OPPO; Can I restore a 944?

Kinja'd!!! "farrance" (farrance)
07/04/2014 at 03:08 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!0 Kinja'd!!! 7

You know, every now and again you get those opportunities that you really really wanna get behind. I have had one of those opportunities come up and it's a big'un.

I've been given a Porsche 944 to restore. It's not in the nicest condition at the moment, but after scowering the internet and seeing that the bare shells go for about £800 compared to somewhat restored 944's going for well over £3k. There are a few conditions with my opportunity, namely relating to the profits.

I don't have any photos at the moment as I'm on holiday in Turkey, but when I'm back home I'll be sure to update it. I've already seen Art Of The Flips post about the 944 and I do plan to follow it somehow.

I have 2 options;

Restore the 944 - All the bits are with it still, just needs bolting back together then the engine needs to be sorted out so it'll run again. (It's had a new engine fitted about 1000 miles ago)

Break the 944 for parts - I have no idea about the potential amount of money to come from breaking it for parts, especially considering the new engine. But that's my other option.

WHAT DO?


DISCUSSION (7)


Kinja'd!!! Arben72 > farrance
07/04/2014 at 03:34

Kinja'd!!!0

You can't kill a 944 that can be saved. It's just nuts and bolts, restoring it isn't that hard.


Kinja'd!!! farrance > Arben72
07/04/2014 at 03:41

Kinja'd!!!0

So you reckon just go ahead and restore it?


Kinja'd!!! themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > farrance
07/04/2014 at 04:12

Kinja'd!!!1

Gonna need pics here. 944s are in an odd place. They cost a fair chunk to restore but have a lot of value in parts. However, the finished products, when done well, can command some good cash. It is all entirely dependent on the condition of all aspects of the car. Bad drivetrain but good shell and interior? Save! Bad interior but good shell and drivetrain? Save! Bad shell? THROW INTO THE FIRES OF HELL!

Now here's the big benefit you have - the base car was free. Budget around 2-3 grand US to restore a poor running drivetrain. Add another grand or two if either the trans or engine needs to be replaced entirely. If both need replacing, I'd yank the engine and trans out, part them as best you can, and then sell the shell and interior as a complete kit. It might get picked up by a racer or someone looking to do their own resto job. but then take that money and buy either the 944 you want or another car you really want. Judging by your language, I'm guessing you're british so I recommend some cosworth goodness if the porsche crest doesn't excite you.


Kinja'd!!! Conan > farrance
07/04/2014 at 07:20

Kinja'd!!!0

If you think it is cool and have time and money to do it, do it.


Kinja'd!!! farrance > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/04/2014 at 09:52

Kinja'd!!!0

Pictures will be posted Monday eve UK time!


Kinja'd!!! farrance > Conan
07/04/2014 at 09:52

Kinja'd!!!1

I'm getting weirdly excited about it now. I can't wait.


Kinja'd!!! Arben72 > farrance
07/04/2014 at 14:15

Kinja'd!!!0

Can you diy (do it yourself) for most of the repairs? It depends on the experience you have but there are many diy guides online for the 944 so that can help you. Pics would really help as interior work isn't hard, neither is small body work (but leave that to the pros). If it's a rusting frame it's a loss, but I doubt someone would put a new motor in a rusted out 944. I'd wait for pics, but parting out a car takes much longer to sell then selling a whole one.