Bringing my 996 back to it's former glory, advice please
Discussion
Hi chaps,
I bought a 1999 C4 cab last year. I'd sold my 05 C4S as I wasn't really using it, and it was starting to go a bit funny on me. No sooner did I sell it, I missed not having a Porsche in my life. This is now my 3rd 911, and 6th Porsche overall.
The car I bought had been owned by a guy for nearly all it's life, and really properly cared for. So much so that 6 months prior to me purchasing the car, he spent 6k having the engine out and rebuilt by Camtune. 2k on the tip box being completely overhauled and 1.6k on a new hood and motors.
I bought the car from him for a very reasonable price (almost too reasonable) as he had an urgent requirement for cash, which was verified upon visiting his house to view the car.
So I have decided now to try and make the car as near perfect as I can. Over xmas I had the turbo alloys completely refurbed, and the calipers refurbed and painted red with white Porsche decals (as per C4S and turbo, but not the genuine brembo job, as the 3.4 tip doesn't really need them)
The car is currently with a detailer in Toddington who is restoring the interior (dash/seats/door cards etc) back to original, repairing any cracks in the leather, and recolouring etc.
I've ordered replacement becker knobs for the stereo, as the old ones looked tired.
Now hear comes the awkward part. I really like the look of the gt3 front bumber and skirts (aero I believe) and was considering having them fitted to the car. I understand that the aero kit was a factory fit option, however I'm only interested in the front and skirts, in doing this, do I risk ruining the car by not having a complete aero kit fitted? Will this harm resale? Is it possible to harm resale considering it's a C4 Tip ! ! I personally have no axe to grind over Tip boxes.
Secondly, I'm having the body restored and detailed. Current colour is Mirage, which is a very rare Beige colour. I'm not a massive fan, it's ok, but hasn't grown on me. The detailer has quoted me for a full respray in an original Porshce Polar White, and I really fancy it. You don't see too many white 996's. Not sure if it was an option on early 996's or not. But seeing as I'm keeping with an original Porshce colour, will it really harm resale?
Lastly, the "Carrera 4" badge. If I do go with the white, do I keep the original titanium looking badge, or go for a black badge to tie in with the roof when it is up?
I'm hoping that by the end of feb, I'll have an almost immaculate 996, inside and out, with lots of engine work and history etc.
Anyhow, sorry for the ramble, just excited really.
I bought a 1999 C4 cab last year. I'd sold my 05 C4S as I wasn't really using it, and it was starting to go a bit funny on me. No sooner did I sell it, I missed not having a Porsche in my life. This is now my 3rd 911, and 6th Porsche overall.
The car I bought had been owned by a guy for nearly all it's life, and really properly cared for. So much so that 6 months prior to me purchasing the car, he spent 6k having the engine out and rebuilt by Camtune. 2k on the tip box being completely overhauled and 1.6k on a new hood and motors.
I bought the car from him for a very reasonable price (almost too reasonable) as he had an urgent requirement for cash, which was verified upon visiting his house to view the car.
So I have decided now to try and make the car as near perfect as I can. Over xmas I had the turbo alloys completely refurbed, and the calipers refurbed and painted red with white Porsche decals (as per C4S and turbo, but not the genuine brembo job, as the 3.4 tip doesn't really need them)
The car is currently with a detailer in Toddington who is restoring the interior (dash/seats/door cards etc) back to original, repairing any cracks in the leather, and recolouring etc.
I've ordered replacement becker knobs for the stereo, as the old ones looked tired.
Now hear comes the awkward part. I really like the look of the gt3 front bumber and skirts (aero I believe) and was considering having them fitted to the car. I understand that the aero kit was a factory fit option, however I'm only interested in the front and skirts, in doing this, do I risk ruining the car by not having a complete aero kit fitted? Will this harm resale? Is it possible to harm resale considering it's a C4 Tip ! ! I personally have no axe to grind over Tip boxes.
Secondly, I'm having the body restored and detailed. Current colour is Mirage, which is a very rare Beige colour. I'm not a massive fan, it's ok, but hasn't grown on me. The detailer has quoted me for a full respray in an original Porshce Polar White, and I really fancy it. You don't see too many white 996's. Not sure if it was an option on early 996's or not. But seeing as I'm keeping with an original Porshce colour, will it really harm resale?
Lastly, the "Carrera 4" badge. If I do go with the white, do I keep the original titanium looking badge, or go for a black badge to tie in with the roof when it is up?
I'm hoping that by the end of feb, I'll have an almost immaculate 996, inside and out, with lots of engine work and history etc.
Anyhow, sorry for the ramble, just excited really.
I wouldn't get too hung up on resale on a 996 - make it how you want it, just do it well (as it seems you are doing) and document it all. It might be worth discussing painting the skirts separately, so that they can be removed easily for someone else in future, and keep the original bumper for the same reason (is it's good condition, get it painted too if it's not too dear, particularly if you do change the colour).
Changing the colour is usually a big no-no for resale but again on a car that old condition and provenance will count for more, so document it properly if you go for it. I've never heard of Mirage, unless you mean meridien silver - either way a different colour may be more desirable if it's done well.
I've also not heard of Porsche "polar" white - they used to do Grand Prix white and then switched to the brighter Carrara white (perhaps from the 996 GT3 RS?). I've seen a white 996 cab with blue hood and I thought it looked really good even back then (end of last century), when nobody would touch white cars with a bargepole. These days I'd consider it with silver-rimmed black wheels and maybe black/cf mirrors.
Changing the colour is usually a big no-no for resale but again on a car that old condition and provenance will count for more, so document it properly if you go for it. I've never heard of Mirage, unless you mean meridien silver - either way a different colour may be more desirable if it's done well.
I've also not heard of Porsche "polar" white - they used to do Grand Prix white and then switched to the brighter Carrara white (perhaps from the 996 GT3 RS?). I've seen a white 996 cab with blue hood and I thought it looked really good even back then (end of last century), when nobody would touch white cars with a bargepole. These days I'd consider it with silver-rimmed black wheels and maybe black/cf mirrors.
Mirage you say? A bit like this one...
Did your detailer try to persuade you to let him loose on the paint, or have you already mentally crossed the bridge towards an expensive colour change respray?
P.S. If you search the 'net for pictures of white 996's most will be the Carrara White Mk2 GT3 RS's. You might see some Grand Prix Mk1's and early Cup cars. However, if the "GT3 look" appeals to you then you must consider dropping the ride height to match otherwise it can look 'a bit odd' in the eyes of any passing purist!
Regarding badging, try running nude!
Did your detailer try to persuade you to let him loose on the paint, or have you already mentally crossed the bridge towards an expensive colour change respray?
P.S. If you search the 'net for pictures of white 996's most will be the Carrara White Mk2 GT3 RS's. You might see some Grand Prix Mk1's and early Cup cars. However, if the "GT3 look" appeals to you then you must consider dropping the ride height to match otherwise it can look 'a bit odd' in the eyes of any passing purist!
Regarding badging, try running nude!Chaps,
Thanks for the feedback so far.
Yes that's the colour, Mirage Mettalic, and no the detailer suggested working maintaining the unique original colour, he was against a colour change initially, but I believe it's because it's one of those marmite colours, and he probably likes it more than I do.
I went to see the car thinking it was silver, I was quite surprised when I eventually saw it in the flesh. If I'm being honest I was a little put off, but for the quick sale he was after I was willing to see if it would grow on me.
I've been a Porsche fan since I was a kid, and I've never seen another on the road. Kind of like the Jade colour they do, seen it online, but only ever seen maybe one in the flesh.
I have the original receipt for the car, and it had a factory lowering kit fitted, along with turbo back seats and a whole host of other goodies. So re the hight, shouldn't look to bad, but that said, I am not trying to recreate the GT3 look, just want the car to look right.
With regards to Polar, it's an old 70's/80's colour, but as pointed out, Carrera White does look good on the GT/RS cars,need to get to a dealer and see some up close I think.
Re the nude look, no badge, I'll have a sniff around google images, never considered not having a badge and what that may look like.
Thanks for the feedback so far.
Yes that's the colour, Mirage Mettalic, and no the detailer suggested working maintaining the unique original colour, he was against a colour change initially, but I believe it's because it's one of those marmite colours, and he probably likes it more than I do.
I went to see the car thinking it was silver, I was quite surprised when I eventually saw it in the flesh. If I'm being honest I was a little put off, but for the quick sale he was after I was willing to see if it would grow on me.
I've been a Porsche fan since I was a kid, and I've never seen another on the road. Kind of like the Jade colour they do, seen it online, but only ever seen maybe one in the flesh.
I have the original receipt for the car, and it had a factory lowering kit fitted, along with turbo back seats and a whole host of other goodies. So re the hight, shouldn't look to bad, but that said, I am not trying to recreate the GT3 look, just want the car to look right.
With regards to Polar, it's an old 70's/80's colour, but as pointed out, Carrera White does look good on the GT/RS cars,need to get to a dealer and see some up close I think.
Re the nude look, no badge, I'll have a sniff around google images, never considered not having a badge and what that may look like.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. It sounds like an expensively optioned car when new - we need to see pictures!
What was the original invoiced price if you don't mind me asking? I recall reading at the time that a journo (possibly on Motor Magazine as I recall reading about his trips around Europe attending various Grand Prix) had specced one up in Vesiuvus as an expensive paint-to-sample option and that it owed him circa £80k!
Early 996s are now of course cheap as chips though so I would have thought that you would really have to had to have developed an emmotional attachment to it already and/or be planning a long relationship to make the man maths of a high quality colour change respray work out?
[not serious]P.S. I you want to sell it and the colour puts anyone off, you could sell it at night under sodium lighting and pretend that its Arctic Siver![/not serious]
What was the original invoiced price if you don't mind me asking? I recall reading at the time that a journo (possibly on Motor Magazine as I recall reading about his trips around Europe attending various Grand Prix) had specced one up in Vesiuvus as an expensive paint-to-sample option and that it owed him circa £80k!
Early 996s are now of course cheap as chips though so I would have thought that you would really have to had to have developed an emmotional attachment to it already and/or be planning a long relationship to make the man maths of a high quality colour change respray work out?
[not serious]P.S. I you want to sell it and the colour puts anyone off, you could sell it at night under sodium lighting and pretend that its Arctic Siver![/not serious]
Edited by MogulBoy on Monday 13th January 15:46
MogulBoy,
The new vehicle order for is from Evans Halshaw in Stourbridge.
It reads;
Vehicle retail price - £77,950.00
10 Speaker - £500.00
3 spoke steering wheel - £196.00
Wind Deflector - £295.00
Heated Seats - £365.00
Turbo Sports Seats - £450.00
Lowered Suspension - £505.00
18" Turbo Alloys - 960.00
6 Disc Changer - £535.00
Wall Mounted Bracket - £385.00
So total OTR price in 1999 was £82,141.00 !
Assuming the wall bracket is for the CD changer, looks like a lot of money for what it is!
The new vehicle order for is from Evans Halshaw in Stourbridge.
It reads;
Vehicle retail price - £77,950.00
10 Speaker - £500.00
3 spoke steering wheel - £196.00
Wind Deflector - £295.00
Heated Seats - £365.00
Turbo Sports Seats - £450.00
Lowered Suspension - £505.00
18" Turbo Alloys - 960.00
6 Disc Changer - £535.00
Wall Mounted Bracket - £385.00
So total OTR price in 1999 was £82,141.00 !
Assuming the wall bracket is for the CD changer, looks like a lot of money for what it is!
I didn't know there was such a thing! Never mind, I have the roof in the shed at present.
I think it is a marmite colour, I asked the wife last night, she said she didn't like it when I first got it, but it had grown on her now.
I had some picture back of the seats from the detailer last night, I think it will look amazing with a white exterior, so definitely going for it. They start dismantling the car next week.
Apparently he has started working back all the lights with another of his bizzare rituals which should return them all back to as new. Fortunately it has the white indicator light kit, not sure how well yellows would have worked with a white paint job.
I think it is a marmite colour, I asked the wife last night, she said she didn't like it when I first got it, but it had grown on her now.
I had some picture back of the seats from the detailer last night, I think it will look amazing with a white exterior, so definitely going for it. They start dismantling the car next week.
Apparently he has started working back all the lights with another of his bizzare rituals which should return them all back to as new. Fortunately it has the white indicator light kit, not sure how well yellows would have worked with a white paint job.
marky911 said:
That's handy Mogul Boy. Haven't seen that before.
OP. I know your mind is made up on the change but I think that colour is lovely. Very subtle and classy. I'd leave well alone and save a load of money.
Spend it on a road trip through the alps with the roof down.
I'd agree with that. Colour looks nice and I don't think white suits 996 (GT3RS excepted)!OP. I know your mind is made up on the change but I think that colour is lovely. Very subtle and classy. I'd leave well alone and save a load of money.
Spend it on a road trip through the alps with the roof down.
PorscheFreak said:
Marky911,
I do feel bad taking an already rare colour off the road for pretty much no reason.
I'm being quoted £2.5k for the paint including finishing etc.
They intend to rip into the car next week. You've got me thinking now.
2.5K I do feel bad taking an already rare colour off the road for pretty much no reason.
I'm being quoted £2.5k for the paint including finishing etc.
They intend to rip into the car next week. You've got me thinking now.
Bargain ...... is that for glass out, under arches etc It was for a glass out job, I was warned that some of the clips and rubbers may have to be replaced as they tend to wear and break when being removed.
I've cancelled it now though! Just spoken to the guy.
It's not a colour you see every day, and it seems wrong to change it. If it had been a more run of the mill colour, then it wouldn't have been a problem, but it seems a shame.
He was in agreement with me (he wanted me to keep it original from the start) and is now saying that for £600 he can completely clay bar and machine polish the car over a few days to get a really deep gloss, and rid the car of any fine scratches and swirl marks.
I'm going to do this instead, take the car home with all the bits that have been done (interior is looking amazing, seats, cards, handbrake and steering wheel all cleaned and painted, carpets all restored and deoderised) and just live with it or a couple more months.
If I really want a white one, well maybe I should sell this one and think about my options in the future.
I'll post up some pics when it's done (and I learn how to)
Cheers everyone
I've cancelled it now though! Just spoken to the guy.
It's not a colour you see every day, and it seems wrong to change it. If it had been a more run of the mill colour, then it wouldn't have been a problem, but it seems a shame.
He was in agreement with me (he wanted me to keep it original from the start) and is now saying that for £600 he can completely clay bar and machine polish the car over a few days to get a really deep gloss, and rid the car of any fine scratches and swirl marks.
I'm going to do this instead, take the car home with all the bits that have been done (interior is looking amazing, seats, cards, handbrake and steering wheel all cleaned and painted, carpets all restored and deoderised) and just live with it or a couple more months.
If I really want a white one, well maybe I should sell this one and think about my options in the future.
I'll post up some pics when it's done (and I learn how to)
Cheers everyone
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