Best car for tinkering?

[jack h]

Here is my situation:

I have wanted a 911 for as long as I can remember. I have also recently developed an interest in tinkering with cars. I do not have much experience working on cars, but I would love to learn. I know tools and am a relatively handy person.

Do you think a '78-'83 SC would be a good car for me to jump into this new hobby of mine? What about a 912? One thing that worries me about anything older than 1977, however, is rust - I dont think I want to deal with it.

I am not interested in a 914, 944, or 928.

Thought? Suggestions?

[Eric-325I]

Hello Jack:

You describe me up until 4 weeks ago. Had cash, wanted 911, wanted to tinker... Looked at many 911s and ended up with a silver over black '79 SC. My priorities became (after looking at many dogs): sound engine and tranny, galvanized body, and the best of everything else I could get for 10 grand.

My SC had a complete tranny rebuild including clutch and shifter bushings, etc. and an engine with 100k, good compression and leak-down numbers, no leaks, and tons of receipts. Interior is super with the only blemish being a slight tear on the drivers seat bolster. It needs body work. Some relatively minor rust on one quarter panel and the paint is poor. I plan to replace most of the panels with fiberglass in a year or two on my own (backdating) and have been removing the air con crap, replacing seals and trim, shift kit, and other odds and ends.

Keep looking and don't become discouraged with the number of losers you will see. I almost quit looking and then found my baby.

Good Luck!

Eric

[aigel]

The SC or a Carrera are the one to go for, as you want to stay away from body work, leave alone rust repair. Prices are reasonable on the SC / Carrera. 10-15k will get you a decent car. Things will break or need upgrading even if you do not buy a "project car". Get something that drives, so you can have fun immediately. Technology on these cars is fairly modern (fuel injection instead of carburetors) and you can do everything yourself with a minimal investment in special tools. I have been the mechanic on my old SC all by myself and it only has seen a shop for alignments and tires. It was a blast.

George

[pwd72s]

A 912 is a great car for a beginning tinkerer...the '69 model also has the benefit of being a long wheelbase car.

[Zeke]

Early non MFI 911 that has been gone thru once and just needs maintenance and care. It costs just as much to work on a 912, you just get the advantage of a lower buy in. Just my .02 and I've had a lot of cars.