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Advice on putting 1968 911L back on the road

jamesbob911

jamesbob911

PCGB Member
Member
Hi All,

I'm a recent new member (R21 Chilterns). I've joined as I'm in the process of repatriating a 1968 SWB 911L from a relative in Northern Ireland. The car has been extensively restored but not used on the road for 30 years.
I've more less decided to put it back on the road, for very occasional use only, but slightly hesitant as 1. It's probably quite valuable now. 2. Not sure if most folks just keep them in storage? I don't have my own garage but someone has kindly offered theirs Apr->Sep so plan is to drive it then and classic car storage it Oct->Mar.

I'd basically like to know what early 911 members would advice. Any tips on what I should look out for on running the car would also be helpful.

Thanks in advance, Jim
 
Jim,
There is not space here to answer your questions fully but long term storage without moving the car does not do them a great deal of good.
However, I would suggest an oil and filter change and gearbox oil change. The brakes need to checked over for safety including the condition of the hydraulic lines. The suspension should be checked too. Tires checked to make sure they are not too old or have cracking to the side walls. If the car has stood on its tires for an extensive period without moving the tire may have flat spots. Ensure the clutch is "free". Fuel lines should be checked as they perish and make sure the fuel pump is working and not leaking. Carbs should be checked for leaks too to avoid a bonfire. Although the car has been restored at some point it is best to get the structure checked to make sure it is sound. Get an MOT done too although not required as your car is in the historic class and exempt. Ideally someone familiar with early 911s should do the work.
As for tips on the cars: they are nothing like a modern vehicle to drive so you may need to adjust your expectations of the driving experience. They steer well but brakes need very firm pressure on the pedal. The dogleg gearbox takes some time to get used to especially if it is worn and the synchro has given up.
The car is for regular driving rather than long term storage. They do rust away so any storage needs to be in a dry place. I use my cars as much as possible.
Good luck.
 
Restitise is a car killer ,the car was designed to be driven hard
It's not at all like modern metal so exspect to work at driving her ,as for the experience there is nothing like it
Get her road worthy and you will feel like a million dollars
Paul
 
Great advice from Kirk.

She's certainly valuable but you don't just want to stand and stare at her, I'm sure. Do all the checks but drive and enjoy her all you can with care. Every time I go out after a break, I think I shouldn't leave it so long.
 
Hello Jim, welcome to the world of Early 911 cars and to Chiltern Region 21 which is where I live.
Phone or email me and we could set up a meeting somewhere to have a look at your car and see what needs to be done.
I agree with what has just been said and certainly after standing for 30 years the car will need to have work done to it, you will not just be able to put a new battery and fuel in it and start it up.
Some details about the car would be helpful to help decide what must be done, what may need to be done, and what could be done later, depending on what you want to do with the car in the future.
 
Folks,
Thanks very much for the quick & helpful responses. I probably should have mentioned that the car has been undergoing some minor fettling at a Porsche specialist in N.I. prior to bringing over so Kirk your advice is really useful - a good checklist for me to go through with the specialist. And 911 targa and GrahamD, thanks, you've convinced me that it needs to driven, and after 30 years off the road, that's definitely long overdue! Finally Robin thanks for your advice and offering to meet-up - I'll be in contact soon. By the way transport over to England still needs to be arranged so may be a few weeks before I have possession. Thanks again. Jim
 
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