What do you think of my "new" car?

[Griznant]

Hi all!

I just joined the list recently, and finally picked up my car last week. I really didn't need another project, but I think the deal was just too good to pass up.

The car is a fairly standard '69 912. Original Polo Red, 75k documented original miles. The interior is in pretty good shape (a bit dirty, but no rips or tears in the headliner or upholstery). It's a 4-speed car and is completely stock with no modifications of any kind ever.

I bought it from the second owner who has had the car for 20 years. It has been undriven and in storage for the last three. Along with the car I got a complete collection of old Porsche Excellence magazines, and the Maestro's books, as well as an assortment of spare parts.

Aside from the paint being a bit shabby, the car is in pretty decent shape. There is a small amount of rust in the lower outer rocker sill, but it's nothing beyond what I've fixed in VWs over the years. The front pan is perfect, floors are perfect, rear seat area, and every other common rust area appears to be non-affected in this original Michigan car. A testament to what not-driving it in winter will save.

When I brought the car home it did not run and upon closer inspection we found carb problems and bad ignition. I replaced the ignition with a Bosch 050, Pertronix ignition, new Bosch plugs and a Blue coil. That fixed my spark issues, but the carbs needed attention. Last Saturday I rebuilt the carbs with all new seals, gaskets, and a thorough cleaning of every nook and cranny (and it was VERY bad).

It now runs, and has very good power. Compression checks show every cylinder running between 165-180psi. It does not blow any oil or smoke. Everything works. I have the original radio, but it is not in the car (the PO had it fixed, but didn't put it back in).

One mechanical issue which has me worried is a complete lack of a clutch. It's bad. The PO said the fingers on the pressure plate broke since the disc and TO bearing are brand new. This seems consistent as it does not engage fully, and when disengaging it makes terrible groaning noises and only lets go right at the limit of travel at the floor. I'll have to drop the drivetrain in a few weeks and see what is really going on. It does drive though, but it doesn't add to the Porsche Experience.

So, from this description, and pictures, would you say I got a decent deal? I paid $1000.

Thanks,

G

[Efrain68912]

Sounds like you got a really good deal. The clutch is an easy thing to take care of - just a lot of labor to get to it. Welcome to the club!

[C. Clark]

Hello and welcome,
The car looks and from what you say, sounds to be in great shape for it's age, the clutch as said above is relativly easy, the engine of course has to be removed. There are several manuals at Pelican and elsewhere that cover this topic and many more. In reality though most engine pulls with proper tools and some experience take a little over and hour, the re-install a little longer. While the engine is out it's a good time to clean it up and check for any oil leaks, seals are easier to change with the engine out. Often the sound pad needs replacing in older cars and that can only be done correctly with the engine out.
Check the tech articles at Pelicans home page for lots of helpful stuff and the search feature here works rather well also.
Good luck,
Chas.

[69 Soft Targa]

Gee-Zeus! $1000! Nice find G! Books and parts incuded... check out the Maestro's books for info on upcoming repairs.

Tell us more about acquiring this car for $1000.

Wecome

[Griznant]

Well, I got lucky on this find. A friend of mine ran into the owner ( friend of his) at the bank one day and started talking sports cars (he was driving his Miata). They got on the topic of the 912 and when asked what he was going to do with it, the owner said "I should probably just sell it."

Well, my friend told him he'd pass the word around, and promptly called me up (I restore/collect aircooled VWs). I arranged to see it and asked what he wanted for it. He didn't even know what they were worth, and he really wanted to see it go to someone who would appreciate it. It became obvious that the selling price (and any money) was really not his biggest concern.

I told him that I wasn't really sure of the value, and that I had seen them going for $1200-$12000 in various conditions and mileages on the internet. He said, "How about $1000." Knowing the car gods were smiling on me, I gave him $200 for a down payment, arranged to sell my military Jeep (to get garage space) and picked it up a few weeks later.

He told me the clutch was shot (it is) and that the fuel pump was bad (it isn't). Turned out the ignition system was goofy and the carbs needed a rebuild. Conveniently, the rebuild kits were in the box of parts. I took care of that, put in an 050/pertronix/blue coil and it ran. I've driven it around a bit, but the clutch is really off, so I'll change that out in a few weeks when I have time.

I thought it was a good deal, but 912s are a new thing to to me. I have some experience with 911s and 914s (and a boatload of VW restoration) so it shouldn't be TOO tricky.

Thanks for the feedback!


Later,

G

[Rick Becker]

G, congratulations, sounds like the previous owner could tell his car was going to a good home. Have fun with it!
Rick