To Project or Not to Project: 1970 911E

[Bravoaloha]

I made this post originally over in the Affordable Longhood thread under the Marketplace Discussion forum but I am too impatient to get opinions to wait for responses in that much less traveled thread! If I pull the trigger this will become the build thread.

I would love thoughts from Pelican on this “affordable longhand”. 1970 911E, steel wide-body flares, numbers matching motor/transmission (no details on condition), rust that looks like it could be manageable or could turn out to be a complete nightmare (floor seems manageable, lower passenger windshield corner is a big question mark, that whole section under the windshield looks bad, and driver rocker and front suspension pan not looking good).

I am second in line to take this baby home for $18k. She was listed at $24k- this excited me in viewing the first round of pics (this post), which made the car look mostly rust-free. The second round of pics (next post) showed all the issues mentioned which scared me off quite a bit. I negotiated down to $18k (which on one hand I think is a good deal for a longhand project, but on the other hand I don’t think is cheap enough to make a big difference given all this car needs). I know (think) for $18k I could make money on this but I don't want to be a flipper, I want a 911 project that doesn't drive me to drink.

Phase One of my plan would be to do rust repair myself, (hopefully with some assistance from local PCA friends with metal work experience), get the drivetrain going, and sort out major issues to get this thing roadworthy (I use that term loosely).

From there I would do some small projects here and there but mostly keep it a nasty rat rod and have fun.

Phase Two would be a major restoration down the road.

For context I had an ’86 911 with a 3.6 and G50. I did everything on that car except for opening up the motor/transmission and metalwork. Have done a head gasket on an 80’s Land Cruiser and other general work. I am not underestimating the size of this project, but I do have aspirations of learning to do metalwork. I believe with the help of the great people here at Pelican and some local friends I can make this happen.

Am I crazy? Would you pick this up for $18k? Am I missing anything glaring my less experienced eyes missed? (What is going on with that fuel tank??)

Thanks in advance.

[Bravoaloha]

[Bravoaloha]

One more:

[RobFrost]

I used to be a professional car welder and I bought a car in much better condition than that, which I do the bodywork on evenings and weekends, and I'm about 3 years in now, having not got to painting it yet.

I'd buy that for $18k if I wanted a project for fun but it's not a project on which to learn how to do metalwork. You'll leave the car in worse condition than you found it.

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[RobFrost]

It probably needs to go on a celette to sort the front and the windscreen area. You should check carefully around the rear torsion tubes and the rear chassis where it comes down in front of the wheels. That area's complicated and will probably be a nightmare on this car. Very complicated, even for a skilled metalworker with a Celette.

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[PeteKz]

It looks like a flood car. If so, there will be more rust internally where you can't see it.

[Uwon]

LOL…..Brings back recent memories. One suggestion…don’t take shortcuts.
Following….
Johan

[70SATMan]

Plus side, it’s a sunroof silver E and you should buy it just for that at 18k.

Minus side, that’s not a car to “get running while doing small projects on”.

That whole front end is a hot mess. I can’t even fathom what was going on in that mind.

[Bravoaloha]

Thanks everyone for your input. My dad has a rusty 914 parts car. Maybe I should start there for some practice

Originally Posted by RobFrost

I'd buy that for $18k if I wanted a project for fun but it's not a project on which to learn how to do metalwork. You'll leave the car in worse condition than you found it.

Besides the 914, how would you suggest I get some experience/practice? I have looked into local community college welding classes, but they don't seem to cover bodywork really. On the contrary, I can't find any part-time body classes, they all seem to be full-time.

No word yet on my status in line. Will check-in tomorrow.

[GeorgeK]

That is a *full* resto, down to a naked shell, on a jig, tons of welding. Not one piece will go back on without work.
The travel can be the adventure in and of itself, but it is a TON of work.

[930cabman]

Yes, I would say you are about 70% crazy. Sure it's restorable but at what cost? Anything can be restored, but how much will you have into it when it's complete. I would guess maybe 20k for metal work, another 15k for paint, another 15k for engine, its adds up quickly

[Dan J]

The math doesn't work on this one

[Bravoaloha]

Thanks for all the input guys. I have not heard from the seller and have no reached out. The search continues!