I wanted to show others what some of my mods looked like. I a new owner of a 90 s2 cab and wanted to make some changes to update the look of my car.

When I bought the car the driver side door would not lock or unlock. I had to crawl in from the passenger side. I took it to a couple of shops and the local dealer. They all wanted $100+ to take the panel off to begin the fix. I thought that I could do this myself. I could see through the window opening that the locking actuator was not engaging the locking lever. I could see that there was a broken part. I went to the dealer looking for the part. $3.50 and two days later my problem was solved. Since I had gone through the effort of removing the door I thought it would be a good time to do my first cosmetic update.

First thing I did was to paint the door handles. I have seen other who have upgraded to the 968 handles ($200+), but I thought that I could achieve nearly the same look by painting the old ones. ($12 can of paint). Getting the handles out was not that hard. Once you take the inside panel off you can get to the handles. I will document this when I do the passenger side. The look is clean and looks factory. I sanded the handles and used a high quality self-etching primer. I believe that the primer is probably the most important step in getting a good lasting finish. I also added new edge seals from the dealership. ($1.95) each.

Next update was to the taillights. After reading several posts I decided that I wanted to maintain the white reverse lights but wanted to create a new look. I also wanted to maintain the integrity of the 944 lines. I took pictures of the lights and used a photo program to mock up several looks. After reading in a post about which paint to use, I headed to the local hobby shop and bought a $3.00 can of Testors #1605 Transparent Candy Apple Red spray enamel. In order to keep the white reverse I taped off the bottom section of the white light and painted a small 1/4" black surround and then finished the rest of the light in Red. I will doc if any wants advice. I learned a lot on this one.



Last mod to date was to paint the bottom side ABS mini rockers. I used a special ABS etching primer and then used a plasti-Kote # 5803 vw/audi/porsche arctic white spray. I think I like this look. I will keep it until I get a hold of Fiberwerks new 944 rockers in March.

 

I missed a picture.

BTW: When I had the door hadles off I used a great cleaner to get all the hard tough stains off. It is actually a windshield cleaner. It works like a rubbing compound but gentler. It works great.

 

Whats the difference between 968 door handles and mirrors and 944 door handles and mirrors. I have heard several people say they would like to upgrade.

 

wow, Looks great. What did you use to paint the rubber on the rear bumper?


the 968 mirrors are an Aero item. (smooth and much more attractive)

968 handles are more like the 993 handles and not out of a vw parts bin. (i dont think that's a bad thing n/e way)

 

i just took out and reinstalled my door handles as well. kind of a PITA, but there *are* techinques to this. especially when putting them back in. i ordered new rubber (plastic) seal for the handles and replaced both sides. i also replaced the inserts to the handles themselves (the ones on the outside) - my advice is to be careful when installing them becuase the plastic prongs that go into the handle are weak and break easily upon insertion (i just broke two separate prongs from a brand new insert just purchased).

i found doing this quite challenging, but then again, i haven't built up a good tool collection (i have only screwdrivers, pliers and 2 cheap socket sets, for the moment). those door handles look great, btw. not fond of the tail lamps, but if you like it, cool!

Note: The reason i took out my door handle(s) was for the fact that I broke my only key and had to get a new key. For those not in the know (like me), there is a code on the barrel or one of the inner pieces that you can easily see when the door handle is removed and the lever is pressed. it is a 5 digit (?) code; mine started with the letter V. I took the handle to a locksmith and they punched in the code into a machine, put in a blank and gave me a new key. I paid $20.

 

looks cool.

There are additives to make paint more flexible and flexible paint both available to paint rubber, plastic, vinyl, etc.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Sprewell17:
<strong>Whats the difference between 968 door handles and mirrors and 944 door handles and mirrors. I have heard several people say they would like to upgrade.</strong><hr></blockquote>The 968 handles look like this (as shown on my car). They have a much nicer pull handle and more room to get your fingers on the lever without scratching the paint.

 

Are those 968 handles a direct replacement for 944 handles, or would you have to modify alittle to make them work ? I really like the look of them I just was courios if they would fit my 83 944.

 

That should have been curious if they would fit.

 

they are a direct replacment, but you have to transfer the lock barrel.

 

The additives referred to are the very same used to paint GM cars like the Corvette front bumper, and other GM cars that have "soft" plastic or rubber bumpers. Go to your nearest body shop/parts/paint shop and have a short conversation. This stuff works and the second and third coats should have a bit of original color in them for "definition". Jim H. <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" />

 

[quote]Originally posted by Tom Pultz:
<strong>
</strong><hr></blockquote>

is that a scirracco parked next to her?

<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

[quote]Originally posted by Lukesilver95186:
<strong>

is that a scirracco parked next to her?

</strong><hr></blockquote>Nope, that's my 1976 Capri II Ghia V-6. I've had it since May '75. It's slowly rusting away in the driveway but I can't bear to part with it. The engine is very highly modified. If there were any Capris left on the road somebody could make good use of the parts.

 

neat.

 

do the 968 door handles have a lever like the 944s or do you pull on the whole handle?