Common repairs to used 911's
10-31-2004, 10:34 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Common repairs to used 911's
I started to look for a Targa again. ( 84- 89)
Seems quite a few of the local ones (in south Fl) have cracked dashes. I checked the search about repairs but it seems that there are mostly 928 listings. There is a good bit about a repair with some f/g reinforced bondo and spray paint but does this also apply to 911's...are replacements available? How much labor to remove dash top? Anyone find a source for cracked ones to experiment with?
Seems that most of these cars are in the 120,000 to 140,000 mile , about right I guess, but what can you reasonably expect an engine/trans to last ( I know it depends, on service etc, but reasonably) What are the MAJOR mechanical items to check,
I can look at a car and determine if it is in descent cosmetic shape, and if it sounds and drives OK before comitting to a shop for PPI. Hoping to find a Targa for $10 k max......needent be a garage queen, but a NICE driver.
Thanks
Seems quite a few of the local ones (in south Fl) have cracked dashes. I checked the search about repairs but it seems that there are mostly 928 listings. There is a good bit about a repair with some f/g reinforced bondo and spray paint but does this also apply to 911's...are replacements available? How much labor to remove dash top? Anyone find a source for cracked ones to experiment with?
Seems that most of these cars are in the 120,000 to 140,000 mile , about right I guess, but what can you reasonably expect an engine/trans to last ( I know it depends, on service etc, but reasonably) What are the MAJOR mechanical items to check,
I can look at a car and determine if it is in descent cosmetic shape, and if it sounds and drives OK before comitting to a shop for PPI. Hoping to find a Targa for $10 k max......needent be a garage queen, but a NICE driver.Thanks
11-01-2004, 02:24 PM
#3
The cracked dashes all probably a result of intense sunlight and the resultant UV degradation of the vinyl. If you look at northern cars you should see less of this as they are driven less and garaged more. Probably on average lower mileage for the same age cars.
Original clutches are only expected to last 70-90 K miles, at least on the '84-86 models ($1500+ p&L), so if you are looking at one of those with over 100K , there should be records of the clutch repair. Don't know about the '87-89 with the hydraulic setup.
The 915 tranny ( thru '86 MY) wears and becomes more interesting/difficult to drive past 100k, this can be lived with.
My personal experience and what else I've heard indicates that head studs are starting to fail on the 3.2 engines also. Leak down/compression test during the PPI should turn this up. This is not as predictable as the clutch, transmission issues a some of the 3.2 motors have gone past 150K without issues.
My '86 w 99k, is in the shop as we speak for head studs , a top end rebuild , and a 915 refresh, with a bill expected in the $5-6k range.
"911 beater' is kind of a contradiction. Most who want a 911 couldn't handle driving one that is not right. Then you become the "beatee".
Original clutches are only expected to last 70-90 K miles, at least on the '84-86 models ($1500+ p&L), so if you are looking at one of those with over 100K , there should be records of the clutch repair. Don't know about the '87-89 with the hydraulic setup.
The 915 tranny ( thru '86 MY) wears and becomes more interesting/difficult to drive past 100k, this can be lived with.
My personal experience and what else I've heard indicates that head studs are starting to fail on the 3.2 engines also. Leak down/compression test during the PPI should turn this up. This is not as predictable as the clutch, transmission issues a some of the 3.2 motors have gone past 150K without issues.
My '86 w 99k, is in the shop as we speak for head studs , a top end rebuild , and a 915 refresh, with a bill expected in the $5-6k range.
"911 beater' is kind of a contradiction. Most who want a 911 couldn't handle driving one that is not right. Then you become the "beatee".
11-01-2004, 02:58 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Well, actually I see 84, 85, 86's in the 14-18,000 range ASKING price....so I "should" be able to find a descent one (mechanically and interior wise) for about 12,000. I really would like to make a turbo look out of one that needs paint and a general fix up anyway ( I just like the wide look, in cars anyway) I figure that 6000 should allow a super paint job, minor body work and glass flares...
I like ro find cars that have all their original dents, then I know what I am getting....after I finish with it.
I like ro find cars that have all their original dents, then I know what I am getting....after I finish with it.
11-02-2004, 03:45 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Replacement dash tops are available from Porsche dealers. To replace you must remove the windshield, which makes it the ideal secondary project to do when the car is repainted. Plan on spending for a new windshield seal, maybe a new windshield. If the glass is whitish in the outboard lower corners it is starting to delaminate and should be replaced. One of the quickest ways to reduce your resale value/desirability is to hang fiberglas parts on a Porsche, especially a Targa. If you can, always try to establish oil consumption on a 3.2 car. If it's worse than one qt/300 miles you'll be doing a top end very soon. Expect to spend between $3K and 8K depending on what is found in there. $8K will buy you rod bearings, new piston/cylinders, complete valve job and new head studs (all 24).
