Hood Crest – Removal and Installation – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure outlines how to remove and install the hood crest on the Porsche 944 (8-valve engine variants) for pre-1985.5 and 1985.5 onwards variants. The hood crest is a decorative emblem on the nose panel, and proper removal and installation ensure it remains secure and aesthetically pleasing. This guide is tailored for DIY enthusiasts with mechanical experience, focusing on protecting the vehicle’s paint and ensuring a proper fit.

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Tools Required

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• 10mm (3/8 inch) socket, 1/4″ drive
• 8mm (5/16 inch) socket, 1/4″ drive
• 50mm (2 inch) short extension, 1/4″ drive
• Ratchet, 1/4″ drive
• Universal adapter, 1/4″ drive
• Straight probe or small flat-tip jeweler’s screwdriver
• End cutters
• Plastic putty knife (optional, for pre-1985.5 models)

Parts Required

• Hood crest kit (includes crest, gasket, and two retaining nuts with sealant putty) – 944 559 211 00

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Nose Panel Removal and Installation

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Nose Panel

1. Follow the Nose Panel Removal and Installation procedure to remove the nose panel from the vehicle. Ensure this step is completed accurately before proceeding.
2. Inspect the back of the nose panel to identify the type of retaining nuts securing the hood crest. They will either be spring clips (Pre-1985.5) or screw-on nuts (1985.5 Onwards).

Step 2: Remove the Existing Hood Crest

3. (Pre-1985.5) If the crest is secured with spring clips, use a plastic putty knife to carefully slide under the crest and pry it off the nose panel to avoid damaging the paint. Alternatively, use end cutters to cut the spring clips away from the crest’s posts, as these will be replaced.
4. (85.5 Onwards) If the crest is secured with screw-on nuts, use a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket with a 1/4″ drive ratchet to loosen and remove the nuts from the crest’s posts, then lift the crest off the nose panel.
5. (Pre-1985.5) Remove any remaining spring clips from the nose panel using end cutters, as they will not be reused with the new hood crest kit.

Step 3: Prepare the New Hood Crest

6. Take the new hood crest kit (944 559 211 00) and install the provided gasket onto the crest. Slightly stretch the gasket to fit snugly and apply a small amount of trim adhesive to secure it to the crest.
7. Check that the gasket is properly aligned and fitted over the edges of the crest. If it slips, you may need to adjust it after installing the crest.

Step 4: Install the New Hood Crest

8. Place the crest with the gasket onto the nose panel, aligning the posts with the holes in the panel.
9. From the back of the nose panel, install the new retaining nuts provided in the kit (944 559 211 00) onto the crest’s posts. Hand-tighten the nuts but do not fully tighten yet.
10. If the gasket’s lip is tucked under the crest, use a straight probe or small flat-tip jeweler’s screwdriver to carefully roll the gasket’s lip out and around the crest’s edges. Take care not to damage the gasket.

11. Verify the gasket is correctly positioned around the entire edge of the crest before proceeding.

Step 5: Secure the Hood Crest

12. Tighten the retaining nuts using a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket with a 1/4″ drive ratchet until they are snug. Do not over-tighten, as this may squeeze out the sealing putty and compromise the seal. Aim for a torque of approximately 5 Nm (4 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the Nose Panel

13. Follow the Nose Panel Removal and Installation procedure to reinstall the nose panel onto the vehicle. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to the specified torque values in that procedure.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify the hood crest is securely attached and does not wobble or shift when gently pressed.
• Check that the gasket is evenly positioned around the crest’s edges with no gaps or tucks.
• Inspect the nose panel and surrounding paint for any scratches or damage caused during the procedure.
• Confirm the nose panel is properly reinstalled and aligned with the vehicle’s body.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube