Intro and Very Bad Manners

After making a few posts I now understand that I was a very very bad boy and showed very bad manners by not posting pictures and introducing myself first. Now, with knees shaking, I will stand up in front of the class and barf up my intro. I bought a used 2003 Targa back in Septemer of 2006. Bought the car with 21,000 miles and CPO. The car has full leather package with soft leather seats, both seats electric, aluminum shifter and handbrake, carrera 18� wheels (brand new tires when purchased), premium digital stereo, and the other usual stuff (no navigation yet). I was camping with my family near Santa Barbara when I drove by the dealer and saw the Targa on the used lot. To make a long story short, I bought it and parked it at our campsite for the next week until I got it home. The other campers (and my wifee) thought I was crazy. I found this forum when I was told I needed a replacement engine (researching). I absolutely don�t want this thread to be about 996 engine problems. I only mention it because this is how I got here. I actually feel lucky that I have a new motor as I plan to keep the car forever and give it to my kids when I can afford a GT3. This is my 4th Porsche. I did a 100% ground up restoration on a 72T (my first Porsche) myself including full body dip, all new wiring harness, and paint prep. I did have someone else spray the paint but I did all the other work including color sanding myself. I sold two Porsches (my 1972T and my 1980SC) to help fund the starting of my business back in 1996. Now that business is good I bought the Targa. I was once again �complete�. I have three boys and I can tell you there is nothing like getting up on Sunday morning and taking all of them out for a ride. I look forward to learning from all of you and appreciate both the humor and the sarcasm on this site. Please hold off the comments on the side markers . I plan to change them soon! I also plan to do the Aero kit (factory) or the 40th addition (cant make up my mind). So far in the short time on this site I have learned about : 1. What to expect from a motor replacement. 2. How to break in the motor 3. What kind of rims I like 4. Avio is the best place for body work in Southern California 5. Dont **** off Dell See, I am learning! BradJ

Hey, nice car! Do you live in South OC? If so, I think I saw your car today while I was driving my red 996 coupe.

Thanks, Nope, not me, but I am down there alot. I live near Pasadena.

hey neighbor...I live in So Pas...we can hang soon!

Ahh screw Dell...(I learned that from Killa ) Nice car and welcome

Nice color! See you around...

Nice!! An impulse buyer! How is that supple leather holding up? Is it comfy, yet still sporty?

Great, I live in Arcadia now but used to live in South Pas. Did you know this Sunday is the Porsche/Hot Rod swapmeet/show at Pomona Fairgrounds? I am going to take two of my boys. Its a fun Sunday.

I was surprised to learn that not only is there leather there is "supple" or "soft" leather seats- Just another way to increase the price. to answer your question-Its soft its supple and oh so sporty

there's going to be a Porsche Swap Meet on 03/11 in Costa Mesa as well.

Where in Cost Mesa? I might make the trip.

Damn, damn, DAMN, D-A-M-N! Guys, I apologize for letting this guy slip through the cracks! 23 posts and I didn't b!tch slap him for no intro and no pics! Brad - Welcome to Rennlist and Congrats on getting a very nice l@@king Targa! Well, I guess you redemed yourself by becomming a paying Member so soon!

Welcome, itorque! You should post some shots of the Targa shooting from the roof of your house (or camper!). Afterall, that's what you got the Targa for...the cool top view!

Here's the link: http://www.356car.org/Calendar.html Here's the specific information on 03/11:

I knew I had it coming, I just could not live with myself not having posted an intro and done it right, lost sleep, too many martinis, kicked the kids, slapped the dog, but now I have come clean I AM ALIVE!!!!

Thanks, I am in for sure. This sounds much better than Pomona which has gone more the Hot Rod direction but still a fun day. BradJ

Very nice Targa. Enjoy her...

Nice Cab Congratulations. Its seldom I see enthusiasts like you who plan on keeping their cars forever. I meant that as a compliment. We need more of you in this board

Congrats on the car - and the weight removed from finally posting the pics!

Brad - half of the fun if this forum, as you have probably already noticed, is being able to give each other some **** from time to time. Most of the time it is well intentioned banter, but occasionally things can get a little, shall we say, "testy." But even those issues usually get resolved. Once again, welcome!

Beautiful Targa..enjoy!

Great story. If you bought the car in Santa Barbara, you probably paid about 10 grand too much, but it's all good! I was camping in Carpinteria a few months ago, and I'm trying to picture my wife if I had gone out for a bike ride and come back with a Targa...

You are about right but the story is worth the extra $10K (more like $3K). Here is my proof. This is when I drove it back to the campsite and is exactly how I was dressed when I bought the car. Only one very desperate salesman took me seriously (he got the sale). The camper in the background is my idea of "camping" at El Capitan.