Is a cheap Porsche 944 a good first car?

Рет қаралды 79,490

3 жыл бұрын

Casey Putsch drives a 1984 Porsche 944 that is white with white Fuchs wheels and the black interior with the old dash. Casey talks about what it's like to own and drive a Porsche 944 and if it is a good first car or sports car.
Huge thanks to the Packard American Motor Company and check out their super limited edition automative Swiss movement watch here! packardamerica.us/
Donate to the Genius Garage 501(c)3 educational non-profit here!
www.geniusgarageracing.com
Follow Casey on IG! Instagram @caseyputsch
/ caseyputsch
Follow Casey on Facebook!
/ caseyputsch

Пікірлер: 286

@TakeFlightGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Bought my 944 as my first car at 17. I saved up and fought to convince my parents. When I bought it I knew how to change a tire and That was it. In my last 5 years of ownership I’ve rebuilt the front suspension, trouble shot many different gremlins and learned about electronics. Put in all brand new speakers, with a modern radio, replaced everything that was broken or wasn’t working, and even added other factory options that my car didn’t come with when I initially bought it. Brakes, starter, every single oil change on time, I just replaced the timing belt and balance belt. In the last 5 years of owning it I’ve put about 35,000 miles on it and it’s about to tick over the 200k mile threshold. I love this car to death and it will never leave my ownership as long as I’m alive lol. Edit: My car was totaled today. I am beyond heartbroken and shocked. Im alive because of the integrity of the structure and chassis. One of the safest cars I have ever driven. Thank you Porsche.

@WoozieWookie 3 жыл бұрын

Is it worth getting it? What are the first things i should look out for when buying one?? Also, are parts expensive?

@TakeFlightGarage 3 жыл бұрын

@@WoozieWookie it depends on the part, a control arm is $20 for an early car, but a fuel pressure damper is $500 so it depends. If this is a car you’re trying to purchase as an investment it’s not the best choice. If it’s a car you’re going to love and keep then absolutely go for it. I wouldn’t buy one unless you have another car you can depend on while the 944 is down. Keep up on oil changes and basic maintenance and these cars can last well over 3-400k miles. I just ticked over 200,000 myself. Most costly and expensive maintenance is timing belt. If that goes engine goes. 30-45k miles or 3 years is the general rule of thumb. $500 for a Tbelt kit with rollers and water pump, $1700 for labor at a Porsche shop, dealer will obviously be more expensive. If the car doesn’t have history move on. Look for obvious things like overspray, body gaps etc. check the coolant expansion tank for milkshake. Head can be clean but oil cooler seals will leak oil into the coolant system. That’s about a $700 job at a shop or a weekend at home. Every car is different. Pay as much attention to the owner as the car. Are they clean, organized, is the car inside or out even if it doesn’t run etc.

@skylarkirkland3768 3 жыл бұрын

RIP your 944 she was a beauty no more no less

@TakeFlightGarage 3 жыл бұрын

@@skylarkirkland3768 Thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻

@skylarkirkland3768 3 жыл бұрын

@@TakeFlightGarage anyone that has an appreciation for these beautiful timeless cars/being an owner of one or not you/they deserve some hardlined main vein respect as an automotive enthusiast. Beautiful car man.

@basithph8958 3 жыл бұрын

“Is this a good first car?” *Yes*

@tony_5156 3 жыл бұрын

Welll is it really Compared to a rusty Integra is it really that good? Bang for buck?

@jeffreyoldham55 3 жыл бұрын

You really got that exhaust note dialed-in, Casey. It has a much more authoritative sound. I believe that a 944 looks better than 90% of the cars on the road today. That rear view...

@tn18977 3 жыл бұрын

The 944's looks are totally mismatched to its performance, because it looks like it should be good for at least 180 miles an hour

@ganlopropertymaintenance 2 жыл бұрын

It reminds me of Audi Quattro S1 rally car!! Love the vibe

@trefoil3000 Жыл бұрын

@@tn18977 lol I have always thought that

@cumcrete716 3 жыл бұрын

I have an 80 924 for my first car. A month into ownership and I needed a new clutch cause it still had the original one. The car has taught me so much about doing my own motor and electrical work

@fredbobberts5753 3 жыл бұрын

Because they do. :/

@Ermy1996 3 жыл бұрын

The clutch is fun to change eh?

@cumcrete716 3 жыл бұрын

@@Ermy1996 borderline just disassembling the car with that job

@Ermy1996 3 жыл бұрын

@@cumcrete716 yea...mine is on it's way out. Maybe is betted to just pull the engine and do some "while you are in there"

@tn18977 3 жыл бұрын

Botch products will teach you a lot about diagnosing electrical problems

@TokugawaDio 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone buying the 944 I recommend ask the owner when was the car last time had clutch replaced. Porsche rubber centred clutch are guaranteed to fail and it’s a pain in the rear to replace for someone that’s not mechanical inclined.

@nicholasliboon1498 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah my clutch failed within 2 days of buying the car

@jacknickolstine3355 3 жыл бұрын

My first car needed a CV. That's when I learned how to put a CV in hahahaha

@straguera4658 3 жыл бұрын

Woah me too i re greased the bearing and re built it

@jacknickolstine3355 3 жыл бұрын

@@straguera4658 the girl that owned it curbed it and it was broken. Ended up replacing a few things on that car before I got to drive it.

@jeredalmeida1880 2 жыл бұрын

Had to machine and rebuild my Jetta's front end when my bearings fried inside of the housing. That's what happens when you let a broken CV joint go for too long.

@alexratchford9587 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Casey, I love the vids of the 944. Keep them up. I'm 19 and bought a 944 as my project car and it's definitely been a learning experience, to say the least. But I've loved every minute of it and dollar spent.

@bengracey8542 3 жыл бұрын

Out of curiosity what is the insurance like where you live because I am 18 and the insurance on anything beyond a Ford fiesta is absolutely criminal in the UK so while some nice cars aren't overly expensive running them is impossible due to the insurance

@Apollo5752353 2 жыл бұрын

@@bengracey8542 I don’t own a 944, but when I checked the insurance on one I got roughly 80 dollars a month (i’m 19) since it’s an older car, the insurance rate does get lowered because the 944 is going on 30 years now

@that_escalated_quickly2720 3 жыл бұрын

I like how you realise yourself making dad jokes and then try to make us enjoy ourselves (that's exactly what we like btw)... Sadly I can't really get a 944 here in Germany for a reasonable price... The driving school here cost me all my money I worked for for 5 years (and I passed both tests (with manual trans) in the first try...) it just sucks living in Germany, where the simple 18 yr old has no chance of getting a 944 because of extreme costs

@magnetpull7587 3 жыл бұрын

Ich weine immer, wenn die Preise von vor 5 Jahren und im Ausland sehe :(

@that_escalated_quickly2720 3 жыл бұрын

@@magnetpull7587 ja... Es ist einfach schrecklich deprimierend...

@paulmaartin 3 жыл бұрын

you can get the ultimate anti snob car the twingo

@that_escalated_quickly2720 3 жыл бұрын

@@paulmaartin no thanks, I hope you enjoy your multipla!

@paulmaartin 3 жыл бұрын

@@that_escalated_quickly2720 exactly what a european snob would say

@MrYAMAHA32177 3 жыл бұрын

I had one of your topics saved on Mp3 from 2019 and just re-listened again, Depression, brilliant Casey Putsch, thank you!

@fila1445 3 жыл бұрын

If you determined enough every car can be your first car

@cliffdiver5357 3 жыл бұрын

I love my vintage front engine Porsches! They're easy to work on, built to last, and fun to drive; a good economical thrill!

@anthonymasters3885 3 жыл бұрын

You had me at Psychedelic Furs...

@augustsawzak5401 3 жыл бұрын

If I was Jeff bezos I would buy every sheepskin seat cover that exists and burn them

@ridge9066 3 жыл бұрын

My first car and I’ve had it 7 years. I sent a request to join the group. Currently installing the three shifter parts on my car and looking into exhaust options.

@raykunik4702 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome talk Casey! Agreed the 944 is the ultimate driving machine and could take on the 911 back in the day. I have a 89’ 944T in Baltic Blue. It’s drives, shifts and LOOKS amazing!! Iconic car.

@ashton7742 3 жыл бұрын

Damn, what a nice ride and conversation with the cool uncle.

@alanmendieta992 2 жыл бұрын

I saw a 944 for sale looked up a video and now I’m subscribed. Great video!

@Syndaen 3 жыл бұрын

My first "nice car" was an '86 944, guards red with black leather and phone dial wheels that I got when I left the navy in 1996.. I still have it.

@robt8042 3 жыл бұрын

Got mine in 1998, still have mine too. Would NOT recommend as first car. Way over engineered and difficult to work on (no proper documentation) for a shade tree mechanic.

@Syndaen 3 жыл бұрын

@@robt8042 I bought a Haynes Manual and then a lot of parts from Pelican Parts. I am tempted to try the 07K swap that Boost Brothers Garage are developing.

@bobicus 3 жыл бұрын

they keep going up in value

@MyBinaryLife 3 жыл бұрын

Wasn’t my first car but it was my first standard, first sporty car, I can think of no better car to learn to drive fast on. Perfect , godlike handling, enough power to have fun, not really enough to get into serious trouble. Honestly The ideal first car

@dirtclod 3 жыл бұрын

My first car was a 79 924 and then I learned what the 928 was and promptly swapped it and made a sleeper. I ended up going thru a phase of 924 and 928s and loved them all. Always drooled but never got the chance at a 44.

@benlance9318 3 жыл бұрын

I've got a 924 in the uk, as my first, picked two up for a grand, super cool cars for a low price

@Tylerm.944 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely, I just turned 16 and put some money down and got a 1987 944 n/a, I love it so much it’s the best driving car I’ve ever felt, and driving stick just makes it that much better

@bobicus 3 жыл бұрын

this literally was my first car. pre1985 944. i will always love them. and taught me alot as a first car

@juicyjay4549 3 жыл бұрын

awesome video mate! appreciate it!

@coltonnewkirk326 3 жыл бұрын

Oh I regret not getting one of these! Love me some Porsche! Great video!

@ThatKoosterDood 3 жыл бұрын

Although it's the older brother per-say, my first car was a 1979 924 and it was great. Other than a cooling issue, I loved it. I'm definitely a big fan of that lineage... In the not too distant future, I see myself in a 968.

@fynpedersen5627 2 жыл бұрын

i bought my 944 when i was 15 years old after saving up and I got it running for $2500. fast forward 2 years and I could not have been happier with my purchase. i spent lots of time sorting electrical issues but its all worth it after looking at the final product.

@YQLbeast 2 жыл бұрын

You’ve earned a new subscriber. I’m a part of the PCA, I’ve owned 996’s, a couple Boxsters, and my current GT3. But I’ve never subscribed to the “Porsche Master Race” attitude. These cars are meant to be driven (quickly) and thrown around, and when it comes to the 944’s, I think they hit the nail on the head. A “Real” Porsche is a car that you enjoy, and a car that you can afford to keep on the road.

@CaseyPutsch 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome man! Glad you’re here.

@markchip1 3 жыл бұрын

After that initial "Dad joke" and a promise that it would be the ONLY one, I began to type this comment..... 9 words in and Casey has to apologise for ANOTHER!! I KNEW IT!!!

@michaelmendoza9214 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 1985.5 944 base I bought from the original owner. It has 66,000 miles and it only leaves the garage on Saturday night. I wish you and I could drive it, only you be the driver, and you will easily become my new best friend. LOL! Great video and you have a great sense of humor, thanks very much.

@PlugInRides 3 жыл бұрын

The shearling seat covers are like period for the 944, and you saw them in Porsches throughout the 1970's and 80's. If you look through old Car and Driver, or Road & Track issues from that period, sheepskin seat covers were very common.

@alloriginaltone 3 жыл бұрын

I bought a 944 as the first car to teach my son and daughter how to drive a manual gearbox. My feeling was if they're going to learn, let's teach them right along with an appreciation for a real machine (rather than a civic) along with a little edge. Actually, the 944 might have been cheaper to buy than a civic! I can wrench on it (and teach them that, too) so that keeps costs manageable. Looking forward to it very soon with spring in sight!

@MARKSTRINGFELLOW1 3 жыл бұрын

Your sweater goes with the seat's

@RandomGuyDan 2 жыл бұрын

I was 18 when these hit the market. A 911 is still a dream car for me, but I have always loved the 944 and would happily own one and in fact it is the Porsche I am most likely to own given how much 911 prices have spiked.

@michaelherman3193 Жыл бұрын

I love the seats

@jacobmyler7689 3 жыл бұрын

Yeti seat cover is just an insulator. You should grab a Dorman seat warmer kit and slide that under the upholstery. I just did both front seats on my mustang myself. It comes with a hi/lo switch and a relay with the heating elements all plug and play. $100 both sides with back warmer too.

@_chan.burn.21_ 3 жыл бұрын

Another great option that's even cheaper than this is the 924S; it was a short two-year run of the 924 that basically had the powertrain ripped directly out of the base 944 and a few of the exterior bits from it too. I nearly bought one as my first car, a 1987 model in Guards Red with the black leather interior and the 5-speed for $8,500... oh yeah, and it had just clocked 36k on the odometer, so a low-mileage car. My mother was the only thing keeping me from traveling over to Dallas and picking the car up on site, especially after getting in touch with the owner and figuring everything out with it. She was against it for the fact it was a Porsche and an old one at that with no modern safety features. What a damn shame.

@sethbelgarde7142 3 жыл бұрын

My 924S has a very similar sound. It is quite good.

@seanhershey3390 3 жыл бұрын

I saw the Psych Furs about 2 years ago...still killin it..:)

@scottmartin5004 3 жыл бұрын

Borla's sound's great with my 3" stainless exhaust.

@stevenwilliams1805 3 жыл бұрын

More crazy men in 944s, I'm sold.

@Bagel007 9 ай бұрын

I've been actually searching around for a secondary car/ sports car for the weekends. Think you just sold me on this car.

@champwebb1616 3 жыл бұрын

I have your same opinion on snobs, but air cooled 911s are my favorite cars because I actually think they’re amazing.

@youtubeDaddy525 3 жыл бұрын

There was one time I saw two deers crossing the street while I was slowing down for a stop, I immediately shifted into neutral and revved to red line -- lots of pops and cracks. The terror in their eyes were real.

@Dirtyz1234 3 жыл бұрын

Flowmaster Pro Series are where it's at. They're straight through but have conical diffusers in them.

@Joshtheweatherman 3 жыл бұрын

It's also one of the easiest Porsche's to work on (besides the 924's, and the air cooled 911's). The fuel pump is very easy to change. Parts are also everywhere, thanks to VW parts that interchange with other vehicles.

@philipwild9134 3 жыл бұрын

I got a 924 as my first car 3months ago. Still can't believe it

@maxtimm3491 2 жыл бұрын

What camera and mount equipment did you use for the recording of this? It looks so good!

@bjrnrs 2 жыл бұрын

I own my Porsche 944 S2 since over 5 years and it was my first car. Its not the cheapest car in service but its a great car and i never regret the buy.

@RDjax78 5 ай бұрын

Casey, any chance you'd start working on 944s again? Love your take of this classic. Best...

@jameshaulenbeek5931 3 жыл бұрын

😂🤣 Gotta say, really liked the Psychedelic Furs joke.

@TheFlatlander440 3 жыл бұрын

My first sports car was a 1972 Triumph TR6 I purchased in 1974 and sold it in 1974. It was a pos that never ran correctly having to keep it tuned almost every time I drove it. My second sports car was a 1975 Toyota Celica GT which ran like a top for 6 years until I traded it for a used 1978 K5 Chevrolet Blazer.

@16v15 3 жыл бұрын

Good man! 1967 GT6 myself

@dekabwerks 3 жыл бұрын

Here for more Casey rants

@spflxps7069 3 жыл бұрын

Gotta love Porsche

@pixel_overkill 3 жыл бұрын

Casey I have a crazy story for you so I recently started subscribing to your channel and watching your stuff so I'm new to your stuff but I've been a huge 944 fan pretty much since I started driving my first car was a 944 and I've had quite a few cars now that I'm 31 and just recently I just finally got my 944 Turbo back then I sold over 7 years ago I believe I unfortunately had to sell the car because I was going homeless and just the other week we managed to accidentally find the same car I sold and bought it back I cannot wait to finish it and drive it again

@v.5967 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to have one just I live in Hawaii also is it fairly easy to buy replacement parts? Thanks enjoyed the vid

@TheFoyer13 3 жыл бұрын

"I just don't give a *&#$ anymore and that's the best place to become in life" Truer words have never been spoken. No really, words to live by.

@jasonmoore4060 Ай бұрын

Very nice!

@davidcantrell5098 3 жыл бұрын

I've had an 87NA for 29 years now (I'm 53). It was my daily driver for the better part of those 29 years. Had to park it due to rust issues (yes, they rust if someone violates the galvanized coating due to an accident) and plan on restoring it. I has over 270K miles on it. It had a 7V LSD transmission and always drove fine in normal snow conditions. I now drive an 86NA almost identical to it. Unfortunately no LSD but I don't have to drive them in the snow anymore. I have 3 others for projects. I've always loved driving the 944 even if it's a bit slow. I'm not racing anyone and I just don't give a fuck any more either.

@ktel3 3 жыл бұрын

I have my 84 n/a for 8 years and still loving it. I will never sell, even for 30K! If necessary I will convert it to electric too!

@flogmarp82 3 ай бұрын

i'm still planning on the 944 being my first car after years

@jbfinishingsjellebilliau9054 3 жыл бұрын

In europe the price of a 944 is gowing up year after year🙃but i’m ok.i already have 1😅😍and i love it.it’s a blast to drive

@Cinnamaruu 3 жыл бұрын

It’s my first car and I love it.

@kamikaze7175 3 жыл бұрын

Any problems with it yet? Tryna buy it as my first too

@reid2626 2 жыл бұрын

@@kamikaze7175 same

@acrane2 3 жыл бұрын

I feel like you have a lot of old school "hooning-in-a-944" stories - bring some of them to VINWiki or this channel! Id love to hear a lot of just fun stories.

@theslightlyhillyrider969 2 жыл бұрын

I would LOVE to have a 944 electric conversion, it would perform well, be fun to drive and be good for the environment (and save you a fair bit on petrol cos that 2.7l engine has to be thirsty af)

@Percmuncher22 Жыл бұрын

hell nahhh

@elisethebeast 2 жыл бұрын

dream car omg

@jacknickolstine3355 3 жыл бұрын

I love driving in the snow 🤣😂 Especially when it's actively snowing hahahahahaha

@isaiahjames7628 3 жыл бұрын

I'm that way too

@jacknickolstine3355 3 жыл бұрын

@@isaiahjames7628 I think I got it from my dad when he would take me with him plowing in Philly. Something about a warm truck in the snow when it's snowing is nostalgic to me.

@PatrickAndrewsMacphee 3 жыл бұрын

Engine in the front = enlightenment!

@timdoyle3028 2 жыл бұрын

I've always had a soft spot for a 944 in my heart since I have my 87 RX-7, which was a shameless knockoff of a 944. Been shopping for one lately as I'm between cars and I need a fun car that I can also commute with. Prices are borderline staying reasonable, but the NA 944s are definitely creeping north...maybe a 928...

@lordthicknipples-gt2oq 9 ай бұрын

Nah, the FC RX-7 is its own thing, they weren't trying to copy anybody with that car. It just so happens to be that a lot of cars from that era were mostly wedge shaped

@dB_944 3 жыл бұрын

What tires did you buy, Casey?

@shawnhill2515 3 жыл бұрын

It was my first car. Best first car ever!

@steve-k.91 3 жыл бұрын

944 in my country is really expensive...,but I still want one🙂

@normangekko5144 2 жыл бұрын

Refreshing!!!!!!

@DGI82 3 жыл бұрын

Always wanted a 944 S2. Too bad S2 and Turbo prices is going up due to snobs

@Young_Blueberry_ 3 жыл бұрын

Oh man I miss my 944

@tybaltdrainville5089 2 жыл бұрын

How is this as a daily driver? Winter too

@pierredumas8462 2 жыл бұрын

J'ai eu cette voiture 5 ans..et elle était sublime. Ton approche video est très baveux... je la compare a la alpha romeo 4c et a la Lotus elyse avec lesquelles j'ai eu autant de plaisir. Cette voiture etait magnifiquement construite et très performante par rapport a toutes les les voiturettes d,aujourd'hui...

@13StJimmy 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not even a dad and I loved the Psychedelic furs joke 😂

@jothkell9173 3 жыл бұрын

you might have just talked me into a 944 my friend

@chase276 3 жыл бұрын

The calm John Mulaney of car videos

@lemar1398 2 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know the insurance group the 944 sits in. For the UK

@king_br0k 3 жыл бұрын

Cool new intro

@antoniohd3223 3 жыл бұрын

Are parts easy to find for this car

@toxictophat4194 Жыл бұрын

My 1k 944 lost a transmission after 5 months of driving the drive clutches we're damaged so I'm getting a parts car and I'll be getting it drivable again but I'd say yes realistic goals spend more money getting a nicer one because the transmission quote the few I got were around 4k and my cars well not worth 5k even after the transmission getting fixed so don't be like me but I gotta say great car over all had less problems than my 86 300zx and honestly it's been very reliable

@JMc.D 3 жыл бұрын

Casey what’s your opinion on the 924? I quite like the look of them.

@Ermy1996 3 жыл бұрын

Well, depends. Is not fast but is great, i love mine. If you have any questions maybe i can help

@CaseyPutsch 3 жыл бұрын

They’re ok!

@ReneChewbaka 9 ай бұрын

I had an 84 back in the 90s. Would overheat in traffic and it was slooow.

@josemontano7767 2 жыл бұрын

I always wanted a 944. But I was to young when they where selling them.

@dannyflac 3 жыл бұрын

love my way

@davebruce88 3 жыл бұрын

I would join your Facebook squad, but I don't Facebook. my 84 is red black interior. black Fuchs.

@Undercoversteve96 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking at one online, a 1986. The seller is selling it for 8k. Do you think it’s a good idea to check it out?

@jensonho555 3 жыл бұрын

I'm currently driving a red 84 944 on cookie cutters as my first car!!!!!

@gentianp7383 2 жыл бұрын

whats your opinion on boxsters? Bought one as my first car at 17 for 6k with 108k miles. So far its been pretty good. Automatic though :/ Been having thoughts of selling and buying a manual 944. Do you think that's a smart idea? Car is now at 115k had it for about a year and a half now.

@MrBlaze256 2 жыл бұрын

80s 300zx turbo is where its at. I

@The_O40 3 жыл бұрын

Well my first car is a 1986 944 turbo and I'm still loving it. Mine is probably the only Porsche in history to hit a high altitude air balloon.

@CaseyPutsch 3 жыл бұрын

@The_O40 3 жыл бұрын

@@CaseyPutsch yes my mom was driving it one early morning in fog and hit an air balloon cracked the front bumper and the windshield the company that maid the balloon paid for the damages.

@Jamesmorley1999 3 жыл бұрын

I’m from the uk. Over here I’m regularly seeing 944s being bought from private buyers for £5000 and then being sold at dealers for £10,000. Really annoys me as I don’t have a 944...yet!

@caddy-co 3 жыл бұрын

Me too so annoying to see the prices rise

@Jamesmorley1999 3 жыл бұрын

@@caddy-coyou in the UK too?

@mattlott8766 3 жыл бұрын

@@Jamesmorley1999 they're rising in the US too. It sucks

@Jamesmorley1999 3 жыл бұрын

@@mattlott8766 that does suck 😒

@Ermy1996 3 жыл бұрын

@@Jamesmorley1999 in italy a nice one is over 20k. Not gonna get better i fear

@clifbradley 3 жыл бұрын

The 944's here in Florida, sell in excess of 12 to 14k for 944 and 928's sell for more. It is unreal. They buy them from Porsche Club owners after they've been fixed up and buy them for about 6 to 8 k and then they sell them for ridiculous money.

@kennyclobers7310 3 жыл бұрын

sick intro

@adrianjuarez5218 3 жыл бұрын

I need some help im an 17 year old guy that's been saving up some money by working for quite some time now and im looking for a 944 but im worried that the car parts might be to rare to find or way to expensive can anyone help me out?

@nanoreaper5002 3 жыл бұрын

What about the the follow on model the 968 is that a good car?

@Ermy1996 3 жыл бұрын

It is. Is also 60 grand.

@tracygeddes5867 4 ай бұрын

The mythical hunter strikes out.i have have a sore throat and now you made me laugh. I have wool seat covers on my early85 and I take a peek under them at least once a day. I like the comfort but miss the original look.