S4 outer quarter replacement and other stuff...
 

The mess4 has finally come out of storage and I'm trying to figure out whether I should attempt to have the rear outer quarter panels straightened/fixed or whether I should just replace the whole dumb things. Have any of you ever had an entire outer quarter replaced? Check out the pictures please and let me know your opinions. There is no damage to the inners including the bumper support/shocks or chassis whatsoever. <br><br> The "attempted repairs" were by the hands of the hillbillys (I particularly like the red rag stuffed into the taillight to try and mask the fact the lens is gone!), the right side is a sad mess and has been drilled for what I could only imagine was a slide hammer... Dumb. <br><br> Also, if anyone has a good matched lock set, used rear bumper cover, hatch and some taillights for an S4 for sale I would be interested for certain. I've also located a lowish mile (sub 100k) '87 auto that has been in storage for a few years for 5 grand, what do you guys think about that? Shoud the mess4 be parted with (or just plain parted) or is the 87 actually notably inferior with the different pistons/computer/ etc...? <br><br> The engine on my car seems quite tight, no leaks or smoke, quiet top end but might need new cam chain tensioners (I heard something 'buzzing' when the car is revved to like 2000-2500rpm, only can hear with hood open standing near the car- could be a heat shield I suppose). <br><br> I'm always open to opinions, remember I have barely 2 grand in the car, is it a worthwhile project or should I snap on the 87 and kick it to the curb or keep it for parts? http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1217647941.jpg
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You can replace the rear quarters they are not that bad to do just alot of time. I replaced mine on my 1984 928s. But if you are going to sell it let me know I mit be interesed in it.

It always amazes me how stupid some people can be when it comes to pulling dents. A stud welder costs like $350.00 and you leave no holes. If you must drill then re-weld! A block of aluminum behind the panel and a mig will do wonders for filling holes up. Again, a mig is like $350.00. A lot of people tend to forget that all of the ferrous body panels are galvanized. Hillbilly is being generous. In the old days the body fillers were different in that they were somewhat immune to taking on water. Not now...the new body fillers are talc based and they will take on water readily...that IS the cause of blistering paint on repaired "classics". There is nothing wrong with using body filler, provided it is done properly. To expect body filler to fill 1/2" thick is asking for it.

The right side is very bad...I would probably replace that entire panel. I would doubt it can be made really right in a reasonable amount of time. You could weld a portion of a panel in...with a tig.

Is this car a 5-spd?

Kuhn I couldn't agree with you more about the idiots that had that did that bastardization! The car is an automatic (bleh but I live in Chicago so I'm not too sad) and it may actually be on the market soon (see my new post about today's events). I think it would be a great time to put GTS quarters on, as they cost the same as replacement S4 units. It's sad that this car is so run down, it really was a highly optioned car...

I had quarterpanels put on my S4.... it was a fairly large job but it can be done. there are only 6 sets of GTS quarterpanels in stock at Porsche.... I wonder if they will make more when they are out.

for my .25 worth.....I'd say no.


replace the quarters, bumper cover and lights....straightening this mess is, well....too time consuming.

My resto guy would have the quarters done before you had the first load of bondo in it.......;)


--Russ

For now I wouldn't touch it, concentrate on the car you want to drive.

That's the plan, the '88 is just going to remain in storage for the moment (although I will be swapping the standard finish wheels on the '87 for the '88's platinums). I've just narrowed down the 87's misfiring to cyls 2 and 7. Going to pull the fuel rail covers off and check injector wiring before I take them out.