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Restoration Archives #5- 10/99-10/00

New Restoration questions should now be posted using the bulletin boards ;

From: EMW911; I'm looking for a wiring diagram for a 76 912e. I primarily need the diagram of the lighting circuits but the entire set of schematics would be helpful. A good copy out of a factory manual would be great. Thanks Evan Winter, Hagerstown, Maryland

From: Wesley Waugh; Tues Oct 03, 2000; Does anyone make/sell replacement wiring harnesses (with original colors/banding) for a 67 912.  Also interested in any good "substitute harnesses" that others have used that have worked out well before I delve into making one from scratch. Thanks, Wes Waugh, Boone, NC

From: Lawrence; Fri, Sept 29, 2000; I recently was given a 1966 for my birthday, pretty cool, one problem the car has is a broken spoke on the steering wheel. I would really like to keep the original wheel. Does anyone out there have any ideas on the best way to repair it. Mike

From: Marty K. Miracle; Fri, Sept 29, 2000; I have a 69 912 that is having a new floor pan put in.  However, the place where the seat actually mounts into the floor (interior) are rusted as well.  Is a replacement part available or do I have to fabricate one.  Please email with any advice.  --   Marty K. Miracle

From: Jeff Lester; Thurs Aug 17; hate to sound ignorant, but I do not know much about 912 targa's as this is my first one. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who could tell me how or "if" the targa roof seals are supposed to squeeze up tight against the door glass on both sides of the vehicle. The reasons I am asking is because mine do not. There appears to be a gap between the glass and roof seal, allowing a lot of water to seep in especially when washing the car or in rain storms. I thought perhaps this was just the way it was, but I am not sure. The door seals (Front) and roll bar seal (Rear) were replaced and they seem to seal up alright. The Targa top is in fine shape, and does not show any signs of wear or shrinking, seals look good, but I think they are original. Does anyone have any advice, about this scenario, or is this just the way it was designed? Any help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

From: Eddie Ray; Wed Aug 16, 20000; several weeks ago I read an article in the technical section from some one who had the same problem as I do... I drive my 912 and may make a turn and the hood pops open... sometimes I can go weeks and never have the problem...  I have searched the archives and still cant find his cure... could some one help me      ER

From: Robin Charbit; Tues Aug 15, 2000; My horn sounds intermittently when I turn the wheel but I have been unable to remove the wheel center horn push.  Pushing down and rotating doesn't seem to work and given the age of the plastic, I don't want to force it.  Any clues?  Thanks, Robin

From: Kevin Gosselin; Mon Aug 14, 2000; k gosselin, 1967 912. I just bought a pair of headrests to add to my low back bucket seats. These are the correct headrests, barrel style on chrome stalks. My question is, how do I go about mounting them without damaging my newly upholstered seats? I only want to make the correct number of holes in them. Do I need to drill something? Or do I need to find original mounting holes under the fabric? Feel free to respond to
kgosselin@ryanpartnership.com . Thanks in advance.

From: Dave Hillman; Wed Aug 09, 2000; I knew that my car had problems with rust in the front body pan when purchased in May.  I had planned to get it fixed this winter when the weather gets bad, but have elected to move the date forward.  I'm concerned about safety since the pan holds the front of the suspension.  If it were to collapse, it would be a lot worse that the repair.  I've been told that bad cases have occured under hard braking or cornering.  I've purchased the parts and toyed with fixing it myself, but it seems too much like building a boat in the basement.   It could take forever. See it all including pictures at http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/ The repair cost will be about $2K.  Welcome to silicon valley.  Regards, Dave

From: Peter Richards; ; Hello, I own a sweet 68 912 with some bad lenses and am looking for a set of front turn signal units. Also looking for  carpets that are on the back side of the seat backs on the rear seats (does that make sense?). Any pristine ones out there? If not, where can I find factory carpeting I can have made into seat backs. Thanks for your help. Peter Richards

From: Todd R. Iorio; I've a '68 912R...for which most of you would probably shoot me as the R stands for Rotary, as in Mazda. Sorry ;)

However, for those of you in the So. Cal, USA area, take some time one Sunday and head over to the Pomona Swap Meet. It's full of classic cars and has more 911/912/356 and all water-cooled Porsche parts than you ever thought possible, and the prices are negotiable. Examples? Two 80's 911 seats, leather $150.00, newley rebuilt 901 (5-speed) transmission, $300.00, 356 C connecting rods, balanced set, FREE from a VW part seller who didn't know what they were. It's worth your time!

And for those still scoffing at the Wankel powered Porsche, I'll see you on the track!
Keep smiling!
Todd
todd@tradertodds.com

From: Douglas Melvin;  Per Ron Batemans post requesting a discussion on gas heaters, if you have one of these in your car...TAKE IT OUT. These are responsible for more burned down (up?) Porsches than any other single cause, and I've seen several. Unless you live in Alaska, tune up your standard heating system, when working correctly it is more than adequate. DOUGLAS  MELVIN , ZUFFENHAUS, RICHMOND  CA, 510-236-5100,     

From: anita brimecombe;  Hello all.  I have recently acquired a 1967/ 912.  I am familiar with the engine and its components. My biggest problem is, I worked on these engines in off road chassis, I have allot to learn about working on the car as a whole.  To start I would like any info on where to find service manuals and original parts, or something close to original.  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please send mail to bbrim@earthlink.net

From: Ron Bateman; ; Hi Rick, Going through a box of parts which came with my project, I came across a manual for the original equip gas heater which came with my 68 912.  It is in german and english. I'm willing to share it with interested 912 ers. I would also like to see one of the monthly discussion topics be gas heaters.  Maybe I'll offer a question or write up my experiences when I get into mine a little farther. Thanks for the great site! Ron Bateman

From: bdbircher;  Greetings.  I have a 68 912 Targa Hardwindow and am looking for the parts necessary to switch it to a softwindow.  Had a softwindow several years ago and really prefer the softwindow.  If any of you out there think I am crazy for doing this please let me know.  I may not know what I am getting myself into.  When I restored my last 912 the softwindow parts looked pretty simple and came out/in easy when I did the paintwork.    Thanks, Bill Bircher, 68 912 Targa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

From: CRAIGADART;  Hello. Currently restoring a 66 coupe. I'm missing the two bolts that connect the crossmember reinforcing brace to the floorpan. Does anyone have them or know where to get them? Also, does the stainless steel windshield trim simply push into the rubber molding? It doesn't go in too easily and I don't want to damage the pieces. Thank you. Craig

From: KenTesta;  I need the cover to the 912 generator opening over the brushes - armature.  Can you advise please? Ken Testa, California

From: betsey scheurer;  I have a 1976 912 E. I'm going to replace the soundproofing mat in the engine compartment. I need to know if this is going to be easy or complicated (exactly what needs to be removed; what pitfalls might I encounter). If anyone has done this themselves vs. having it done at a shop, I would like to hear from you. Many thanks.

From: CUSTOMC;  I have a 66 912 with the pans partly rusted what can I do to fix the small holes and get a few more year out of the pans before I have to replace them completely and if I have to replace them what do the labor usually cost. Thanks

From: Terry & Jean; I just brought my 68 targa home from Minnesota (the rust bucket domain of the nation). This car has sat alone and forgotten in a garage for 20 years. One rocker is a flacky shell and major bubbleing is all around. I guess I need to find a source of patch panels!! Help with vendors names if you can. The other thing is the interior looks great aside from the surface mold from the humidity. any suggestions for cleaning this up???? The sound insulation in the engine compartment has deteriorated is there a supplier for this material???? The car has 44,000 on it and will be reserrected in the next year. Oh ya I will need brake pads and kits with retainers and pins etc... Well thats enough for now. I am new to the porsche, but have been restoring old chevies and model t's for awhile.I am looking foreward to driving a car that travels over 25mph!

From: Jonnyz;  Need some technical help....were the steel wheels on a 68 912 chrome or painted the car color?  Please advise. Thanks

From: TuckBS; ; I'm restoring a '66 912 Coupe.  I've completely stripped the car (fenders,  hoods, gas tank, engine, tranny, windows, interior, etc.) and am currently  working on body work restoration.  What my question is in regard to is electrical rewiring.  The car is now down to bare metal (all wiring and instruments have been pulled).  I have not been able to locate any information on wiring kits or information regarding rewiring.  If anyone can share their stories on wiring a 912 it would be greatly appreciated.

From: ROCKY TAYLORr;  Hello:  I want to replace LH radio antennae unit.  What is the easiest method to get into the fender panel to accomplish this??  Also, in the headlight units, the metal screw receiver is attached by a rubber piece.  After 33 years, it (they) are gone.  What is being used to replace this receiveing unit that is attached to headlight unit?? Thank you, Rocky Taylor.

From:  Michael Wangen; I have a 1976 912E and am trying to determine if my paint color, 305-9-2, is the color that is sometimes referred to as "Mexico Blue."  Could you please post this question and direct replies to lottwangen@home.com. Thanks [Webmeister note: We have all the 912E color names, some 912E color chips, and a few 912E color code numbers on the Paint Code Page ; please e-mail the 912 Registry also if you can coordinate any of the paint colors with the code number on your ID tag.]

From: Martin Ceddleston;  Does anyone have photographs of a restored or original condition 912 engine bay showing the configuration of hoses and ducting.

From: markmaui; Aloha!  I have a brand new Hartzmann antenna I wish to install and replace an identical, decrepit antenna that is currently on my '68 912 coupe.  I have really studied this, and it looks like the only way to replace the antenna is to pull the whole left fender off of the car.  Is this true?  Or, am I really overlooking something very, very obvious?  Are the only stupid questions those which are not asked?  Anyway, if anybody has replaced their radio antenna, and is wiiling to pass on a pointer or two, feel free to drop me a line!!! Or, if your on vacation over here and want to replace it for me....................

From: bill bircher;  I have a 68 hardwindow targa and am looking for an option from the factory that made the hardwindow removable.  If I can't get this, is there a way to convert the hardwindow to a softwindow? Please reply to bdbircher@msn.com  Milwaukee, Wisconsin    USA

From: Ron Bateman;  After a fair amount of surfing, emailing, and posting, I've found a path to proper paint mixes for 912 special order factory colors.  The web site below has a color matching data base.   Use line 22 (Glasurit product line 22) if you what a single stage paint system.  Use line 55 if you want a base/clear coat system. Enter Porsche in next line, and your factory paint code or paint name in the last line. The search will give you a product number code, which will lead you to a mixing code.
For example, the paint code on my cars doorpost plate is 6016.  The Glasurit code for 6016 is 220. Your local supplier can use the product number (220) code to get the mixing code from the BASF home office.  The color match is perfect.
http://www.glasuritnet.com/glasurit9609/e_home.html

From: jim;  Today I bought a 5-speed 1969 silver 912, imported to Holland from L.A.  After starting the car for a few minutes to let it run I switched it off. A few minutes later the key refused to go into the lock. Nothing worked - lock release spray, taking the lock out of the dashboard, etc. etc..  So together with a friend, we pushed the thing about a mile to the nearest garage where it will remain for the next few days while they order replacement parts.  So tonight I'm going back home in my mini-cooper. I hope it gets better than this guys!!! Jim Smith, depressed, Amsterdam.

From:Brian Warfield;   Love this website! I'm looking to "section" and replace the inside fender where the  headlamp support bracket (wiring conduit) attaches to the frame, just to the outside of the battery(make sense?). I'm already replacing the suspension support pan and gas tank support. I would greatly appreciate if anyone out there would advise me.  Please send comments to: brian.warfield@mitchellrepair.com

From: Ron Bateman;  I have a 68 912 with special order 6016 turkey (turquoise) green paint. A local supplier tried to computer match my original color.  It 's not quite right.  Anyone know how to find the original mixing code.  The local P dealer is no help. Ron Bateman

From: ANDREW DALMAHOY;  I have just bought a 1968 912 that seems to be leaking exhaust fumes into the car, possibly through the heater??? Is this normal??  I have closed the vents in the footwell, but I can still smell fumes.   HELP!

From: Terry & Jean; I was told that the brake pads on my 68 912 , which has been stored since 74, will be frozen to the discs. How will I free them so I can push the car on a trailer and bring it home? I see in the 912 Handbook( 91' Mel Kay ) that it also has rear emergency drums, it would seem more likely that these would be frozen if the em brake had been applied all this time? I did not check if the wheels rolled free when I saw the car in Oct, and recently learned I have inherited it.It is up on jack stands. Thanks! Terry Chaplin, Spearfish,SD

From: Ken Testa; T I want a Blaupunkt radio that works for my '68 912.  Will pay to keep the car original.   Can you help? Ken Testa

From: Thomas, Steven;  My name is Steven and I have a 1967 912 with a sunroof...my sunroof has the motor in the front and very different slide/guides than alot of sunroofs that I've looked at from around the same year....If anyone has any information or parts for a sunroof for my car with a sunroof motor in the front...I would really appreciate it...I live and work in Tokyo so it difficult for me to sort some of these things out from this distance... Sincerely, Steven

From: psherida; ; I've recently started or continued on with restoration of a 1968 912. I can't find where to get floor and rear padding. Can it be purchased pre cut or will I have to find material and cut new sections? Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated as this is my first attempt at a restoration.  Thx Pat

From: Jose R. Perez Jr.;  Are all parts from a 1966 Porsche 912 interchangable with a 1969 Porsche 912.  Planning on purshasing a 69 Porsche 912 to use as a donor body.  I want to transfer everything else from my 66 to the 68.  Any help will be appreicated.  Thank you.  

From: Rob; I'm looking at a '69 912 whose floor is rusted out.  Is there a replacment panel available? Rob airforce45@msn.com

Solved! From: Lencann; Fri Jan. 21, 2000; I am in the process of researching material to replace the top and headliner on my '69 Targa. Solved!

From: Paul Schiemer; ; I did a couple fun little jobs on my '69 912 the other day and thought I'd share the process with fellow enthusiasts. Hope some of you may find this of interest:
Remove and Replace (R&R) door stops:
http://users.aol.com/PRStests/DorStpRR.html
Refresh and Rejuvenate (r&r) [although R&R is discussed] door light switches:
http://users.aol.com/PRStests/DorLiteSwtch.html

From: Todd Buckton;  Hi all: I've got a '67 912 w/ wood steering wheel. I'd like to remove it to restore.  How do I take off chrome trim ring and center vinyl w/ crest w/o ruining?  Is there a special tool I need?  Todd Buckton

From: Douglas Melvin; TIs it colder in your car than it is outside? Or are the fumes from turning on your heater making you ill or drowsy? Granted, the heaters in our cars are somewhat marginal, but they will work better if you align the 4 wires (2, actually, bent in half at the pull) that go to the   2 heater boxes and heater valves. Jack up the back of your car (use jackstands!) and, with the lever pulled fully back (on), slide under the car and check to see if both heater boxflaps are in the correct positions...the one nearest the rear of the car being almost vertical (the bottom towards the front), and the front one completely flush with the rest of the box. These sometimes get bent, so a little re-bending might make them work correctly.
Now look further forward, where the hoses (you do have good hoses?) go from the heater box to the heater valves. These should be closed...in other words, you should not be able to see through the little holes in the round flap. If any of these is not as it should be, you have to adjust the length of the wire by loosening the cinch nut that holds it in place, pulling the wire, and re-cinching. These MUST work in concert for your heater to work correctly.

From: John Smith; ; I was wondering what side the antenna for a 67 912 goes on.  Both of my fenders have holes and I don't know which side to weld up.  Thanks.  Robert

From: Max Levell;  Great site. I'm a regular visitor.  I have been restoring my '66 912 here in the UK. Have spent more hours and time than even I can believe !! I have a question I wonder if you can help?    The sound insulation thats in the engine compartment- On the left hand side does it cover the wiring, regulator etc...Or does it all sit outside of the matting? Many Thanks, Max Levell - London.

From: Steve Perez;  Hello, I hope someone can help me locate a good quality set of replacement spark plug wires and coil wire for a 1976 912E.   (Stephen Perez serial # 9126001958) Which brand and model is the best and most authentic?  Also may want a replacement coil.  Mine is original but slightly chipped under the wire boot.  Should be replaced.  E-mail me at srperez@aol.com. Thanks, Steve Perez

From: TDVW66;  hello, my 1969 912 has everything for the rear window heater, but there is a wire missing, and it doesn't work, and I can' find any specs on how to wire it. I would appriciate finding out what those wires go to. thanks

From: Christopher J. Ulrich; ; Hello from Dallas Texas, I am a big fan of your page and check it almost daily to see what is new. I have been slowly restoring my '66 912 from the ground up for about three years and I have one problem that has me perplexed. When I get the subject problem solved I look forward to registering on this site. I have tons of pictures through out the entire process.
Technical Q&A: I am having problems with combustion flashback from cylinder three only at idle and while decelerating. I recently took the engine out to remove the head and found that the valves for cylinder three check out O.K. I have also checked out the timing, wires, plugs, valve clearance an done
a compression check. The only other thing I think it could be is the carburetors which are brand new Weber 40 IDFs, (and are synchronized to the best my ability). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, christopher.ulrich@inet.com

From: Ben Charvet;  I am doing a complete restoration on my 912E.  I have it completely disassembled and all the told paint stripped off down to bare metal.  The old finish showed signs of lifting and bubbling away from the galvanized panels in places where the prior owner had stripped to bare metal in a prior repaint.  The places where the factory paint and primers remained had no such lifting.  I'd like to get this right the first time, because this is not an easy  car to disassemble ( or reassemble I expect).  What type of metal treatments and or primer are best to get good adhesion to galvanized body panels?
Ben Charvet, '76 912E  #1333

From: Adam Gutmann; ; Any idea if a '66 912 tank will fit a '69 912?

From: Larry Abramson; Just acquired a 1967 912 that needs to have the engine rebuilt due to bad bearing.  I am looking for a wiring harness for the '67 coupe.  The body is in great shape and the floor pans have been completely replaced and undercoated.  Last owner rewired and made his own wiring diagram and fuse block.  This is my first project car so any suggestions are appreciated.
--
Larry, Michele & the Alphabet Beardies
MICLA Kennels (Bearded Collies & Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
4395 Redwood Drive Olive Branch, MS 38654-8850 (Just outside of Memphis)

From: Josh Barbieri;  When I purchased my 912, the PO had not installed the latching hardware on the rear windows.  He had recently installed a new headliner, and the holes to mount the latches to the interior are obscured.  I tryed poking through the headliner where I felt holes, but to no avail.  I tryed several types of screws in the holes, but none seems to fit.  Is there a trick to this?   Is it safe to just drill blindly in the places where the holes should be and use machine screws?  Finally, would this detail information be contained in a publication like A Restorers' Guide to Authenticity, available at B&N?
I appreciate all the help that I can get!  The 912 is a great car and a great hobby!!!

From: Dan Wood;  Hi Mr. Becker, I have a 1968 912 whose cracked speaker in the dashboard has now become a real eyesore of exposed insulation material.  Is there someone specialising in replacement dashboards for the 912?  It must be a common problem. I live in the Netherlands, so a European dealer would be best, but anyone who makes them would be great!
Love the site!
Best, Dan Wood

From: Jeff Gring;  Help- I just bought a 1967-912 for my son. Drove from NY to Va (560miles) .No problem except 32 year old seats.The car looks good and very little rust hope).
Two things have already happened that I need some help. First we got 9 inches of rain in two days and three of that landed in the passenger floor board. I see no holes the floor looks brand new and I really have no idea where the water is coming from (help).Second I had the car inspected and the next day the low beam goes out. I think the lights are CORRELO or something like that Is it important to look for that brand or what should I do . I found some ge sealed beams that are suppose to fit.
Please help
Jeff Gring
PS: I will take pictures this weekend and my son wants to reregister with you.

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