Long time Porsche owner, been thru a 964, 993 and 997. I have owned 3 928 and am currently restoring a 1979. Always wanted a 944 but never felt like spending any money so I did the silly thing that no one should ever do. I bought a cheap one Its a 1985 in original paint. Big stack of receipts and looks to have been daily driven as late as November 2015. I purchased it at auction as a non runner.

Its very complete with spare, tools, etc and all electrics and gauges seem to work good. THIS IS LIKELY NOT MY RESTORATION PROJECT but rather a way to dip my feet in. I may part it or get it running, have not decided yet. Has a clutch in 2011 and a t-belt in 2014.

A big hello to the 944 world. I will be lurking around to learn more.

 

Welcome to the 944 forum, Guy.

Are you friends with Jim Doerr? He's another fellow 928 guru. And if I'm not mistaken, he's in the process of restoring #1 and #6.

Regardless, let us know how the "getting it running" part goes. Happy motoring...

 

I'm tempted to say "Please don't part a car in decent condition" The last thing we need is more of these just thrown away.

But on the other hand, the less there are out there, the more mine is worth.

I can understand parting out junk that is not savable, bent frames, totaled in a wreck, etc. But I would say if it's a complete car, either fix it or sell it to someone who will.

Either way, welcome to (maybe short time) 944 ownership.

 

Thanks! Jim is a great guy and while we have never met, he has been a great help on the forum, phone and email.

I fully expected a broken timing belt on this car and wasn't disappointed






Talked to the former owner ( super nice guy) who seems to have been meticulous in his maintenance, mechanically speaking, with one exception All to common, unfortunately.

I paid 125 dollars for the car and I have some tow expenses and fees, so all is well. I will take a week or two and see if its worth the expense of the head etc. The body is decent and the script interior is very presentable but faded. Ma y wind up in parts for the next one!

 

You can get a used NA head for cheap... I had one for sale for a long time, at $80 + shipping. Or you can just try and buy a set of good valves, may be less depending on the deal you find. Just cause it's a $125 car doesn't mean you shouldn't spend more than $125 getting it back on its feet a think I speak for a lot of 944 owners when I say that the purchase price is just the buy-in payment for these cars, it can easily be surpassed. I have easily $4-5000 worth of maintenance, repairs, and improvements into my $3400 944 NA to get it where it is today, turning my own wrench.

 

You got a great deal on a set of Fuchs. The car isn't too bad either. That red is single stage paint, you can probably buff it back to a nice shine.

 

Super nice find for the money. You could take the Fuchs off and sell them and then sell the rest of the car to someone with wheels to put on it for a few hundred $ and make everyone happy! Good luck with what ever direction you decide to go with.

 

Thanks guys! I have saved my fair share of cars in the past. Even some that probably should not have been saved. My 79 928 needed everything and 6g into the project, it still has a long way to go. I have NO regrets on the 928 project, its been fun but it still have my time and energy.

This 944 needs a head and belt service. Both front fenders and paint. Quarters and rockers have very minor rust. Hood and front fender has surface rust. Its a 250k car but was has nice repair history. With all that said, it could be a nice project but I am simply going to sit on it while I consider where to go with it. It may prove to be a better parts car. I do believe in saving cars but some must die so others can live Nothing in stone yet......

Either way, I will be lurking on this board and keeping my eyes open for another as well. A 944 is destined in my garage next to the 997 and 928 sooner or later