1976 911S ressurection

[jacksonm]

Just bought this 911S - has been in storage and not driven for 20 years! 78k miles. It's all there but has obvious needs. Does motor turn? All rubber is perished. Brakes are frozen. Paint is in bad shape but no apparent rust. Interior is very nice, but that's about it.
Will be a fun (and expensive) project.
Wish me luck!

[fanaudical]

Someone once told me: "Don't buy a cheap Porsche unless you can afford 2 or 3 of them..."

Yours sounds like the '75 Targa I dragged home in 2010. It was expensive and worth every penny. There's rust - you just haven't found it yet. Welcome to the madness!

[HarryD]

Some good signs. Nice interior. Looks like you have the updated Carrera tensioners and the 11-blade fan. Does it have an oil cooler in the front passenger side fender?

I would ditch the blue coil for the proper coil. I assume the CDI box is present.

[HarryD]

You may find this Series of YouTube videos inspiring or depressing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1nEFQIb3Aw&list=PLnvfHb4ut8tajRpb1X8edK1JHQWKB6T0e

[jacksonm]

Originally Posted by HarryD

You may find this Series of YouTube videos inspiring or depressing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1nEFQIb3Aw&list=PLnvfHb4ut8tajRpb1X8edK1JHQWKB6T0e

Thanks for the link! I'm definitely subscribed to this!
Does make me a feel a lot better about my starting point. I'm also in SC, so I'll have to look him up!

[wjdunham]

Looks like a pretty reasonable starting point. Interior looks great which is especially good for a Targa that has sat for a long time. Must have at least been indoors? "No apparent rust" if true is of course a big deal. Looks like a solid complete car, lots of work for sure, but mostly unbolt, refresh, bolt back on sort of work.

Good luck, will be following along!

Bill

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Nice pick up! Looks pretty solid. Good luck with the project

[jacksonm]

Originally Posted by wjdunham

Looks like a pretty reasonable starting point. Interior looks great which is especially good for a Targa that has sat for a long time. Must have at least been indoors? "No apparent rust" if true is of course a big deal. Looks like a solid complete car, lots of work for sure, but mostly unbolt, refresh, bolt back on sort of work.

Good luck, will be following along!

Bill

Thanks, Bill.
Yes, I believe it was mainly kept indoors. History is a bit incomplete - owner was a collector and had many nice cars - but health issues forced sale by his family. He also has a '78 928 black on black 5spd with 8k original miles! Time capsule car. And a 2001 BMW M5 with 14k miles.
The 911 was driven but only 12k miles during the 16 years he owned (and drove) it. Has sat for almost 20 years.

Mark

[jacksonm]

Also, family found some old photos from when the care was driven. Had the stainless steel Targa roll bar and I think chrome headlight covers.

[jacksonm]

Assuming the Targa bar has been painted, what is the best/safest method to restore back to brushed metal?
Thanks!

[jacksonm]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Some good signs. Nice interior. Looks like you have the updated Carrera tensioners and the 11-blade fan. Does it have an oil cooler in the front passenger side fender?

I would ditch the blue coil for the proper coil. I assume the CDI box is present.

It does have the front oil cooler (trombone style).
CDI box is gone - replaced with a Perma Tune. ??
Still working on wheels, suspension, brakes (were frozen). Haven't tried turning the motor yet. New Danske Fuel tank and Len Cummings fuel lines ordered.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by jacksonm

It does have the front oil cooler (trombone style).

Ok place to start. Can upgrade to carrera cooler later as needed.

CDI box is gone - replaced with a Perma Tune. ??

They are ok until they are not. Replace as needed. You DO need to get the corrrct coil to ensure longevity.

Still working on wheels, suspension, brakes (were frozen). Haven't tried turning the motor yet. New Danske Fuel tank and Len Cummings fuel lines ordered.

If it was me, I would focus on the motor as it represents the most costly item. If bad, you have done tough choices to make. My order of priority would be drive train, stopping, fuel, suspension, cosmetics.

[motorstereo]

"They are ok until they are not. Replace as needed. You DO need to get the correct coil to ensure longevity."


I too have the blue coil on my SC-- what coil should I be using?

I have a black one (in my spare parts toolbox in case of failure).

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by motorstereo

"They are ok until they are not. Replace as needed. You DO need to get the correct coil to ensure longevity."


I too have the blue coil on my SC-- what coil should I be using?

I have a black one (in my spare parts toolbox in case of failure).

If it was me, I would swap them. Keep the blue as a backup.

[jacksonm]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Ok place to start. Can upgrade to carrera cooler later as needed.



They are ok until they are not. Replace as needed. You DO need to get the corrrct coil to ensure longevity.



If it was me, I would focus on the motor as it represents the most costly item. If bad, you have done tough choices to make. My order of priority would be drive train, stopping, fuel, suspension, cosmetics.

Harry,
What do you advise regarding the Permatune? replace now with CDI+ ?
The brakes were stuck and had to be replaced just to roll it.
I am keeping my fingers crossed on the motor. I think at my price point I should be "okay" if a new motor is needed, and ahead if not. Unless horrors await, I am committed to bringing her back.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by jacksonm

Harry,
What do you advise regarding the Permatune? replace now with CDI+ ?
The brakes were stuck and had to be replaced just to roll it.
I am keeping my fingers crossed on the motor. I think at my price point I should be "okay" if a new motor is needed, and ahead if not. Unless horrors await, I am committed to bringing her back.

If the Permatune is working, I would let it be and address it when the time comes.

You have enough on your plate to get on the road without looking for extra work. The Permatune is far down the list.

[ADDvanced]

Wow.... the year, condition, and vibe of that thing remind me of my 77 targa, which was also sitting for 20 years when I bought it. I rebuilt the calipers using $6 seals and drove it for a few years, and then 2 years ago I tore into it to refresh it properly.

If you want a youtube series focused on actual porsche mechanics, not just generic bodywork progress on a 911, follow my series:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuUnOD-P-8CEFy0FIS0RUA-fvp4SwZ3_g

I've done everything myself except the trans rebuild.... I suggest you pull the engine/trans, check headstuds, if those are good/holding, do a leak down, and go from there. If you have decent leak down #s and no broken head studs, it's mainly just replacing seals/a lot more affordable. If you have pulled headstuds or need rings... well..... yeah. Bend over.