Virginia Teener, Two mid-engine Porsche's in my garage?!?! Options

[Gatornapper]

Tried to find where new members introduce themselves then figured this is as good a place as any.

Well, today I bought my 3rd mid-engine Porsche - one I never dreamed I want or own, but as it dropped from heaven into my lap, I had to take it.

I drive a stunning dream car - a 2011 Cayman S, loaded, PDK, Sport Chrono, Turbo II wheels and much more - my 2nd Cayman. Always thought the 914 was the ugliest car Porsche ever made - but then, IT IS MID-ENGINE!

Well a true barn find (in a friend's barn for 12 years, but not his, about 40 miles from me) dropped in my lap this week, and I had to take it......a mint condition, virtually no-rust 1976 914 with an almost flawless body and interior - for a cost so low that if I told you I'd be arrested for stealing it!

Been a restorer of old Triumph motorcycles for years and never ever had a thought of restoring an old car - other than any old Porsche other than a 914!

But as condition of this 914 was incredible and the cost of this '76 was close to nothing, I could not refuse.

Am so glad to find this forum to help me through getting this car on the road. I do know it was running perfectly when it was driven in my friend's barn - he had been in it a lot that day, and was in it when it rolled in the barn, running better than new.

I'll fill you all in on the details shortly after my introduction here, and look forward to meeting many of you. I'm a frequent forum poster, and my thread on finding & restoring my 1972 Triumph Bonneville is one of the oldes and longest an highest rated threads on its forum - over 2,000 posts & replies, over 200 pages, and 5-Star rated:
http://www.triumphrat.net/classic-vintage-...-to-riding.html

I know I'm going to need a lot of help & wisdom, and glad to find a resource that can help!

GN

[Gatornapper]

Ok guys (& gals?) - here's the scoop on the car.

No pics yet - only took detailed close ups of possible rust areas as car is in friend's dimly lit barn. Will have pics in a few weeks after I get the car to my place. We are at Outer Banks, NC starting tomorrow thru the end of the month.

BTW, I am a pretty good mechanic (extremely active 72), having a full auto shop/4 -5 car garage at my home with 10k lb. lift. I do everything on cars, trucks, motorcycles except for machine work and body work. My garage is full of motorcycles, 3 old Triumph's I dearly love and ride regularly, a '72 Honda CB350 (nephews - helping him restore), '86 Kaw Vulcan that was my son's and I want to sell, a 20 year old Harley Wide Glide, a 2009 Harley CVO Road Glide, my son's '04 Yamaha R6 and a daughter's new 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber (I led her to it after she decided she didn't like her Sportster any more - she loves the Bobber and it's mine to ride when she's working! Sweet.)

I live in the hardwood forest of VA on 15 forested acres in 1,000 acres of woods with 2 log homes I and my sons built together. I am an electrical engineer who got into computers in 1979 and have a degree in English as well. Yes - I'm weird.

As I was surveying the 914 for notorious rust problems I saw something I've never seen, and it really puzzled me. Original paint & body are almost flawless. Just need buffing out. 3 tiny rust bubbles in original paint under driver side corner of windshield, driver door window, Targa bar behind driver door.

BUT, all interior body panels - front & rear trunks, engine bay, etc., are clearly new paint. All panel areas look BRAND NEW! No rust - anywhere. Well, 3 small rust spots, 2 bubbles under windshield trim, one rust spot behind driver door.........HUH?!?!?

WHAT? NEVER seen that in my life.

Then got the PO on the phone. Answered every one of my 100 questions MORE than satisfactorily.

The car had a "frame off" paint app. with proper prep of POR 15 in the original color by the owner before him. It was a clearly professional job performed by someone who really knew what they were doing. Every nook & cranny I could see is new paint. I just wish they had taped off some of the labels under the lids. I think this was done about 20 years ago.

The car has Dual Throat Webber carbs on each side - and modern Electronic Ignition. WHAT? #2.

PO said that he ECU died, and a replacement could not be found. The local Porsche dealer suggested new Webber's and new EI, and performed the work - it was clearly professionally done, well done. Carbs need to be rebuilt due to ethanol sitting in them for over 10 years - but I rebuild carbs with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back. Never done Webbers, but they can't be that bad.

Fuel tank was removed and professionally cleaned, waiting for POR 15 lining with comes with car. New fuel lines, pump, filters, pressure regulator come with car. All need to be installed. Piece of cake.

Interior appears flawless - just needs a good cleaning.

I do see paint flaking from rocker panels and under car members and panels. Not sure why, but will drill down on that once car is on my lift in a couple weeks.

New competition front brakes have been installed. Tires are very good, but obviously will all have to be replaced due to age.

Won't know more until I get the car here and go through it. I know there will be hidden issues. I've been around the block a long time.

Still think I almost stole the car, and can't wait to restore it.

Will tell you all more as I learn.......

GN