Hi All,
I have been lurking around here for a while before and since I purchased my first 911 and now that I have a few photos thought I would introduce myself and the new (to me) car
I picked up this '86 Carrera Cab off Ebay about two months ago with 106K mi on the clock. It had a glowing description and, of course spent most of its life in California and Arizona. According to the PO, it has had a tranny rebuild 9K miles ago, brake work, AC work (conv to 134A), and work to plug oil leaks and a few other odds and ends with receipts dating back to '93. Supposedly everything worked, nothing needed, etc. The car was in Alabama and I'm in Colorado and I didn't have the time to go down there and see the car in person, but the price was right and the PO did answer a lot of questions that led me to believe the car had good bones. The price was quite good I thought so I took a chance.
So, how did I do? Well, not too bad. I did get a PostPI and I was right - good bones. Strong engine with no drips; doesn't use any oil to speak of; good tranny that shifts well (better when cold weirdly); Great brakes and suspension. Steering is good as well. The body shows no signs of any accidents. The hood and right q-panel back to the door has been re-sprayed, but I suspect more for rock chips and such. No rust anywhere, but there has been some water on the left drivers side - probably from the top being open during some rain. Seats are ok - they were re-dyed (poorly), but the leather isn't badly cracked or worn. Carpet seems fine. All in all not bad. The top will need to be replaced before too long and the headliner was literally ripped out some time ago.
What I have done so far:
I removed and rebuilt the alternator. It was charging just fine, just super noisy.
Cleaned and polished fan and housing.
Full tuneup - Valves, oil and filter, plugs, air filter, rotor, cap, both fan belts.
Replaced all four CV booties (actually kind of fun!). Three were ripped, but the joints were fine.
Fixed (cleaned) door switch both sides
Fixed stuck heat air selector
Lubed both foot-well heater fans. Nice to get rid of the crazed squirrels!
Sent off and got speedo odometer fixed. Supposedly it broke when the car was shipped
Replaced the 10 year old tires with Michelin Pilot Exaltos
Unclogged the windshield washer reservoir and pump (euw!)
Replaced pass door lock pushrod.
Adjusted both driver and pass windows rise height and greased all the mechanisms
Adjusted pass door strike plate(door was proud)
Removed crappy CD changer in frunk
Cleaned electric seat switch contacts
Re-covered top and rear window seals with correct fabric.
Replaced POs awful shift knob with replica.
Replace burned out bulb under bonnet
Fixed left turn signal (switch not latching)
Lubed every cable and hinge and ball joint, etc.
Adjusted boot latch cable so boot latched properly
Things still on the short list:
Replace shifter bushings and adjust shift linkage
Replace 10yr old tranny fluid
I have a new headliner to install
Full alignment and center steering wheel
Get rear right sway bar mount repaired (welded)
Replace that noisy fuel pump and replace the filter (both on order)
Re-pack and adjust front wheel bearings
After all that, the car should be pretty good for a while. It starts and runs well; accelerates well and feels pretty solid. It really is a blast to drive! The first time I drove a 911, was to take it down to get the emissions! We also have an heirloom 58 356A that I finally have sorted (I think) and a 987 Boxster S so the Carrera fits right in the middle. It is really fun to drive one after the other and feel the lineage. I really like the connection you get with the 911. Compared to the 356 it is a beast! Raw and intense. Compared to the Boxster it is more engaging and rewarding when driven correctly, but more annoying and demanding when not driven with attention. It is a fun convertible easy to get the manual top up and down less fuss than the 356, and faster than the Boxster. Oh, and about that poser tail
Obviously not original (being a turbo tail), but it is from the 80s Cyndi Lauper and Boy George. It is outrageous but I love it!
The Carrera is that kind of car that is a bit of work to maintain and drive and you can be a bit tired after an outing, but you just cant get it out of your head and always leaves you dreaming of the next drive.
Finally I want to say thanks for all the help Ive gotten from the members here. You guys almost make it too easy with all the great knowledge and eagerness to help. Im sure Ill have lots more questions as new challenges come up.
Thanks,
Franny
