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

[bdstone914]

@captaimamerica87197

Scott,

Welcome. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
A good place to start is how soon would your daughter like to have a car and how much time and money do you want to spend doing the work?
You could easily spend anywhere from $10 to $50K with all the mods you describe.
Set realistic attainable goals.
I agree with the others and get it running and on the road. If the 4 banger needs a rebuild you are looking at $2 to $5K to rebuild it. Go to an aircooled six ( good choice) figure $10 to $20 k. 987 engine will not fit.
Many owners get overly ambitious plans that never play out. Years later they sell the project at a loss.
Mark DeBernardi @mcmark of Original Customs is in Grand Rapids and is an expert on these cars.
He also is one of the few places that have the fixtures to check and straighten the body. These cars tend to sag. Make sure you have a really good body before dumping a lot of time and money into it. You will probably end up with a car that will not sell for as much as you put in it. But if it is what you want go for it.

Bruce