should I buy a unfinished rebuild 1979 Porsche 911S

Anson · 03-30-2011, 10:55 PM

My friend's uncle has a Porsche that has been setting underneath a tarp for as long as I meant my friend. Known my friend for 6 years already. I always wanted a older Porsche. I decided to take a look at the Porsche. My friend told me it was a 1979 Porsche but I am unsure if that is correct. Uncle says all the parts are in the car but it looks like most of the parts are there. He also told me it ran before he left it under the tarp and repainted. His uncle will sell it to me for 3k. I am wondering is that is a good deal and what kind of issue can I run into with the engine since it has been sitting? I wasn't able to start the car because he didn't know where he placed it... I had to go so I didn't get to ask more questions like mileage and why it was painted....

but I was able to get some pictures. I took a picture of a serial number but don't think that will be useful. I am more worried about if this would a good purchase. Any other information would be helpful

Also I would like to do as much repair myself.

86911tlcab · 03-31-2011, 06:07 AM

From someone who is in the middle of a similar project...you need to really have the time and the desire to make it work. You might get lucky and after sitting for 6 years, change the oil and the car fires up on all 6 cylinders and runs...but if it has been sitting that long, it is more liely the engine wont run properly and if you want the car to run, you may very likely have to sink quite a bit more into the car to get it running. For example, a replacement 3.0 engine can be had for somewhere between 4-5K. You might get 2 for yours as core. So even if you have all the parts to put the car back together, just consider it could require a minimum of 2-3K to get it back on the road. That number could be higher, depending on your wrenching skills and what else might be wrong with the car.

The other side of that same coin, from a guy who couldnt tell you where the oil filter was on any car 5 years ago...it is one heck of a learning experience...but plan to take your time, verify the wiring, learn all you can while you are messing with it...its fun, but isnt going to happen quickly...

After all I have learned, I would do the following...get the car running, and fine someone who can do a compression test/leakdown test on the engine...then post the results...if they are ok...then 3k for this car would be a good deal and a good learning experience. If not, then do you have the capacity to swap the engine yourself. If not, then dont buy the car. If you can, then it is all up to the availability of the additional monies to get the car up and running...otherwise you are going to transfer this headache from his car port to yours.

My 2 cents worth...

Vin-barrett · Vin-barrett's Garage

it's not a 79 with the 2.7 and small flares, maybe a 77?

86911tlcab · 03-31-2011, 08:23 AM

Engine actually says it is a 77...

Matt Monson · 03-31-2011, 10:05 AM

The question that you need to answer before anyone can give you a solid answer is will you be reassembling the vehicle and doing the work on it or paying someone to do it?

Assuming that the underside isn't riddled with rust worm, $3000 is a fair price for what I see on the surface. But to pay a shop to put it together and make it run will be 2-3 times your purchase price. If you've got the skills and 100 hours of your time to do it right though, as a $3000 car it's got some potential. It's just hard to say on such limited information and I suggest you read through this forum on similar threads where people are advised on how to inspect these cars and what to look for.

dienstuhr · dienstuhr's Garage

Man that engine looks nasty...

schumicat · 03-31-2011, 11:14 AM

you would be better off in $ and time spending $7k for a somewhat rough, but running driving, braking, turning. $3k sounds like a deal, until you spend 3x that to get it in usable shape.

Ferrariguyma · Ferrariguyma's Garage

Not worth it. By the time you get the car safe, usable, running an inspectible you will be into it for what you could buy a running useable 911 for. Mid-years with 2.7's are at the bottom of the pecking order and factor in the brown paint.

Pass my friend.

1974-89 911's are great but they are not investments. They are used cars.

Six Gun · 04-01-2011, 10:00 AM

Run Forest, Run

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

My guess is that it's a '77 S.

I recently scouted a '77S here in California with rebuilt engine and some interior cosmetic issues, needing paint work (peeling clearcoat) for $9500. Even at 3X the price, that would be a better deal than a car that's been sitting under a tarp for 6 years. In my experience, bolts and nuts and other pieces are lost over the years and you'll spend a lot of time finding fasteners, etc. A 911 in this condition is best dealt with by someone who has done it before.

Anson · 04-01-2011, 01:35 PM

Thank you for everyone's input. I have a tough decision to make. I do plan on putting the car back together myself if I do purchase the car. I am assuming if the car runs it is a good buy but if it doesn't I will move on to another. Making a list of things to look for I have is: first thing is if it runs at all, Mileage, Rust anywhere, reason for the repaint, accidents and records. After that I will schedule a PPI

Anson

chaozz · 04-01-2011, 03:18 PM

maybe have it sent to a shop for inspection, make sure the engine will even turn over by hand.

If you have not done this before you might end up selling it in 6 years with 5k into and still
not moving on its own.

really should have it inspected.

budge96 · 04-05-2011, 01:21 PM

For sure it doesn't run .not well at least..if this can be purchased for $2500 or less go for it,
the paint looks like a nice job if you like seinna and if you pick up a three liter you've got a decent runner(thats another 3500.00 )

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

at $3,000 I would buy it.