912 Registry InterActive Restoration Achives #1 - Porsche (TM) 912 & 912E Restoration Issues

From: Brian Minto; Sat, 14 Mar 1998; mintob@cadvision.com; I have visited the 912 Page many times and have always come away thinking the session was worthwhile. As to your question re: heater, I am hard pressed to give you a straight answer. The car had a Wabasto gas heater in it that absolutely refused to work after seeing several "experts", so I bought entire replacement heater from Rich Lambert, also on your listing.....I took one mixture pump to a rewinder, along with better of the two fuel pumps. Nothing has returned yet. The exhaust system was brand new when I bought the car but exhaust- related heater was not connected and, in fact was missing many small items, so I began buying parts as they showed up in manuals and parts lists. I thought that I now had all missing parts but after just crawling under again a few minutes ago, I am again confused. I realized that I only had two cable sheaths going back from tunnel so I had assumed that I needed an additional Y cable and interior cable but lo and behold, instead of Y sheaths for dual heater cables (flapper box and control box on eac side) as I had expected, there are only single cable sheaths on each side (actually in pretty good shape attached to flapper boxes an no way to attach my new heater control boxes. So now I seem to need another Y sheath ($90) to go along with $200 worth of stuff last week, $160 the week before, Rich's $100 worth of stuff....... and two service bills totalling $350 which produced no positive results. Euro? US? I would say that it was Euro-equipped originally, that this was removed for some reason and is in transition to US-type, by default - due to parts availability. The Wabasto is also still missing a good muffler. That should be an interesting hunt. I will again mention your site to other local 912 owners at next local Porsche Club meeting. There are about a dozen 912-owner members. Thanks for the note and keep up the good work.

From: Revis Rose, PO; Fri, 13 Mar 1998; RRose@d11.uscg.mil; Just checking in to info everyone on how the restoration is going. As you may remember, in my e-mail of 23 Feb 98 I ran into a bit of a snag. Well, I am back at work on the front-end of my 912. I've been spending so much time on this car my wife is getting jealous. I think she is calling it "Monica" or something to that effect. Anyway, that new front suspension pan was cut out of my car, leaving a rather large hole. I located a front substructure, that will replace the old one, which will be cut off next week.

The "new" substructure came from 912 457017, a '67 three gauge car, which I must report as dismantled and destroyed. It was chosen because, although it was a little rusty, it was straight and had adjustable strut perches.(That's good because it makes front-end camber and caster much easier.) I have reinstalled the front suspension pan on this "new" substructure and should be prepped and ready for installation next weekend.

I really want to thank Jim and Spencer EASY (European Auto Salvage Yard) in Emeryville, CA. They were very helpful in finding and giving me a good price on this substructure. It may save this project. Keep the 912 Faith!

From: Jim Boucher; Fri, 06 Mar 1998; Boogieman@kconline.com; Hi Guys! I seem to have a problem I hope some one can shed some "light" on.
I have re-assembled my dash on my '68 Targa. After a complete restoration and when I put the gages back in (with the correct wiring, as I labeled and created a diagram for each upon disassembly) I have no back lighting in the fuel, tach or the speedo. The lights in the clock and temp gage do work! I have not screwed the brackets back in on the tach yet. The blinker lights work, the break light, red, green, high beam and parking lights all work! The bulbs seem to be O.K. although I did not check the all. Does this puzzle any one else? I have not checked the voltage with my meter yet. Does anybody know if all the back lights have the same ground?
Does anybody have any suggestions? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Jim, The Boogieman

From: Revis Rose, PO; Mon, 23 Feb 1998; RRose@d11.uscg.mil; I've reached the point of asking what's it worth. After cutting out the suspension pan and installing the new one, there is a problem. It appears that the front sub-frame was twisted and when I welded in the pan I set the twist. When the hood is closed there is a 1 inch gap between it and the trunk frame on the drivers side. Options: 1. Take it to a good frame shop. $$$$$$ 2. Weld in a used front clip. $250.00 + S-Met. 3 Undo almost all of my work straighten it my self. $???? What is a stock 1966 912 worth, in good straight condition? The state of California says for tax purposes it's worth $4,100.00. Assuming I'll never get my money out of this thing. Would building a customized 912 (i.e. 76 912 front end w/ 911R flairs and rear bumpers) be a crime? Your input would be appreciated. V/R, Revis

Webmeister $.02: check the Restoration page for a few places that give Porsche valuations...as to
my opinion, most people never sell a car for the $ they spend.....to own a new 911 is $60-70K, plus all that insurance and depreciation....if your car is mint, it's best to leave it original, but if original isn't important to you, just about everyone likes a 911R...OR another option...MAYBE YOU COULD RACE IT! Don't give up, Revis, Cheers, Rick B.

From: Rose, Revis PO; Thu, 12 Feb 1998; RRose@d11.uscg.mil; Ref: My 912 Project. This project is coming along well. The rusted sheet metal in the trunk has been cut out. The new sheet metal has been fitted and tack wielded in place. The engine rebuild is still in the disassembly stage. The heads are at the Maestro's (they were in bad shape) and I got the pistons (86mm CR 9.25:1) from Shasta Design in Lake Head, CA. I'm splitting the cases this week, I already know that the No. 2 Rod Bearing is shot, and the crank will need to be turned. Keep the 912 Faith! Revis Rose

From: Jim Boucher; Mon, 26 Jan 1998; boogieman@kconline.com; Hay 912 fans, I need some help with the replacement of the Targa bar seal. I need to know how to remove the "funnel" part on the targa bar that receives the pins on the rear of the targa top. I am assuming these "funnels" have to be removed to get the seal in. There seems to be 2 other holes one on ether side of the "funnels", what are they for? Were they to mount a plate that would protect the rubber from damage as you miss the funnel with the pin? If so would anybody know what they look like or maybe where I might get them? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, The Boogieman, '68 912 Targa

From: Burt116; Sun, 25 Jan 1998; Burt116@aol.com; Subj: Re: 912 Horn Grills
from John Flacey- According to my research on the subject a few years ago: 1. 1968 horn Grilles differed from prior years and also the 1969 version as well. 2. I had tried all the standard distributors of Porsche parts, including Stoddard; and several of the lesser know purveyors of hard to find parts. I was told it was NLA in all instances. (perhaps that has changed lately?) 3. Johnson's Book on Restoration of 911/912 vintage year models indeed alludes to those recognized differences (as I recall). 4. A local Rechromer I consulted stated that it would be VERY costly in terms of labor to remove the metal pits and rechrome the part and felt it would not end up as a suitable finished product (Hard to get in between the louvres) & must be done by hand work. 5. Never heard of a Wire Laser for replication of a metal part.....will try to check it out.....though the cost might prove prohibitive. Appreciate your response, Burt Davis

From: Susan Harris; Fri, 23 Jan 1998; Allegro6@ix.netcom.com; '76 912E; Hello again, I contacted Porsche North America yesterday regarding the Certificate of Authenticity and wanted you to know that the address you have listed is correct. With a couple of additions, he gave me the following address:
Porsche Car North America, Inc.
Customer Commitment Headquarters
PO Box 30911
Reno, Nevada 89520-3911
$30.00 plus proof of ownership
They were extremely helpful and even looked up my car on the computer. Seems there was an old 1976 recall for the mass airflow sensor that was never taken care of that I can still do...imagine that...too funny. He was able to give me a history of my car just by looking up the number. This is all so very exciting to me. I have wanted a 912E Porsche for as long as I can remember and we have been looking at them, driving them, drooling over them for 10 years now. This one was my Christmas present and I couldn't be a prouder owner. I love my car. Thanks for the website. (My husband thinks I'm crazy to go on so much about this car, but it truly is a dream come true for me and I'm so excited about it.) :-) Sincerely, Susie Harris

From: Revis Rose, PO; Thu, 22 Jan 1998; RRose@d11.uscg.mil; Just passing on info I've been able to find. In my search for replacement body panels, I've come across some sources. For floor and trunk pans I found that Restoration Design in Eaton Rapids, Michigan (517) 663-4545. I was very impresses with the trunk support, I bought. It's galvanized, and maybe it will last a little longer. Also if your doing any restoration project, give Eastwood Co. a call at 1-800-345-1178. Their catalog is full of very useful tools and equipment. Their Website: www.eastwoodco.com. The project is progressing slowly, the heads are in the shop. The cylinders (cast iron, can you say big bore kit) are in good condition.
New forged pistons are on order. Keep the 912 faith. Revis Rose

From: Mark Alan Selleck; Sun, 04 Jan 1998; glassimpressions@pipeline.com; '68 Targa; I'm looking for a source for the CORRECT felt strip that lines the DOOR rear window channel in a '68 Targa. This felt is different from earlier "early" cars because of the addition of a nylon glide to the rear end of the glass carrier channel. I'm not sure if the '69 or later mechanism is unchanged or not. Anyone with a '68 car out there that has had to replace this item recently? Thanks for any help.

From: Burt Davis; Sat, 3 Jan 1998; Burt116@aol.com; Question: 1968 912 Horn Grilles (Chromed) differ from earlier models and from the 1969 versions of same. Apparently used only on 68's and have not found any aftermarket replacements and are NLA from Porsche as well. Apparently not enough demand to reproduce? Yes, can if need be, have originals polished out and rechromed but does anyone have any knowledge or suggestions about this minuteia of restoration detail? This dilemma also applies to the 911Series body trim components for they essentially were one and the same! Thanks, Burt

From: Ken Robinson; Thu, 1 Jan 1998; I bought a 1967 912 and need to find a source of parts. Please provide me with the names of a few good parts catalogs for nos and aftermarket parts. I need a right front fender and a complete real bumper set up. The car was hit in the rear and needs some strighting as well. Thanks, Ken Robinson

From: Steve and Jennifer Donahue; Fri, 26 Dec 1997 ; Seattle, Wa.; 1965 coupe; We are trying to restore it but rust has gotten the better of the floorboards. We need lots of advice.

From: Dick G. Bowker; Mon, 22 Dec 1997; ; Your paint table was great - confirmed that I Have aga blue (6608). But I cannot get anyone to convert that to a modern paint number (Like a PPG or Dupont Number). Porsche USA couldnt help, local Porsche dealer couldnt help (that was predictable), two local car paint stores couldnt help with their computers. This has me baffled. Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance.

From: Johnflacey; Mon, 8 Dec 1997; 1969 hard-window Targa; I have had this car for 5 years, and have enjoyed it immensely. I have had a 66 912 Coupe, and subsequently a 74 914-1.8 in the past. I had the engine and its compartment redone and returned to concours/original condition in 1995. My next goal is to get the body cosmetics up to a higher level: there is some minor bubbling (is that a contradiction in terms?) at the door bottoms and the inner and outer rockers should likely be rebuilt before they get bad. There are some relatively small surface door dings, stone dings, etc. that are conspicuous mostly to me, but that should be addressed, and a respray is warranted thereby. I would be interested to hear from owners out there who have been through this kind of exercise recently, for guidance on the measure to take, and/or the magnitude of efforts in terms of time and cost that I will face.

From: Henny van Kranen; Sun, 16 Nov 1997; e-mail: balthus@bigfoot.com Alblasserdam, the Netherlands; 1966 Coupe, Slate Gray, 80K ml ?? My car is in restoration now you can see it on: http://members.tripod.com/~BALTHUS ; http://www.worldaccess.nl/~hvkranen; Groeten van/Regards from Henny en Ingrid van Kranen.


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