The PPI results were about as expected;

• Engine runs very well
• Compression good and even (135,140,138,140,140,140psi)
• Transmission excellent
• CV joints good
• Exhaust system good
• Steering rack good
• Brakes new (incl 4 new calipers/pads/rotors/all rubber lines)
• General mechanical condition very good
• Needs major tune up (plugs, dist cap, rotor, fuel filter, valve adj.)
• Engine front cam/crank seals leaking oil
• Rear engine seals leaking oil (see pic below)
• Engine high pressure oil hose leaking oil
• Shocks need replacement
• Heater blower needs replacement
• Belts (3) need replacing
• Front hood shocks need replacing
• Rust appears to be only the couple of small areas that I noted. Shop checked everything as close as possible.

The shop estimated a total of $5-6k for all of the work listed above if they did it, but most of this I can do myself. The engine has to be dropped to replace the rear engine seals so I'll probably have a shop do that and a few other things "while they're in there" for about $3K.

Went back to the owner and told her that there were a few items that needed to be addressed. Rather than going through the list one by one (some owners hate it when a buyer "talks down their car"), I simply asked her where she wanted to be to let the car go. She said, $15K. I said fine. Deal done.

I gave the owner a deposit and I'll pick it up tomorrow evening. :D

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Congrats on a great car! Sincerely jealous! I am sure it has found a great home:cheers:

Congrats!!

Early bird gets the worm.

Congrats on your second Porsche steal of a deal.

Congrats on the purchase. Great price, and even with the initial maintenance, it's a bargain at the final cost.

I'd check all rubber parts; maybe even replace them all. Antique Fuchs wheels are known to develop stress cracks. I'm sure there are forums to guide one through the upkeep of old 911s.

TO

Let me find my soap box....Oh there it is....:rolleyes:

Great Catch on the car Tom.....Enjoy......:cheers:

Nice purchase! Let us know how it is for us water-cooled guys!

Nice buy! Congrats.

Congratulations on your SC. I bought a 79 Targa this spring and really enjoy it.

At that price I would almost be tempted to flip it for some quick $$. Wait a few years for the bubble to burst and buy it back for the same price.

Nice buy, especially in this market. I owned an '83 SC, triple black coupe, that was a great car; almost sorry I traded it for an '86 Carrera years back. My friend picked up a somewhat rough '79 SC that we worked on throughout the summer and had fun driving it before going up for sale. This, of course, pre-bubble. He could easily get double today what he sold it for.

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Congratulations on the 911, Tom.
That's virtually identical to the car that turned me into a future Porsche owner at the age of 14. I'll own an air cooled 911 one day, but until it happens, I'm lovin' my Boxster!

Congrats on the new aquisition Tom!

I don't think you will mind my pointing out an omission in the PPI report: Steering Wheel needs replacement. It was made by "Grant" so it has a adapter & there are over 30 wheels that will bolt on easily including a "Prototipo" replica. :cheers:

Rockin' the targa! Here it is in the driveway tonight!

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Ha! Yes, I agree. I think that a Prototipo is definitely one of the first things to do!

She is a beauty! Well done Tom!

Prototipo: yes please

This car is a regular at my mechanic's shop. Backdated 78 SC, 1968 Prototipo (370mm) with carpeting and RSR door panels from Appbiz.
If weight weren't a big consideration (this car is just over 2100#) I would have loved seeing the distressed leather on the dash too.

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Wow. That is beautiful. :cheers:

Another memorable Targa I came across in an issue of European Car a while back.
$25K Coupe conversion:

1974 Porsche 911 Targa - Blues Traveler - European Car Magazine

...worth every penny.


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Congratulations on the car, it looks beautiful. I have friend with a late model air cooled turbo carrera. If he ever sells it, I hope to have first dibs.

*** First Impressions ***

I've driven the SC for a few days now and thought I'd post a few early impressions...

The first thing everyone notices is that the key is just a .... key! You know, the $4.99-hardware-store-can-cut-it-for-you-while-you-wait kind of key. It was nice not to have to spend $150 for the blank key and then another $125 for programming at the dealer.

As you might expect, the seating position is more upright than a more modern Porsche and hence, the dash and windshield are surprisingly close! The dash is literally within fingers reach of the steering wheel and the base of the windshield is only about 8 inches further. This gives the driver the impression of being right on top of the front hood.

Depress the clutch and step on the brake and they have a completely different throw/feel since the pedals come out of the floor/pivot under the floorboards rather than pivoting up under the dash. You know, like an old VW bug (for those old enough to remember).

And all of this happens before you start the car!

Give the key a turn and the engine starts immediately (even cold) and easily settles into a perfectly smooth idle around 900 rpm. Slide the gear lever into 1st and the clutch is surprisingly easy to modulate resulting in clean, smooth starts within the first few minutes of driving.

Speaking of driving; the SC's do not have power steering so unless you're been working out on a regular basis, it is best to have the car moving before trying to turn the wheel - and even then it takes a good amount of effort.

Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

On the road, the car rides amazingly well, firm and well damped. Its not too stiff nor does it ride like a boat. It reminds of how a BMW 325i with sport suspension rides - competent and confidence inspiring. The suspension and body do not transmit a lot of noise into the cabin so its easy to drive and talk with your passenger.

The 3.0L SC engine has a lot of torque low in the RPM range so you don't have to rev it like an M96 engine. The downside is that its missing that 4,000 RPM rush of power and sound! Why can't we have an engine that does both - is that too much to ask?

In the corners, its no Boxster, but the car is very agile with turn-in sharp and accurate. When pushed, some mid-corner understeer becomes apparent before you transition to a full throttle corner exit. Like all 911's, all of that weight at the rear helps to keep the rear tires planted while the fronts go light on corner exit. The old adage of slow in, fast out, works well.

In terms of creature comforts, any modern car beats an older car hands down and this one is no exception. The climate control system really doesn't do much to control the climate inside the car - whatever the temp/humidity is outside, its roughly the same inside! Furthermore, my car still has the original Blaupunkt AM/FM CASSETTE head unit so there isn't an option for an iPhone cable or Bluetooth. Instead, I'll be rummaging through my closet this weekend to find some old Ted Nugent cassette tapes. :)

Reaction has been very positive; I have got quite a few thumbs up, honks, and waves from other drivers. The iconic 911 still seems to be quite popular.

Overall, I am really pleased as I bought this for the air cooled Porsche driving experience and so far, this car delivers that to perfection.

Nice well written impressions I really enjoyed reading that, an air cooled 911 is low on my priorities particularly with the current prices in means of what I consider value, but the story makes me really want to try one out.

Thanks for the write up! Glad that you are enjoying it:cheers:

I've found key blanks selling for $15.00 on EBay but I went to the local locksmith and left with 2 new keys for less than $ 5.00.


[/QUOTE]
Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

[/QUOTE]
I installed a Weltmeister short shift kit and replaced the ball cup bushing, was very pleased with the results. 30% reduction in throw is quite comfortable and
it shift into gears solidly instead of feeling like I was stirring the shift lever.
I later had to replace the shift knuckle bushing in the rear tunnel, thought I'd upgrade to the brass bushing but wish I'd stayed with OE rubber one because of vibration transferred to the shifter.

Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

[/QUOTE]
I installed a Weltmeister short shift kit and replaced the ball cup bushing, was very pleased with the results. 30% reduction in throw is quite comfortable and
it shift into gears solidly instead of feeling like I was stirring the shift lever.
I later had to replace the shift knuckle bushing in the rear tunnel, thought I'd upgrade to the brass bushing but wish I'd stayed with OE rubber one because of vibration transferred to the shifter.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Gerber! Now I know who to PM with crazy questions about the SC! ;)

I installed a Weltmeister short shift kit and replaced the ball cup bushing, was very pleased with the results. 30% reduction in throw is quite comfortable and
it shift into gears solidly instead of feeling like I was stirring the shift lever.
I later had to replace the shift knuckle bushing in the rear tunnel, thought I'd upgrade to the brass bushing but wish I'd stayed with OE rubber one because of vibration transferred to the shifter.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Gerber! Now I know who to PM with crazy questions about the SC! ;)[/QUOTE]




The older 911's all have that same shifting trait, going from gear to gear usually entails a short pause in neutral before going into the next gear, it took me some getting use to. I also replaced the nylon cap bushings along with the semi-circular nylon guides, both helped to tighten things up nicely. Lastly, I welded in a heim joint in place of the rubber OEM isolation joint, that last step made it feel like a bolt action rifle and surprisingly little vibration issues as a result.

If your experience is anything like mine, you'll continue to notice little nuances about the car the longer you have / drive it that will make you appreciate it more and more.......:cheers:

Nice move! I would have done the same being located where you are. Somehow this car looks pretty special on the L.A. streets or around other posh neighborhoods... e.g. 90210 and around. Stylish move mate.. love it

Thx for the write-up. Pics of the ride from time to time would be nice

Regarding the shifting, around the 4 minute mark they comment on what you're talking about.

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Core - thanks for the video; I had not seen that one yet. Magnus is quite the Guy around LA. I see him often at events and have talked to him a few times. Very nice and approachable. Some people really give him crap but I tend to like his style.

I too am a VW guy. I disagree however. My 71 Ghia has never left me stranded and I drive it 100s of miles at a time. My wife owns a 73 Thing. Never broken down. The key is to keep up with the maintenance. I am my own mechanic. I only use good german parts of whenever possible. Take car of it, and it'll take car of you. Same thing with a 78 911.