BoulderGeek

I am looking at doing a wholesale door replacement for my '86 944 NA, driver's side. There is some lower corner rust, a few parking dings and looks like a six year old did chin-ups on the left mirror and buckled the door skin.

A Porsche boneyard in my area has a good (better than mine) condition 86 in Guard's Red, and I can do a complete door swap.

I would want to swap the door handles, to keep my key relevant.

How hard is it for one person to disconnect electrics, pull the door and replace (assuming common hand tools)?

rufrob

remove the checker first then 13ml nuts. 1 person is enough.

BoulderGeek

Cool, thanks!

kniners

Gut your existing door before removing it. This will reduce the weight about 25lbs making it easier to man-handle. I use a shop seat underneath the door to take the weight off the hinges when removing and attaching doors solo. It works as a great partner and never gives me any lip.
Protect the edges of your fender and the new door with a few layers of tape. Its cheap insurance.

thomasmryan

look in your kick panel to unplug the electrics so you don't have to splice.

FRporscheman

All of the wiring inside the door can remain untouched - all the wires go into one loom, and there is a connector in the footwell. Just undo this connection, the bolts, and the door check.

1 person can do it but 2 is better. I had to do it alone as well so I used a floor jack with cardboard padding. I only removed, though, so I can't say what it's like putting one on.

BoulderGeek

I appreciate the helpful replies in this thread.

When I went back to really look at the donor door, it is in not much better shape than my current. No dings, but a couple of spots of edge rust, and the whole door would need a repaint.

So, i am going to save $400 and just do a bodge job of grinding, naval jelly, bondo and rattle can India Red LM27 refinish with clear.

My $6500 944 looks like a $4000 944 from the outside. No need to be heroic. Hatch glass is much more important.