i am a big porsche fan and was wondering how much a good 912 fixer upper would cost me and what would be involved, and how much id be getting myself in for? any answers would be great? thanks!

 

Hello,
There are many factors but let me make it easy. Don't do it!! 912s are relatively cheap as drivers just get one that is already solid and in running condition. I restored my 67' 912 from the ground up so I know what I'm talking about. Why did I do it? a couple of factors. #1 My father was the original owner, so I had some justification #2 I did 90% of the work myself #3 I had an agreement with the shop that did the major welding and paint. I traded hours (working on other cars) for labor on my car. In the end I invested about 300 hours and $8000.00. If I had just given this car to the shop, it would have cost upwards of $30,000 or alternatively had I attempted to keep costs down and do the welding and paint myself, the final result would be marginal at best. Even if you buy a solid driver, there will still be PLENTY of work to be done on it to keep you busy. Otherwise you will spend $40,000 on a car that will be worth maybe $8000 - $15000k. This is the law of restoration. You will never recoupe your investment on a restoration, so unless you have some sentimental attachment to the car and you will never ever part with it, buy the best one you can affor that needs the least amount of work. There are some beautiful ones on e-bay right now.

Good one(s):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/COLLE...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...QQcmdZViewItem

Bad one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-...QQcmdZViewItem
Look at the rust coming throught that nightmare of resin rocker panels!! This car is shot!

 

What he said...

912s cost as much to restore as 911s and when all is said and done, are worth 1/3 to 1/2 of the early 911s. Buy a restored car for 10-15K and be done !

Or ignore this advice and buy a $3000 car, spend $25K making it perfect, resell in 2 years for 15 ;-(

Here's mine, $8500 pruchase price, $1500 in it already and I have not yet dealt with that stupid front spoiler/bumper !

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/279746565.html

if this car is as avertised it might be the way to go (no affiliation at all)

 

I have to say that the last ebay sample listed above is the first time that I have seen a "Turbo" whale-tail on a 912 !

But that one does have quite a few bids on it......

 

When it comes to fixing things up old cars, you will save more time and money in the end by just buying a already restored one.

 

Man, I hate turbo tails on narrow body SCs and Carreras, on a swb narrow body, it's just unconscionable. Not to mention those rocker panels. Take it from someone who has been there, rust knows no boundaries......

 

the cheepest way to buy a 912 is to buy the best one you can afford and spend the money on that. if you buy an inexpensive turkey that has been through the mill, and expect to fix it up and make a good car out of it for cheep, then you will be in a world a hurt.

you can buy good cars for 8-12k range, depending on quality.

 

I agree with the other responses here, buy the best example you can get. Otherwise the monies invested will far outweigh the eventual return when you decide to sell it.

Unless the car has sentimental value. If I could locate my father's old '61 Super 90, I would be hard pressed to exercise fiscal restraint - both during purchase and restoration

I love how sellers deal with the rust issue. The picture below is from one of the linked Ebay auctions, and the seller swears up and down that the car is rust free......



Andreas

 

I bought a fixer-upper to learn sheet metal repair and fabrication. I turned a very rusty, but running matching numbered 68 into a great well-performing car with almost no body-filler. Rebuilt the engine, did some minor stuff on the trans., suspension, safety upgrades, brakes ... I don't think I would enjoy or know the car as well as I do if I didn't turn every nut and bolt on it. For me it's a blast to build and restore. I'M now on a 356 project, and enjoying that as well. I know from an economic standpoint you can buy one, done and drivable for the same or less, but sometimes it's all about the journey and what you find and learn along the way.