SeattleAllroad

I've been looking at early 911s and am curious about rust. Unless it's a fully restored example rust is going to be present. The floor pans, battery box don't scare me too much. What areas would you consider critical to look at? And, the follow on question...what would wave you off of a given car?

I'm not looking to do a rotisserie type restoration...and my budget is not without it's limits.

Thought? Opinions?

Pedro356C

Start with this "sticky" thread...PPI by Peter Zimmermann... then get Pete's book "The Used 911 Story"... read the chapters concerning early 911s...

SeattleAllroad

Hey Pedro,

Thanks for the pointer to the second sticky on this forum...I'm blind and none too bright.

I'll definitely read the sticky and buy the book...thanks again.

Pedro356C

Don't reach the market before reading Pete's book...it's really fun and full of valuable tips...

911Dave

Base of the A and C pillars, all around the headlight buckets, bottom of the doors, rockers, and the package tray area all are common areas. I'm sure I've missed other key areas too.

+1 on reading PZ's book for much more detail.

Juan Lopez

How early is early for you? Pre galvanized had totally different problems.

Battery boxes, suspension pan, torsion tubes, rockers being the most notable.

Galvanized, corners of windshield mostly.

theiceman

first of all what do you consider "early " ?

theiceman

wow im having one of those days .. every time i post something one pops right above me with the same comments

whalebird

front pan can get more involved the further back the rust goes. The bottoms of the back seat buckets are also prone to rust...best seen from underneith. Also the rocker 'boxes' along the sides can rust inner and outer. Replacing the rockers and other structural areas is difficult for the DIY'r because the frame should be supported on a frame-bench so it goes together straight. Solid older cars are out there, but you may have to look for a long time. There is NOTHING inexpensive about these cars...rust is only one of the many challenges. Be careful, but most would say spend the money up front on a nice example. Myself included.

race911

Me too. Always amazed how I tried peddling the '73 shell for a reasonable price, but no takers above about $1.99. In the end I'm glad to have kept it, given what's going to end up happening with it.