My First Build, DIY Help Options

[CaptainAmerica89197]

Hello All,

So I just bought a 1974 as a project car for my daughter and I to restore. I’ve never built a car before, although I have some experience wrenching on my 944. My goal is to drop the motor and tranny and maybe replace it with a 987 swap. It needs new everything and I want to keep the Porsche tradition to it, as well as keep some retro roots to it. The body is straight and solid, with minor rust around the headlight buckets(which I’d like to eliminate and replace the fogs as my lights) and minor in the hellhole area. I’d also like to add a wide body kit to it... I know these are some lofty goals haha. I’m also trying to keep my cost reasonable and want to get my hands dirty, so I’m not afraid of the work... I just don’t know how to start or where to begin, so any help is appreciated. I’d like to learn how to weld, but idk what to believe on welders or other various tools for the job that won’t break the bank, but accomplish the same thing. My goal is to find a wrecked out 987 with the motor and trans intact to cut down on my costs.

So fire away with any help, I’m a sponge haha. Thanks for the help.

Scott

[Chris914n6]

My goal is to drop the motor and tranny and maybe replace it with a 987 swap.

Motor won't fit between the susp ears. I'd start with the stock motor if it's not too involved to fix. Then when the chassis is ready, go for a 911 -6 if you have a bunch of money left over, or a Subaru 6 & trans swap if you are a more practical person (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

It needs new everything and I want to keep the Porsche tradition to it, as well as keep some retro roots to it. The body is straight and solid, with minor rust around the headlight buckets(which I’d like to eliminate and replace the fogs as my lights) and minor in the hellhole area.

Headlights that low won't work so well. I've got HID retrofit H4 headlights and even then I can out drive them. Rust free buckets are a dime a dozen and not so hard to replace relatively speaking.

I’d also like to add a wide body kit to it.

225s will fit with a little fender rolling in the rear and with summer tires is incredible grip on a 2000lb car. Steel GT flares are the way to go, but it's still only 245 or so.

I’d like to learn how to weld, but idk what to believe on welders or other various tools for the job that won’t break the bank, but accomplish the same thing.

A 110v will work fine on sheet metal and you will want gas shielding. TIG is easier but MIG is more common. My local Community College has a trades program. $200 got me trained and certified as a MIG welder. Another $200 got me paint and body experience and discounts at the sponsoring paint supplier.

[mb911]

My goal is to drop the motor and tranny and maybe replace it with a 987 swap.

Motor won't fit between the susp ears. I'd start with the stock motor if it's not too involved to fix. Then when the chassis is ready, go for a 911 -6 if you have a bunch of money left over, or a Subaru 6 & trans swap if you are a more practical person (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

It needs new everything and I want to keep the Porsche tradition to it, as well as keep some retro roots to it. The body is straight and solid, with minor rust around the headlight buckets(which I’d like to eliminate and replace the fogs as my lights) and minor in the hellhole area.

Headlights that low won't work so well. I've got HID retrofit H4 headlights and even then I can out drive them. Rust free buckets are a dime a dozen and not so hard to replace relatively speaking.

I’d also like to add a wide body kit to it.

225s will fit with a little fender rolling in the rear and with summer tires is incredible grip on a 2000lb car. Steel GT flares are the way to go, but it's still only 245 or so.

I’d like to learn how to weld, but idk what to believe on welders or other various tools for the job that won’t break the bank, but accomplish the same thing.

A 110v will work fine on sheet metal and you will want gas shielding. TIG is easier but MIG is more common. My local Community College has a trades program. $200 got me trained and certified as a MIG welder. Another $200 got me paint and body experience and discounts at the sponsoring paint supplier.

A little sideways on the topic but please do tell what certs you got for 200? I am one of 3 nation wide master trainers for welding instructor certifications.. Would love to hear what cert you got

To OP ..I would suggest a nice 2056 to start with..