Restoring 87 944 to new condition

[G-Man55]

I'm want to restore an 87 944 to "New" condition.

I'm wondering if anyone know of a reliable shop that does this in southern California?

All new original parts will be provided by me, shop will provide labor and/or body repair, repaint, etc.

My consider doing some changes, such as changing the engine to a 16V, turbo or 3.0 (968).

Any help from you guys would be appreciated.

By the way, I know how pricey it will get, I'm prepared for it.

This has the blessing of Porsche of North America.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Do it yourself. A shop will never, ever put the kind of care and time into someone else's car as you'll put into your own. I don't care what you're paying them.

Shops are there to make money. Enthusiasts are the kind of people that would help best with something like this. As a bit of a "purist" myself I applaud you and wish you well - I've done similar "silly" things like dropping a small fortune at the dealership for "original" parts like clamps, bolts, connectors, pumps, and all kinds of parts when there were probably cheaper ways to go. I like "authentic". These aren't Hondas or 1988 Oldsmobiles that nobody cares about (much as 911 guys might claim).

Hope you have very deep pockets if you're planning on using 100% OE parts and replacing a lot of 'em.

[G-Man55]

That is why I wouldn't take it to a dealer, because they are just part replacers.

I wanted a Porsche enthusiast who owns a shop.

I've had bad luck with home garage type mechanics, they don't seem to have a good work ethic, at least the ones I've tried to work with.

So when we are talking about lot of $$, I don't want a mechanic that decided to hold the car ransom because he decided it was going to cost an additional $10K because his wife left him.

[JivenJim]

Wow.. What a question. ...

New or in excellent near flawless 20 year old condition?
What's the condition of the starting Car?
What's your Time Frame?

Are you Truly ready for 15K in Labor Plus about 20K In Parts and Machine work.

And If you're a purist why are you thinking about swapping motors.

What's you motivation here to restore. There's gotta be some moth balled 944 out there that you could buy for this monster price tag. I've recently seen the cleanest SoCal Porsche 944 I've ever seen with about 80K on it. (owned by a 30 year Porsche Mechanic) Would you consider starting with a different car then doing the Reconditioning?

You could get an outstanding near flawless 944 with recondition Engine for about 15K. So once again.. What's new for a 20 Year car?

[G-Man55]

the car is actually in very good condition, but many of the "good condition" parts would probably need to be replaced with new parts in order to get the new car look.

I think New and near flawless would be about the same.


I want it to look new when someone looks at it, not just look like some rebuilding work has been done on a 20 year old car.


Remember the final work will be looked over by Porsche executives.

[Eldorado]

what's your budget, g-man?
look to spend about 30,000 bucks if other people are doing the work for you..

or... buy yourself eight "good" condition 944's and see which one makes a bigger explosion after you drive them off a cliff...

[JivenJim]

I don't know in Greater LA area but Tim at http://www.speedforceracing.com/ would probably be a good one stop shop to get it all done. (2 hrs away in East San Diego County)
944's were what founded his shop. Most people know, they know their stuff. Not much money in stock 944's. But they might do it for the right price.

Make a very big list and be explicit what your budget is and what is acceptable and what isn't.
Get a bid. Get a Time Frame. Leave room for over runs of time and money.
Stay on top of them for updates and progress inspections. Shops are all notorious for putting off stuff cause they got to many other problems to deal with.

When someone else chimes in with an LA Based shop.. same thing.

Maybe also http://www.blackforestautomotive.com/

At least you can get some numbers from real pros with these shops.

Best luck,

Jim

[SoCal Driver]

"Porsche executives". What the heck do they know! Put the 944 trim on a Honda and they wouldn't know the difference. I smell a troll.

[924Sman]

Sorry but what is in your glass?! Porsche execs have no need to see a car rebuilt, seen dozens. Model has no interest to them to warrant having PCNA reps involved. If they want a concours car they would not have to look far.

Something dreamy about this post......

Dal

[G-Man55]

I never said that Porsche execs are biting their nails waiting for this to be completed.
My wife is high ranking exec with Porsche NA, so I'm getting a deal on parts.
Besides I know several of the VP in the company and they think it's a good idea. You should see what they have restored in their garages.

I don't want to get into any more details because if I did you guys would really think I'm "Dreamy".

[SoCal Driver]

Bet they really want to see an automaic in showroom condition. Me thinks you want to do this for them and not for yourself.

[G-Man55]

Their exact words were that automatic ones are much more rare than the 5-speed versions. Anyhow I can convert it if I wish.

What do you think the Porsche execs drive "stick" not the married ones. Try tiptronic Carrera GT, why you ask....one word....WIVES.
Their wives want to be able to drive them too. The custom “upgrade cost” for a Carrera GT from standard to Tiptronic is $60,000

Porsche actually kept several mint 968s around that they supposedly show on special occasions. I haven’t seen them yet myself.

But if you read the beginning of the thread, I floated the idea that I may want to change everything around like convert it to a turbo 5spd, or even put a 968 engine in there. It all up to me AND YES I'M DOING THIS FOR MYSELF NOT ANYONE ELSE. Porsche guys just told me if I decide to do it I should make it look new rather than an old car with some work done to it.


I don't have an $$ motive here to ask for a shop advice which is all I did. I knew before I posted this thread that some will think I'm crazy to spend $30-40K on a restoration project and I expected some to try to throw a monkey wrench in the thread by attacking me.

If this goes well I have want to do the same with two 968s, that I have not yet purchased. Please don’t start attacking my motives on this one because I haven’t started yet and don’t care if you don’t believe me.

[GostRidr]

Hey G,

I'm not smart enough to attack your motives so props to you. In fact, I love your direction (assuming you're legit). CJ from back east has a thread right now about being disillusioned. The end result is that many people suggested moving to a 968 and even a boxster.

Those are great cars but I want what you are trying to build. I want a NEW 944. I want it to be fast, modern, new and all Porsche but definitely a 944. I don't like the boxsters, 911s, or even the caymens as much. I want a unique car that is dependable, stylish and fast as hell. I believe the only way to get that is the way you are headed.

Unfortunately, even though I live in the Inland Empire after three years in LA I can't give you any direct references for what you want here in SoCal. I can steer you away from a couple places if that helps. I have heard of a shop in OC and San Diego but I do not believe that they would do what you want. That being said, maybe you could corral a couple of the Pelican Wrenchers and put together a group project. I have been most impressed with the knowledge and generousity of my fellow junkies. That may be the only way to get the passion and accountability you require in this project. Please keep us posted especially since I am close to you!

peter

[G-Man55]

Trust me.. I'm legit.
If I told you what I've learned since talking to the Porsche guys you will get creamy in your pants.

I've only told you about 5% of what I know, have, could have and would have. Lets just say I can purchase any Porsche model I want, but I'm not here to brag or show off.

I kind of like to remain anonymous, so I can't give out too much information in a public forum.

All I wanted is to know some shop locations, that's why I started this thread.

I originally thought of the idea hiring one or more of the Porsche mechanics from this forum and think some are very qualified to do the restoration (less body work).
But I need an established shop with set schedule, my experience with one of our esteemed frequent forum writers was not very good, I'm not going to name names but it's not hard to pick out from this thread (just look at the "dreamy" attack postings).

My recent experience with hiring anyone for a service job has not been the qualifications, but rather attitude and work ethic. People these days seem to think the man paying the bill$ is the one working for them.

If this does go well I will post some pictures later, I expect it will take months.

[924Sman]

So I am a poster who has no clue on a 944 huh? Why don't you call me out face to face rather than beat around the bush. Sorry Man I don't give out bad advice. Anytime you wish to match your mechanical skills with mine bring it on. I may not know it all but by you needing a shop tells me I know more than you!

Oh and I have the memory of a scorned woman, be very careful.

Dal

[Panzer909]

Originally posted by G-Man55


I kind of like to remain anonymous, so I can't give out too much information in a public forum.

Trust us, friend. You already gave out enough. You're off to a wonderful start so far. Keep it up.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

So why is Porsche, who has historically disavowed the 924, 944, even the 968 and 928 to a large extent, suddenly taking this resurgent interest in "Porschaudi" wasserpumpers? I'm curious to know. . .

If this is for real and they're actually going to start embracing these cars rather than trying to distance themselves from them, that's great news and long overdue.

Somehow, I think that's wishful thinking. "Porsche executives" seem to think there are only a few kinds of Porsches that have ever existed - 550s, 356s, 911s and "specialty" models like the 917, CGT or GT3 (which is basically a 911 after all) - maybe the Boxsters/Caymans. Anything else either "never existed" or was a "mistake".

It's hard to get even pristine 944s to be taken seriously at PCA events, much less PCNA.

[G-Man55]

Originally posted by 924Sman
So I am a poster who has no clue on a 944 huh? Why don't you call me out face to face rather than beat around the bush. Sorry Man I don't give out bad advice. Anytime you wish to match your mechanical skills with mine bring it on. I may not know it all but by you needing a shop tells me I know more than you!

Oh and I have the memory of a scorned woman, be very careful.

Dal

Don't get your panties in a bunch, I wasen't talking about you. I don't even know you.

[scottmandue]

I know of a few mechanics that have been recommended however I have not personally used them. I am preparing to take my car to the guy in Southgate to get some work done on my car.

They are on my palm pilot at home so I will have to get back to you with their numbers.

Doubt you will find a body shop and mechanic in the same spot so you will probably have to with two different shops.

Sorry you are taking some hits here but this is a very curious project. You are in So. Calif. were there is no shortage of Porsche's available it would certainly be cheaper to find a low mile pristine 944 in the area. Can I presume this car has some personal connection for you?

[G-Man55]

Originally posted by Porsche-O-Phile
So why is Porsche, who has historically disavowed the 924, 944, even the 968 and 928 to a large extent, suddenly taking this resurgent interest in "Porschaudi" wasserpumpers? I'm curious to know. . .

If this is for real and they're actually going to start embracing these cars rather than trying to distance themselves from them, that's great news and long overdue.

Somehow, I think that's wishful thinking. "Porsche executives" seem to think there are only a few kinds of Porsches that have ever existed - 550s, 356s, 911s and "specialty" models like the 917, CGT or GT3 (which is basically a 911 after all) - maybe the Boxsters/Caymans. Anything else either "never existed" or was a "mistake".

It's hard to get even pristine 944s to be taken seriously at PCA events, much less PCNA.

You're right, their first reaction was "get rid of the 944", but my wife opened her mouth, so they're like well if you like it that much well we can help you restore it (as a favor).
Before that I actually had an interested party that wanted to purchase it from me, but that's another story.

But the 968 is another story, they realize that it should have been kept around longer. Most of them hate the Boxter including myself. I wanted a hard top version of a mid-engine car, I guess many others did too, that's why they brought out the Cayman.

I say this for the last time if you don't believe me, fine...if you believe that truthfully then why don't you put your money where your mouth is.

I'll wager $10,000 with anyone ($10K money in escrow from both parties). That I will prove everything in my posting is true or I lose.

I don't have to stay a 944 fan, most who can afford a better Porsche will not stick around this forum.
So lets not kid ourselves, that's why so many of you may find my posting unbelievable because you're thinking if he knows this person or that person why is he still wasting his time with a 944.