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The time has come

J

JimmyK

New member
Ok well its been a while since I posted asking for advice but the time has come. I have around £1500-1600 and I'm extensively searching for my ideal 944. I've seen a few examples in my price range. One is a ruby red that has had complete front end strip down including tensioners and pulleys, water pump, manifold gasket, major belts (including timing), bearings, brakes (including shoes, pads & pipes), fuel lines, radiator, steering shaft; bearings and rubbers, drive shaft flange, balanced shaft gear, stabilizer bush, windscreen and wipers, boot catches and rubber, new leather steering wheel and gear gaiter, radio aerial, all done in the past few months. Sills look solid from pictures, one small rust patch forming on the front of the off side rear panel, no bigger than a hand probably. Seat is torn and dash has a crack but mechanically and electrically everything else is fine. I don't mind a rolling project and I'm really just asking whether this would be a good option?


Thanks!
 
Jimmy - it's cheaper to do mechanical work than bodywork, unless you're competant in body repair, of course. If you want a project - go for one but go and drive a couple of excellent 944s first then you know what you are aiming for. Projects are exciting but have you ever had a project before? Personally, I wouldn't go for a 944 as a first project but that is up to you.

 
It will be my first yeah. I just love the 944 shape. The body isn't bad on the one I'm looking at, either. The only thing that could probably sway me from a 944 is a Spitfire, which I have seen a few slightly over budget but they are very nice. Realistically one patch of rust, a bit of interior work doesn't put me off but how much am I looking at for small rust repairs? Driving a few is a difficult task I don't know of anybody who owns one and there don't seem too many close to me. Which is a pain.
 
Spits rusted badly, but then so have some 944's.

Where are you based Jimmy? (You may like to fill in your location in your preferences.) There may be a member near to you who would be willing to take you for a demonstration trip.


Oli.
 
Please don't take this the wrong way but do you really know this car has "one rust patch"? Unless you really know what you are looking for - underneath the car, structually, you could land yourself in a real mess. 944s all seem to look really pretty on the top, they tend to be really, really bad once you can see large rust patches on the outer panels.

A Triumph Spitfire would be much, much cheaper parts, insurance, fuel and tax wise. It would cost you pennies to fix compared to a 944, so long as the tin worm isn't bad. A Spitfire is also a lot easier to work on and very simple - access is also great, 944s are a little akward.
 
Errrmmmm..... Youre better off buying a mechanically sound and smart, clean car, than buying one based on its perceived structural condition which is lacking in other respects.

By which I mean that when youve bought a car with a poor interior and little history, but 'good sills', spent a fortune making it all alright, youre still going to have to repair the sills and the wing bottoms!

Repairing the usual areas on an otherwise good and clean 944 will cost FAR less than the remedial mechanical work and re-trimming required by the other car in this example, even if it doesnt ever need sill repairs.....


Simon
 
Just keep asking questions and drive as many as you can.

As Oli says, sure there must be someone local to you that would help if you let us know where you are. Also you haven't said how much work you can carry out yourself, would really help to know what you limitations/skills are when it comes to working on cars
 
Well I've left a deposit on one and should hopefully pick it up later this week. It's a 1988 Lux, in blue. Done 126k, but still drives really well. Has a full years ticket on it, 6 months tax. The body is really clean, sills are solid as a rock, no rust, no bubbling, nothing. Interior is cream leather and is in really good condition. I can't wait to pick her up!
 
I figured as much, its a later model than I was originally looking at, but it ticked all the boxes for me. I love the blue and the tele dials are in really good condition. Will get some pictures up on here for everyone. Can't wait to get stuck in and give the interior a good clean. Engine bay will get some TLC and shes going to have the best wash shes ever had! :)
 
Quick question, the car is registered as a 944 Sports, does that mean it carries the later 189bhp or is it just the standard 158 bhp?
 
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