New (proud) Owner of a P-Car

Ok, so I've been lurking for a while now and decided I'd better introduce myself. Just got a lovely Black on Black 2003 996 Cab. The truth is that even though I've coveted a Porsche for decades, I probably woudn't ever have gotten one if it hadn't been for my Dad. A couple of months ago he took sick and went to the hospital. Care being what it is these days, I decided to spend as much time with him as I could, in the end sleeping in the room for the last week before his passing. So, the first day he went in and we were there visiting, I say to my wife (more to get her goat and to have a laugh than anything else), "So dear, would you rather I buy a BMW motorcycle or a Porsche convertable". If looks could kill, I'da been dead but my Dad picked up on it and for the next few weeks he hounded me, wanting to know WHY I hadn't fulfilled my dream. We talked about life and talked regrets and the long and short of it is that before he died he made me promise that I WOULD get a p-car. So here I am. A complete newby, revelling in all of the information and stories everyone has to offer. This of course between making time to get out and just enjoy the h**l out of my new baby. Will hopefully be a regular poster and learn a bunch. Thanks for listenening. Jim ps Sorry to be stupid but how do you attach a signature?

Sorry for your loss... For signature you must be a paying member. It's worth every penny. How about some pics?

Ok, here's the 1st of probably a bunch of stupid questions. How do I go about paying and joining? Jim

Click on "Membership" at the top right of the forum screen. Follow the directions, and welcome aboard.

Sorry to hear about your dad but really special that you guys could share in your dream. Can't wait to see pics. Just joined a few weeks ago by clicking on Register button and following easy steps. Also is a list of FAQ's about membership. Welcome aboard. Dave

Sorry about your pap. My mom died 3 months ago, spent the last 3 weeks of her life living with her and assisting in her death. Can't even begin to explain what I went through and what I saw. Anyhow, he would be proud of you, and even thought it's only a car, you will be an even prouder owner, knowing that he wanted you to get it. Welcome, enjoy your car as well as everything else in your life, as we are here for only a short time.

Jim - Very sorry to hear about your Dad. Welcome to Rennlist and Congrats on getting the P-car. Since you have been lurking, I guess you already know that this is comming....

Sorry for your loss and congratulations on fulfilling a dream (that many of us here share). Enjoy your new car, and post pics when you can!

Welcome aboard Jim, So sorry for your loss. My father passed when he was 59.....no major health issues before he fell ill with final stage cancer. Since then, I have always had the mindset to not put off some dreams.....at least the ones within reasonable reach. I just had my third son, and yet I purchased a 996 8 weeks later. Maybe not a practical move with a family, but it's not a 2 seater either. You ONLY LIVE ONCE....that was your father's main point on the promise, I think. Best of luck with your new gorgeous ride, and drive it in good health. Will take some focus off your loss as well. Best,

Thanks for the warm welcome! Ok, here are the crappy, I-just-got-my-car pics. Better ones to follow. Jim

Dad lived a full life and died at the ripe age old age of 86 with his family around him. We all gotta go sometime and his passing and the time we spent together helped prepare me for the rest of my life. Go figure. Ok, $$ paid for membership. I guess that I'm a full-fledged Rennlist Groupie. WhooHoo. Jim

Nice l@@king car, Jim! Enjoy it! Thanks for the pics!

Great pics... First mod should be clear side markers

Jim, Your story is so similar to mine, it's weird. I've had my car for less than a month. I still can't believe I own a Porsche Carrera. I feel so good every time I look at it. Are those pics from the top of Burnaby Mountain? I'm in Port Moody. We should get together sometime.

Jim, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My mom passed away 1 and a half years ago at 80. She died slowly over about 4 months after a major heart attack and several subsequent strokes. We had the privelage of taking care of her at our house while she was dying. My dad couldn't do it alone. We treasure every moment that we get to spend with my dad. Your's did well to convince you to pursue your dreams...life is too short not to. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream and welcome aboard.

Driving around today, I had to shake my head few times, yes ME in a Porsche Cab. Whodathunkit! Good eye on the location. The day I picked it up from Weissach we went up to Horizons for lunch and . . . there had to be pictures. Tomorrow I'm doing the BBC from West Van and next Sunday the Dundarave Show and Ride. Will you be at either?

Parents, gotta luv em. My father was a real go-getter. At 86, on oxygen, diabetic, couldn't feel his legs from the knees down, going blind and do you know what did him in? He left his canes and decided to climb a ladder to see if the roofers were doing a good enough job! Got up on the roof . . . and fell off. Unbelievable, but he lived a good one and was as sharp as a tack to the end. I think that one of his biggest regrets though has that the best vehicle he ever got to drive was a tank a full throttle during WW2. That was his story and he stuck to it. Jim ps OK I'll bite - what are "clear side markers"

Clear side markers replace the "pumpkins" on each front fender. Here are a couple of pics of Dutchie's car. The first is the original and the second pic is one I photoshopped to have clear side markers. Which one do you like better? So, harvest those pumpkins and get install some clears!

When you're right, you're right! Are these OEM or where would a pumpkin-alergic 996 owner purchase such?

Hey congratulations on your new Carrera. I still can remember the night I went and brought my baby home. Enjoy. Jay

You can get the clear side markers from eric at www.bumperplugs.com . I just got a set myself....like fifty bucks shipped and they are true Porsche OEM lights. Literally took my two minutes to swap them.....look in your manual under changing the lightbulbs....it will show you how to pop the pumpkins out with a screwdriver.....almost too easy for such a nice mod. Your new lights will come will the orange bulbs installed. Just press down on the metal clamp once you take the housing out, and unsnap the adapter.....and just put the new lights where the old were. You'll give urself a nice pat on the back. Good luck. J

Clear sides 29.95 at Suncoast: Clear Sides

OK, 1st Mod ordered and on the way. "Clearly" a sign of things to come Are there any other quick and easy beautifications that you can suggest. Thanks again to all of the kind words and encouragement from everyone. This is gonna be a heluva ride! (sorry, got on a roll with the puns) Jim

Ok, here's the 1st of probably a bunch of stupid questions. How do I go about paying and joining? Jim: I think you're going to find that this forum is pretty forgiving when it comes to "stupid questions", but there is a limit....however your question was definitely not stupid...and we're happy to welcome you into the P-Car brotherhood. I think you'll find that this is a great bunch of guys/gals (the gals are here but they don't come out very often) and the collective pool of knowledge and information is astounding. You should also bookmark RennTech....the site administrator Loren has all sorts of Do-it-Yourself projects compiled into How-To pictures and explanations. Pelican is another great place. I've never been able to get through the registraton process at Speed 6...but you can view their discussion threads for information. Welcome aboard. chuck

OK, since you asked: 1. Aluminum Gauge Rings - get 'em from Eric at BumperPlugs 2. Aluminum pedals - check e-bay 3. Replace your CD holder with an upper storage tray - Porsche dealer $35 The first pic shows the first three mods. 4. You could add the Spoiler Switch to your horseshoe 5. You could also do the Garage Door Opener switch mod on the horseshoe. The second pic (not real clear) shows the last two mods.

Sorry about the loss Jim... Welcome aboard. Jim, Pace yourself.... these guys are a bad influence and have serious issues with modding.

OMG - I asked one too many questions for tired eyes. Toys, toys, toys dancing in front of a "young" man's eyes. I think that if it's OK I'll start another thread with the "Quick and Easy Mods for a 996" heading.

I'm very interested in adding the garage opener to my horseshoe....found a load of links on the how to by searching this forum. j

Jim, congrats on the new cab. It's beautiful. Sorry to hear about your dad, but sounds like he 'got it'. I remember when my mom was sick, she always told me to always drive what I love, since she knew cars were my passion. She also told me to stay away from American cars and stick with German - even at age 78 she knew! Since then, I've never owned anything but BMW, Audi and Porsche. The message was 'life is short' - so do what you love and follow your passion, whether it's your job and career, or what you drive. And never forget family is #1. She was so right.

Jim; Welcome to the forum. Congrats on the new car - I have a an '03 Cab as well, and I know full what you mean about the surreal "this is my car?" feeling at times. My sympathies on your Dad. Mine passed about 2 months ago, at the age of 86, so I know what you're going through. Is your Mom still around? How's she holding up? Its been tough on my Mom - after 56 years of being married, she has no one to complain about and fight with - Nick

Yes, my Mom is still with us but she's suffering with dementia so her memory isn't nearly what it used to be. It was 61 years for them and it's hard (and sad) 'cause most of the time she doesn't remember that he's gone. On a good note though, just got back from a "Porsche Run" with 23 other beauties. That was a gas AND I got to press hard on the go-pedal What a great way to see what the car can do knowing that there is one, two - Hell - a pile of cars in front of me. The corners weren't scary at all, not like they would have been if I'd been driving alone. My wife is sure that I've got some kind of secret because the smile just doesn't want to come off my face. This is a shot of Jim with a silly big grin on his face.

Jim, You have no idea what that car can do. Not sure if you can get on a track with PCA with a stock cab....anyone else want to chime in? I think it's regulated region to region. If no one has told you to join PCA.....do it today. It's fantastic.....put me down as your reference....lol. Getting your car on the track won't do any harm...and will certainly give you a better idea on how to handle the power under your foot even better. Best, J

Jim, following threads like this make it clear that rennlist is about much more than just cars. I'll be joining Rennlist as soon as I get back home! Here's to permagrin. BTW- congrats on the car!

No doubt about the fact that I haven't a clue about what the car will do. So far everything I asked it to do, the response has been "Ho Hum". Thankfully, the local track alows 996 Cabs with the blow out roll-overs AND there is a track day about a month away. If I can't wait that long, and I don't think that I'll be able to, it'll be a drive to Seattle to Pacific Raceways for a www.proformanceracingschool.com day. Huge Grin. BTW, have joined PCA and the local CWR. Nice people.

It seems that there is much more to owning a Porsche besides a shared interest in a piece of metal. Albeit a LOVELY piece of metal. Cheers!

Sorry for your loss and happy for your gain. Your dad was obviously a wise man!

Jim, sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know how that feels. Congrats on your new ride. I can tellyou tracking a cab is incredible. Once you drive it at speed around a track you will be astounded as to the performance. It was so exhilerating my left leg kept knocking (chattering) against the door and I kept hitting the rev limiter out of the start gait over and over and over again. Let us know your impressions. Kevin