Page 48 - Panama City Living July-August 2019

HOW WE ROLL
How much of it would you consider “stock”?
Not much, honestly, but what a blast to figure out how to put it all back together in the way I wanted, and that would allow me to drive it every day. Most of the work was done with aftermarket parts, like the wide-body fiberglass rear, for example. The ’80s-era Epsilon Southern Ways three-piece wheels are period-correct. I got them in trade for the wheels that came on the car. I thought the Epsilons looked better, although I had to rebuild them. The engine is not stock, but it is a Porsche engine. It is carbureted, although I had to clean and rebuild both carburetors and install new gaskets. And I went through the entire engine to double-check what had been done, although it wasn’t necessary to pull the jugs or heads as someone had already done that and the work appeared to be solid. I also rebuilt the transmission as the gears were grinding a bit. The tachometer no longer worked, so I installed an aftermarket one, until I can find an original one. The dash was redone, in stitched leather, along with new door panels, and a new floor carpet kit. I installed all new front and rear glass, a new hood and trunk, and refurbished the gauges. The seats were recovered; a new trunk lining installed. All new suspension components were added, and all the brake and clutch components were also replaced.
The car was too far gone to restore it to a more original condition, and besides, my budget wouldn’t allow that anyway. I just wanted to be able to drive it. It gets a lot of attention. It may not be for everyone, especially old-school Porsche purists, but I have had a lot of fun with it, and learned so much rebuilding it. It is meant to have fun with; if I mess it up, I’ll fix it!
What was the most challenging aspect of the build?
Taking care of the rust issues. So much rust, so much Bondo. Bondo is not a good thing. A lot of metal had to be replaced. For example, the front trunk support in front of the gas tank is new metal; it had collapsed.
What’s next for your Porsche?
There’s little maintenance needed now, although I am now in the process of replacing the carburetors with electric fuel injection. I’ve never done that before either, so that’s another great learning opportunity. And with EFI, it will start much quicker and easier. This car’s a keeper!
See more photos online at
P A N A M A C I T Y L I V I N G . C O M
48 • July–August 2019 • www.PanamaCityLiving.com