Brooklands

Took the car to a Porsche outing at Brooklands Museum.

Able to take the cars out onto the old historic banked part of the circuit for a big group shot.
Marvellous

Screen Rust and Bonnet Seals

One of the notorious rust points on the 993 occurs around the front and rear windscreens. Often the root cause of this is careless screen replacement where the galvanising is chipped or scraped leading to water ingress and subsequently, rust.

I didn't take a 'before' photo of mine - so here's one off the interweb showing severe corrosion.

My car had tiny bubbles of corrosion starting to appear around the wiper stalks in front of the front screen. I had the windscreen removed and the entire area fully repaired by Langley Autocraft (highly recommended - Pete the owner is the PCGB bodyshop panel expert and has a superb 993 and 996). The ned result is superb.  A true, mirror like finish. They guy's a genius with a spray can.

No bubbles anymore

993 windscreens are notoriously problematic to remove and replace and require an expert with previous experience! Very often, the screen can squeak as it moves slightly in the scuttle which is annoying.

I had the screen replaced with a lining of teflon tape which ensures a squeak free result.

At the same time, I had the small rubber seals replaced around the edges of the screen and the leading edge of the bonnet.  Close-ups below.

Rubber Seals replaced

Underneath

I was lucky enough to go to Porsche Byfleet for a 993 day where owners could get under the cars with a mechanic and do a thorough inspection. (OPC Byfleet are a great bunch - highly recommended - especially for pre '98 Porsche)

The 993 has two plastic undertrays which protect engine and gearbox. They are held on with only a few screws / clips and are very quick and easy to remove. With the undertrays in place, it's almost impossible to see if there are any oil leaks - any drips collect on the tray - not under the car on the drive / street so no oil on the pavement doesn't necessarily mean no oil leaking!

Plastic Undertrays in place

Once the undertrays are off, you can inspect the engine and gearbox properly to see what's going on. Typical 993 areas where oil can weep is from the cam covers, chain covers and gearbox seal. It is very common for these areas to show signs of leaking. Damp is nothing to worry about - worth changing when having other work done but not essential. Major leaks = engine out = big bill.

Undertrays removed - engine and gearbox guts exposed

It was great to get the car up on a ramp and have a good look underneath. Not often you see 3 993's in a row at an OPC these days...

Keys

The C16 UK cars were fitted with Thatcham approved alarms / immobilisers by a company called Hamilton and Palmer. They supplied either the PA 1000 or PA 2000 alarm - I'm not sure what the difference is.
All 3 of my 993's have had the PA 1000. Hamilton & Palmer are extremely helpful when it comes to matters concerning the alarm and are a good place to start if you encounter any issues.

The original key fobs have a raised button and an indented button for lock / unlock along with a tiny red light that's activated when either of the buttons are pressed.

I have two spare fobs - both of which were supplied by Hamilton & Palmer. The new design is slightly smaller and has no light - however I still like to use the original despite the fact that it's starting to look a little tatty.

Additionally, all Hamilton & Palmer alarmed cars were originally supplied with a red 'Master Key' which allows you to program new fobs. It's common for cars to change hands without this red master, so it's a real bonus if you have one!

Keys for my 993