Save or Break/scrap

edh · Mar 31, 2015

Replacement 8V engines are cheap - if nothing else you'll vastly increase the value of the car by dropping a working engine in. probably worth confirming the diagnosis first though If it really is rust free that is... Try and get a look in the sills - from the black vent in the door shut

Eldavo · Mar 31, 2015

If the shell is sound then pull the engine and get it running - doesn't sound like you're in a rush so you can take it easy

jonn · Mar 31, 2015

Hi all, looking for Opinions and yes I realise these can be Subjective but going to ask anyway. in the back of my workshop I have a 1984 944 square dash with what is believed to be a head gasket problem , its sat there now for 4 years , the car is shabby i.e. usual cracked dash, tired divers seat (brown pinstripe) , paint flat (white) and a few trim parts have gone missing over the years. But hears the reason its still there the body is sound no real rot in the car anywhere! . So now the question I need to make a decision:
1,pull the motor out and fix /replace (never done one so big task ????)
2 leave it where it is for another 4years ?
3 Break the car for parts ?
4 Take to local scrappy ?

My BIG problem is I don't like scrapping anything so hence its been sat there for 4 long years So I am asking the question hear and hoping to get someone who has a sensible head to push me one way or the other .

so what do we think ?????

Jon

colin944 · Mar 31, 2015

Where are you ? I might buy it if the price is right.

pauljmcnulty · Mar 31, 2015

If it really is a solid shell, it's worth a lot more than many early 944s that look tidy in the adverts? That doesn't make it a viable refurb project, of course. From the sound of it you need a re-trim, re-spray and head gasket at least, and that's either many hours if you're skilled, or Â£000s if you farm it out. Certainly don't scrap it if the shell is that good. Someone will bite your arm off to get their hands on a 944 with little or no rust, and the local scrapper will just weigh it in. [

] Breaking doesn't sound an option, as you've said all the parts people might want are the ones that are knackered! [&:]

timfield · Mar 31, 2015

I say fix it! I miss my old white square dash, the kids constantly moaned about lack of leg room so I ended up never being able to use the car. I'm 6 foot 5, so I think thats actually the problem! I did all the belts on mine and actually found it quite simple and therapeutic as I was able to take my time. There's so much on these cars on Youtube that most jobs are possible without too much trouble.

Mike_Pollock · Mar 31, 2015

As above, properly check the shell for corrosion in particular the sills, if it still is good drop an engine in, I did my 2.5 in a weekend on the drive. white will polish up ok and trim bits are available from several locations - ebay and FB pages included

Zeusy · Mar 31, 2015

Hi. I needed an engine for an S2 and eventually found a car that had been standing in a garage for several years like yours has. It was fully complete and running but needed work ....... in the end I felt the old motor was too good to lose and I just couldn't bring myself to break it up ...... so I kept it and have since gradually carried out repairs. Whilst it will never be a minter in my ownership at least I simply intend to keep it for now as a good solid useable runner. If a future owner ever wanted to improve it later on then they could do so. Working on the principle that a saved Porsche is better than no Porsche at all and knowing that there will be no more 944's made....... I would chose your option 1. I hope this helps. Best regards - Zeusy.

944Turbo · Apr 1, 2015

Head gasket is pretty easy swap really (engine can stay in), if you have a couple of weekends available (probably less, but might be some awkward fixings), replace it! Paint may polish back up, was the white clear coated? I think maybe not in 1984 so may well turn shiny. Tony

jonn · Apr 2, 2015

ORIGINAL: colin944 Where are you ? I might buy it if the price is right.

Colin, the car is located at the other end of the country Wiltshire so probably not viable

jonn · Apr 2, 2015

Hi All, Thanks for the input I will pull the car out over the long weekend to confirm what I believe that the car is sound/solid especially around the sill area and if I get time try to establish the exact engine problem will post back with the results . Thanks again to all for your replies and interest

jonn · Apr 4, 2015

Hi All, Update I pulled the car out today (didn't start not really surprised ) and I can confirm that after a good look though the B pillar openings and a vigorous poke about with a large screwdriver all seems to be solid, some surface rust on the bottom edges/lip of the rear arch's in front of the wheels but scratched off and shinny steel came back through [

]. So following the kind replies from members it looks like she will be saved. Now the bad news oil is VERY milky has probably been like that for all the time its been sat[

] , and the dash is shot!! split in drivers seat , rest of the trim looks to be salvageable. now looking to either take out the motor and rebuild or replace ? if rebuild maybe upgrade for a few more ponies not sure how big a job that would be not looking for more than maybe 200 BHP so a net uplift of around 40BHP ? . More radical thought is to replace the dash with oval type as they seem to less prone to cracking hence there is a larger selection out there and again thoughts please . I don't see the drivers seat being to much of an issue either to have repaired or replace (brown vinyl with brown/white pinstripe centre) . Obviously all the bakes will need refreshing but happily not stuck on. any feedback very welcome

944Scott · Apr 4, 2015

Good to see another one being saved, the dash swap to oval is not easy by all accounts.

pauljmcnulty · Apr 4, 2015

The oval dash isn't a straight swap at all. The later dashes do crack, and it's going to be the same issue as they age. I'd add my personal thought that an '84 car will be less desirable with the wrong interior? Early dash cars have an appeal that the oval-dash Luxes lack to a lot of buyers: they just aren't as "retro". Finding a perfect dash isn't going to be easy, and it'll only be time before it also starts to go. Re-covering looks the best option, any decent car trimmer should be able to do something nicer than the original?

Mike_Pollock · Apr 4, 2015

What Paul says about the dash. As for the motor - head gasket and oil cooler seals are most likely (oil cooler is water cooled on the side of the engine) maybe quicker easier cheaper to swap the engine.

Elliot · Apr 5, 2015

I have several engines available if you need one from Â£150 to Â£450 depending on year / mileage cheers

jonn · Apr 5, 2015

ORIGINAL: Elliot I have several engines available if you need one from Â£150 to Â£450 depending on year / mileage cheers

Hi Elliot, I would be after a n/a 2.5 8 valve what have you got that's ready to drop in and a drivers seat brown vinyl with pinstripe centre .? if you would rather just PM me or my number is 07760333560 PS where are you located ? Also I am after some bits for my S2 wheels , clock , if you can help Thanks Jon

pauljmcnulty · Apr 5, 2015

Clock you're better off with Alasdair's replacement option than a used one. You'd pay more for an old one that's likely to be near to failing. Has anyone got the ebay link? I can add it to the faqs.

jonn · Apr 5, 2015

ORIGINAL: pauljmcnulty Clock you're better off with Alasdair's replacement option than a used one. You'd pay more for an old one that's likely to be near to failing. Has anyone got the ebay link? I can add it to the faqs.

Hi Paul, we have had this chat before the problem is the clock is missing , have been on to the breakers parts suppliers in the FAQ section etc and they are asking silly money for them Â£100-Â£150 and Â£80 for a one that needs a refurbishment so asking anybody at the moment don't suppose you have one kicking around ? Cheers Jon