Garage Find - Is it worth it? 1978 911sc Targa
#16
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I do not own a shop, but I have access to a few. I have been working on cars for 20 years now, certified garage mechanic, but have done just about everything but body work, and intend to do the same with this car. Part of the reason I want is as a project that I can take down to next to nothing as I have no time frame for completing it.
My original post sounded much more naïve than intended. I won't take it down however, as maybe someone else can learn from it.
My original post sounded much more naïve than intended. I won't take it down however, as maybe someone else can learn from it.
#18
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
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Hey Devin,
I'm glad you found my thoughts helpful as I didn't want to sound negative, just realistic. I am no stranger to projects, and I love doing the work if it's work I love doing. It always depends on the nature of the work and whether I will enjoy it. I've been a "handy" guy since I was a kid and helping my parents fix stuff around the house ...my dad told us boys that he'd rather pay us than the handyman. And thus, this grease monkey/gearhead grew up with my hands in everything! All to say, if it's a labor of love for you and the wife, so long as you go in eyes wide open, it's an exciting adventure that you may just end up cherishing for a very long time! Kudos, man!!![Big Grin](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Hey quad,
I'm not really on the pulse of prices since I never plan on ever selling my little beasties, so my info is all anecdotal and casual. That said, I definitely recall 993 prices going bazonkers many years ago, like stupid nutty prices! And now, these many years later, they are have settled, at least for the "regular" narrow body cars. Now turbos, S cars, or ultra lo-mile queens are a diff story as those guys always command the highest.
Edward
I'm glad you found my thoughts helpful as I didn't want to sound negative, just realistic. I am no stranger to projects, and I love doing the work if it's work I love doing. It always depends on the nature of the work and whether I will enjoy it. I've been a "handy" guy since I was a kid and helping my parents fix stuff around the house ...my dad told us boys that he'd rather pay us than the handyman. And thus, this grease monkey/gearhead grew up with my hands in everything! All to say, if it's a labor of love for you and the wife, so long as you go in eyes wide open, it's an exciting adventure that you may just end up cherishing for a very long time! Kudos, man!!
![Big Grin](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Hey quad,
I'm not really on the pulse of prices since I never plan on ever selling my little beasties, so my info is all anecdotal and casual. That said, I definitely recall 993 prices going bazonkers many years ago, like stupid nutty prices! And now, these many years later, they are have settled, at least for the "regular" narrow body cars. Now turbos, S cars, or ultra lo-mile queens are a diff story as those guys always command the highest.
Edward
#19
Burning Brakes
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So, I have been there, done that in terms of a full restoration of an early 911. It's not for the faint-of-heart or shallow-of-pockets. This car sounds potentially reasonable given your experience and goals, assuming you want a long-term, very expensive, time-consuming hobby that will occupy a space in your garage on a semi-permanent basis and will almost certainly wind up under water financially. Which it sounds like you do. Nevertheless, you have given almost no useful information about this car's condition, which is the most important consideration. Have you actually seen it? You need to go over it with a fine-tooth comb and be thorough and brutally honest. Nobody here can give you any real advice without a lot more information than you've given so far. Best wishes on what could be a fun project or a disaster, depending.
Last edited by raspritz; 05-09-2021 at 01:43 PM.
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NeufCentOnze (05-11-2021)
#20
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I am in almost the same boat and came here to research the "oh-nos" of started a 'barn find' type resto. The car in my situation is a one owner '86 911. She bought the car new and has the history of the maintence until the car was parked 10-ish years ago. It was running at that time. It has been in her partially heated garage (not kept at room temp but above freezing) during the hybernation. My thinking is that every piece of rubber on the vehicle is suspect. I will scope the cylinders before doing anything crazy with the engine. Certainly I will be underwater on the car, but that matters little to me. Is there a checklist for starting the dormant air cooleds?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
#21
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Have you considered waiting for a great deal on a finished car with history? If money is not a top concern then id recommend shopping till you find exactly what you want, finished ready to drive. By the time you sort out all the pitfalls with the rehab project, spend the time and money... youd probably be in the same place $$wise with a finished one. My take on owning a porsche is NEVER buy one that needs anything.. capitalize on the last owner sorting that out and take advantage of HIS loss.. Not a fan of Targas, id rather drive a coupe all day, my 2c..
#22
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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So, I have been there, done that in terms of a full restoration of an early 911. It's not for the faint-of-heart or shallow-of-pockets. This car sounds potentially reasonable given your experience and goals, assuming you want a long-term, very expensive, time-consuming hobby that will occupy a space in your garage on a semi-permanent basis and will almost certainly wind up under water financially. Which it sounds like you do. Nevertheless, you have given almost no useful information about this car's condition, which is the most important consideration. Have you actually seen it? You need to go over it with a fine-tooth comb and be thorough and brutally honest. Nobody here can give you any real advice without a lot more information than you've given so far. Best wishes on what could be a fun project or a disaster, depending.