'98 project car

[Lemming]

So, I've been searching for a spare engine and trans for the SPB, just in case. Searching for salvaged vehicles as that is cheaper than buying separately. Found a '98 with 54k on copart, which I bought, took a quick 2-day roadtrip to Philly to pick it up. This morning was the first that I got a chance to go over the car (20 min), before heading to work. Turns out the car was a concours car, and other than the wreck damage on the front right is in pristine condition. No scratches, great top, paint in top condition. I'm guessing that when I pull the cover that you will be able to eat off the engine.

From what I can tell, everything is in working order, but I won't start till I loop the passenger radiator lines so I don't blow coolant everywhere. If everything checks out, I will rebuild and use for a daily driver. My wife is already trying to claim it as her car!

A pic to get this thread started.

[GTA_G20]

Nice find, so much for finding a donor car lol

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by GTA_G20

Nice find, so much for finding a donor car lol

Yep, if I restore, will have to keep looking.

Car started on first try, slight lifter tick, but the car likely has not run in a month or so. Other than the damage, everything appears to be working well and is in great shape.

[Lemming]

Finally got time to really go over the car, will need to do a bit of pulling on the front right, but not much. Front right strut is bent, but I will be putting coilovers on it if I keep it. Heck of a car, need to find the original owner as he/she did a great job on it. Below is a pic of the car after just spraying with a hose, and it was filthy coming from the salvage yard. Wish I knew how to wax a car this well.



Best friend came over to see the car tonight, he is a car insurance appraiser, was blown away by the the 986, easy fix!. Got a shot of my 986 next to his 981S (same color combo). Will have to get a shot of my SPB (black/white), daily driver (981 red) and the new white 986.




And yes, there are three boxsters parked in my garage tonight.

[itsnotanova]

Originally Posted by Lemming

Finally got time to really go over the car, will need to do a bit of pulling on the front right, but not much. Front right strut is bent, but I will be putting coilovers on it if I keep it.
.

If the strut was bent then your carrier is probably bent also. You cant tell by looking at it. I sell carriers for $50+shipping and most people carry two spares with them to the track.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

If the strut was bent then your carrier is probably bent also. You cant tell by looking at it. I sell carriers for $50+shipping and most people carry two spares with them to the track.

Thanks, still not sure what I am going to do with the car. I feel that it is in too good of condition to part, but but but but.... Originally I was just after the engine and trans, really just a parts car for my SPB. Time will tell and with work and travel, not much will be done between now and late Nov. The good thing is that my step son will be here for thanksgiving, he's rebuilds crashed cars for a living and will be able to give me great advice on the car.

[PaulE]

Nice find, keep us posted!

[aviorperformance]

I have stayed hounding on Copart myself but every time I like one it goes higher than I expect.

[Lemming]

SPB racers are certainly buying up cars for spare engines and transmissions. I expect to see a "flood" of 986s on copart after Harvey and Irma.

[aviorperformance]

Originally Posted by Lemming

SPB racers are certainly buying up cars for spare engines and transmissions. I expect to see a "flood" of 986s on copart after Harvey and Irma.

I'm right in Houston actually and there is loads of them. Some with waterline to the roof line though lol.

[Lemming]

Decided to change the oil yesterday, light tan in color and no metal!

[aviorperformance]

Probably best to paint the pieces off the car so they can get in all the areas better.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by aviorperformance

Probably best to paint the pieces off the car so they can get in all the areas better.

That's the plan, at this point we are just trying to get everything to line up properly.

[78F350]

You have a good start. What colors are you going to use on the other panels:

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by 78F350

You have a good start. What colors are you going to use on the other panels:

Too funny, I posted that image on my facebook page the other day after taking that shot!

[Lemming]

Moved the AC/Heater controller to the lower slot and ordered a double din CarPlay receiver. Don't worry, I'm getting the fill piece as well.

[boxxster]

Funny, I fixed up an almost identically damaged car myself about 2 years ago. Needed a bumper, fender, headlight, the rad/fan/condenser assembly, and a few small plastic pieces. Thankfully I didn't have to touch the suspension. I ended up painting the bumper and fender off the car. Luckily they matched perfectly and there was no need to blend the adjacent panels. Let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck!

[Lemming]

Yes, very similar. I'm planning on sending just the fender and cover to the painter, however, white is very tricky to match. Time will tell if blending will be necessary.

[Run]

Originally Posted by 78F350

You have a good start. What colors are you going to use on the other panels:

Ha with this car.

I entered a car show with a pristine Cayman and a beautiful Ferrari and a car just like this out of the tree can you guess who won.

[PaulE]

Nice work sir! I hope it gives you many pleasurable miles. And I don't see any paint matching issues on my iPad!