observation about 912e's and sunroofs

[PorscheDV]

i think there should be a study about sunroofs extending the life expectancy of a porsche!

as i looked for my p-car...i wanted one without a sunroof. i looked for about 2 years...and of the 912e's i saw posted in ads...AND went to go see in person...MOST..probably about 9 out of every 10 912e had a sunroof!

considering about 1 of every 14 912e built was sunroofLESS..i found it hard to believe.

or maybe this is proof that sunroof-less cars are more loved by their owners?!


whats your take?

[silver912e]

When I was looking for mine, I wanted one without a sunroof, just because it was one less thing to break, and I didn't want to deal with potential leaks.

Now that I have my car (no sunroof), I kind of wish I had the sunroof. Human nature I suppose.

[ScotMcLean]

I just saw your post - I had a hard time finding a 912E aith a sunroof that didn't have rust damage at the base of the rear window or around the sunroof. I also found sunroofs were not all that common in the market when I was looking and I still seem to see coupes without more than with them. I plan to retro fit 67 window frames with the early wing style and pop-outs in the back. In one of the hottest places (on the planet?) in the US I find the sunroof is great. My 69 912 is a coupe w/o one and while it is appreciated & well-cared for, the sunroof is great.

Scott, 69 & 76 912/E

[COLDBASS]

PorscheDV,

I wanted an early blk coupe with a sunroof. I ultimately purchased my 912E w/out as I could not locate an early blk 911/912E coupe with original paint, in good condition, equipped with a sunroof.

My understanding is that out of the 2099 912Es produced, only 500 models came equipped with sunroofs.

Good thing the a/c runs strong (but thats another long story...)



Bob

[johnjk99]

My 912E dosen't have a sunroof but, does have A/C. On a hot day the engine dies when stopped with the A/C on. Does your car do this?


John

[thomasz]

Common knowledge is not necessarily fact. I have seen 500 out of 2099 bandied about. First of all, it is too pat of a figure. Exactly 500? C'mon! I have been tracking 912Es for the past three years and the percentage of sunroof models seems much higher than 23.8%.

I think that one source wrote 500 out of 2099 had sunroof and that everybody since has quoted that "fact." Short of official Porsche Cars North America's Customer Commitment Headquarters' official search of kardex, I just won't believe it.

Of course that makes me a doubting Thomas.

Regards,
Tom Zuraw

[COLDBASS]

Originally posted by johnjk99
My 912E dosen't have a sunroof but, does have A/C. On a hot day the engine dies when stopped with the A/C on. Does your car do this?


John

JohnJK99

Not sure if your question was specifically directed to me, however, the A/C system runs great once I eliminated the factory drive pulley POS and fabricated an alternate pulley. The old York blows 46 degrees. Vehicle runs sweet with the A/C on...but then again, it also helps that it is maintained by one of the best Porsche tuners in LA/Orange County.

This summer, I may upgrade to a rotary style compressor, I found a Compressor shop out your way (SF Valley) that refurbishes all makes and their prices seem reasonable. I queried them about the longevity of some of the more popular/heavily promoted models. Contrary to magazine articles, and based on the types of units that come in for repair, there are certain brands that I will be avoiding...

Bob

[COLDBASS]

Originally posted by thomasz
Common knowledge is not necessarily fact. I have seen 500 out of 2099 bandied about. First of all, it is too pat of a figure. Exactly 500? C'mon! I have been tracking 912Es for the past three years and the percentage of sunroof models seems much higher than 23.8%.

I think that one source wrote 500 out of 2099 had sunroof and that everybody since has quoted that "fact." Short of official Porsche Cars North America's Customer Commitment Headquarters' official search of kardex, I just won't believe it.

Of course that makes me a doubting Thomas.

Regards,
Tom

Thomas,

FWIW,
I have seen the "500" figure published twice. Once on a page removed from a magaizne article/brochure of some type that was given to me by the previous owner. The second time was in a "History of Porsche Cars" book that I purchased late last year.

Well I have to partially agree with you. Counting my vehicle I have seen 4 912Es in person and 3 of the 4 had sunroofs.
This could also be that simply due to warmer climates sunroof models will be more prevalent in this type of environment.

Of all the photos and listings that I have seen on these vehicles, my estimation would be that 40-50% had sunroofs and fewer had factory a/c but then again the a/c less vehicles may be due to frustrated owners removing the units...

It would be interesting to start a poll on this topic or simply review the listings in the appropriate 912 Registry pages...

Oh well my 2 cents...

Bob

[thomasz]

I have information on 204 912Es. Out of that population of 204, 96 individual cars have sunroofs. That is 47% WITH sunroofs.

Several possibilities come to mind:
1. As originally suggested, sunroofed 912Es have survived better.
2. Cars without sunroofs are held onto by their original owners, are not sold and are thus 'invisible.'
3. 500 out of 2099 may not be correct.

[Mark S. Haab lists 0001-2099 chassis serial numbers, but 2095 engines serial numbers (4060021 to 4062115) I suppose 4 of the 912Es must have come from the factory as six cylinder renegades. But then again when describing the gauges he also does not mention the 'idiot light' mentioned in the owner's manual for low fuel and the blank window for another 'idiot light' under the TEMP gauge.]

Tom

[COLDBASS]

Originally posted by thomasz
I have information on 204 912Es. Out of that population of 204, 96 individual cars have sunroofs. That is 47% WITH sunroofs.

Several possibilities come to mind:
1. As originally suggested, sunroofed 912Es have survived better.
2. Cars without sunroofs are held onto by their original owners, are not sold and are thus 'invisible.'
3. 500 out of 2099 may not be correct.

[Mark S. Haab lists 0001-2099 chassis serial numbers, but 2095 engines serial numbers (4060021 to 4062115) I suppose 4 of the 912Es must have come from the factory as six cylinder renegades. But then again when describing the gauges he also does not mention the 'idiot light' mentioned in the owner's manual for low fuel and the blank window for another 'idiot light' under the TEMP gauge.]

Tom

Tom,

Great info, good research. Yes, too often any written figures are immediately accepted as coming directly from the Holy Grail. Your figures support my estimate of 40-50% with sunroofs.

Personally, I would think that a sunroof model would be more desirable...the "mythical" 912E Targa would be even better...


Bob

[johnjk99]

Bob,
I am not sure if I understand the concept. My A/C compressor is a york. What kind of pully arrangement did you use to keep the engine from dying at idle. Also, I would like to know about the A/C repair shop in SF valley.

Concerning the 500 sunroof question. I think your right. If there were only 500 (in the world) we probably wouldn't see very many on the road.

John

[COLDBASS]

Originally posted by johnjk99
Bob,
I am not sure if I understand the concept. My A/C compressor is a york. What kind of pully arrangement did you use to keep the engine from dying at idle. Also, I would like to know about the A/C repair shop in SF valley.

Concerning the 500 sunroof question. I think your right. If there were only 500 (in the world) we probably wouldn't see very many on the road.

John

John,

Sorry for the delay, I attempted to post a reply yesterday but apparently there were technical challenges.

Allow me to clarify my previous statements. My pulley configuration was a solution to lack of availability for factory parts
(drive pulley assy).

The compressor shop that I mentioned only rebuilds compressors they do not install or service a/c systems.

Sounds as though the strain of the compressor kicking on is dragging the idle down on your car. Is the vehicle idling within spec with the a/c off? Perhaps an electrical system issue is killing the motor once the compressor is turned on?

Based on my experiences with Performance Air and ICE, I cannot recommend either of those businesses.

Send me a tel number if you want to chat live.

I am also on the So Cal 912 distribution list...

Bob

[PorscheDV]

OK! im telling you! its a conspiracy!

i havent visited the 912 registry for a few months...i go rummaging through the swap meet..and ALL of the new 912E's posted (about 5 or so) were sunroofs!

hmmmmm...curiousor and curiousor