Possible 912 purchase

[Vincent_B]

Hello everyone,

I have a few questions for all the 912 experts out here about a '67 912 that I'm possibly buying.

The car had one respray and is complete, including the motor (big chance its the original one). However the motor is partially disassembled. The running part is not disassembled and al the bits that were taken off are included to make it complete again.
Though, the engine had developed a lower end knock, which possibly is the reason that the car was parked many years ago.
Now my question is what could be the cause of this 'knock' and what could be the remedy.

I'm almost certainly going to run a VW engine until the Porsche engine reliably running.

Are there also any particular things to look for when I'm purchasing (I already know a lot of things, but tips from the experts are very helpful).

Second thing I'd like to know is the size of original fuchs for a 912. I know they are 4.5 wide but are they 14" or 15" in diameter?

Thanks a lot!

Vincent (who probably is going to have a lot more questions soon )

[WFBowen]

Vincent:
As you probably know, the big concerns are rust and accident damage. If the car has been sitting, it'll probably need new brakes and lines. I've never been a big fan of buying non-driving cars, as you can't be sure of things like the transmission or if the car tracks in a straight line, etc.
As for the wheels, a 67 would take the optional 4.5x15 911S Fuchs. All of the early Fuchs are 15 inch with the exception of the 5.5x14's used on the 69 911E and "comfort group" optioned T's.
I'd consider the car to be missing its engine, with a box of parts thrown in to the mix. Chances are it was a catastrophic engine blow that put the car in storage - probably a major overhaul at best; an unusable crank/case at worst.
Good luck,
Bill

[C. Clark]

What's the deal? how much. For me that would tell the tale, if you can steal it...it might be a good deal, if you have to pay real money, keep looking.
Engine knock.....? worst case a rod, best case a loud lifter. If you know engines you'll likely know the difference. I think on the 912 15's were standard with options for wheels.
Unless you're handy with tools and space you might let this one go.....

Hi Vincent, welcome here at the board,

Not being an expert, but I fully support Chas in his opinion. If you can make a nice deal, I would put my money and energy into the original engine and not in the VW replacement. Remember you have to make a correct fitting engine tin, which is very important for enough cool air for the engine.

Ask someone who has knowledge regarding the early 911/912's to take a look at the car. You really have to know the - often hidden/covered - rust spots. Some welding and metal working skills are needed to do the common rust repairs.

The characteristic Fuchs wheels where introduced in '67 and had a 15" diameter.

Reading your post "between the lines" I think you should look for an other one....

Otto

[Vincent_B]

The problem is that I live in Belgium and can't go to see the Porsche in person. However I have already had a lot of pictures from the owner and it looks quite promising. The price is $7600, which is a fairy good price I think for a very straight and complete car. With all the costs for schipping and handling it will still be a good deal.

I know I most likely have to spend some $$ on the engine, but I have a VW engine lying around that I could temporary mount while I can adress the problems with the 912 engine.

This is the car

Thanks for your replies!!!

[Jaems]

Vincent two things-- Otto could probably help you if you get the car.

Two - the car is in Oregon and it probably has more rust in the floor boards and the front pan. I notice the rust bubbles in the lower front fender.

Couple of more things the car was originally black not that yellow green. If I were you. I would ask someone in Oregon to take a look at the car and really check it out. It looks like you may be doing a Otto type restoration.

Jaems, Vincent,

I'm always willing to help. If remote controlled heart surgery through the internet can be done, the remote controlled restoration of a 912 is a piece of cake. I do have a lot of photo's from the project, as well from the red one as from the '68 cocoa brown sunroof.

BTW Jaems, what is a "Otto type restoration" ....

Looking at the pictures, I think that you could get a car for that money. Thirty years in a barn, humidity condensating against the floor pan.... The bubbles on the fender(s), rocker panels and the mentioned floor pans, will need alot of work. Not to forget all the rubber seals, the suspension bushings, and, and ... Fun to do if you have the skills or want to learn.

If you do all the work yourself, including the engine rebuild and repaint - some engine works has to be done by a specialist - the project will cost you at least 5 k$, tools not included. In the end you will have a drivable 912, without any nice bling bling like Fuchs wheels, a wooden steering wheel, a set of Hella fog lights, and so on. I'm an optimist.

Vincent, your idea to drive the car with a VW engine makes no sense. The body needs a lot of work, for your own safety and other's safety, before putting it on the road.

I know that prices for the 912's have risen the past few years, but $7600, basically for a body, is too much. Take a look at some other 912's before taking the final decision for buying one.

Otto

[Jaems]

Otto

A Otto type restoration is the cutting and welding of body parts as with the red 66. A complete ground up replacing of rusted body parts.

Jaems

Jeams,

Then I understood well and my thoughts where correct.

Thanks,

Otto