Introduction

[Avolyn Ave.]

After 20 years of VW ownership, along with a spattering of Mercedes, as well as my current daily driver, I am finally in a Porsche. That being said, and given this forum's stellar reputation, I'm looking forward to becoming a trusted member. Below are a few photos. It's in great shape, though nonetheless, like any 30+ year old car owned by an enthusiast, it will require updating. I got PA antique tags...knowing that I'll never have to get it inspected or re-registered is liberating to say the least. I'm sure to have updates/questions...Please contribute if you'd like.

What needs attention:
very slight oil leak; no drip spots. Hoping that the gaskets will expand after regular running and driving.
window, sunroof, hatch seals need attention
fog light out
cooling fans aren't coming on done
no air, hot or cold, coming from the vents
steering wheel stitching mostly gone
outer shift boot falling apart
refinish wheel centers done
clean-up dash cover install done
lower rear, via bolts done
dim console lights
ping sound from driver's door when turning hard to the right
haven't tried turning on the a/c...scared. Would deleting it take away from it's relative factory condition?
sidewalls on 2 tires are cracked, but otherwise in decent cond.
speaker grills needed
hatch struts
rear, right running-light bulb out

[ckelly78z]

Looks like a good catch. I have a 85.5 white porsche 944 that had/has many of the issues your' has. When I get time, I scratch one off the list as time and money allows.....Good Luck.

[M. Murphy]

Welcome, I'm guessing it's an 83?
Do you intend to do most of your own maint?
When were the timing/balance shaft belts and water pump changed? This should be first priority if unknown or at 30k. Peace of mind.
Did the car come with the under engine cover? If it did, use it. The thing aids cooling.
If the fans are inop most likely cause is the thermo switch in the upper drivers side of the radiator ( just like VW).
Tires: cracks in sidewall, replace ASAP.
AC: leave it alone for now, make certain the compressor pulley is free.
Hatch struts: leave them alone. A section of 1/4 inch rubber hose slit and placed on the shaft against the strut body will likely hold in calm air. In wind it's a different matter. I've heard replacing the hatch struts with new will force the glass off the frame, disaster!
Lots of things to do, PM if any questions.

[Bradical]

Welcome! Those are all typical superficial problems. Crawl underneith and look for the good ones!

If you have been lurking here at all you'll find that these cars are very easy to work on, they just nickle and dime you to death. Its worth it though.

[944tothefloor]

Originally Posted by Bradical

Welcome! Those are all typical superficial problems. Crawl underneith and look for the good ones!

If you have been lurking here at all you'll find that these cars are very easy to work on, they just nickle and dime you to death. Its worth it though.

Bradical makes a good point. Although the list you created identifies an afternoon or 3 of projects, more will arise as you start driving. Ask here for any help, very helpful crew around here. We would be interested to hear how many miles, what year, and what price.... lol if you are willing

[Bradical]

Originally Posted by 944tothefloor

Bradical makes a good point. Although the list you created identifies an afternoon or 3 of projects, more will arise as you start driving. Ask here for any help, very helpful crew around here. We would be interested to hear how many miles, what year, and what price.... lol if you are willing

That car is a beauty. I am curious as well!

[fiily]

Congrats on the purchase. Great interior/exterior color combo, and fuchs finish it nicely.

By the way, kyle at only944.com has most of the superficial/easy/cheap stuff ready for purchase when you are.

I have bought a couple items, and I can't say enough of his prompt shipping great prices and outstanding quality of goods he offers the 944 community.

Only944.com Awesome new Porsche 944 parts

[JBC]

Outstanding. Welcome to 944 ownership. I have an 83 and it is a blast to drive. A lot of good folks on this site willing to help out.
Keeps the fuchs rims, they look great.

JBC

[mytrplseven]

At some point, I'd recommend getting a fluorescent dye tracer kit (cheap) from you local auto parts store. Add some to the engine oil, drive for a couple of hundred miles and then using the magic glasses and flashlight (engine under tray removed) go over the entire engine, front to back, top to bottom and look for the source of all your oil leaks. These will only get worse with time and If they are from the front, do all the seals while you replace the water pump and belts (and rollers if they are loose and noisy). Better to do it all while you're in there. DO replace the tires ASAP. This is a major safety issue. All the other stuff can be dealt with on a day to day basis. Craigslist, ebay and this forum will prove to be your most valuable resources. Welcome to the adventure. We're here and glad to help.

[ernie9944]

Welcome to the forum & congrats on your find,had the same for a number of years. The 83 with manual steering is the most fun driving 944 if well sort out out suspension wise.Your welcome to check my garage & see what I had done to mine over the years.

[mazdaverx7]

Looks like a really nice example!! Any special options other than the Fuchs? Do you know any history on the car or did you get any paperwork with the car?

[Avolyn Ave.]

Originally Posted by M. Murphy

Welcome, I'm guessing it's an 83?
Do you intend to do most of your own maint?
When were the timing/balance shaft belts and water pump changed? This should be first priority if unknown or at 30k. Peace of mind.
Did the car come with the under engine cover? If it did, use it. The thing aids cooling.
If the fans are inop most likely cause is the thermo switch in the upper drivers side of the radiator ( just like VW).
Tires: cracks in sidewall, replace ASAP.
AC: leave it alone for now, make certain the compressor pulley is free.
Hatch struts: leave them alone. A section of 1/4 inch rubber hose slit and placed on the shaft against the strut body will likely hold in calm air. In wind it's a different matter. I've heard replacing the hatch struts with new will force the glass off the frame, disaster!
Lots of things to do, PM if any questions.

Thank you all for your interest.

Yup, 1983, about 145k miles. PO said that in the year he owed it the OD stopped working. Since I've owned it, the OD started working...about 20 miles ago. Driven it about 200 miles, total.
My brother-in-law, who has a lift, and I will do all the maintenance that we can. Today we're going to lower the rear and address the fan issue. I have a new stat. Otherwise, will check the thermo switch.
Timing belt and water pump look fresh.
Clutch is the best I've ever felt.
By "under engine cover" do you mean under-hood insulation? If so, no.
Of course I'm keeping the Fuchs...They're all 16x7, though.

I bought it from a newly divorced guy how lost his garage and needed the money ($2,800). I had a PPI done at a reputable shop, who had at least one tech knowledgeable of 944s. In retrospect, I'm not 100% confident in the inspection. That being said, they said it was VERY well taken care of. However, they failed to notice/mention in the report the following: hint of blue smoke upon heavy acceleration...I noticed it while following the car, Overheating/fans inoperable, fog light out (though they did mention the side marker bulb being out). As far as the tires go, when I questioned them, they said they WOULD pass NJ inspection, and that they we superficial cracks. Either way, I'll be replacing them by next spring.



It's not ideal, but it's home.

[racer129]

A ppi on a 2800.00 car?

[Avolyn Ave.]

Originally Posted by racer129

A ppi on a 2800.00 car?

Why not? It was super convenient. The $89.99 was well worth the piece of mind.

[racer129]

Do a leak down/compression test, row through the gears, give it a good listen and if something breaks part it as one good repair can exceed the value of the car.

[Avolyn Ave.]

Originally Posted by racer129

Do a leak down/compression test, row through the gears, give it a good listen and if something breaks part it as one good repair can exceed the value of the car.

Not sure how to respond to your post.

For $89.99 I was told by an expert that, to the best of his knowledge, the clutch, timing belt, and water pump were in great shape. Additionally, after putting it on a lift, found that all suspension and steering components were in great shape, and it was truly rust-free.

[M. Murphy]

The term I was looking for is Protective Plate. Looks like it's made from sheet stainless, held in place with seven bolts perhaps M8. FYI there is a service mod on that thing that reverses the front louvre on the passenger side to form a scoop that directs cooling air to the right motor mount. On the thermo switch, drain some coolant to relieve the switch area then remove the fan assembly ( five bolts and the electrical contacts) be careful not to drop it as it's heavy. That makes access to the switch from below very easy.
If you need info on bleeding let me know, been there done that. Sounds like a great find, love mine.

[Backyardbodyman]

Congratulations,under $3000 for a classic rust free Porsche is a great deal. Little by little you can make it your own. Cheers

[Avolyn Ave.]

Thanks guys. I'll look into the cover...after I get the fans moving.

[ernie9944]

[QUOTE=M. Murphy;8713069]The term I was looking for is Protective Plate. Looks like it's made from sheet stainless, held in place with seven bolts perhaps M8. FYI there is a service mod on that thing that reverses the front louvre on the passenger side to form a scoop that directs cooling air to the right motor mount.

Murphy; the Protective Plate aka Belly pan on the 83 is made of aluminum,just saying