How should I approach a parts restoration - 1969 911t

[SimonVO]

So I bought a rusty numbers matching 2 owner '69 911t. It was a rolling chassis which came with about 10 boxes of parts.

Had the car fully stripped (another 5 boxes) and sent the body off for oven baking. It came back nice and shinny, no rust but looking like Swiss cheese. Now 250 hours of welding later its almost ready for paint.

I would like to get started on trying to get all the parts inventoried and restored but I'm finding it intimidating. The last owner did try and put small parts, bolts and washers etc in labelled bags but that was back in 2003 (before the project got put to one side) and many are messed up.

My question is how do I, a non specialist, best go about trying to get this actual parts back to their former glory. I don't intend to build up the car but want to supply all the parts in great condition to the garage. Should I be concerned about keeping the nuts and bolts together with their parts or just group them in sizes? Also I guess I shouldn't assume a zinc chromate finish to all nuts and bolts?

In order to try and ensure I have all the parts I thought I could define certain areas of the car like heater assembly then cross check my parts with exploded parts diagrams. On that point I have seen a few online is there a resource for a complete car? I found a parts list but for a amateur the exploded diagrams are a huge help!

I have done this once before with a classic motorbike but that was far easier, only about 3 boxes

Any tips or pointers would be really appreciated!

[NeunElf]

You can download parts catalogs. The Porsche USA download site is http://www.porsche.com/usa/accessori...artscatalogue/. The original hardcopy parts catalogs sometimes have more information.

It would probably be much easier for someone who's worked on early 911s to identify parts than for someone who's only seen them in boxes and bags. I hope you have some expert assistance.

It's generally believed that most of the plated small parts were cadmium plated. I can't guarantee that there was no zinc plating--using zinc now instead of cadmium wouldn't be an act of great sacrilege. In 1965 most of that plating was "silver" or "clear" but by 1969 a lot of it would have been yellow.

[SimonVO]

Thanks Jim- Very helpful!

I wish I could call on someone to come over and have a sort through but sadly I don't have anyone into these cars.

I will have a look into cadmium platting instead of zinc, if that is a process that is still offered.

Any thoughts for dash restoration? Mine has a crack on the joint by the speaker grill and a couple of the speaker holes are opened up

[edmayo]

Where are you ?

[SimonVO]

Where are you ?

Sunny London England

[NeunElf]

Thanks Jim- Very helpful!

I wish I could call on someone to come over and have a sort through but sadly I don't have anyone into these cars.

I will have a look into cadmium platting instead of zinc, if that is a process that is still offered.

Any thoughts for dash restoration? Mine has a crack on the joint by the speaker grill and a couple of the speaker holes are opened up

About the only Porsche source I know of in England is Karmann Konnection, not too far from London. The owner, Richard King comes to Los Angeles for the LitMeet. I'm sure there are others...

We can still get cadmium plating in Los Angeles, so there's a chance there are a few sources nearer you.

The only cure I know for a cracked dash is re-covering it with new vinyl. In Southern California it's easy to take it to Autos International or Autobahn Interiors in San Diego. England has to have some good trimmers--you can get kits or materials from San Diego if you don't have a closer source. I understand you need to take the windshield out to remove the dash in a long wheelbase car (it's easy in a SWB car). If your car's totally disassembled that's not a problem.

[stretch]

Where in London Simon ? I am not too far away. Happy to help if i can. Have you visited the DDK site yet.? A wealth of locals on there.

Dave

[pgxif]

hi mate, as above, suggest you download, from Porsche Classic, the correct parts manual.
Whilst it's not the easiest thing, you'll get a good idea.
The parts catalogue is VERY specific with each bolt etc …. so rely on that.
it's a long process, but you can easily work with it.
Use Pelican and Sierra Madre too.
good luck - post any questions and the 69'ers (and us RHD 69'ers too) will look / take photos / advice etc !!
Paul

[SimonVO]

Thanks very much for your responses.
I moved the parts from my tiny garage to our new house which is a few weeks out from having renovation so I have loads of space.

Here are some pics of the dash that needs repair and likely a re-trim. For the dash is it best to use a leather or a vinyl? Being a '69 I understand the grill is a slightly different size. I hope I can find someone to do a really original retrim on these.







Looks like some rust is getting the better of this edge. Big problem??

[SimonVO]

What type of Headlight should I have ? I have 3 x H4 ones and one without? I assume not the H4!










The radio looks like it might fit under the trim. Would a Pioneer have been a standard fit?









After a quick google there appears to be a few places in the UK that offer a refurb service on the calipers (send in yours and then send back another refurbed set) is that a good option or should I consider an upgrade to these caliper for fast road?






Any advice / pointers gratefully received!!!