Hood Crest – Removal and Installation

Overview

This procedure guides you through removing and installing the hood crest on your Porsche 944 S / S2 (16v engine). The hood crest is the emblem on the front nose panel, and this process is important for replacing a damaged or missing crest, or upgrading to a new one. A secure crest enhances the car’s look and prevents it from detaching while driving.

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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)
• Short extension, 50mm (2 inches) (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 spring clip removal)

Parts Required

• Hood crest kit (includes crest, gasket, and two retaining nuts with sealant putty) – 944 559 211 00
• Trim adhesive (small amount, optional for gasket installation)

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 this link to ensure this step – Nose Panel – Removal and Installation – of the process is followed accurately. This will give you access to the hood crest mounting area on your Porsche 944 S / S2.

Step 2: Inspect and Remove the Old Hood Crest

2. Check how the old crest is attached to the nose panel. It will be held by two posts with either spring clips or screw-on nuts. Spring clips can loosen over time, so replacing them with screw-on nuts (included in the new kit) is recommended.

3. If spring clips are present, slide a plastic putty knife under the crest and gently pry it off to avoid scratching the paint. Alternatively, use end cutters to snip the spring clips off the posts, as they’ll be replaced anyway.
4. If screw-on nuts are present, use a 10mm (3/8 inch) socket with a short extension and ratchet to unscrew them, then lift the crest off the panel.

Step 3: Prepare the New Hood Crest

5. Take the new hood crest and its gasket from the kit (944 559 211 00). Slightly stretch the gasket by hand to help it fit over the crest’s edges.
6. Apply a small dab of trim adhesive to the gasket’s inner edge to keep it in place on the crest during installation.
7. Fit the gasket onto the crest, ensuring it sits evenly around the edges.

Step 4: Install the New Hood Crest

8. Place the crest (with gasket attached) onto the nose panel, aligning the two posts with the holes in the panel.
9. From the back of the panel, thread the new retaining nuts (included in the kit) onto the posts by hand. Don’t fully tighten them yet.
10. Check the gasket. If its lip is tucked under the crest, use a straight probe or small flat-tip jeweler’s screwdriver to gently roll the lip out and around the crest’s edges. Be careful not to tear the gasket.

11. Once the gasket is properly positioned, tighten the retaining nuts with an 8mm (5/16 inch) socket and ratchet until snug. Do not overtighten, as this could squeeze out the sealing putty and weaken the seal. Aim for about 5 Nm (4 ft-lbs) of torque for a secure fit without overdoing it.

Step 5: Reinstall the Nose Panel

12. Follow this link to ensure this step – Nose Panel – Removal and Installation – of the process is followed accurately to reattach the nose panel to your Porsche 944 S / S2.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Ensure the hood crest is firmly attached with no wobble.
• Check that the gasket is evenly seated around the crest’s edges with no gaps.
• Inspect the nose panel for proper alignment and secure mounting.
• Test drive the car for 5 miles (8 km) at moderate speed to confirm the crest stays in place.

Sources

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