BlackOp

First off...great site! I just bought a beautiful 944 and have a question for the seasoned. My 1985.5 has the modern instrument dash cluster but the old school rear end (exterior) panel (says "Porsche" and lights up like the 924). I looked on ebay and the only one I saw was a 1983 with the same rear. Is this a rare combination as the 1984 model didnt have the lighted panel?

Airflite40

Congrats on the purchase.

The rear light up panel is not a stock item on any 944, any car that has one it was added at some point and can be removed.

tifosiman

85.5 and 86 model year 944 cars are what I consider to be "tweener" models. They have the early 23.3mm offset suspension of the earlier cars (82-85), but the later interior, suspension arms, engine management and body panels of the later (87-89). To me, they are the best of both worlds as they allow you to run almost any wheel offering out there from Porsche (using spacers for the later offset wheels and none for the early offset).

As stated before that lighted rear panel is not a factory item (although it was available thru the dealers for some time back then as an aftermarket add-on). Unfortunately the installation of that panel requires the drilling of several holes (usually not done so well if done by a DIY homey that didn't take his time).

jimbo22s

How do you change the light bulbs in the rear lighted panel? How do you get in there?

bdq

From the inside of the car, remove the lining (snaps on back). You might see 3-4 screw heads, and holes with wires going through them, some possibly with sealant if the installer used it...

After you loosen the screw heads, the lighted panel pulls out from the outside of the car. The bulb sockets are on a plastic tree and bulbs just pull off. Don't overtighten when installing as it just screws into plastic.

944J

my recomendation is - remove that light panel... looks better with it off.

944Fest (aka Dan P)

I sold my 88 n/a to a friend, it had the light panel and we removed it. Here was his solution to the holes. Not perfect, but not bad either.

xsboost90

i removed mine- required some welding and some body work and a can of trim black and a bumper respray.

wow- kudos to anyone who can name all the changes in the car from the first pic to the last pic.

500

Hey Dan,

Let me take a stab:

1) Stock turbo rear valence
2) Late-style/968 hatch wing (i.e. "Bat wing")
3) Deletion of the light bar (subject of this thread)
4) Turbo twist wheels
5) Exhaust
6) "Smoked" tailights
7) Rear wiper delete
8) It looks lower

Other things I know you did but can't see in the pic are the roll cage and the vented nose panel mod

P.S. Thanks for the bumperettes, they arrived safe & sound!

Toran

Also:

1. Relocation of rear license plate.
2. Second image does so the radio antenna.

Do we get a prize now?

Rock

Zeitronix

VaSteve

Garage door is closed
Grass in the pavement cracks is gone
Skipped on the fertilizer?

ibkevin

Forgot the aero mirrors Dan...

WizPorsche944

Custom Plate

apierce918

PCA sticker in 1/4 window