New Happy Owner

ktel · Jan 1, 2015

I recently purchased a 1984 944.

It is a nice car with manual steering, uncracked dash and almost perfect black leather interior. Other than some minor electrical issues (right power mirror not working, dim instrument lights) it drives very well.

As a new owner I have some questions...

1) Previous owner replaced timing belt 5 years ago, so the first thing I will do is to replace it, along with the water pump. How can I tell if I have the old style water pump so that I order the adapter kit for updating to the new (turbo) one?

2) My car is on 15'' Phone Dial wheels which I don't really like. Previous owner also gave me a set of 18'' Azev Type PS wheels like these that fit using large spacers, but I don't like the idea of 18'' wheels and I don't trust these spacers. I am looking to buy Fuchs style replicas that I think keep up with the car's styling and era. Has anybody personal experience from the replicas design911 is selling? I prefer 17'' but if there are fitting or rubbing issues I am OK with 16'' too.

3) Can you tell me which are the best places to shop online for parts? I already know design911, porscheshop and of course ebay. I live in Greece so I prefer buying from Europe to avoid import charges.

I will post pictures as soon as possible (it is freezing cold outside)

P.S. The 18'' wheels are for sale, if anybody is interested PM me

tref · Jan 1, 2015

Welcome. For the water pump identification you will be able to see a shiny steel strip held on with two M6 (10am After) nuts if it is the later pump. You won't find this if it is the earlier one.

For parts, the first place to get a price should be Porsche. Many of the items for sale at the places you list (especially ebay) are cheaper direct from your local Porsche dealership. They usually do a good postal service too (Bournemouth do anyway).

andy watson · Jan 1, 2015

Hi and welcome to the 944 world.

Nice early car, looking forward to pics with regard to wheels, I would be inclined to not go any larger than 16"s with manual steering might get to be bit of a pig (no pun intended) to park any larger.

Always try Porsche first as Tref says, join the club and you will also get at least 10% discount, I would steer clear of eBay and Design911 are ok and those Fuchs replica are lovely [8D]

Keep us posted

Diver944 · Jan 2, 2015

Congrats on the purchase and welcome on board.

For parts I would also recommend:

http://www.type-911.co.uk/
https://www.promaxmotorsport.co.uk
http://www.jmgporsche.co.uk/
http://www.frazerpart.com/
http://www.berlyn-services.co.uk/

ktel · Jan 2, 2015

Pics as promised!

zcacogp · Jan 2, 2015

KTel,

Hello and welcome. That looks like a nice car.

Two things;

- You are clearly not in the UK, and hence many of the parts suppliers listed won't be able to help you. If you let us know where you are then we may be able to suggest some people other than your OPC whom you can buy from.

- That looks like a nice example and if they are original teledials then I'd really really suggest that you keep them. They suit the car, they are the wheels that Porsche saw fit to put on it (and Porsche usually get things right) and they are probably better suited to the dynamics of the car than anything else you can buy with reasonable money. You may not like the look of them but plenty do, and they will probably grow on you. Stick with them for a couple of months and see how you feel then.

Oli.

ktel · Jan 2, 2015

Thanks Oli.

I live in Athens, Greece. Regarding the wheels, I don't know if they are original but they seem to be 'hidden' inside the fender, especially to the front. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that Fuchs were also a factory option (at least 15'' ones) so putting them on the car won't look too strange.

Frenchy · Jan 2, 2015

I have a set of 16" Fuchs here for sale which will fit a 944 but the postage maybe expensive ?
Nice car BTW keep the dash covered or it will crack !!

Mike_Pollock · Jan 2, 2015

Lovely car!

I don't like teles either! Cookie Cutters were the normal wheels on the early cars, which I do like but are only 15" also.

Without large spacers the 16" Fuchs are the only other Porsche wheels.

If you are not tracking the car, good quality spacers etc would be ok, but I also wouldn't go over 16"

If your local roads are rough you really don't want any larger!

Keep us posted and we will try and offer any advice we can.