New/Proud Owner Seeking Advice - '82 911SC

[56 nomad]

Originally Posted by 67flat4

My guess the shop rate is $110/hr not bad for the bay area in cali.

++1 on tidybouy
i guess i didn't know what what you meant when you said "not" bad ...glad we agree on pricing and doing it yourself if possible.
my thoughts on the service issue are to get educated , know your limitations and if you want to tackle a project and get in over your head ..ask for
some help.
just because its a porsche and deserves (you want it done right don't you?!)the best yada yada yada... i would not bring it in and throw money at it.some things require special expertise/tools or that critical time factor to get the job done so it boils down to can you do it is it worth your time and effort etc etc.
again my 2c, regards, ben

[JAR0023]

No way I would pay those prices. Oil changes and brake jobs are basic do it yourself fare but there is the safety issue involved with the brakes. My thoughts are if you can read the 101 and Bentley and smart enough to know your left from your right you can do all these jobs yourself. If you've never done brake lines before and are worried there's probably a Pelican near you who'd help out. Honestly any compentent mechanic can swap in new pads/rotors and lines. Doesn't need to be a Porsche mechanic.

J

[pete3799]

Give your location.......i'll fly out and do it cheaper.
In other words.....find another shop.
As said these are all easy fixes.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

I don't see the charges for the KY Jelly......

That's probably because the process is going to be done "dry"!

[Tidybuoy]

One more comment. Even if you are not currently mechanically inclined, I would recommend finding a friend who can help you and get the 101 projects book. In addition, whenever I'm tackling a project that I've never done, I have found that there is always a YouTube video with someone showing you how.

I recommend that when doing things like brakes and suspension, I recommend doing one side at a time. This way you can refer to the complete side for a visual. Too many times I have pulled both struts off the car only to find that I can't remember the order of the washers or something simple - and Murphy's Law will never have a picture in he instructions when you need it.

Lastly, with an older 911, there are less and less experienced mechanics that are familiar with our cars. This is a car that will run well for a long time but may need ocasional tinkering - I think you will get the best quality mechanic in yourself. Then, when a big project does come along, you can at least discuss with a pro and understand the topic.

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by jheeze1

Pelicans,

I'm happy to announce after years of searching & perusing Pelican I'm now the proud owner of an '82 911SC. I will post pic soon, but do need some advice...

I took her (SCarlet) in for a once over and the mechanic has come back with a laundry list of items...nothing major. But, I'm looking for feedback on how the prices look and which projects I could get my hands dirty on rather than paying the mechanic (I'm a novice but have assistance from an intermediate):

1) Oil Change - $307 - I challenged the mechanic on this but he said this was not a project to start w/ due to two oil temperatures and reading meters..?
2) Parking Brake Adjustment - $187
3) Oil Gasket Change - $210
4) Replace front brakes (pads/discs) - $1366
5) Replace Horns - $385
6) Replace Washer Pump - $201
7) Brake Fluid Flush/New Hoses - $456

My initial thoughts, based on the mechanics feedback, were to have him take the first three in the list and I try my hand at the remaining.

Note: I'm waiting for my Bentley manual and reading the 101 projects now. Any other must-have books out there? Also, 101 dubs the oil change as a simple project...?

Any and all advice would be appreciated and thanks in advance!

Justin

This guy has seen you coming, is on crack or has pictures of you in a compromising position......run.

[jheeze1]

Called yesterday to have all work stopped... too late of course. So, looks like I got burned but have learned my lesson and definitely completing the list (#4-7) myself.

I appreciate all the advice/feedback. I live downtown Chicago if anyone wants to get together for a drive.

Here are some pics: Porsche pictures by willyz62 - Photobucket

Thanks again!
-Justin

[JoeyD911]

Jheez,
Six years ago I was in the same boat as you. Even the same car! Step one, take a deep breath, things aren't that bad. All your projects can be done yourself with a good manual and some advice from all the good people here. On my 82SC I've done the brakes, oil changes, Clutch adjust, Shift coupler rebuild, Tune up and other misc. things here and there. i had only worked on American made vehicles up to then. The engine and other components are a bit intimidating at first, but once you get used to the German engineering, it all seems to make sense. I'm even feeling confident enough these days that on the next oil change I'm going to tackle my first valve adjustment, and you better believe I'll be asking some stupid questions to the board during that one!

My only bit of advice, you will someday need a competent shop to do certain things if you don't have the tools, time or room to do them. The guy you're speaking to now is most likely not that shop! Find the shop in your area that has the best reputation, not the best price. I was dumb and never had a PPI done when I got my SC. That decision cost me a 15K engine rebuild. I had found some cut rate shops that said they could do the work, ended up going with the highest price, but only because the reputation of the shop was so good and I had seen some of the racing engines they had built.

Research is your best guard against getting screwed, as is being a member here. Welcome to the sickness and enjoy the hell out of it.

[Jdub]

Justin:

If you have some shop space or garage where you can work on the car that will be a big help. The prices quoted do seem high, but that is the burden the Porsche puts us under - you buy a "prestige" car and everyone assumes you have a prestige wallet - not so.

The money you might spend on those fixes is better put into the tools you will need long-term to maintain your car. Again, if you have the space, you can start racking up the tools and perform the self-serve. I guarantee if you can find a Pelicanite with experience close by (there must be dozens...) and consider paying them a small stipend you will learn and have the tools you need as well.

Best of luck - great cars, the SC. You bought a good one. Pics.

[56 nomad]

Originally Posted by jheeze1

Called yesterday to have all work stopped... too late of course. So, looks like I got burned but have learned my lesson and definitely completing the list (#4-7) myself.

I appreciate all the advice/feedback. I live downtown Chicago if anyone wants to get together for a drive.

Here are some pics: Porsche pictures by willyz62 - Photobucket

Thanks again!
-Justin

justin,
could have been worse, i am sure we've all been there ..don't let this experience ruin the ownership of the car..lesson learned move on and enjoy.
regards, ben

[Kemo]

first of all...welcome! second of all, you will be surprised at how many people on this board will pretty much walk you thru ANY problems you may encounter with maintenance. Hell, I would bet you could lure a pelicanite over to your garage with a couple of beers for bait. Search, search and search again...just about everything is covered right here or in Waynes 101 Projects book. and remember...advice comes faster when you post pictures of your car

[81 SC Ray]

Hi Justin,

Bottom line with Porsche ownership is that unless you are wealthy, you have to learn to do this stuff yourself. The good news is - short of an engine or tranmission rebuild, everything else on our cars is pretty easy to deal with. It just takes some research and some time.

I looked up the actual prices of the items you needed from our host....

You paid $3112 for your parts and labor.

You could have paid:
$65 for oil and filter (the oil was not from Pelican - it is Brad Penn I get locally)
$47 per rotor and $22 for pads
$56 for high pitch horn
$56 for low pitch horn
$47 for washer pump
$54 for 4 stailess braided brake lines

Total: $392

Not trying to "rub it in" or be a jerk. Trying to make a new Pelican understand that classic Porsche ownership is very reasonable if you do it yourself with parts from folks like Wayne (Pelican Parts). A Bentley manual, this forum and some motivation will go a long way in keeping your Porsche affordable.

Now on the other hand, if you are filthy rich - pay to have it done and just drive the hell out of it

Ray

[Tidybuoy]

Ijust saw these factory horns for sale on the Pelican classifieds....A lot less than the $385 that your mechanic wants. It would take about 10 minutes to install.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/685817-high-low-horns.html

[goat]

Well I would rack this up as a lesson learned.
All these pelicans told you some good and bad news.
I have helped fellow Pelicans and they have helped me.
I am sure if you send a call for help there are many people that will help you with any troubles you have in the future, and walk you though your first of many dyi projects.

[suprxman]

The mechanic is surely going to cover the price of the K Y jelly.
Give him a break.

[Joe Bob]

Water or petroleum based?

[rwest]

Joe Bob,

With all the environmental rules, it's probably water based and they don't list it as a line item on the invoice, it's just grouped under "shop supplies."

Best,
Rutager

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Water or petroleum based?

Which works best for you?!

[Joe Bob]

Well, yo mama always liked Crisco best......

[Ronnie's.930]

She showed YOU that trick, too?!