Free 1973 E - What to do with it?

[wnsolomon]

It looks like I may have the chance to get the '73 E below for the effort of taking it away. It belonged to a man who died about three years ago but suffered for a while before that from Alzheimer's (and therefore the car set parked under the tarp for at least three years). It's in rough shape, the quarter panel forward of the antenna is rusted completely through as well as the right rear panel just aft of the door. There's lots of other surface rust as well. The condensation you see on the windscreen is inside the car and it is very moldy inside. When I got to look at the car in person the owner wasn't home and so I couldn't open the engine compartment, bonnet, or interior. I also, of course, haven't been able to look at the pans. However, I know that it is a one owner car, original engine, and has never been wrecked...

I know it could be parted out for a profit, but my quesiton is: "When is rust repair not worth it?" I have been looking for a project for a while and my time horizon is measured in years, not months. What do you think?

Thanks,
Nathan

[silverc4s]

Well, it's a longhood, that makes it worth considering IMHO. 1973 is a very desirable year, but this car is rusty, an E, and a targa which will knock it down a few pegs on the best day.
So, let's say it is complete and original, to start with. That means numbers match on engine & trans, COA info agrees with color & equipment, the MFI is complete. the front spoiler is metal (looks a bit rusty, so it probably is...)
If all that were the case, the car would likely be worth restoration, and could be done in a way the would not have you too upside down. The rust is the big question remaining. If it is structural, like bad rockers, rear torque tube, ft/rear suspension mounts, etc. it can be very labor intensive in a highly skilled area. Literally needing dollars in $10K chunks to rectify.
It is not worth it, then when the cost of rust repair takes the TOTAL resto cost above any reasonable value estimate for the finished car. Unless you love it, then go ahead if you want to.

>>>

[Macroni]

a picture is worth a thousand words; search "speedo" check out his thread on his 1966.

[TWork]

I think it's a worthwhile project for someone who has the skills and approaches it as a hobby car. There's absolutely no way you'd ever recoup your cost in parts and pieces, let alone man hours to get it done. I haven't seen any posts from DarrylD lately, but looks he's still at it. He's's a great example of someone who'd tackle a project like this and what it entails.

http://members.aol.com/darryld/912.htm

[budge96]

Common..its well worth it if the price is drag it away! What are these guys talking about?
Get it check it over and decide weather to take on the project or pass along a great deal !!
easy peasy..i'm in Dc ,let me know thanks

[Wickd89]

Easy one. Get it running, get ride of the mold and fix the seals. If the rust is minimal, just leave it and drive it around.
After enjoying it for a year or two, SELL it and give the money to an Alzheimer's group or association! Now that would be a classy move!!!!
Let the family know that their pop's old car was sold to help others that had his affliction.

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by budge96

Common..its well worth it if the price is drag it away! What are these guys talking about?
Get it check it over and decide weather to take on the project or pass along a great deal !!
easy peasy..i'm in Dc ,let me know thanks

This is a plan.....I would pursue

[wnsolomon]

All,

Yes, I'll be taking the car even were it held together by paint. The thing is, though, I won't know the extent of the rust until it's in my possession. Only when I begin the evaluation will I know the extent of the rust. Thanks to all for their kind "in the blind" offers to buy the car but special thanks for those who have posted with special knowledge of dealing with extensive rust.

Nathan

[katana]

tell me where it is ill take it

[EarlyPorsche]

Originally Posted by katana

tell me where it is ill take it

Not sure that was ever an option.

[umfan866]

Before making your decision - read "The Gold Plated Porsche: How I Sank
A Small Fortune into a Used Car, and other Misadventures"

http://www.seqair.com/Hangar/Wilkinson/GoldPlated/GoldPlated.html
http://www.seqair.com/Hangar/Wilkinson/FlatSix/FlatSix.html

I think Mr. Wilkinson is also on this Pelican board.

This book made me realize that the cheapest Porsche is the mint,
babied one that you pay a premium for, because it will cost you next
to nothing, versus a beat-up, uncared for, or rusty / neglected one.
The "free" Porsche could cost you way, way more than a nice used
one. Just make sure it is what you want to do before you get into it.