Restore or leave alone?

[gateeast]

I have a 1989 3.2 (see below). It is totally standard and 99.9% rust free (a little bubble on the bottom drivers side front wing. However, as expected the interior shows some signs of wear and the roof wants looking at. Is it best to leave it original or start to have bits painted etc? Thoughts would be welcome.

[shantybeater]

gateeast said:

I have a 1989 3.2 (see below). It is totally standard and 99.9% rust free (a little bubble on the bottom drivers side front wing. However, as expected the interior shows some signs of wear and the roof wants looking at. Is it best to leave it original or start to have bits painted etc? Thoughts would be welcome.

I think thats a heavily personal thing. For me i'd get alot of enjoyment bringing her back to pristine condition.

[gateeast]

My concern is that it isn't done well, nothing looks worse.

[Steve Rance]

I'd Keep that lovely patina, it's the essence of the car and it's history. My money would be spent on keeping it mechanically perfect.

[drmark]

If you have rust lower wing do check the sills and kidney bowls. They can look perfect unless you dig a bit - as many (perhaps most) owners discover at some stage. Early action can save money.

[supersport]

drmark said:

If you have rust lower wing do check the sills and kidney bowls. They can look perfect unless you dig a bit - as many (perhaps most) owners discover at some stage. Early action can save money.

Absolutely right. Get it sorted whilst it's doable.

[mollytherocker]

There are two totally different things here.

Patina - its up to you, there is an argument that originality is king and is part of the cars soul. Seats for example. Recover them and the character is lost forever.

Rust - this will kill the car. Sort it asap!

[gateeast]

Thank you all, I will double check for rust thought it was clear but you've got me worried! I think you are correct perhaps accept it is an aging car and that is part of it's charm rather than trying to make it new.

[g7jhp]

The car below looked very nice but was showing a couple of bubbles on the outside



When he investigated further it turned out there was a lot more corrosion than initially thought to be rectified which took time.



If you can see signs of rust coming through you need to strip it back and get it cut out properly. These cars literally eat themselves from the inside out if rust isn't treated.

I'd strongly advise you to get any rust sorted straight away. The roofs worth fixing properly, I believe this can be expensive on Targas. Worth getting the leather cleaned or using some Gliptone Liquid Leather.

[GregorFuk]

Steve Rance said:

I'd Keep that lovely patina, it's the essence of the car and it's history. My money would be spent on keeping it mechanically perfect.

Urgh "patina" that f-ing word again. Sounds so romantic. But one shouldn't mistake patina for decay.

I can see it now.

Potential buyer goes to view old 911.

Buyer: What's that on the wing? Is that rust bubbling through?
Seller: No Sir, what you see there is 'patina'. Very sought after sir.
Buyer: So, I'll give you £3k less. On account of that lovely 'patina'.

[Pickled Piper]

Fix the rust. Clean the interior.

[gateeast]

I have decided to do a full condition report with a Porsche specialist to put my mind at rest and get all issues dealt with but leaving it in it original state.

Thank you for all comments

[andyb]

After over 10 years of ownership, mine needs some (hopefully) relatively minor metal work. Although who am i kidding that it will be minor.

So let us know who you choose to do it and how it pans out. I for one will be interested in your experience.

[g7jhp]

gateeast said:

I have decided to do a full condition report with a Porsche specialist to put my mind at rest and get all issues dealt with but leaving it in it original state.

Thank you for all comments

Hope the pics didn't alarm you too much, but I've had first hand experience of chasing rust on a 3.2 Carrera.

Sounds like you're doing the right thing for peace of mind.

Where about in the UK are you in John?

[gateeast]

Shropshire.

Planning on using Dave Griffiths.

I'll let you know how I get on, fingers crossed for good news. I have had a good look around, under carpets, underneath etc looks Ok.

[gateeast]

Your 996tt looks lovely, I'll need to get saving.

[rubystone]

I looked at a 3.2 for a mate recently. Showed him the rot in the doorshuts. He bought the car, had it sorted...I went round to have a look. Whoever did the work had repaired it but the final result was the complete obliteration of the seam where rear wing is folded round on doorshut.

To anyone in the know, the quality of the job would be obvious. But to those not familiar with the factory finish, they wouldn't be any the wiser.

So many 911s have such horrors underneath that shiny paint and for years their low values will have meant a life of bodging.

So to the OP, don't be surprised if the specialist's report is expensive. I'd also add that Targas flex more than Coupes too. This cracks the underseal on the seams and allows ingress of water etc. It's very hard to spot this unless you can get right under the car too. A good specialist will look for this.