1974 911 Targa Purchase
08-20-2021, 09:38 AM
#1
1974 911 Targa Purchase
Hi Everyone.
I've always been a Porsche fan, but ultimately always found a BMW that I wanted a little more.
That looks like it will change in the near future as a family member is offering to sell me their 1974 911 Targa. I'm excited about the car, but also a little anxious, as the car has been sitting for at least 20 years.
I guess my question to the forum is where should I start? My plan is to have the car towed to my garage, but after that, I'm a little flat-footed in how to move forward and who I should consult (I live in Metro Detroit).
Fortunately, the purchase price is very fair, and I have some familiarity with German car expenses, but nothing really at this level.
Any help on shops and what I should look at prior to sending it somewhere to understand the real condition would be appreciated!
I've always been a Porsche fan, but ultimately always found a BMW that I wanted a little more.
That looks like it will change in the near future as a family member is offering to sell me their 1974 911 Targa. I'm excited about the car, but also a little anxious, as the car has been sitting for at least 20 years.
I guess my question to the forum is where should I start? My plan is to have the car towed to my garage, but after that, I'm a little flat-footed in how to move forward and who I should consult (I live in Metro Detroit).
Fortunately, the purchase price is very fair, and I have some familiarity with German car expenses, but nothing really at this level.
Any help on shops and what I should look at prior to sending it somewhere to understand the real condition would be appreciated!
08-20-2021, 03:28 PM
#2
in Detroit I'd first consult a body shop for rust
1. To drive it you will want to take care of critical safety items like the braking system. See my sig.
2. Next, you pull the plugs and see if you can turn it over by hand. If you can, things are a lot easier and just involve new fuel, CIS, spark, etc.
3. The suspension bushings, if stock, will surely need replacement too - lots of hot rod options at different levels of hotness. You can drive it on old bushings but it won't feel good. Torsion bars don't last forever...
Replace the shocks using digressively valved ones based on what torsion bar spring rates you use for your roads and type of driving or racing.
You also want to compile all the service and parts receipts - I use an Excel spreadsheet. The late, great Grady Clay used looseleaf notebooks.
1. To drive it you will want to take care of critical safety items like the braking system. See my sig.
2. Next, you pull the plugs and see if you can turn it over by hand. If you can, things are a lot easier and just involve new fuel, CIS, spark, etc.
3. The suspension bushings, if stock, will surely need replacement too - lots of hot rod options at different levels of hotness. You can drive it on old bushings but it won't feel good. Torsion bars don't last forever...
Replace the shocks using digressively valved ones based on what torsion bar spring rates you use for your roads and type of driving or racing.
You also want to compile all the service and parts receipts - I use an Excel spreadsheet. The late, great Grady Clay used looseleaf notebooks.
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74_911 (08-21-2021)
08-21-2021, 12:22 AM
#4
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Welcome to Rennlist! Yeah, possible rust is the first place to start. Easy places to check first are the battery area in the driver's side front corner, and the suspension pan beneath. Also the door sills and around the Targa window. Those would be the obvious places, but there are others once you can get underneath it. Targa top probably needs to be rebuilt, those go to Dan Pechtel at Cars, Inc in NJ.
If the engine turns over (you may need to add a little Marvel Mystery Oil to each cylinder first), your biggest challenge will probably be the fuel system condition.
Post some photos when you can, lots of help available here. Good luck!
Mark
If the engine turns over (you may need to add a little Marvel Mystery Oil to each cylinder first), your biggest challenge will probably be the fuel system condition.
Post some photos when you can, lots of help available here. Good luck!
Mark
The following users liked this post:
74_911 (08-21-2021)