944 - Can it be saved?

N

nmxdaven

New member
I'm the proud new owner of a 30k mile 944. It needs some tender love and affection, in particular the exterior. How much do you think a full exterior restoration would run me, or is it even possible? It needs plenty of work, I just want a rough guide as to what I got myself into. :scared: Theres plenty of scratches and chips in particular around the drivers side door. Or would my best bet be a repainting? Its all the 87 original.





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That really looks in pretty good shape, maybe it's CC. Usually SS red doesn't hold up that well, unless they polished it up to sell. The chips etc. could be touched up, but the rest should shine right up, from the looks of it. Trim doesn't look too too bad, shouldn't cost you more than $150-$200 exterior only depending where you are...you don't want to do it yourself?
 
Well I just know nothing at all about chip repair, and I figure its best to let someone else handle it. You think its not too bad though? That drivers door is what worries me the most. The trim should be an undertaking as well. Texas sun does a wonder.



Great little car though, still drives amazingly well for its 20 years.
 
I guess I meant the trim didn't look bad for its age...it doesn't seem to be disintegrating. Boy I wanted one of those when they came out.
 
In the 3rd pic, it looks like the car was repainted... So I assume it didn't have clear coat, got repainted and not has clear coat cause it does look like it has some ORANGE PEEL.
 
Looks to me like a repaint also, I had a guards red 968 for several years, and it was single stage-oxidized like crazy but always polished up really well. good luck with it!



Steve
 
That does indeed look like a repaint. You should be able to do it with products a little over the cost of having the car detailed professionally (porter cable buffer included). Do it yourself and buy the needed materials and equipment and you can keep it up as needed at a much lower cost than having the car detailed several times.
 
The owner said it was original, but with a closer look I have to agree with everyone else.



Well the big thing with me is the chipping. Is that something I can do myself or does it take a trained hand? Are there any guides out there?





Thanks for the help!
 
There are professionals out there that all they do is repaint bumpers without going through the hassle of having a full blown body/paint shop have a go at it. If your chips are all pretty centralized, lets say all on the front bumper for example, then it may be a more convenient route for you. Give one of those guys a call I couldn't tell you what the cost would be. If you can't find them hit up a car dealership that has a used car lot, they do lots of business with dealerships.



Then you can have a pro detailer take a wack at it, it's all still cheaper than a new paint job and the car's finish does look to be in good shape. once you get that bad boy looking wet I'll bet it will be a head turner. Dont forget to get the fender wells, not looking too black from the pics -- spray some cheap armor-all or something in there to blacken up that space.



later & congrats
 
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