After extensive repairs, my 1967 Porsche 912 transformed from a challenging drive to a joy. Lessons learned emphasize patience and thoroughness in restoration.
In November 2023, I purchased my first Porsche, a 1967 912 affectionately named Wolfie, capturing the entire experience in a series of articles. After a year of labor-intensive work, Wolfie finally embarked on notable trips, including the distinguished Monterey Car Week in 2024 and the Mille Miglia Warm Up in Virginia. This journey was fulfilling, but it didn’t erase the reality of what lay ahead in terms of ownership challenges. Over a year later, I'm back to discuss the renewed efforts to improve my beloved vehicle and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
Throughout 2025, I drove Wolfie sporadically during weekends, often attending car meetups or leisurely driving trips, yet the experience often left me unsatisfied. The ride quality was harsher than anticipated, the throttle response required an exaggerated effort, and the gearbox presented its own set of frustrations. Rather than joyfully cruising, driving became a chore, leading to lesser driving frequency.
By the end of 2025, I was drawn to the invitation of a new road rally, the Trinitē Rally, scheduled for May 2026. The event was organized by Emily Miller, with whom I had a fellowship through previous rally competitions. Knowing the 500-plus miles traversed across Northern California demanded a robust and reliable vehicle, I recognized the need for significant improvements on Wolfie. I aimed to ensure not only its performance during the rally but also its capability to travel from my home in Los Angeles to the Bay Area.
The journey started with replacing the worn windshield, which had aged extensively and appeared near-impenetrable under bright sun or headlight glare. To do this, I sourced a new seal kit from International Mercantile in Del Mar, California, recognizing that the aged seals were contributing to an irritating whistling noise within the cabin.
With the new windshield fitted, I opted to have the car undergo alignment and suspension evaluations at Johnson’s Alignment in Torrance, a shop I trust. The findings were dismal; much maintenance needed to be performed. I invested in a new tie-rod end kit typically used for a Porsche 930, alongside the replacement of severely worn rear bushings and rear trailing arms. Thankfully, the technicians managed to perform light welding on the rear spring plates and replacing the old steel brake lines. The cost of labor was notably higher than the parts themselves, but these upgrades were pivotal to enhancing my driving experience.
The throttle response required immediate attention, too. Aaron Robinson, a Hagerty co-owner who recently drove another 912, humorously noted that my experience felt like medieval torture in contrast. Upon inspection, the cross-brace connecting the carburetors was found to create friction by rubbing against the fan shroud, compounded by poor welding that had led to complications. After sourcing a replacement part, we anticipated an easy fix, only to discover further issues lurking within the throttle assembly.
Accessibility to the throttle assembly necessitated removing front seats and lifting parts of the carpet, which looked remarkable after a thorough 40-hour restoration. Dismantling unveiled further complications; the throttle bell crank, meant to be a sturdy 90-degree angle, had bent into a distorted shape, severely impeding throttle response.
As we delved deeper into the throttle linkage, we uncovered multiple points of failure, with our 912 exhibiting setbacks at nearly every juncture. Clearing out the throttle tunnel revealed an old linkage boot wedged in tight, and while I fumbled through explanations and assembly suggestions on a 912 enthusiast forum, each revelation expanded my understanding of the car’s intricate workings. With Aaron’s help, we replaced various parts, cleaned up messes, and successfully installed the renewed bell crank.
The quest to eliminate the annoying whistling noise urged us to examine the old rubber seals around the wing windows, a laborious project that demanded a great deal of effort. While our guess about the source of the noise was incorrect, the installed new seals improved the overall experience.
To complete the upgrades, I invested in RetroBright LED lights from Holley, replacing the dim H4 bulbs. This enhancement improved nighttime visibility and undoubtedly contributed to my safety amid the swathes of larger vehicles on California highways.
After all the concentrated effort, I finally had Wolfie on the road once more. The improvement was palpable — clear visibility through the new windshield, enhanced ride quality, and an accessible throttle transformed my driving experience. The crucial repairs I initially viewed as inconveniences turned out to be fundamental adjustments necessary for synergy between driver enjoyment and vehicle function.
In May 2026, I successfully navigated the 350-mile trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco for the Trinitē Rally's tech inspection, teamed with my navigator Sedona Blinson. The three-day rally comprised driving on idyllic Californian routes, including navigation tasks and timed sections. Notably, we tackled a segment at Sonoma Raceway, tasked with adhering to specific times assigned to our car's racing class.
The outcome: a remarkable eighth-place finish overall, a win in the Classic car category, and a second-place trophy in the on-track segment — a validation of all the hard work invested.
Looking ahead, I recognize the continuous need for maintenance. During the rally, the one operational windshield wiper malfunctioned, the horn dysfunctionally honked with every left turn, and makeshift fixes were necessary to eliminate persistent whistling. It's clear that Wolfie will always require a bit more attention, underscoring an essential lesson from this chapter: never trade the desire for completion with a car’s readiness for the road. The experience taught me a wealth of knowledge about my vehicle’s intricacies, a journey that transcends mere car ownership.
My future endeavors will embrace this wisdom, as I value patience and thoroughness above all when it comes to classic car restoration.
