Over the last year there is one question that people ask me above all others: do you think the car will make it? I always say yes, but its a case of ”when” the car will break down and not ”if”!
Having worked on most parts of the Porsche, I’m pretty confident with making repairs and we’ll be taking along a toolkit of all the things I think we’ll need, including more than one 10mm socket! A collection of spanners, screwdrivers, and gaffa tape will be essential.
The one thing i didn’t have a lot if was spare parts. Over the course of the restoration of this car I’ve replaced a lot, but knowing what might go wrong next is a challenge.
When I originally thought of this project I posted on Facebook groups asking folks to support me by donating, and plenty of those people did! I’m always amazed when complete strangers put their hands in their pockets/wallets and give. To my surprise I also got an offer from Justin Webb from 944spares.com, who offered to do a timing and balance belt service since the car had been off the road for 5 years. Justin is very well regarded in the 944 world and has a ton of experience working on these cars. When it came to getting the car through its MOT the local garage were able to help with the timing and balance belt too, but Justin was able to help in another way by providing a box of spare parts! Clearly someone like Justin who works with 944s all day knows the key parts that are prone to fail and be critical for our journey north, and he didn’t disappoint.
My package arrived early this week and as usual from Justin the box was well packed! Inside he’d provided a replacement ECU, a complete set of radiator/coolant hoses a brand new fuel pump and a complete set of relays. Some of these parts alone cost hundreds to buy, and I’m so grateful to Justin for sending them. Hopefully we won’t be posting photos of us repairing the Porsche at the roadside, but watch out! I’m sure that if we do need a part, I’ll be dipping into Justin’s box to get us going again.
Do check out Justin’s website or look him up on the 944 facebook groups of you need a part for your 944! He ships worldwide too!
WILD SPIRIT 