My 91 964

My car is actually a late 1991 build, 1993 registered 911 in Guards Red or Indishrot. It has a Grey leather interior Optional Sports front seats with red piping, they are the usual adjustable types, but don't have heating or electrical movement backwards or forwards, I have to rely on human effort for that one.

It has 94,000 miles on the clock, a full service history and the important mod's like distributor belt, and clutch replacement done. I knew when I was looking for the car that some work was required, so I had a full PPI check done at the local specialists Autostrasse in Coggeshall; Nr Colchester. I also had a full HPI check done for MOT fraud, stolen vehicle VCAR registration for accident damage and any outstanding finances; They both passed it with a fit bill of health and so I decided that it would be a purchase worth making. A good job too as my stock market investments would not be worth enough today to buy a 964, more likely a 3.2 sc or similar, something I don't find as attractive.

The Before Picture

The picture gives some idea of what was involved, this could have been disastrous as neither myself nor any of the body shops who had quoted me work knew decisively how far the rust had penetrated.

The difficulty here is with anything hidden, and more so with this type of vehicle. The Porsche 911 has drain tubes that permit water passing the sunroof seals to drain away, these tubes pass from inside the sunroof cavity along the inside of the body and end up coming out just above the engine lid, close inspection of the area will show a couple of rubber grommets either side of the engine lid recess.
I had checked to see if the drain tubes were blocked.

First I tried as had been suggested a piece of garden strimmer cable, this unfortunately didn't work out, so I then tried pouring light engine oil down the tubes so to speak, and then waited patiently..

It didn't take too long before it emerged all over the engine cover, a bit messy, but it proved the drain tubes weren't completely blocked, a small cause for celebration in that the bill shouldn't be excessive...

The Cut Away Picture

Boy oh boy was I glad to see this, it was as had been suspected a poor rear windscreen installation sometime in the past that had caused it to go rusty.

Which really begs the question, how can a galvanized body shell go rusty, my Audi 80 which is equivalent in age has not had this happen to it. It has also been driven a damn site harder, in worse conditions and spends a great deal of its life outside. Even two small spots or chips in the front edge of the bonnet that have been there for 2 years have not succumbed to the evil red worm..

I guess some owners are not as fussy as others, the car has also had the bodywork inspection lapse as well, even though there is a full OPC dealer history, some of which is my local OPC in Colchester...

If you want to know why I bought the car knowing these faults, then if I must.......It has a full history, the distributor vent mod has been done, the clutch was renewed a while ago, and the PPI revealed a leak free engine, it felt tight on a drive and I like Red, there that's done it another one who likes the second least popular 911 colour.....

I've Been Welded

This picture shows the welded section after the implant. I can also be shown that care was taken with the rest of the body work in trying to prevent weld spatter spoiling the rest of the bodywork and paint, thanks guys.

This is plain and simple, no rants, just a picture of the section that has been welded in.

I'm Leaden and Loaded.

The final picture of the repairs, I was promised lead loading as part of the process, and that's what I got. Its always pleasing to see a firm using the old techniques of lead loading repairs, its far more stable than most of the cheaper modern materials commonly bought over the counter, and in some ways just as pleasing to see someone had taken the time and care to photograph the process for me, Mark I thank you.

Some minor filler was needed after lead loading, but this was a very minor detail, as I'm no doubt sure you can see from the picture. It looks very well finished. I'm pleased to see this before it had been painted, as afterwards it is difficult to judge the repairs; paint being able to hide a multitude of sins

Badly Faded.....But Only After 9 Years

It may be difficult to see here, but take my word for it. The Carrera Badge had left its mark, so something had to be done.
It had also shown that painting the roof meant the engine lid just couldn't be ignored, thus the bill went up a bit more. It was my choice and I didn't feel pressured, but this was something that I felt had to be done, otherwise it would seriously play with my mind every time I walked past it.

I decided that as the shop had the car, and the work being done was in progress (the front and rear screens were still out) That painting should go ahead.

I have no regrets, why should I, I have to live with the car so it's down to me to ensure it is as I want it. Thus when time and finances allow the luggage compartment lid will be done, although that's away in the distant future.

My Thanks to Graham Richardson's for the work, and to Mark, Richard and the guys for being just what is wanted, helpful and resourceful.

So basically this sums up the repair work carried out on my beloved Porsche 911, I believe it's worth the agony, the cost, well that's another issue value is something demonstrably individual, and to that each his/her own. I hope you've enjoyed....been interested by my small write up and would welcome any feedback you may have.