New to me: 1972 T

[Greg D.]

More bad news, good news...



According to my mechanic, that engine emphatically cannot have 50K original miles only, no way, no how... And the case HAS been split before. Valve guides are carbon cocooned too... So we're gonna do a complete job on this thing. Top end, split the case, rering the pistons, re-gasket re-seal everything (engine, tranny, fuel pump), redo all the hoses, the big kahuna with the exception -presumably- of the bottom end which we're hoping shouldn't need as much.

I must have look pale (in truth I was expecting this) because my mechanic asked me how much I paid for the car, and when I told him, he told me that in all seriousness, he'd buy it off me for that price on the spot if I did not want to proceed with the rebuild... I don't think it's a gimmick, I've known him a while and he's very forward with his opinions. He proceeded to wax lyrical on the sweetness of the 2.4L engines, how he misses his own 72, confirmed the car was worth every penny and more, and that I should bump up my hagerty coverage... He concluded that he'd hit me upside the head with my own engine fan if I so much as considered repainting the car (dent wizard yes, minor touch ups to avoid rust, yes, nothing more) - yeah, we're on friendly terms ;-)

So I've blown my budget, big time, and I'm a little bummed the case wasn't virgin after all. I might have to sell a 912 to pay for this or feel less guilty (he thinks very little of 912s, that's his idea), but the car is gonna be sweet when done - and so far all who have seen it confirm it's still a sweet car worth fixing... Fingers crossed there is nothing else...

[LongRanger]

Hey, Greg . . . .

I totally trust the people who work on my cars --- any of 'em.

It looks like a nice honest car. If your Mechanic likes it . . . then I don't think there's a better endorsement.

Look past the pimples, fix what needs fixing --- big stuff first . . . be smart with money . . .

. . . and just make sure you can fit a baby-seat inside!

Rick

[Greg D.]

Let's catch up, shall we ?

Stripping it, to see what we got..













What we got was an honest 2.4 T engine with a 1 before the supposedly original 53K miles. Also some aftermarket tensioners, and other bits suggesting it's been opened before. The fuel pump will be sent to a specialist in NY to be recalibrated. Oh, the gearbox will be split and resealed too... this car is a giant leak...

[Greg D.]

Traditional "butt in the air" shot.



For those interested, rates seem cheaper in FL than what I remember in cali..



Made it to the clean room - heads will be sent out..







Enough disassembling, that's ready to go back in...

[Greg D.]

Clean bits:










It's kinda cathartic to be able to fast forward like this ;-) It's been 6 months. The deal being that they know it's not my only car, and they cut me breaks here and there as long as my car is the backburner car...

[Greg D.]

More dirty bits, I hope they know where they go ;-) (Jeff is a master mechanic who used to build Dave White's 993 Daytona 24 engines, I think we're good)





Clean bits going back on...







Meanwhile, it now looks like I got me a barn find ;-)

[Greg D.]

Nearing the end...







Engine and resealed box are in...New shocks are in F/R. We're waiting for the rubber oil lines from tank to engine, and the heat exchangers/muffler, all new. Dangerously close to 10K now, if we haven't gone over yet.

The one annoying thing is that in those 6 months, I managed to forget that the original paint was kinda, well, crap. Dings, dents, rubbed off spots, hairline cracks here and there. But no rust - hey - win some lose some.

Once it gets home, I'll do the euro headlights first (ugh, I hate sugar scoops) and call a dent wizard guy.

[timryan]

Greg

I have also purchased a 72 light ivory T in CA and hope to have it soon after a repaint. Just curious what the "specialist" rebuild/recalibration on the fuel system cost? After completion what do you think the car's value will be (range)?

Thanks, enjoying your pix on the process.

[Greg D.]

Fuel distributor ? I am not sure exactly, it'll be on the final bill.. A few hundred bucks, I was told... maybe 300 ? I'll tell you when I see it...

Value, that's a tough one... I will tell you I paid $23500 for the car on the strength of it being super original (mint interior, 2 owners - last one for 23y, 80-90% original paint), running well, and being local (california has more cars, maybe cheaper). Of course the full engine rebuild was not anticipated... to that extent anyway... It leaked oil, but ran great, and PPI wasn't conclusive in terms of where exactly the oil came from. I know what I'm insuring it for (35K), but true market value ? your guess is as good as mine, I won't even try. One thing's for sure, I could just about afford it now, I doubt I would do so in 10 years...

Personally, I think that's the best long hood model out there: I love the 2.4T engine, the black grills up front, I much prefer the 915 to the 901 pattern, and it's got the quirky oil door making it rather unique... But that's just me ;-)

[LongRanger]

Olde Threade Alerte! . . .

Time for a 'bump-date,' me-thinks . . .