I just purchased a 1980 Porsche SC Targa as a project car this week and have a few questions for you guys. First off, I come from the MR2 world and have been a part of it for almost 10 years and am a fully capable hobby mechanic at home with a full shop.

A little background on the car, the guy I bought it from, bought it to restore it and at that time, was running just fine. As it turned out, he didn't have time for the project and didn't get around to doing anything to it for 4 years and has since decided to sell it to me for a killer deal.

As with most cars that sit for an extended amount of time, I understand that there is going to be issues. I know the battery and tires will most likely need to be replaced. I also believe I will need to pull the fuel tank to clean it out and run a cleaner through the fuel lines. I do know I will need to give it a full tuneup to include the distributor cap, rotor, wires, spark plugs, radiator flush, oil change, air filter.

1.) Is there anything else you guys would think to check out before starting her up?

2.) *Edit* stupid question pay no attention to this.....

3.) What type of cleaner should I run through the fuel lines to clean them out?

4.) It is missing a headlight bezel, the metal piece that holds the headlight on, any idea where I can find one? I checked ebay but found nothing.

5.) The interior is pretty much a wreck, I am of course going to scrub it down as much as possible however I am sure I will need to replace some upholstery starting with the carpet, is there a recommended online carpet manufacturer specific to porsche that you guys recommend?

6.) Is there anything else I should check before trying to start her up?

7.) Is there a place on here or another site that has a list of DIY projects for my model/year Porsche?

8.) Does the transmission have a filter and is it difficult to change the fluid in it?

Thank you in advanced for your time and opinions. I look forward to jumping into this project next weekend once I pick her up this coming week.

 

First off welcome,

In terms of other sites you may want to check out Pelican Parts, for multiple things.
1) there forum is quite large and very helpful. Many people are a member both here and there, my self included.
2) They have very good technical articles on every thing all worth reading
3) They deal parts, there prices are competitive and they should have that light piece you are looking for.
4) Wayne the guy that owns pelican wrote a book "101 projects for your 911" I would highly advise getting it, its great and chock full o knowledge.

Q8) The trans fluid is easy to fix. Check here and pelican for threads on it the search function is your friend. Many people have many trick to it, you will need a funnel with about 8 ft of tubing on it to do so.

in terms of getting parts, as stated above, pelican has every thing, I also use DCauto.com they sell parts of cars that they part out so the parts are not new but the prices are decent. Ebay and craigslist are hit or miss in my opinion. These forums also have decent classifieds, if you post the parts you are looking for some one may have an old one.

Regards
Dave

 

Thanks MasterDave!

I will check that book out. As far as I can tell, the transmission fluid is as easy as the MR2 is to do, actually quicker than an oil change.

I will check out that parts site, might be exactly what I was looking for!

 

Welcome to rennlist.

www.pelicanparts.com is your friend.

for a fun look at pure Porsche **** check out http://www.patrickmotorsports.com/ right there in Phoenix.

 

Good luck and don't jinx it by saying you got a "killer deal", until you know what you're going to spend.

appbiz.com is good For carpets. No filter on the trans, and it should be easy to change the fluid, but tackle removing the fill plug on the side first. There are some horror stories of stuck plugs. You don't want to drain and not be able to fill up.

I'm not sure I'd run any cleaner thru the fuel limes, but others may differ.

I'd disable the ignition before cranking over to ensure you can build oil pressure.

 

You ought to list your location. If you happen to be in Phoenix, AZ there is a Porsche salvage yard called '20th Street Auto Parts' in Phoenix where you can find used items. Second what everyone else said about Pelican Parts - great place.

 

and pics are mandatory

 

I don't think you'll need to bother with a "radiator flush", but you should consider replacing the alternator belt. There's a recent thread in this forum that describes that. To change the transmission fluid, an alternative to the funnel and long hose is a simple plunger style hand pump with both an In and Out hose. Search and read the various threads on the preferred choice of transmission and engine oil.

Ditto on Pelican Parts. And the Haynes manual is surprisingly useful until you find your way around. Have fun and good luck!

 

+1 on the haynes, if for any thing get it so you have all the nut torque specs on hand. It is also great reference, between that and Waynes 101 projects I can do most stuff with out even going to the forums.

 

Subscribed
Phoenix please post your progress.
I just purchased a '79 911SC that's been sitting outside for 5 yrs.
I will start a thread for my 911 resurrection or my slow torture.

Andrew

 

forget the Haynes .. not worth the paper it's printed on .. get a Bentley. if you're going to do it do it right. Definitely get the 101 book especially if you are new to 911s . work through it bit by bit and by the time you have done a few projects you will be realy comfortable with your car.

get a jack pad first and use a good set of jack stands. Dont think you will have to take the tank out. if you're in doubt just drain it to flush Techron is a great addative that works well on our cars.

 

100% agree about the Haynes. I have a copy the PO threw in with the car when I bought it. It's useless. For the rare times you need a paper manual, the Bentley is invaluable.

 

First off, you may want to see if it runs.

1. Clean oil and filter.
2. If the fuel is 4 years old, clean fuel.
3. With spark plugs out, spin engine until oil pressure comes up and while the plugs are out also see if you have 6 plugs that spark. Might as well put in new plugs.
4. Get car out of the garage and see if it will run. Out of garage in case of a massive fuel leak or heavy smoke, or it lighting itself off.

I had a 356 that dumped several gallons of gas out that completely covered the garage floor when it started up. Fortunately my wife was there and yelled for me to kill it. And even better, there was no fire with me at the center.

 

Learn about Continuous Injection Systems (CIS) http://www.jimsbasementworkshop.com/CIS/CIShome.html

Check your head studs during a valve adjustment. The lower ones tend to break on these cars.

Buy the Bentley manual.
I don't recommend the 101 book but you may be able to learn something from it. Don't get sucked into all its projects were you are modifying, customizing, and buying unnecessary parts.

Get your car running then worry about the interior.