cherrybar12 Posted 25April, 2012 Report Share Posted 25April, 2012 Hello, I've just purchased the following Porsche for ~$12,000 and would love some feedback from site members regarding the feasibility of restoring this beautiful old Porsche to its former self. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300695639755&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:AU:1123 As you've probably already guessed, I purchased this on a bit of a whim - I've always LOVED the old classic 911 Porsche shape, whaletail etc, however this is the first Porsche I've ever bought and really need some guidance on restoring, getting it roadworthy, moving it from Sydney to Canberra etc... All comments most welcome, thanks in advance. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vas930 Posted 25April, 2012 Report Share Posted 25April, 2012 Congrats, Nick. Can you give some detail on what mods it has and what you want to do? It may be better to just enjoy it as it is. Some more pics and detail, and we can help out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCM911T Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Oh Dear, here we go again. 1 There is no such thing as a "Bargain Porsche.2 Without a thorough examination this could be a rust bucket (I can see rust in the passenger door, so it's also likely in the inner sills and floor, so take a panel beater with you. 3.Have you actually seen this car and heard the engine running? Any receipts for repairs? How long has it been sitting around as a project (at least 2years as the rust is coming through the "new" paint I guess). If the lights are not hooked up, does it have a wiring loom? 4. How big a risk are you prepared to take and how much are you prepared to spend on a restoration? For $37,000 there is a later model on the Porsche Club Canberra site, been there for a while, so I'd look at it before going to Sydney . I'd see this "purchase" as high risk. Not trying to rain on your parade, but don't want to see you get burnt. You don't have to buy it if it is not fit for purpose or not as described - see the ebay rules. Paul M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 26April, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 SF - many thanks. I'd like to restore the car to it's former glory, no modifications or extras just nice, clean and straight. Or enjoy it as it is, as you've said I've asked the owner for more photos, especially of the interior - I see rust or damage to the lower left hand door... Paul M - thanks for your advice, totally agree with you re: 'cheap porsche' and you're right, with the knowledge I currently have, the purchase it indeed high risk. Unfortunately my budget doesn't stretch as far as 30k however I'll certainly check the car for rust, poor panel damage repairs, structural damage etc. The owner advised that he'll need to jump start it (fuel in the carby's) to get it going as it hasn't been started in a while. Great advice guys, really appreciate anything else you or other members may have! Regards Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 26April, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Sorry one last question - if the vechicle is LHD what impact does this have on getting it registered? Forgot to mention, the the owner has provided copies of the vechicle import papers. Regards Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Hi Nick, As much as I want to encourage and be excited for you, I must express my honest opinion. Attempting to restore this particular car (to its original state) on a 30k budget will be near impossible - harsh I know, but its the truth. If you want to buy and enjoy (as other members have suggested) than thats great - to buy for the intention of restoration is not wise as everything I can see would need to be changed. For example, to prepare and re-spray with period correct panels, bumpers etc. will cost you 10k+ at least - then you still have to get the car mech and interior done. You could spend another 30k+ on this car and still not have something as good as what Paul suggested. If you want to have some cheap fun this may not be the way forward. If you have already purchased the car then congrats, give it a tidy and enjoy! Cheers, Hugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Man Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Unfortunately my budget doesn't stretch as far as 30k ..................... Nick I really need to echo all the other comments. If you can't stretch to 30K, DON'T buy this car. Even if you do most work yourself, the cost of parts alone especially if restoring to "former glory" can be insane................but then again if you've already purchased, heed Hugh's advice and "give it a tidy and enjoy". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCM911T Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Nick, here's an option which may save you a good deal of heartache. Immaculate looking 1983 944 for $15500 registerd to August with records etc. Porsche Club NSW site. Paul M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 26April, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Thanks all for the advice, I've pitched the owner with a bunch of questions (esp around rust, ownership papers, condition of interior etc) and haven't heard back...will update you if and when I recieve feedback. Thanks again for your thoughts, for a young and inexperienced bloke like myself it's been absolutely key. p.s. I had a look at the 944...but it's just doesn't have the same appeal as the 911. Don't hate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vas930 Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Hey, lets keep this in perspective. If that car has Reg,RWC and is in ok mech condition. For 12k, whats wrong with that. The fact that its not a great car to restore, does not mean its not worth 12k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Man Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Hey, lets keep this in perspective. If that car has Reg,RWC and is in ok mech condition. For 12k, whats wrong with that. The fact that its not a great car to restore, does not mean its not worth 12k. Couldn't agree more Vas, but....there is no RWC, there is no Rego and mechanically, who knows! The car still may have to go through some sort of engineering if it's an import and never previously registered here. The OP is so positive and enthusiastic about the car, and that's great! I don't mean to throw any negatives in and rain on his parade. I just think a reality check is in order though considering budget and the "unknown" condition of the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 26April, 2012 Report Share Posted 26April, 2012 Hey Nick, It would also be worthwhile to invest the time to go and check it out for yourself - you can then see first hand what you are dealing with. Buying any old car without seeing in the flesh is not ideal and its hard to ever trust a seller to give you honest feedback. If you cant get up to Sydney I'm sure there would be members on here that may be able to help out to view or provide details of a local specialist to conduct an inspection. Cheers, Hugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vas930 Posted 27April, 2012 Report Share Posted 27April, 2012 Couldn't agree more Vas, but....there is no RWC, there is no Rego and mechanically, who knows! The car still may have to go through some sort of engineering if it's an import and never previously registered here. The OP is so positive and enthusiastic about the car, and that's great! I don't mean to throw any negatives in and rain on his parade. I just think a reality check is in order though considering budget and the "unknown" condition of the car. That was the point I was making. Look, best to go and have a look at it. If as it is, it has no Reg or RWC then beware. Take someone that knows about these things with you, or a good mechanic. When a car like this can be sold for 12k you know it has issues, big ones. However, if it needs 8k to make it a good runner and its 20k all up, so be it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCM911T Posted 27April, 2012 Report Share Posted 27April, 2012 Ok Nick, last piece of"sage" advice from me. I bought a 911(from Canberra) 10 years ago, in very good restored condition bodywise, RWC and drivable with basic maintenance for 2 years. Then had a top end and carbs rebuild for $9000 by a Porsche specialist in Melbourne (ex Kremer Brothers Racing). This would cost a lot more now.Over the ten years of ownership I've spent another$3000 on lots of little bits and pieces(these add upsurprisingly quickly). She is a1970 car that has been well cared for by two previous owners. I could go out tomorrow and spend $8000 on further improvements if I had the money. Owning these cars becomes a way of life and my expenditure has been modest, it's a slippery slope so it's best to start with a solid body. So have a careful look before you jump and good luck. Cheers Paul M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 28April, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 28April, 2012 Thanks Paul M, 'look for good bones' - I'll be sure to put this at the top of my list should I get to the point where it's worth my time to physically inspect the car...response below, a cut and paste from the 'show you mine thread'...thanks again, Nick .................... Hello again, literally just off the phone with the owner - took some time to finally get in touch. So...according to the owner,Wiring loom is present and the lights simply need to be connected upCar has been registered previously in NSW, owner can't find the rego papers (these are apparently in storage) however he will provide the cars VIN number before preceeding with an actual viewing.Car is LHDTurbo badge is just that, a badge No rust apart from what you can see in the pics, left hand door, slight bubbling, around 5-6cms (ebay link - see my previous post). No structural rust, however this will be confirmed should the cars rego history and ownership be clarified (see previous point).Door trims are included and need to 'simply' be fitted.Interior roof (not sure what this is called) needs to be purchased and fitted.Owner is selling all 8 vechicles and 4 motorbikes to make room (all are stored at his parents place)Owner is unsure whether the car is a 2.7 or 3.0 litre (again said that the papers were in storage)Owner mentioned that the vechicle would need to be primed before attempting to start as it has been in storage for quite some time.Ignition coil has been removed/replaced as he lost the key...hmmm. Without proof of ownership/history I don't think I'll bother with a physical inspection... So I guess I'll google where you'll find the VIN no and any other markings that prove the cars history, model and ownership... Love to hear from you if you're a late 70's porsche enthusiast Thanks again for all your feedback, it's been an interesting exercise thus far! Regards Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 30April, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 30April, 2012 All, Message back from the owner, he's specified that the Porsche VIN is 9117302007. Doing a web search this makes the car a 1977 Porsche 911 Coupe. 9117300001-9117302449 Coupe 911 911/81 2687cc 165 @ 5800 (RPM) 2449 Engine number is 6142845 - however I'm unsure what checks I can do with respect to this identifier. Can I use this to check the vechicle's history or ownership? Many thanks again! Regards Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 30April, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 30April, 2012 A 1977 911 2.7L Coupe (K Series) to be exact - I think Ran the VIN number through the PPSR (with VIN no in the chassis field as described) however no registration details were returned...! https://transact.ppsr.gov.au/ppsr/SearchBySerialNumber?v=Search If the vechicle has been registered in NSW previously, it should show up right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doish13 Posted 4May, 2012 Report Share Posted 4May, 2012 Nick what was the outcome with the pending purchase? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.J. Posted 15May, 2012 Report Share Posted 15May, 2012 did you not listen to our advice to buy the best porsche you can afford not the cheapest one you can find??? shakes head, clicks "post" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 15May, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 15May, 2012 End result...I went with my gut..and your advice. Few words exchanged over email, nothing too damaging. Disappointed that it didn't turn out the way I wanted, but that's life. Still looking...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doish13 Posted 15May, 2012 Report Share Posted 15May, 2012 I saw it on gumtree last week... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Man Posted 15May, 2012 Report Share Posted 15May, 2012 I think that in the long term that this is a good result. Be patient. It will happen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.J. Posted 16May, 2012 Report Share Posted 16May, 2012 what is your budget? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AC78 Posted 16May, 2012 Report Share Posted 16May, 2012 Hey mate, don't be disappointed - be thrilled! Sounds like you dodged a bullet! I don't yet own a 911 but am in a similar boat to you, currently going through that daunting yet exciting process of finding my dream car. If you will allow me to impart a bit of what I have learnt while looking for a car so far......... - Do your homework, study the different models and buy the various 911 buyers/projects guides. I've already bought two books and have two more coming, they are invaluable. Even a cursory glance at one of these books would have told you a 2.7 litre is probably not the best choice. - Experience a 911 even if you can't afford one. Go to the autofests and sit in them, talk to the owners, learn what it takes to own and maintain one, which models you prefer and pros and cons of each model etc (they all look the same pretty much but have some major differences!) - Work out your budget! I estimate a decent base model 70s/80s 911 to cost between 35-45 thousand. You need to add 2-3 grand on top of that for insurance and stamp duty. You also need to budget for a professional inspection (PPI) for any car you are thinking of buying - travel, transport costs etc. - Be choosy. It's real easy to be distracted by the outer shell of these cars and to forget about the more practical stuff like mechanicals and owner history. As with ANY car (in my experience), it's always cheaper to buy one with all the work done than to attempt to do it yourself. - Be patient. Unless you're wealthy (and many Porsche owners I discover are not, they sacrifice) you will need to save for a while, then take your time finding the right car for you! Cheers and good luck - Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybar12 Posted 28May, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 28May, 2012 Hello! Alright....getting much closer now.. Question for you clever cats - if a car has import approval, are there any impediments to getting it registgered? Apart from the standard checks and fees...? Thanks Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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