Ambition Fulfilled - my 1972 911T coupe

[Arne]

It is with a bit of trepidation that I start this thread on the acquisition of the early 911 that I have desired since I was in junior high. (Yes, I'm old enough to predate the terminology change to "middle school".)

Here's the deal. I know it is far from perfect, and really, perfect isn't required. While my goal is a car that looks (and drives) period correct, I'm definitely not going to get hung up about strict originality, date-coded parts, or any of that. The car will be driven and used, year-round. It will replace the '84 Carrera I've had since late 2011.

I know that there are plenty of folks here who will be able to find numerous things that are not "correct". Feel free to find those things if you must, but know in advance that I'm not going to worry about many of them. I bought this car to drive and enjoy, not to obsess over minutia.

It is a 1972 T coupe, 9112100317, engine 6120560. (Edit - stamped production number is 1020446.) Apparently first sold in California, later moved to Texas. Verbal report of spec (CoA/PPS yet to come) is Silver metallic/black leatherette, 15" Fuchs, F&R sway bars, Comfort/Appearance group, tinted glass (all), Blau Frankfurt, and factory A/C. Much of this still exists, 3 of the 5 Fuchs are gone, as is the Frankfurt.

The engine is fresh, with new Mahle P&Cs, bearings, valves and guides, etc. MFI is still installed and working. Transmission has fresh bearings and syncros.

Body is straight, and largely rust-free. Rear seat pans were shot due to leaking rear window seal, but have been repaired. The front pan and tank support will be replaced prior to transport. The rest looks really good.

In any case, it is mine, and I plan to make it what I want it to be. What with the holidays and all, I don't expect to have it in my garage for 4-6 weeks. Can't wait.

[Noah]

Congrats, looks like a great project. A silver early 911 with MFI. Can't go wrong with that.

[gdj911]

congrats....i can't see a thing wrong with it!

[Cliff]

Nice project. I have a 72 T with the same specs. A/C and all! Color combo, same. Nothing wrong with making it fit you.
Cliff
Mine does not have the optional S front bumper.

[Arne]

Mine does not have the optional S front bumper.

S bumper on mine is 'glass. I will be replacing it with steel before paint. Probably just a standard bumper, not sure the S bumper adds enough to be worth the extra cost.

[davep]

Congrats Arne. Cliff & Arne, could you both provide the actual paint code stamped on the paint badge. Silver met changed from 925 to 936 during the year and I'd like to narrow it down by VIN.

[911MRP]

Congratulations.

By the way I'm no expert on 72 T but recall from inspecting a friend's calendar 71 model year 72 S the earlier front S spoilers that model year were fibreglass -- before they changed to steel. Think date and or chassis number of that change was referenced in the workshop manual and in a thread here. Your prerogative to change bumper spoiler but mention this in case it affects your decision to change it pre paint.

Steve

[LongRanger]

. . . Body is straight, and largely rust-free. Rear seat pans were shot due to leaking rear window seal, but have been repaired. The front pan and tank support will be replaced prior to transport. The rest looks really good . . .

You can say that, again --- car looks really, REALLY nice . . . beautiful bodywork


Betcha that paint may even buff-out


Excellent catch, there, Arne



Just goes to show ya . . .




...

[nvr2mny]

Congrats on getting it home!

[Arne]

Spent some time today on initial exploration, and determining the most immediate needs. First goal is to get it drivable in 4 weeks, 6 at the very most. For the most part, this shouldn't be hard. Prime needs are brakes, the fuel pump leak and getting all the electrical bits working. None of that is hard or terribly time-consuming, beyond wait time for the brake parts.

The biggest impediment to this is going to be seat belts. Since it is an early '71 (8/71), it came with non-retractable belts. I have both of the belts, and the chrome parts look pretty good. But the webbing is badly frayed in spots, both receptacles are missing, as are the L-brackets that the belts attach to. I may buy a cheap pair of generic belts to use for a while, until I can find the receptacles and then get the originals re-webbed. Need to get this handled soon, though.

Other things I've discovered include the fact that while 2 of the 4 wheels are genuine Fuchs, neither of the genuine wheels are original to the car. One is dated "11 76", the other "9 75". That is actually a bit liberating, as I now have zero reason to worry about finding appropriate dated wheels, not that I would have worried too much about that anyway. Any matching set of 4 flat-6 wheels will be fine, either ring or 3-ear cap types.

And I actually did accomplish a couple minor bits today. I had a good deck lid support shock in my spare parts stash, so that will no longer need a broomstick. And I adjusted the striker on the trunk lid so that it now opens easily, no fussing or prying sideways needed.

So far, so good.