Pre-Purchase Inspection???

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

912ers,

I own a Boxster and a 914 project and I am thinking about picking up a 912 as a daily driver. My "commute" is less than 25mi. round trip daily and I ride my BMW bike now but need a closed cockpit for those blustery 40degree AZ winter mornings

I have seen several 1966-1969 912s advertised locally (Phoenix, AZ) in the $2k-$6k range. Seems quite a delight but I need to know what to look for and when to walk away from a basket case (I already have the 914 project so the 912 must be a driver).

Flog me if I am wrong (I do not know too much about 912s yet) but I beleive the wheelbase was increased in 1968, their was a 5-speed gearbox option, and a 5 guage option... are these three the most desireable to look for in a 912? Does the extra cog make motorway driving more enjoyable? Does the shorter wheelbase on a 1966-67 make the handeling/ride twitchy?

Is upgrading to TYPE-IV power the norm with 912s or are most people more purist to the 912's 356 type motor (I only ask because jake raby built an amazing TYPE-IV powerplant for my 914 and it might be the bee's knees to have one in a 912 as well).

And of course... where does the rust hide on a 912.

All inout appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

Cheers,

[craign]

Brian,

Long wheel base came out in 69, 5 speed was an option and I wish I had that 5th gear sometimes.

5 Gauge package was also and option until 69 I beleive. Most folks stick with the flat 4 (356) motor for ease of working on it and availability of parts. Type 4's are also common and a drivers preference I guess.

As to what to look for.......rust, rust and more rust. If the car has been in CA/AZ for its whole life that is a good thing for minimal rust. Check the front pan, passenger compartment pans, rocker panels, especially the battery areas, around the 1/4 windows in the rear and lower windshield seal area front and back. Here is link you might find helpful

http://www.sportscarguides.com/911SCModelGuidev2.pdf

and I also encourage you to check out www.bay912.org and possibly ask this same question.

Craig
www.bay912.org

[mcruickshank]

try www.912registry.org for all the specs and other info. It is a great site for getting to know the 912.

-Mark

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Thanks for the info..

[ScotMcLean]

I'm in Yuma and have both a 912 & a 912E so if you make it south send me an email - Scott

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Originally posted by ScotMcLean
I'm in Yuma and have both a 912 & a 912E so if you make it south send me an email - Scott

Great, what year is your 912? What do you enjoy about these cars? What do you dislike?

Thanks for the info...

[ScotMcLean]

My early 912 is a 69 (#3078). I like its hint of 356 style and chrome with far more interior room than a 356. The mechanical aspect of the car is pretty straightforward and even in Yuma I can get help in terms of repair if needed. It has a long hood and classic lines. I'm not concerned with 0-60mph times but it runs well. You feel the road in an early 912 and they are known for their balance.

My 912E (1976; #86) has a sunroof, updated safety features, and had a easier ride-feel to it. I use it more for day-to-day and trips to Tuscon (& Phoenix on occasion). It has a type 4 motor that could be, with Raby's help, to use your term "bees kness." For now it is stock and that's fine.

Yuma has a great VW group with sandrails, etc. so help can be found but the nearest Porsche dealer is San Diego or Phoenix. Older models, for me, are much more practical to own & use where we are. For my use 4 cylinders more than get me to where I need to be. In a 912 you avoid Lucas electronics, parts that are impossible to find, and get classic styling & fun for a relatively low investment.

You'll find many 912 owners have had other cars and really appreciate how 912 owners are typically helpful, hands on, and relaxed in terms of concours/outlaw/performance issues - though some appreciate all three areas to varying degrees.

My dislike is lack of A/C but there is more than one owner that has successfully installed it - and it is a dry heat in Yuma anyway

Scott

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Thanks for the info. Your input is really helpfull and much appreciated.