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I'm thinking of getting a 924/924S later this year but I currently do not have the space to store it in the garage. Are the later fully galvanized models suited for standing outdoor on the driveway?
I live in the Netherlands so weather is often rainy and cold.
all 924/944 models were fully dip-galvanized from the factory, not just later models.
they are fine to sit outside pretty much indefinitely.
Early 924s are not fully galvanized. It was not until 80 or 81 (don't remember) when the shells were fully galvanized.
Additionally, galvanizing does not make a car immune. They are more resistant than a non-galvanized car for sure. But galvanizing is essentially a sacrificial coating. It moves and wears down, eventually it develops high and low spots.
The car will likely rust inside the sills (most cars have rust there, even if it isn't visible on the exterior), as there is not paint in there and moisture can condense there, especially in a damp environment. Also the bottom of the front fenders rust. Rodents can be a problem as well.
all 924/944 models were fully dip-galvanized from the factory, not just later models.
they are fine to sit outside pretty much indefinitely.
Thank you for your quick reply!
My understanding was that the 77-81 models were only partially galvanized (lower body) and '81 to the end of production were fully galvanized.
Thanks again.
I jumped a curb and banged my 968's fender into some artwork in 2008 or 2009. The paint chipped-off at the crease and has been bare galvanized metal for 10 years so far (parked outside). There is a not a speck of rust on it. My wife's constantly garaged infiniti got a scratch and rusted within weeks.
While the body maybe galvanized, there are a lot of other chassis and engine parts that will suffer from continuous outdoor storage under wet conditions. While the car may withstand the effects, it will shorten the lifespan of parts, and ultimately the entire vehicle.
While the body maybe galvanized, there are a lot of other chassis and engine parts that will suffer from continuous outdoor storage under wet conditions. While the car may withstand the effects, it will shorten the lifespan of parts, and ultimately the entire vehicle.
But that counts for a new Toyota or whatever as well, just the downside of having it outside I guess.
My understanding was that the 77-81 models were only partially galvanized (lower body) and '81.
I am fairly certain this is correct.
I echo the comment of parking it on pavement if possible. Keep in mind that like soil and gravel, moisture can come through concrete as well. I would also avoid using a car cover unless it is specifically designed to be a breathable, outdoor cover. Even then I would be wary. A cover can trap moisture and accelerate rust.
If there are rodents in your area I would investigate that. Between eating, gathering, and excrement, they can wreck havoc on a car in a very short time. I've been told that if the car is high enough it is too tall for them to get into it. I guess that would be parking it on some long 2x10s or something of that nature. I think they generally get in by jumping into the wheel, then onto a suspension component, from there they can go many places. This assumes there are no tall grasses around or anything else to make entry easier for a rodent.
Also, make sure all the drains are clear: sunroof, cowl area left and right side (battery is usually on the right side in most markets), rear fenderwell cubbies and spare tire well. And make sure the seal are functioning, and that the hatch doesn't leak.
No telling how long it was actually 'in the woods' but most cars would have rusted away to some extent. I believe porsche learned their lesson and gave a 10 year warranty in the later half of the 70s for rust perforation.
02-16-2018, 01:48 PM
Galvanized
