Car: 1987 944 Turbo
Mileage: 170K
Color: LY5Z Nautic Blue Metallic (nauticblau)
This color is also known as "Ocean Blue Metallic" but there doesn't seem to be any reference to the difference as they both share the same paint code. For the 944 series, it was available in 87 and 88 model years only, being most prevalent in the S and 951. While mostly paired with the "light gray" interior, there are also examples with black and Can Can interiors. As with many metallics, the car changes color a bit under different lighting. It can go from looking black, to dark navy, to a grayish blue and in the sunlight, it "flops" to a purple-ish blue. According to Rennbow, the color scores a 4 of 5 on the rarity scale, indicating a color that is not very common.
Respray Color: Same color in PPG base and clear
Why respray?: TLDR - the car was a "10 footer" and I want it to be a "0 footer". I bought the car in December of 2022. The car was overall in great condition, being a garage kept FL car most of it's life (Immaculate rear spoiler, crackless dash, zero rust). However, at 176K miles, the paint shined beautifully but upon close examination, EVERY SINGLE panel (even the roof) had some sort of dent, ding, chip, etc. Thus, I was able to get the car at a lower price than if the paint was in better shape and bought it knowing I would invest in a respray in the future. I know it's a large investment, but the goal for this car is for weekend meetups/shows and nice weather drives to work. I will drive this car as much as possible, but in all honesty it will probably never see any track time - just some "spirited" drives with the local PCA group and 944 meetups (Helen meet, 944Fest, etc).
Noted Blemishes:
-Front bumper: spider web in paint from light collision
-Fenders: 35 year old PPF was hard and cracking. Preliminary attempts to remove also removed paint. 2-3 tiny door dings in each fender
-Doors: Removing door gaurd strips from each side. Noticeable door ding in passenger door that PDR didn't totally remove
-Roof: noticeable dent in roof between driver door and sunroof
-Quarters: clearcoat staining from not cleaning gas on fender. Numerous paint chips that were touched up on both sides as well as door dings. PPF was a mess on both sides behind the doors and wheel wells.
Rear: Rear bumper corner pieces deformed and cracked - must have had rear end collision at some point. Multiple long, bad scratches (poorly touched up) that look like someone had a few too many brewskie's and couldn't find the hatch release key hole.
Shop: Javelin Motor Cars, LLC in Salem, VA (~3 hours from Raleigh)
Javelin is owned by Ron Garrison, who does restoration paintwork and resprays on the side of his normal "9 to 5", which is working at a larger body shop. While he does not discriminate on the make or model of the car, Ron is a Porsche guy, owning (2) 928's and a previous 944 owner. I chose Ron to do the work based on the following factors:
1) It was difficult to find an affordable shop in the Raleigh, NC area to do a full respray - most shops are focussed on insurance repair work and MAACO was not a consideration.
2) I followed his FB page as he resprayed an 86 Arctic White 944 Turbo, so I was confident of his knowledge in disassembly
3) Fair and reasonable pricing **Note - his price quotes are based on the level of work required on each vehicle (you send him many pictures), so I will not be disclosing what I paid.
4) Communication - Ron will over-communicate with you during all steps of the process. Very comforting when sending your car away.
5) His patience. There were many delays on my end as I got the car mechanically where I wanted it to be before the respray. He had to shift his schedule around and bring in another car before mine was ready
6) He was w/in a reasonable distance and for a VERY reasonable fee, picked up and will deliver the car to my home.
7) Ron does not take full payment in the beginning or the end. Payments are typically split:
- Payment 1: (Deposit ) - reserves you a spot in line and goes towards paint and supplies
Payment 2: Paid when Ron receives the car (in my case, I paid him to pick it up)
Payment 3: Paid when the car goes to primer/paint stage
**Note - at this point he will put you in contact with the paint supplier and you will pay them directly
Payment 4: Paid upon pickup or delivery
Before:
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