Travis - sflraver

My name is Travis and I am 24. I live here in Ft.Lauderdale FL, own my own home with my girlfriend of 4 years and am down to only 2 Porsches at the moment.

I run my fathers plastic injection molding company for my "real job." I design products, build molds, do payroll, setup production in the mornings, fix things when the break, answer the phones and.. well.. just about everything else. Most of the company has been left in my hands down here for the past year as we have been preparing to move everything. My father has been up in the northern Florida area setting up the new shop (much bigger) which is almost complete. The change in scenery will be nice, plus they have much better "back country" driving roads up there.

Back to the topic of interest, I have owned a total of 4 Porsches, my first being only 2 years ago. My first, and my still daily driver, is a '86 944. When I purchased it I knew nothing about these cars except that I wanted one. I had looked at a few before I came across the '86, and when I did something about it made it look so much better than all the rest. It was only later that I realized that what made it stick out from the other ones was the turbo front clip. Looking back on it, I dont know how I could have missed that.

After the '86 came a '80 924 (which got parted out) and a '84 944. The '84 I had brought back from the dead and it was just sold last month. Then came the '86 Turbo with a broken timing belt. That one is still sitting here at the shop waiting for me to find a little time to get it running. It was one of those deals I just couldnt pass up even though I knew I didnt need another project. I think what pushed me into picking it up was that I know if I get stuck somewhere in the rebuild process that I have this great bunch of people here at Rennlist that are always willing to lend a hand.

Rennlist, who I was introduced to by 944Pete up there, is a great group of people. Without the help of all of the awesome listers here, I dont think I could have made it through my first repair, much less have been able to move on to rebuilding the '84.
Even with all of the technical help that Rennlist has to offer, I dont think thats what its all about. To me Rennlist is about community. About friendship and brotherhood. Some people from other boards might say that "Rennlist is too OT for them," or "It gets quick replies but only a handful are relevant to what you asked."
The fact is, its not all about the cars. The cars are just what brought us all together. Its about the people. Even after the cars are gone, this place still feels like home. Just ask Tom R. or Tim.

I think what makes this type of community possible is that it is all run and kept up by one of the greatest men of our time... John D. What other Admin do you know that would create a special area (the abyss) for his members just so they could post things that were not quite acceptable on the main forum. Its almost like that back room at the local video store.. well , maybe not that bad.

Anyway, this has become more about Rennlist and less about me so I will end it here with a big thank you to everyone out there. I would like to wish each of you and your families the best during the holiday season.

Charlotte944

A short snipet huh? Well, I'll try.

This year will mark my 52nd Christmas. I have 4 kids, one step-son, 2 grandsons, 2 ex-wives, and a very understanding wife.

I retired from the US Navy in June of 1992 after 21+ years on active duty. I was trained in electronics, electrical power generation and distrobution, satellite communications, nuclear power, and a ton of other stuff.

I have served on every thing from ballistic missile subs to air craft carriers, and qualified on watch stations ranging from roving watches in the engineering spaces, to Officer Of The Deck (Inport) on the Quarter Deck and Engineering Officer Of The Watch (EOOW) underway.

After I retired I went to school and got an Associate's Degee in Computer Technology. After graduation I relocated to Charlotte NC from Virginia Beach VA. I worked at Microsoft as an Operating System Support Professional where I provided telephone-based end-user support for every thing from DOS/Windows 3.x to Windows 2000 server. I left Microsoft 5 days after my 50th birthday, and I have been "retired" ever since.

I have always been mechanically inclined and started working on cars while I was still in grade school. My first Porsche was a Sobel Metallic '84 944. I bought the car with 103K miles, did tons of repairs and upgrades, and learned a great deal along the way.

In December of last year I bought an '87 944. The car needed a lot more work than the '84 did, but for $1800.00 I couldn't pass it up. After much wrenching and many blood sacrifices I put the '87 on the road and put the '84 up for sale.

Now that the '87 is running I have set my sights on joining the "Boost Heads." Ahh, the fun never stops!

PCinDC

My name is Paul and I'm a Porscheholic.

I'm 25 years old and bought my first Porsche, a 1984 944, 3 days before my 20th birthday. I've been addicted to Porsches ever since and have been a member of this community's email lists since 1998.
I stumbled upon Rennlist (back then I beleive it was called Porschelist or Porschefans) on a suggestion from my father that I try to learn as much as possible about the car in the event that something breaks. In the years I've been a member of the community I've gotten a lot of help from a lot of people and although most here disagree with what I've done to my second Porsche (1987 944 43K miles on the odo) I have to say I don't think I'd have tackled such a project without knowing that if I was stumped with a problem I'd have somewhere to turn.
Since finding the Web boards to be a much more interactive format than the email list, I've stopped by daily to see whats going on in the Rennlist world. For the most part, people here are very courteous and helpful, with only a few who feel compelled to put other people down for their decisions on their cars. Given that Rennlist, like any other Web Community, is a sampling of all kinds of people, I'd say that having a few bad apples in this case Does Not ruin the batch. Actually some of them are rather entertaining. Who remembers AMAF?
One way or another, Rennlist is by far the best Porsche site out there, boasting thousands of people who will do just about anything for another 'lister - and I guess thats what makes it so special.
I think another reason for Rennlist's success is the hard work and dedication of John D and Jen. Without John's obsession we would all be left with a big void to fill and would probably be spending our time at 6speedonline.com (what a shame that would be).
So this Holiday Season, among the many wonderful things I am lucky enough to be thankful for (not the least of which is my 2 Porsches), Rennlist ranks high.

Thanks and Happy Holidays everyone.

mochman

I'm 33 as I write this I've spent 20 yrs bending wrenches 10 of those profess. I spent 6 yrs college to be an accountant didn't work horrible attention span. From about 90-2001 I owned 2 bodyshops got out of that, I hate insurance co's. Presently I work in the family bus. which is prop. mgt. and devel. I started out with irocz's and t/a's when I was 20 I started looking for a vette but by accident got my first 944. My best friend totalled the night he came home after serving active duty in Korea fo 2 yrs. Then I bought my present car an 87 951. This winter was going to be fresh paint and susp. time but a recent engine fire proved otherwise looks like rebuild time. My other projects include a 76 t/a orig 26000 mile car I've got a nasty 400 that will mate with a tremec tko for that one and it will be fuel injected. I also have a 66 and 70 chevelle, some kind of convert. superbeetle a 66 monterey 95 zx9, 98 katana, quadzilla, and a nasty 160 hp polaris ultra sled. I love the wrench unfortun. not enough time or money for everything.
I hope all goes well for all and RENNLIST is the only porsche site.

Gear Dog

When I got my first car a VW Rabbit the internet was just a rumor, so I relied on magazines for info. Oddly enough it was VW & Porsche that provided me the info that I needed. I've always loved P-cars but with that exposure I was hooked. Fast forward to the present after 6 VW's and a truck I came across my 944. I was in the market for a formula car after my wife got me driving lessons with the RCCA (she is the best).
Needless to say I needed a race car. After looking around and thinking about it I thought it would be better if I got a street car to race. i did the math and if I made every race it would be 12 races max. Well I wanted a little more use out of something I was going to shell out over 10k for. So started the search started for another VW. As understanding as my wife is she didn't want another VW in the stable. Well one sunday afternoon we were heading to the movies and right outside the developement was my car. She pointed it out and like many of you I figured that it was out of my price range, but we went to look anyway. The body was clean and the interior was showing age but not abuse. I spoke to the owner and he mentioned that the car wasn't running but he would give me a good deal. I've always been one to think as long as the body is clean the mechanicals can be fixed. He also mentioned that he had another engine if I needed parts. I asked if he would sell the car and spare engine as a package and he said if I take the car I can have the engine for free and that he would drop them off for me. And so started my life as a P-car nut. Soon after that I discovered Rennlist and look everyday for more tips,stories and complaints.
Oh yeah my bio
I'm 35 married 3 times to the same woman have a 21 month old son who loves tools. We are expecting a little girl in April and I hope to have my car running before then.

ACG

Hi Rennlist,

Andrew here, and I am 39. Married, and blessed with a wonderful and patient wife of 4-1/2 years. We are expecting our first son in March/April. I can't wait for the little one to start picking up wrenches and helping his daddy with oil changes and timing belts changes

I was trained as a truck mechanic in the Singapore military in the early 80s (compulsory National Service for 3 years). This created a taste for all things mechanical, and I have since graduated from college as a Shipbuilding Engineer and Industrial Engineer. I have worked in the truck manufacturing business for quite some time, and I am currently an Export Manager for a US truck manufacturer.

I stumbled upon this new hobby of collecting Porsches just over a year ago. Funny thing was that I had a VW Fastback Type-3, but sold her a few years ago. I was looking at purchasing another fully restored Fastback when I stumbled upon a local ad for the 84 944 NA. The 84 944 came home with us in August last year. A few months later, the addiction really kicked in, and we ended up with the 86 951. It has been a while since I worked on cars. Owning Porsches is a great way to get re-initiated into the hobby.

Rennlist is a great community. I have learnt so much from y'all.

To John, Jenn, and all the folks at Rennlist....have a great Xmas and wonderful New Year!!!

jonnybgood

Hi, I am Jon, 49 years old, 2years out of a 7 year marriage, I have a wonderful 7 year old daughter named Cailar and I live in an apartment in Redwood City. The ex got the house, I live here to be close to my daughter and my apartment lease agreement requires no working on cars. Needless to say I am stretching that one.

I was started on Porsches when my dad bought a 56 Speedster in the early sixties. He rebuilt the engine back then and I can remember screwing in the sheet metal screws for him. I could not have been more than seven at the time. He "gave" me the Speedster for my 16th birthday in 1970. It was pretty ratty by then. Mom through a rod through dad's rebuild when we were late for church and she was doing about 90. Dad says one of the rod bearings was tight and he would just slow down when he saw the temp rising. Mom was not so attentive... I was only 7 and I still remember the "explosion" from the back. She sent my brother out to "fix" it and I remember seeing this hunk of connecting rod and a hole in the top of the case. We told mom we could not fix it! So anyway when I got it it was VW 36hp powered.
At one point I purchased a 356B cab and rebuilt the top end successfully. When I left college my dad took the Speedster back and only sold it a few years ago.
So I have wanted a Porsche for a long time since. I am no longer doing remodelling for the ex so I sold my Ranger and bought the 944S. Timing belt disaster after 680 miles. It is fixed now and I love this car. It suits my genetic profile. I hope I can keep it in daily driver condition and upgrade as much as possible. I selected this example because it did not have any dash cracks! I figured if the PO keep up the dash he must have keep up the rest! WRONG. Oh well.
I am a Test Engineer for Applied Materials working in their division that makes the CVD equipment to make TFT LCD flat panel displays and TVs. Within the next 10 years there will no longer be any CRT displays or TVs. LCD will beat plasma in longevity and afordability as the manufacturing base that my division is making expands.
Merry Christmas,
Jon

Jonny B Good, as in "be a good boy jonny and don't get any speeding tickets" lol

fezz

Hey all, my name is Joe, and i'll be 43 in March. I'm married, 12 years now to a great woman who tolerates all my compulsiveness. Taking a backseat to the Porsche now is the golf game and collecting military battle rifles. I have 2 great kids, daughter 10 and son 6. They like Porsche too!

Been on Rennlist since Sept. when I bought my first 944. It's taken 24 years to get one, since I was first bitten by the bug when I was 19. (girlfriend's father had one).

I'm an architect, and I design skyscrapers for a living. I spent alot of time in construction when I was young. My father is retired NYPD, but was a brick mason before becoming a cop. I've always been around construction. Anyway, now I'm trying to learn everything I can about the 944 so I can work as much of it as I dare, myself.

The PO of the car put a HUGE amount of money into it. Fully restored inside and out and many mechanical items. Engine and tranny are original -no internal rebuilds. I'm so taken by this car - the way it looks, how robust it feels to drive, they way it handles - you know. I'm compelled to keep restoring it, as it is definately becoming an all consuming hobby. I've told the wife, we will always own a Porsche from here on out.

I am grateful that Rennlist exists, not only for the knowledge and support of these vehicles, but for a true community of enthusiasts who believe that Porsche ownership is a philosophy, not a badge.

be well this holiday season nad have a happy new year. God bless, the united states of america.

ErichCS

My name is Erich, I'm 22 years old and a student at the University of Rochester. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in cell and tissue engineering, i am also obtaining a biology minor! Yippee! I am also currently engaged to the best girl in the world! I am truly blessed and lucky to have her!

Porsche- I got into them before i could even drive them legally. My neighbor had a 928S(5-Spd) and was the single owner since day one. I loved that car and he took me for a ride occasionally, i loved the rumble that car made when pulling out of his driveway. What really hooked me was when mom offered to take me car shopping at age 15. I asked what type of cars and she suggested Porsche! I think i wet my pants! I opened the newspaper (8 years ago) and found a 924S. We went and looked at it and bought it the same day...I was hooked on Porsches!

Rennlist- Not sure how i found the original site about 6 years ago, but i started hanging out on the email lists and i was amazed! It was this little community where people helped one another without knowing a thing about them! It was like some sort of special society. I hung around there until last year when the forums got my attention. Rennlist has made owning my car even more rewarding. I have met guys that would go out of their way just to be helpful! Thank you John/Jenn and Rennlist!

Future- I am going through the admissions process to Dental School right now. I have been accepted to several and now I’m planning where I want to be for the next four years. My wedding is scheduled for June and i never want to sell my car! I would like own more Porsches some day, 968/951/944S2/928...eh maybe even one of those air-cooled deals.

I wish everyone a Great Holiday Season and a Happy New Years! And as Damian said, if you’re not a paying member make it your resolution! Otherwise the Tifo's clown(and other characters) will get you!

Happy Holidays Rennlisters!
-Erich Schmidt

SeaCay

My turn already?

I'm kinda a noob to the forums, but have been a lurker on the mail list for years now.

My name is Chris Kelly (SeaCay = CK). I live in Odessa, FL which is in the suburbs of Tampa. I'm 41, with another birthday rapidly approaching. I am single, and have always been that way (probably always will be too). My current profession is Physical Therapy. I do home health, with an emphasis on joint replacement rehab. In my former life, I was employed as a crazy *** SOB that jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. Specifically, I was a USAF Pararescue specialist. I'd love to still have that job (it is the best job in the world), but time marches on, and the pay couldn't support my Porsche habit. After the military, while in school (University of Florida), I did restoration work on 356's, older 911's and some of the newer cars as major collision repair. So, at least I can paint my own stuff instead of paying for others to.

Currently, I'm working on my '87 951. I purchased it about 4 years ago, as a track only car. I'm doing a ton of modifications to it, just taking my time, doing it right, and feeling good when things go well. When things don't go well... you know the drill.

Porsches I've had: 1971 914 I bought from a coworker while stationed in Hawaii. Fun car to have as a low rent airman. Used to drive it around the island on the weekends with a case of beer in the front trunk. We'd stop at every beach and drink a cold one. I've also had a 1989 951, and a 1991 S2 Cabriolet.

Other than my Porsche, I always have a ton of work to do keeping up a house by myself. My 2 Golden Retreivers keep me company. I go Grouper fishing and diving when I can. I'm a few hours short of my single engine rating, and need to finish that sometime (if I can find the time). I love my college football.

And that's all I have to say about that.

UDPride

Chris Rieman, 29, Dayton OH

First the earth cooled, then the dinosaurs came. We had an ice age, then on Memorial Day 1974 I plopped out of my moms womb. What a sight it was.

I went to Univ. Dayton and graduated in 1997 with a Comm. Degree centered in Journalism. My first love is writing, as it my only love at the moment -- oh, and Porsches. Well, I love animals too. I think these are the reasons why Im still single. Im looking hard, but the gene pool has from what Ive found been incredibly watered down over the last 10-15 years. I dont expect much, I just expect the obvious, and until I see it, Im going to pamper myself for now. I work for my fathers business that develops telecommucations software. I worked there well before I even started college. I cant say I love it but I like the money. I also have my own web site that covers Dayton Flyer sports, now with several thousands visitors and over a thousands registered members. My writers who help me produce the content are just big fans like myself and we've written well over 700 stories. The media access and treatment we receive is half the fun. Its a 30hr a week hobby but a little slush money from it makes it easier. Its a great way for me to stay writing which is my passion and somehow Im managing to find time to work on a novel about a band of ex-govt employees uncovering the UFO conspiracy at Groom Lake. Yes, Im weird.

Always want a Porsche. Since I could walk. Any exclusive sports car really. But I loved Porsches like most people. Never thought I would ever get a ride in one let alone own one. Im living a dream. Got the 86' 951 in December 1999. The day I graduated from college in 1997, I went out searching for a graphite metallic one. I nearly gave up after looking everywhere, Pure stroke of luck two years later I find one 20 minutes from my house in superior shape. To this day I cannot believe it. Last summer I picked up the 930. Sometimes I wonder why. When I drive it I forget all that. You cant take it with you is my motto so when you dont have kids or a woman, whos left but yourself. Wait, Ive got a German Shepherd I am fonder of than most people!

The Renn has been a great place to meet people and get a quasi education. Im one of the dumbest on here in terms of working on cars. I have no time for it either. I have enough hobbies as it is and wrenching isnt going to be added. But the guidance and direction here is a great plus for me so I can speak somewhat intelligently.

Fishey

My Name is Ronald Swift IV, I am 18 (soon to be 19) and live in lebanon ohio. I have two older sisters so that is why I am so weird.. (No man should have to go through that.) My parents who I credit for keeping my alive this long have been married for 28 years.

Currently....
I live in Chicago and go to school fulltime at Westwood College of Technology

Porsche's...
I have been car crazy all my life first love as a car was the Porsche 944 series that got from my father. I need to learn how to shift better or something because I blow up tranny's on P-cars like it was my hobbie.

Rennlist....
Has only made me more car crazy. I have meet alot of great people and have had an excellent experiance.

sweanders

Ok..

Anders Hansson, born and raised in Trelleborg in the south of Sweden. Currently live in Malmö pretty close to Trelleborg - Malmö is the third biggest city of Sweden (After Stockholm and Gotebörg).

I've always loved cars, and Porsche is my drug in life.. Currently own a 928GT and two 944 N/A's. The latest addition to the stabel is a white 944 that a Rennlister named Adrian Streathe has given(!) to me. It need a bit of small things to fix and I'll probably let my friends and my father take turns borrowing it or the red 944 from me when I don't need it.

After finishing school in 1998 I did my military service at the Arctic Ranger Sniper school in Kiruna in the far north of Sweden, north of the arctic circle.

I work as a consultant in IT and currently do full time work for Nestlé Denmark- biggest food company in the world. I commute between Denmark and Sweden every day. If you've eaten a KitKat or had a drink of Nescafé you've helped pay my Porsche realted bills, food and rent (in that order). Been in the IT industry since 1999 and have had my chance to develop a lot professionally and visited a lot of countries and seen different ways and methods of doing work throughout Europe. Would like to get a shot at working in the states sometime to get more experience and visit your continent to see what all of you US-guys post about in real life.

I'm single, and have been most of the time, haven't met the love of my life yet and have a pretty relaxed way of thinking about it, hopefully I'll meet a partner to share the pleasures of life with soon though. Life sure is lonely sometimes without someone to share deep feelings with.

I've made a few friends here on the list and am currently sharing my flat with another rennlister, he in the process of moving in and it'll be fun to be part of a household with two Porsceh-nerds and four Porsches... My neighbours must wonder a few things already.

I have a wonderful family and many friends.

If you ever come to Sweden be sure to plan a few days with me so that I can show you around the countryside and the wonderful back roads we have here! I can offer a guest bed and as much seat time in a Porsche as you can handle.

Rennlist is like nothing else and in the rate of as things are going I'm sure John will be either a Knight or saint sometime in the future.

Jeroen

I'm not usually active on the RennList forums, but I will salute my dear and longtime 914list friend and lifetime rennlist member Mike Cooley.
He is and alway will be the best porsche-story-teller in the universe

Here is my xmas intro/bio:
Me: Jeroen, age 33
Wife: Christie, age 30
Daughter: Zoey, age 3.5
Porsches:
'87 911 3.2 Carrera DE/AX car
'73 914/6 conversion project from hell
Other: ... other what? and who cares

Mike is one of the people I blame for my love/hate relation with the Porsche 914 (darn you mikey!)
I started researching this car 5 or 6 years ago and ended up on 914 e-mail-list (I was already on the 911 list before that).
A little over 4 years ago these guys had me suckered in so good that I bought my very first 914... a 6 cylinder conversion.
The car lasted 4 days before it was taken apart... I dug, and I dug and I dug... the more I dug, the more rust I found. This summer I finally gave up on the car and bought another chassis. And guess what... I'm fixing bad rust repairs on that one as we speak
Meanwhile, I know the 914's anatomy by heart and I have enough parts to complete 3 914's... all I'm missing is a solid chassis
Oh well, I'm pretty sure this one will work out eventually... I just hope it won't be another 4 years before I can drive it...

Mike, you and Red have a few driveway reflectors on us

Have a merry x-max and a happy new year!!!

Cheers,

Herr Audidieselisaslowcar Porsche

Graufuchs

Merry Christmas to all

Hi, My name is Chris im 23 yrs old. Went to school in upsate Ny for about 3yrs and majored in philosophy and Bio Pre-med, decided I didnt like chemistry at all and bailed out of school and got involved in a career in law-enforcement.

I have tons of hobbies so Im not fluent in anyone of them, I have no focus but lots of ideas.

I have a sweetheart of a girlfirend whos moving close by so we can start our lives together and shes ok with allways having a Porcshe or two or three in the budget she knows its something i love and need to have one at all times.

I currently live on the island and love to cruise and will be starting to autoX this next season with the PCA....

Have a healthy and safe new years- chris