Karl_W944

Cleaned up the exterior and interior for Cars and Coffee this morning!


Also took off the seat covers and drove without them for the first time since my test drive this time last July. So much more comfortable without them!


I've had them on mostly because of the rather excessive wear on the driver's side bolster; you can see it in this pic below.

Any way to patch it up? Literally, just like an adhesive patch, nothing perfect.

Karl_W944

I had a hell of an adventure tonight! Ran into two red 944s, cruised with them up and down Woodward, and then my door handle quit working on me!



I'm not quite sure what exactly went wrong with the handle. I went to grab the trigger,when I pressed on it, the trigger snapped inwards, but the door didn't click open. I think it's something related to the linkage that's broken? I'd like to do whatever I can to repair and clean up the one's I've got.


1. Has anyone got a set of good conditioned 944 door handles? Only IF I need them?
2. Can the locking cylinders be swapped over from my old door handles to new ones if I got a different set?

If no to the second one, what are my options with the current handles. Can they be rebuilt for this situation or not?

Karl_W944

Unless anyone has any insight on what might have went wrong. I'm gonna run by some junkyards today and see if I can find a "new" handle.

EDIT: I think it may have something to do with the tap with the hole that's snapped?

SloMo228

That's a common occurrence. The handles aren't made out of the strongest alloy to begin with, and with poor lubrication, mis-alignment of the latch mechanism, and 30 years of wear and tear, the handles are rather fragile.

There is information on this site about replacing the handles with a VW substitute that is available new and considerably cheaper than the Porsche parts. That's the route I plan to take if my handles ever break. For now, I'm keeping them adjusted and lubed and keeping my fingers crossed. ]

Edit: Here's the thread: VW Door Handles on 944

Tiger03447

Looks like the pivot pin support broke..You'll need a new outer casting to repair it. What happened to the rest of the door latch parts? Are the still inside the door? You'll have to remove them from inside the door..(inside panel pull) to get at them..the little white one goes to the lock assembly and the big grey one with the rod goes to the door latch/unlatch assembly and the trigger. All need to be removed and the bellcrank on the rod examined too. probably has some of the trigger pin still attached. The door lock cylinder can be transferred from one lock to the other...no re-keying is required..Hope this helps some..

Karl_W944

I went to a junkyard about 50 minutes away from me(Parts Galore in Flat Rock, for anyone in Michigan) and stumbled upon an '88 and '77 924(left and right respectively)!

The '88 was the only one that had a remaining door handle. $8 later and I have my replacement parts!

(My original and "new" handle, top and bottom respectively)

Gonna try and work on it some tonight.

Scott at Team Harco

Parts Galore is pretty good for most average cars. I've gotten a lot of parts for my DSMs and my son's Subaru.

I've only seen one or two 924s at the one on 8 Mile. Most "high-end" cars do not end up on their lots.

I like the one in Flat Rock the best. I've only been there one time - but it is not as picked-over as the other two sites.

SloMo228

Did you notice whether that 924 had manual crank windows?

Karl_W944

I did not, unfortunately.

Also unfortunately, I want to know who the hell came up with the design of the door handles and removal of the door panel, and punch them in the face!!! I cannot for the life of me get my passenger door handle off or back in place now.

Anyone in the SE Michigan area wanna lend me a helping hand in this somewhat stupid job that I don't think should be this difficult?? If anyone does, I'll figure out some way of paying you back.

Karl_W944

Of all the things I've done with this car, who would have thought that doors would be the one thing to stop me in my tracks. I've already torn one of the clips fastening the door panel to the door frame; at least it was on the bottom of the door. I'm still pissed though. I'm following Clark's Garage and my Haynes manual, to no avail at the point I'm at with this door.

I think I'd rather do my struts again than these doors.

SloMo228

Pick up a set of trim tools like these, they make popping those panels off much easier and help avoid damage to the door card: http://m.harborfreight.com/5-piece-a...not%20provided

Karl_W944

I threw caution to the wind and pried the panel off. And to my amazement, I didn't shear off any of the clips!

But I'm a bit lost now. The only thing preventing me from taking off the panel completely is the lock tab up top. How does that come out?

EDIT: Never mind, I got the panel off!

Karl_W944

The driver door should be easier now that I've done it once.

Karl_W944

I have another P-car to drive while I work on my 944.
Also, another incentive to make space in garage and finish working on the passenger door at the minimum. Because this one just returned from the shop!!

Karl_W944

I finally have my door handles installed! The driver side is complete, but the passenger side exterior handle feels kinda soft or lacking effort when opening the door, it needs to be adjusted. Do I need to lengthen or shorten the travel? Mind tells me to lengthen.

Also, I'll be cleaning the contacts and points related to the passenger window switches to see if I can finally use it after 10 months of avoiding it.