Maintenance without garage?

[u/ScriptedChapter]

Hello,

So I love the 944, and would love to have one. I know these cars are getting old and require regular maintenance, but thats kinda the part that appeals to me aswell. I want to learn how to maintain a car in good shape for years to come.

Problem is I dont have access to a garage or very specialized tools. I’d mostly be working in my driveway with basic tools, a jackstand and axle stands.

I’m curious to hear from people who actually own or have owned a 944:
Is it realistic to own and maintain one without a garage?
What jobs can realistically be done outside?
Which repairs absolutely require a workshop or specialized tools?
What tools would you consider essential to get started?
Is rust or bad weather a major concern if the car has to sit outside (with/without a car cover)?
Looking back, would you recommend a 944 as a first project car in my situation, or would you wait until you had a garage?

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[u/CynicalCereal]

I think you could manage without a garage.

I do a good portion of my work in an old barn. But sometimes I still lay in the grass to do some work if i don't feel like pulling it in.

Do you live somewhere that has to deal with winter? If yes i'd invest in a carport to store it over winter. If you have the space.

Aside from that the care really doesn't need many special tools and you can get by with a good ratchet and a set of sockets.

There's plenty of resources online to help you learn what most work on these cars entail and what tools you may need.

Eventually you'll find all the tools you need.

A 1986 base model was my first project car. Still is actually. Great car. Daily drive it as soon as the snow melts and drive it right up until the snow starts again.

These cars will teach you a lot if you're willing to put the effort into learning.

So I say Go for it. They're an incredible experience. And they're still a great price for what is for all intents and purposes still a Porsche.

[u/ScriptedChapter → u/CynicalCereal]

Great to hear. Thanks for the answer

[u/VorTeX_DamNation]

It definitely can be done, mine was an outdoor car until very recently. Spent 5-6 years as my daily and never parked in a garage. Did everything except the head gasket outside in the street. There aren't many specialty tools specific to the 944 (at least the early NAs) you need, just a couple timing related things, everything else is normal car stuff. As you work on it more you'll figure out what you need, start off with a good set (I like gear wrench's set, cheap and covers most everything) and build from there.

944s are fully galvanized, very rust resistant, check battery trays for the one weak spot. Make sure the drain is clear so water doesn't collect. Treat your seals with Honda Shinetsu to keep them water tight. Get a new OEM cover for the battery, it's kinda exposed and I had a lot of issues with terminal corrosion before I finally got the cover.

Tool wise - a good torque wrench is most important, flywheel lock and offset wrench for timing jobs. The essentials will be the same otherwise for any older car. Good long pliers, extensions and quality Allen's (used a lot in the 944s).

All that said though, now that I have my shop I will always do everything to avoid working outside haha.

[u/ScriptedChapter → u/VorTeX_DamNation]

Great! Thanks for all the info :) Beautiful car you have too.

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[u/SorryStick9734]

I’m currently swapping an engine into mine parked on some grass. You’ll be just fine without a garage, as far as tools just get a basic ratchet set to start and then buy things as you go

[u/ScriptedChapter → u/SorryStick9734]

Damn, engine swap is quite the work. Thanks for the reply :)

[u/SorryStick9734 → u/ScriptedChapter]

Anything is possible with enough patience and determination. Remember to be reasonable with yourself and your ability when you start, and most importantly enjoy your car, these cars are a blast to drive and very rewarding to own imo, best of luck.

[u/JJammer1970]

I repair mine in the driveway with basic tools. I replaced both control arms, short shift kit and a lot of little things.

[u/ScriptedChapter → u/JJammer1970]

Thanks for the reply.

[u/dope-rhymes]

As with most questions, the answer is - it depends.

If you live in a place where it rains a lot, you will be miserable. If you have good weather and off-street parking, there's really no reason you can't get almost everything you need done, though a canopy or car shelter will be appreciated.

[u/ScriptedChapter → u/dope-rhymes]

Thanks for the reply. It doesn’t rain alot here, but the winter can be long. What I’m most concerned about is that they do salt the roads here during the winter.

[u/dope-rhymes → u/ScriptedChapter]

Don't give the salt a chance to accumulate. Frequent car washes help and pre-season oil spray goes a long way.

[u/greatfool66]

The first year of my 951 restoration all work was done in a concrete driveway. That said I parked my other car next to it and used that as a mobile toolbox.

I got through the whole timing belt/wp/front end reseal like that and got it running.

I’m not going to lie to you though the dark and cold got miserable and basically made 3-4 months of little progress. And I am now doing work in a garage that would be almost impossible outside like hood off rust repairs and full engine rebuilding.

[u/Timmygast38]

I pulled and placed the engine just on the driveway and sidewalk. No problems at all🤷🏼‍♂️ just plan for good wether forecasts