Being a Porsche, the 964 requires maintenance. Two years ago, I had the top half of the engine rebuilt so it was time to get the valves adjusted. The power steering lines had a small, slow leak that was corrected. And the dust bellows (rubber boot) on the right side drive shaft had to be replaced. Finally, I had the 9 ½ quarts of oil and filter changed.In addition, I sometimes replace items that are discolored or worn looking. I also had the shift boot replaced. It was quite worn and old looking. I replaced the silver plastic stamped wheel caps that had a black Porsche emblem with hand painted wheel caps.Finally, when I had the work being done, I was able to get the front two underbody rock guards, engine shrouds and muffler.
New Wheel Hubs
This is the original plastic hub. Considering its age, it’s not terrible.
This is the new hand painted hub. The Porsche crest looks terrific.
The original plastic hub is authentic but leaves the wheel and the tire looking faded.
By adding just a little color, the painted hubs brighten up both the wheel and the tire.
Concours Cleaning Prep
I’ve not entered a Concours d’Elegance yet. The first one I saw was at the 2010 PCA National Parade. The Concours inspection process itself is interesting. I watched a “small band” of people descend on each car. The process is the same for each.
First, the head judges walks around a car; his time for inspection is unlimited. Following his inspection, a time judge goes in front of the car and says “go”; the other judges typically have five minutes to complete their inspection. Next a series of judges start to inspect the car. They expect the car to show up washed and waxed, so this is not really what they’re looking for.
They inspect things to see how closely it comes to the way it left the manufacturer. For example, they will lift the hood and inspect the dirt underneath the rubber water seal. They do this by wearing a small towel. They run their finger under the rubber seal and then wipe their finger on the towel to see if any dirt comes off. There is a judge to inspect each area: the trunk; the interior (like underneath the dash and seats);
the glove box; in the engine compartment and anywhere they can reach underneath the car.
Each judge has a small towel. Each judge has a clipboard and a judging sheet. Each car starts off perfect. There is a deduction for each blemish. Points can be awarded if a car was driven to the event. Very few cars in the Concours are driven to the Concours.
The engine side of the rear rock guard before being finished.
This is the bottom of the rear engine rock guard after being cleaned of tar, oil and dirt.
Various engine covers, capsules, brackets and the stainless steel muffler.The long, black metal panel goes between the car frame under the seats.
Dramatic difference once the parts are cleaned with tar and oil cleaner and Fantastic.
Rock guards before.
Muffler and rock guards before.
Rock guards before.
Rock guards after.
Rock guards before.
Rock guards after.
Floor panel cover before.
The floor panel cover looks brand new after more than 138,000 miles.
Left and right engine capsules before cleaning.
Left and right engine capsules after cleaning.
Left and right engine covers before cleaning.
Left and right engine covers after cleaning.
Transmission shifter before the cover is installed.
The old shifter cover after it was removed.
Underneath the new shifter cover.
The clean, crisp top of the new shifter boot.
The side view of the new leather shifter boot. Much cleaner and more attractive.
