didn't have an answer but gave me places to start looking...nothing yet)

[JT912]

You may try looking for a car that is being cut up for parts to get some replacement metal. Not knowing exactly what is needing repair, generally if the torsion tube has problems, there is significant rust elsewhere. The torsion tube area is critical for a variety of reasons including safety. Not sure i'd want to learn to weld with this being the first area you tackle. Maybe try your hand at patching the floor or some other area first.
Another great place for sheet metal is Restoration Design.