SF944

Hello all!

First time Porsche owner / Rennlist member here.

Well, I took the plunge into Porsche ownership and got myself a 944. I've had a lot of experience with vintage Porsches (specifically a rather problematic 912) but really wanted a Porsche of my own.

It's a 1985 NA in Zermatt Silver Metallic with 115k miles and appears to be in pretty good condition compared to several others that I've viewed. I plan on covering my semi-restoration on this thread. My goal is to get the car to the best it can be while keeping it honest and not over-restored. The car needs lots of little things (think wheeler dealers problems). Hopefully by sharing my build thread I can help some others with their 944 problems, as well as utilize the great resource that is the rennlist members for their vast array of 944 knowledge!

I'll upload some more photos this week of the interior and exterior.

SF944

Hello all,

Here's my first update:

Since purchasing the car I've completed a full service to the engine (plugs, air filter, oil etc) which appear to have not been changed since the most current service record from 2005.



I've also replaced both sets of gas struts, expansion tank cap, and wiper blades. The rear wiper was a fun one to replace. I ended up restoring the original by disassembling it, repainting it and inserting a new rubber. Now it looks good as new!

Cosmetically, I have given the car a full detail, which has really shown how nice the original paint still is. The interior also received a full detail, and the leather seats were conditioned with Leather Honey which has really made them soften up and look beautiful.






I am happy with my current progress on the car. A full belt replacement is the next thing on my list as well as replacing the transmission fluid.

More updates to come!

Cheers

Rensb

I'm curious to know what your detail process was for the exterior. Clay Bar?, Wax Product? I was going to clean mine up before it's 5-6 month slumber in Michigan. How did the process go? / Any lessons learned to pass along?

SF944

It wasn't bad at all. I just washed the car with meguiar's, then clay bared each panel. After that was a coat of carnauba wax and it looked good to go! As far as lessons, just make sure that you don't drop your clay bar! Once you get dirt/rocks in your clay then you will end up rubbing that into your clear coat. Not good.

Best of luck!

-Kevin

SF944

Good news and bad news! I started diving into the front of the engine in preparation for changing the belts.




Unfortunately for me, I discovered that my car still has the old style water pump. My new plan is to order a refurbished new style water pump from pelican, and a full front reseal kit from Paragon. That way, once I do the belts, pump and seals I will know the front of the engine is good to go. Am I missing anything? Also, do I need any special tools to replace the seals?

SF944

Also, does anyone have a flywheel lock that I could borrow? I live in SF and will pay for shipping both ways.

Thanks,
Kevin

G7805T

Nice progress. Love the Wheeler Dealer reference. That’s about my level of restoration comfort as well. What a difference you’ve made thus far!

Zirconocene

Did you get a flywheel lock to borrow? I think I'm done with mine for now and can send it to you if you still need it.

Cheers

SF944

I ended up buying one. Thanks though!