Buying a 911

[jack.pe]

Hello,

Got bored of my 1200GS BMW bike and looking to go back to a classic car. I have owned a 1969 Alfa GTV before so not totally green on classics but know little of 911s. Today I went to see a 1976 Targa, the 2.7 litre engine model.. I could not find an exact match for this model on the forums, they seems to jump from 1974 to the 1978 SC models so put my post on here. Does anyone have any hints or tips on what I should be looking out for? this car had some bubbling on the rear of the left sill where it starts to curve up to follow the door line, in one area it had come through so once the paint is taken off I would assume it to be more extensive but not sure how serious/normal this is. It also had signs of minor welding on the door frame at waist height a bit above the door catch, roughly at the height of the top of the door (the door itself not including the window).

Any advice would be appreciated also on what are the best sites (Aside from this one) and on any good independent dealers in West London, or good mechanics as I would probably want to get any car inspected before I bought it..
I'm looking to spend between 9-10k for a car of these years (74-76) as they seem the best value and would want a sound, reliable car but obviously not a minter, is this realistic?

Cheers
Jack

 

[GeoffB]

Hi, firstly a good 911 is a superb tool. A bad one is a money pit. Rust is the bugbear, checkout impactbumpers.com they have a superb write up on rust. The area you are looking at on that car is the usual place, however its what is behind is the issue. Put your hand up the rear arch behind the door jamb (inboard of the door lock)this is the kidney bowl area. Rust here will be about £1500/side to correct. You need to cut out the door jamb to get access. If this area is full of mud clean out and check how rusty it is. Engines are pretty robust, gearbox (assume this is a 915) will be notchy and vague but check syncros these wear quite badly, but can be rebuilt.
Loook on the above website and you will get full photos of the ares to look
Good luck, when you get a good one it will always bring a grin to your face
Geoff

 

[jack.pe]

Hi, Thanks for that, will look at the impactbumber site. I have to say I'm getting quite excited, love the look of these cars and when he got it out the garage today it looked fantastic in its 70s kind of way. Took it for a quick spin too though he was driving it all felt fairly smooth. Wha kind of MPG does one expect on these cars, 25-30? or worse?

 

[GeoffB]

Jack
not sure on the 2.7 but book says for urban 20.8mpg for my 3.2 but to be honest have no idea.It does seeem very economical on long journeys as high gearing helps. If i were you look for the local region meeting and go along and ask questions. All the guys are friendly and most will only be to happy to show you pitfalls on the cars
Geoff

 

[nervy]

Hi,
I am just about to put my 1978 SC Targa up for sale, she is in very good condition, no rust, stainless steel exhaust, all necessary work (brakes, servicing, replacement parts etc) always carried out when needed, using genuine Porsche parts. Regularly serviced by a good independent Porsche specialist. Email me for pictures and more details. ap1james@btinternet.com. NB: the earlier SC's did not have full body galvaniising and consequently rusted - mines galvanized.

 

[BrewsterBear]

ORIGINAL: jack.pe

Hi, Thanks for that, will look at the impactbumber site.

Be *very* careful on that forum. There are a number of very inflated egos on that site and if you don't fit in you'll be banned unceremoniously.

 

[chrishak]

On the contrary, I have found the impact bumpers site invaluable for advice from real people who have "been there and done that". It is easy to mistake humour, opinion, banter etc., for an inflated ego, but if you own, are thinking of buying, or are just interested in discussions about IB 911's, this is the best site around. Yes, there are some boundary's that should not be crossed, but they are fairly wide, and clearly laid out in the "rules".

ORIGINAL: BrewsterBear

ORIGINAL: jack.pe

Hi, Thanks for that, will look at the impactbumber site.

Be *very* careful on that forum. There are a number of very inflated egos on that site and if you don't fit in you'll be banned unceremoniously.

 

[BrewsterBear]

It is easy to mistake humour, opinion, banter etc., for an inflated ego

I'm sure it might be, but that simply isn't the case. For starters, don't mention the [PCGB] club, forum or any of it's functions/meets over there or you *will* be banned. There are a number of members who will testify to this. The nature of the prolific posters over there played a large part in my decision to sell my SC. I really wouldn't want to be associated with them. I'm not saying they're all bad guys, but the prolific posters do spend a large majority of their time up each others backsides and if you don't kiss John Glynn's bottom everytime he posts one his numerous suspect opinions then you will be looked upon very unfavourably.

I'm not saying don't use the website, just be very careful how you use it.