The Pad Keeper...

...if you're like me, and you like things 'just so' with your classic car, this is definitely for you. Open up the rear boot lid and you'll see that the original sound proofing foam has sagged over the years, and like mine, is probably looking a little worse for wear. If this niggles you then David Etter's invention, The Pad Keeper, is a simple solution to tidy things up in your engine bay. Essentially it's a perfectly formed piece of plastic that sits against the foam and tucks up under the metal drip rail. It's even backed with some aluminium insulation to help further reduce sound and reflect heat. It's super easy to install with purpose made longer fasteners to replace the shorter factory ones. Before and After pics below. Neat! You can contact David on cmrdce@aol.com - he does them for all air-cooled 911s from '65 to '98.

New starter...

...the car failed to start a few times after getting hot - a sign of the starter motor on the way out. So, I popped down to see Paul at Northway's to fit a reconditioned Bosch one (as a new one from Porsche costs an arm and a leg).

Whilst he was at it, he took the opportunity to liberally spray the underside with a healthy dose of Wurth Cavity Wax to preserve those parts and nooks & crannies exposed to the elements. The wax isn't completely clear but it is better than the black wax oil that is also available - which to some suggests you're trying to cover up corrosion as opposed to prevent it - so best to be honest and as transparent as possible. The car is originally waxed from the factory in a dark beige colour for some reason so the light beige Wurth product is the closest match. 

Prevention better than cure, I'd say. A coat once a year before the autumn / winter months is recommended, especially with the old cars. 

Thanks Paul.

Sunday morning run

993. F355. 964.

Off to stretch our legs on some nice country roads.

:-)

Love the facelift!

Spotted at the fourth edition of Patrick Long and Howie Idelson’s Luftgekühlt held at Municipal Warehouse in San Pedro, California. More here 

Love the facelift - 2 piece aero front splitter and front foglight delete replaced with brake duct air scoops. Obviously the absent front number plate in the US helps with the look of their cars (shame about 'bumperettes' though!) but these subtle mods give a nice menacing look to a narrow-bodied 993. 

Very cool - enquiring about those parts today as I might consider a facelift myself this summer! :-)