1973 Sepia 911S

[Sepia911S]

Even though we were "trolls" in a hot, stuffy sub basement, my favorite part of the Salt Lake City Parade was Concours Prep. The esprit de corp among the competitors was inspiring. Everyone was willing to share stories, jokes, tips, supplies, and equipment.

When I saw Paul's 1973 black Targa, Ed's 1970 blue Targa, and John's 1967 911, I knew that it would be a very competitive concours. The cars were in exemplary condition each with a unique story. And, that was a good thing. When I looked at their cars, my goal was to make my car the best it could be.

[RSTarga]

Candyce,
What happened to your front spoiler? Trailer problem?

[Sepia911S]

What happened to your front spoiler?

David, RS Targa,

The dent is the front valance has been there since the mid 1970's. Jim was driving across Montana at night and hit a boulder in the road. There is an ongoing debate about fixing it. The judges at Salt Lake City and perfectionists tell me it needs to be repaired and painted for the car to remain competitive at Concours. Others, who prize originality, advise me to leave it as is stating, "It is only original once. Still others, tell me to remove the original valance and store it. Then purchase a replacement valance and paint it to match the car. I'm not sure what I should do and really feel no urgency to do anything about it. Plus, right now, I really don't have the extra money to fix it.

There is a story about the front license plate. Until this year, no one noticed that the car has an Indiana plate on the back and an Illinois plate on the front. The car has spent most of its life in Illinois. It was always a hassle for the car to pass the emissions tests. When the car turned 25 years old, I suggested antique plates. Jim was aghast at the idea ... antique plates weren't for the Porsche. Several years later, I cut out and handed to him a newspaper article stating that cars with antique plates were exempt from emissions testing. Soon, antique plates were on that car.

When I transferred the title to Indiana, I tried to remove the Illinois plates. I was able to remove the rear plate but the front was more difficult. I needed to hold the nut with needle nose pliers so I could remove the screw. I just couldn't get the screws to turn and worried I would scratch the car. And, I kept forgetting to ask my neighbor to remove it. The more I thought about it, I decided to keep the Illinois plate. It is part of the car's history.

[Cornpanzer]

Others, who prize originality, advise me to leave it as is stating, "It is only original once. Still others, tell me to remove the original valance and store it. Then purchase a replacement valance and paint it to match the car. I'm not sure what I should do and really feel no urgency to do anything about it. Plus, right now, I really don't have the extra money to fix it.

Candyce,
Here is my unsolicited two cents of pragmatic advice.
The day that your husband hit that rock, the valance no longer was original. We wouldn't neglect a flat tire, broken head stud or snapped fan belt because the replacement wouldn't be "original". IMO when something gets damaged, it should be repaired. The bent spoiler is a blight on a spectacular car.
Honest patina is refreshing and desirable. Accident damage doesnt qualify though.

I love your stories, please keep sharing.

[fryardds]

Hi Candyce,

You might already know this but I recently found out that Indiana now allows the use of plates on classic cars from the Year of Manufacture. I have been looking on eBay and other places for a fun, original '71 and '73 IN plate to put on the cars. The plates have to been in good condition to be used. The '73 year plate is kind of strange though because it has a '74 on it.

http://www.in.gov/bmv/2654.htm

Yeah, I would keep the front IL plate on too, but I would fix the front spoiler when you can (but not before the Parade next summer).

[Cornpanzer]

Candyce,
Next time I ride in Brian's car, I will bring along a bag of Cheetos.

[fryardds]

That's why the seats are covered.

[boba]

You may want to check on the law locally, I had a friend who left his front plate from PA on his car when he changed to SC registration. He did save me a speeding ticket when the LEO noticed as he was coming after me. He had to remove the PA plate and surrender it on the spot.

I agree with Dave, once you change the oil and plugs the first time it is no longer original. Normal maint. and repair is to be expected on a 40 year old car.

[wgwollet]

Using a Uhaul for the trip west, very good. Any reason to back the car on he trailer?

I have a fully original 1973 T coupe, it has dents, some paint nicks, etc, I do not want to touch the original paint, so I do not want even the dents pulled out or touch up paint used...

When is this PCA show over and the results tabulated?

[smedley]

Do NOT put the weight of the engine behind the trailer axle!!.......unless you're towing with a Kenworth or big duelly!!
Back the car on, so as to put the greatest mass (motor) between the trailer axle and tongue.
It's about stability........drove a 911 straight on only once, the first time. Scared the hell out of myself when it started to oscillate on a freeway curve. Back it on!