Shoddy finish.

[Ashley Bowler]

I've noticed while tinkering with my new toy that there are several money saving shortcuts that Porsche has taken.

For example the inside of the driver and passenger storage area in the doors. The carpet/vinyl is simply stapled into place over the lip into the space. (I hope that makes sense).

Its strange to me that small things like this would have such a cheap approach when it could be cleanly finished with a little more effort and money.

[jkarolyi]

Part of the charm of the 1989 and older 911s is that they were mostly hand assembled. The stapled upholstery is an example of this method. My 1989 still has manual levers for climate control, no fresh air vents in the dash, no power steering or brakes, ancient torsion bar suspension, and still has wooden floorboards under my feet! I find this charming, while others (even when it was new) label it as "crude".

A new 911 takes only 40% of the man hours it took to assemble a 1989 model. If you want robotic assembly and the computer-designed quality and precision that comes with modern mass assembly, the 1999 and newer 911 might be a better fit for you. Or perhaps a Lexus.

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally posted by jkarolyi
Part of the charm of the 1989 and older 911s is that they were mostly hand assembled. The stapled upholstery is an example of this method. My 1989 still has manual levers for climate control, no fresh air vents in the dash, no power steering or brakes, ancient torsion bar suspension, and still has wooden floorboards under my feet! I find this charming, while others (even when it was new) label it as "crude".

A new 911 takes only 40% of the man hours it took to assemble a 1989 model. If you want robotic assembly and the computer-designed quality and precision that comes with modern mass assembly, the 1999 and newer 911 might be a better fit for you. Or perhaps a Lexus.

Point taken. I guess I should just recognize it as charm, and hand assembly.

[}{arlequin]

dieter and hans have larger and less dextrous hands than little kids in upholstery sweatshop

[Don Plumley]

If you've looked at the upholstery from a $10,000 couch, you'll see staples used to hold down the fabric. A staple in and of itself is not inconsistent with good quality - it is a manufacturing (fastening) technique. Unfortunately, the staple is also used on the $500 couch from Ikea.

Given the production numbers of a 911 versus a Camary, not everything can be injection molded. And thank goodness for that.

Suggest you don't pull your gauges and see how the vinyl is glued to the plywood.

[mmastro]

Originally posted by Ashley Bowler
I've noticed while tinkering with my new toy that there are several money saving shortcuts that Porsche has taken.

For example the inside of the driver and passenger storage area in the doors. The carpet/vinyl is simply stapled into place over the lip into the space. (I hope that makes sense).

Its strange to me that small things like this would have such a cheap approach when it could be cleanly finished with a little more effort and money.

I think the money they didn't spend on the stapled door boxes they put into the braking system. They seem to work very well when I'm braking and gearing down for turn 1 at Big Willow......and by that time, I forget all about my stapled boxes........

[Par911]

Originally posted by }{arlequin
dieter and hans have larger and less dextrous hands than little kids in upholstery sweatshop

ROFL....

LOL

[Craig 930 RS]

Coupla cheapo touches on a 911 that don't have much to do with 'hand assembly' -

Cardboard door pockets
NO fusing on the dash lights

[Bill in OKC]

Less refined or old school can also give a car character. I used to think that the interiors were spartan for such a well-regarded car but now I prefer rebuildable simplicity to other manufacturer's modern disposable-car approach.

[Zeke]

I have worked on a lot of different kinds of cars. What would you prefer? Contact cement? That's about the only other method I've run across that I can remember. Cardboard, or a similar type of product, was almost universal in a certain time period.

I think a well finished off car is pretty elegant. It doesn't matter to me what's on the backside of any panel. On today's hot rods and super cars, the instrument cover in the front trunk would be a composite, most likely carbon fiber for the bling factor.

Please don't tell me that would be better. (Well, actually it would, considering durability and weight )

[Miguel Antonett]

No electronics, no gizmos, no gadgets, no AWD, no ABS, no power steering, no radiator... just the pure pleasure of driving a great machine. Definitely no substitute!

[}{arlequin]

Originally posted by Miguel Antonett
No electronics, no gizmos, no gadgets, no AWD, no ABS, no power steering, no radiator... just the pure pleasure of driving a great machine. Definitely no substitute!

yup. 4 wheels, a shifter, some brakes, engine, and something to steer it with. that's all that i want in my 911. that's all they gave me

[Miguel Antonett]

Right on!

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally posted by Miguel Antonett
No electronics, no gizmos, no gadgets, no AWD, no ABS, no power steering, no radiator... just the pure pleasure of driving a great machine. Definitely no substitute!

Well............yes & no. As I recall Porsche made a real attempt at the luxury market in the mid 70's with full leather, electric windows, A/C sunroofs, etc.

Personally I like the idea that everything it accessible and replaceable on a 911 if it breaks, tears, whatever, but if they were really heading in the luxury market arena in the 70's you'd think they'd address something simple like fabric finishes on door panels, and quality interior door handles.

Don't misunderstand, I love the car and think that the simple fact that parts don't become obsolete after a year or so is one of the great selling points of the 911.

[Bullet Bob]

Its kind of funny when I take friends for a ride that have never ridden in a Porsche before. They always have higher expectations of the interior, like it would resemble a 350Z's or something. After a few minutes through the twisties in 2nd and 3rd gears they know and have an appreciation for what a Porsche is all about. It is definitly different but I wouldn't change a thing, especially not the great smell.

Bob


'88 Carrera

[VincentVega]

Compare the 911 interior to most anything of that age and you might be surprised as well.

[djdsc]

Listen to what you don't hear in a 25 year old car ..... rattles and squeaks.

[randywebb]

right - magazine reviews of the time all said it was very well finished (while complaining about sind noise & lack of ventilation)