AUGUST 2008 - Shenandoah Region Porsche Club of America

IN THIS ISSUE August 2008FEATURES5............. From The Editors6............. From The President8............. What's Next for the Rest of 2008?8............. New Rides9............. Book Exchanger10...........Member Moment: Mark Francis11........... Henry Payne III: 1935-200812...........Got DE?13........... Tech-TacticsNEWS & EVENTS6............. Shenandoah 13th Anniversary Party7............. August/September 2008 Events Calendar & 2008 Events At-A-GlanceDEPARTMENTS5............. Shenandoah Region Officers14........... Treasurers Report15........... Membership Report16........... Das Marketporsche club of america, shenandoah regionShenandoah Region, PCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the Porsche automobile.The region’s newsletter, ”The Heat Exchanger,” is published monthly with a production deadline of the 20th of themonth prior to publication. The information in this newsletter is solicited from the membership of this region andother newsletters and may or may not be consistent with the beliefs or ideals of the Editor.Reproduction of this newsletter is permitted only with written consent of the Newsletter Editor. Porsche andthe Porsche crest are trademarked property of PCNA. Changes of address should be sent to the MembershipChairman and to PCA National offices in care of Diana Tringali at PO Box 5900 Springfield, VA 22150, 703-451-9000.WRITTEN CONTRIBUTIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE WELCOMED. Please e-mail submissions to rebecca@girlwerk.com, prior to the 20th of the month. Publication of those submissions will be in the next availableissue, based on space, timeliness, and appropriateness. A special thanks to all those who contribute and advertisein “The Heat Exchanger!”Advertising rates: $75/month full page inside front and back covers, $60/month-full page interior, $36/month-halfpage, $24/month- quarter page/business card. We prefer ads to run for a minimum of six issues, preferably 12(one year), and are due and payable in advance. All ads, except the inside covers, are in black and white and mustbe sent in a reproducible format such a Adobe PDF, JPEG or TIFF file. Please contact the Advertising Manager forad sizes. Send all ads and inquiries to the ADVERTISING MANAGER, Johnny Johnson at Johnny@aceautosports.com, or call 434-981-0524.Das Market ads for new and used Porsches and Porsche parts must be sent to the newsletter editor by the 20thof the month prior to publication. These classifieds are free of charge for Shenandoah Region PCA members andall Das Market ads will be purged after running. Das Market Ads also run for free in the web site’s new Mart page.Send optional photos and copy by e-mail link to the webmaster. All others who want to run a classified ad in DasMarket will be charged $1.00/line.EDITORSRebecca Morgan &Mark StubbsRichmond, VA804.262.2513rebecca@girlwerk.comADVERTISING MANAGERJohnny JohnsonCharlottesville, VA434.981.0524johnny@aceautosports.comPRINTINGPrintSource3315 Berkmar DrCharlottesville, VA 22901434.975.3000MAILINGDominion Market Research309 Madison RoadOrange VA 22960-0464540.672.2327CONTRIBUTORSJim CondonHerb DistefanoJeffrey ElmoreMark FrancisGay JewettRebecca MorganMark StubbsSherry WestfallADVERTISERSACE AutosportsAutoSportBasil Mediterranean BistroCDOCDurty Nelly's Pub & Wayside DeliEuroclassics PorscheFLOW Volkswagen AudiLufteknicPhotoworks Creative GroupPrimary EyecareRenn ZennWD Sanders & Company, PCWerkstattCover: The 2009Porsche 911 modelseries.photo courtesyPorsche CarsNorth AmericaSHN.PCA.ORG4

SHENANDOAH REGION OFFICERSPRESIDENTHerb DistefanoBumpass, VA804.448.3448herbd911@comcast.netSOCIAL ChairSherry WestfallNorth Garden, VA434.293.6776vscapes@cstone.netfrom the EDITORSrebecca morgan & mark stubbsThe Cicadas are making quite the ruckus outside so it must beAugust! Time to keep the windshield washer reservoir filled at alltimes in order to remove those winged insect kamikazes that sorudely occupy our highways and byways this time of year.VICE PRESIDENTBill SandersCharlottesville, VA434.249.3359billsanderscpa@aol.comSECRETARYDave LaschCharlottesville, VA434.296.3229dlasch00@hotmail.comTREASURERGay JewettRichmond, VA804.708.0007gayjewett@comcast.netDRIVER EDUCATION ChairRick EbingerVesuvius, VA540.377.5544fle@rica.netSAFETY ChairErik BoodyStaunton, VA540.885.8504erik73T@gmail.comMEMBERSHIP ChairRebecca MorganRichmond, VA804.262.2513rebecca@girlwerk.comRPM (Richmond Porsche Meet)Alex SmithRichmond, VA804.741.9704asmith@collegiate-va.orgWEBMASTERJim CondonNorth Garden, VA434.293.6776jcondon@nrao.eduPAST PRESIDENTPhyllis ScroghamWaynesboro, VA540.943.3503scrogham@gandw.comZONE 2 REPRESENTATIVEJim Beckerzone2rep@ptd.netThe editors were unable to attend Porsche Parade this year butwe did not fret as we knew that those who went would load usup with photos and articles that would grace the pages of thisissue.Well as you may guess we are now hoping for that influx ofcreativity to arrive before the deadline for the September issue.Well founded rumor has it that Parade was wonderful as usualand we can’t wait to hear all about it!The 2009 Porsche model line up is arriving at the dealers as thisis written! There are some exciting new features, as well as onereinstated model (GT2) that replaces one (GT3) that has achievedicon status in its short life. More on that subject on anotherpage.Some important upcoming events are the Zone 2 PCA Club Raceat VIR (8-10 August) and the Shenandoah Region AnniversaryParty (23 August) at Herb’s house. The 'Rumble At The Oak Tree'Club Race weekend is an impressive undertaking by Zone 2, ledby Tom Bobbitt, and promises to be a wonderful spectator event.If you want to get out of town for the day, drive down to VIR andwitness PCA Club Racing at it's best.Even if you aren’t the most social butterfly, the anniversary partyis a must attend just to view the Distefano Collection of Porscheon and off road vehicles. Of course the Verona autocross (24August) rounds out the month. We hope to see you at all threeevents!Drive that Porsche while fuel is still affordable and don’t forgetour sponsors. They make this newsletter possible!Mark & RebeccaHEAT EXCHANGER 08.20085

from the PRESIDENTForI really enjoyed attending the Charlotte Parade. There wasmuch to do and much to see. I was most impressed with thecar displays. First, I was sorely impressed by the beautifulPorsches displayed in the concours competition in the downtownstreets surrounded by other Porsches in the corral – morethan 1000 in all. Then the Heritage and Historic Displays in theConvention center allowed me to see very special cars that eachtold a unique story. Shenandoah had some winners: in theconcours competition, Cole Scrogham won first in class, divisionand overall performance class with his 1968 Lightwieght Special(Modern 911R) race car and Bill Sanders won 1st in class P17 inthe Autocross with his 1994 928. First Settlers member BobbieSmith, who many of you know from RPM autocross, bested allother entrants and won “fastest time of the day” honors with his914. Zone 2 representative Jim Becker placed in both the concoursand autocross with his 968.The signing of waiver forms as required by PCA at all movingcar events is a way of life. The form for adults requires only aprinted name and signature for each participant on a form withnumerous spaces. The process is a little more complicated inthe case of minors – a separate form is required for each minorand should be signed by both parents. When parents intend tobring minors to moving car events they may prepare the formsat home before coming to the event. They may go on the PCAwebsite to member services and contacts to library to insuranceto “Waiver agreement for minors as observers only” or “Waiveragreement for minors driving or riding”. Then the appropriateform can be downloaded, filled-out at home and brought to theevent. This would generate more smiles and less frowns fromworkers and parents.I hope to see many of you at the Lake Anna tour andShenandoah 13th Anniversary Party on the 23d. Detailed informationis elsewhere in this issue and on the web siteReference my Prez Sez article last month, I will not be recommendingthe addition of three directors to the board of directors.This is an election year for Shenandoah officer positions. Wewill elect a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer toserve for 2009/2010. The members of the nominating committeeare: Phil Audibert (appointed), Sherry Westfall (appointed),Phyllis Scrogham (required) and Herb Distefano (required). Ifyou personally are interested in“running for” one of the officer positionsor if you want to recommendto the committee another memberfor consideration, please inform oneof the committee members not laterthan August 17th. Contact data forSherry, Phyllis and Herb is listed onpage 5 of the Heat Exchanger and onthe web page. Phil may be contactedat 540-832-3509 or Phlodbear@aol.com.Cheers, Herbherb distefanoShenandoah Region13th Anniversary PARTYPlease join us on August 23, 2008 at Lake Annafor our region's 13th Anniversary Party!Meet at the McDonald's parking lot at ZionCrossroad/Exit 136 off I-64 at 10:00AM. Therewill be a scenic driving tour through Louisa andSpotsylvania Counties. The tour will cross sevenbridges over Lake Anna and includes a 20-minutestop at Lake Anna State Park where there is aspectacular panorama and bathrooms.The tour ends at the home of Herb Distefanoat approximately 12:30. A peoples choice carshow, some children's activities, some musicalentertainment and limited boat rides (ifrequested) are planned. A no cost lunch includingAnniversary cake and ice cream will be served.If you want to come without the tour, arrive atHerb's at 12:45.Please respond to Herb at 804-448-3448 orherbd911@comcast.net not later than Sunday,August 17th if you plan to attend(the caterer needs the head count on Monday AM).Kudos!Congratulations to Phil Audibertand The Heat Exchanger forimpressive placement in the2008 PCA Newsletter Contest.The Heat Exchanger under Phil'scare came in 3rd in Class and11th Overall! Submissions wereup 14% this year which meantthere was some stiff competition.WAY TO GO PHIL!6

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTSZone 2Club Race/Advanced DE@ VIRAugust17 18 19 20 21 22 23September14 15 16 17 18 19 207 8 9 10 11 12 1328 29 301 23 4 5 6 7 Zone 2 8Zone 29Club Race/ Club Race/Advanced DE Advanced DE@ VIR@ VIR10 11 12 13 14 15 16Heat ExchangersubmissiondeadlineSHENANDOAH13THANNIVERSARYPARTY24 25 26 27 28 29 30SHENANDOAHPeachstate PeachstateAUTOCROSSRegion 40th Region 40thVerona, VARennfestRennfestPeachstateRegion 40thRennfestCarolinaTrophy Rally -Lake Lure, NCSHENANDOAHAUTOCROSSVerona, VASVRA FallFestival - VIRPeachstateRegion 40thRennfestCarolinaTrophy Rally -Lake Lure, NC1 2 3 4PCA East Coast5PCA East Coast6PCA East CoastHoliday -Holiday -Holiday -Lancaster, PA Lancaster, PA Lancaster, PACarolinaTrophy Rally -Lake Lure, NCCarolinaTrophy Rally -Lake Lure, NCCarolinaTrophy Rally -Lake Lure, NCCarolinaTrophy Rally -Lake Lure, NCHeat Exchangersubmissiondeadline21 22 23 24 25 26 27SVRA Fall SVRA FallFestival - VIR Festival - VIRZONE 2 PCACLUB RACEAugust 8-10, 2008 @ VIRsee event website for detailshttp://zone2.pca.org/clubrace08SPECTATORS WELCOME!SHENANDOAH REGION'S13th Anniversary PartySaturday, August 23Lake Anna home of Herb Distefano(optional driving tour to Herb's home)see website for detailsAUTOCROSSSunday, August 24 @ 10amAugusta Government Centerin Verona, VAsee website for details2008 AT-A-GLANCE a quick look at events in 2008AUGUST8-10 Zone 2 PCA Club Race - VIR23 Shenandoah Region's Birthday Party - HerbDistefano's house on Lake Anna24 Autocross - Augusta Gov. Center - Verona29-31 Peachstate Region 40th RennfestOCTOBER3-5 Grand-American KONI Challenge Races - VIR10 Shenandoah Region/Euroclassics PorscheDrivers Education Event - VIR18-19 Synergy Racing's Fall Fling - VIR21 Social/Business Dinner - StauntonSEPTEMBER4-7 PCA East Coast Holiday - Lancaster, PA7-9 Potomac Region PCA Drivers Education - VIR14-19 The Carolina Trophy Rally - Lake Lure, NC21 Autocross - Augusta Gov. Center - Verona26-28 SVRA (Sportscar Vintage Racing Association)Fall Festival - VIR - Featuring Klub Sport PorscheChallenge Series; Historic Stock Car Series; 4thAnnual IMSA RS / 2.5 Challenge Reunion RaceNOVEMBER9 Annual Audibert Fall Foliage Tour - Blue RidgeParkway from Gordonsville to SperryvilleDECEMBER7 Annual Holiday Party - Michie Tavern,CharlottesvilleVISIT SHN.PCA.ORG FOR DETAILS & UPDATESHEAT EXCHANGER 08.20087

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE REST OF 2008?by Sherry Westfall, Social ChairIt’s hard to believe we’re already past thehalfway mark in 2008! We’ve had a greatyear so far with lots of exciting activities, awide variety of Porsches, and enthusiasticparticipants.Well, there’s more to come. On August8-10, Zone 2 is hosting a PCA Club Raceat Virginia International Raceway (VIR).Some of us are going down to assist withthe operations of the event as well as tosee high-powered cars perform in a raceenvironment. I’m really looking forward towatching my first PCA Club Race.On August 23, we will be having ourShenandoah Region Anniversary/BirthdayParty at the home of our President, HerbDistefano. Herb’s lovely house is perchedatop a hill that overlooks beautiful LakeAnna. We’ll start out with a driving tourfrom Zion X Roads and wind throughthe countryside to Herb’s place. Comejoin your fellow Porsche members fora people’s choice car show, musicalentertainment, a catered lunch (It’sfree!), and boat rides. We’ll even haveactivities for the kids. Herb will take thisopportunity to announce the slate ofproposed club officers for the upcomingyear. If you’ve been to this event before,you’ll want to come again, and if you’veNEW RIDESnever been, this is a must-do event.Rick Ebinger and Erik Boody have twomore autocrosses planned for us at theAugusta Government Center in Verona.These are fun events for seasonedautocrossers as well as those who havenever tried it. If you’ve been sitting on thesidelines watching everyone else, give ita try. Rick, Erik, and your fellow memberswill be happy to give you the guidanceand moral support to get you on course.In October, we have two track eventsscheduled at VIR. The ShenandoahRegion/ Euroclassics Porsche Driver’s Edevent will be held on October 10, andon October 18-19 Synergy Racing will behosting its Fall Fling. These are wonderfulopportunities to get some track time at anearby track before the winter comes.Our Past-president, Phyllis Scrogham,is coordinating the October 21 Social/Business Dinner Meeting in Staunton.Specific details will be forthcoming, butplan on having a delicious dinner withyour Porsche friends. We’ll do some clubbusiness that will include voting for theslate of officers for 2009-2010. Thereare rumors we may even get to visit theScroghams’ “Garage Mahal.”On November 9, plan to go on the scenicFall Foliage Tour. Phil and Susie Audiberthave established a tradition of leading usthrough Virginia’s beautiful countrysidethat Porsche people are sure to enjoy. Ofcourse, no good drive is complete without good food. Come see what Phil andSusie have planned for us.Last but not least, we’ll wrap up theyear with our Annual Holiday Partyon December 7 at Michie Tavern inCharlottesville. We’ll have a tasty, festivemeal and an unforgettable awardsceremony.Stay on top of our upcoming events byreading our monthly newsletter, The HeatExchanger, and checking our web site athttp://shn.pca.org. You’ll find our club’slocally scheduled activities as well asthose farther afield if you’re up for a roadtrip.The purpose of the Shenandoah RegionPCA is to serve its members. We want toprovide the activities that you enjoy. Ifyou have suggestions for future events orvenues, please feel free to contact me atvscapes@cstone.net or (434)295-3955.by Mark Stubbs2009 brings new excitement to the Porsche blood line! Beginning at the top of the heap, we find the outrageously powerfulnew GT2. Now I have had the pleasure of driving a 996 GT2 and it was far more impressive than I could possibly have imagined.The new generation brings all manner of upgrades, from launch control to variable turbine turbo chargers to Porsche StabilityManagement. But the real news is all in those two important numbers…530 and 501. Horsepower and torque, in that order. Thisis a SERIOUSLY high performance car. It should be for the two hundred thousand dollar entry fee!Other models have exciting new numbers as well. The 997 range benefits from new direct fuel injection that among other thingswill produce better fuel efficiency and more horsepower. Twenty more for the standard 997 and thirty more for the Carrera S.Also available for the first time is the PDK seven speed transmission. This takes the place of the Tiptronic and greatly speeds upacceleration while returning better fuel efficiency than the Tiptronic. And don’t forget those lovely LED tail lights!The Cayenne also gets a new transmission…one you can shift! Yep the Cayenne GTS now has that left pedal it has been missingand six forward gears you may select at your leisure. It’s a true sport truck!If the Boxster is your cup of tea then the new RS60 Spyder should get you all revved up. Three hundred three horsepower is anew pinnacle for the Boxster range and this special edition boasts a sporty new gauge cluster, red leather interior and lovely redsoft top.It’s worth a trip to the dealer to closely inspect all the new toys. You owe it to yourself, don’t you?8

BOOK EXCHANGERby Mark StubbsMcQUEEN'S MACHINESThe Cars and Bikes of aHollywood IconBy Matt StoneMotorbooks PublishingISBN-13:978-0-7603-2866-8The name Steve McQueen means manythings to many people. Actor, racer,collector, scoundrel, icon…Steve was allof these and then some. Many booksand articles have been published ona myriad of subjects with McQueenas the focal point. No matter who youare his life certainly has probably hadan affect on you good or bad. The oneconstant that seems to have alwaysplayed a role in his life was machinery.He loved cars and motorcycles to thepoint of involving them in nearly allhis professional projects as well asbecoming accomplished in a wide varietyof competition aboard two and fourwheeled vehicles.If you have ever watched the Barratt-Jackson Collector Car Auctions duringthe dead of winter, you have undoubtedlyseen and heard commentator MattStone bestow some of his automotiveknowledge on camera. Stone is alsoa Chief Class Judge at the PebbleBeach Concours d’Elegance. For methe credential list can stop there. He’salready over qualified in my book, butthis southern California native has a longlist of qualifications as aconsummate authority onthings automotive.How does this all tie into a local Porsche clubnewsletter?McQueen loved Porsches.He could and did drivemany of the finest carsavailable but Porschesplayed a distinguishedand constant role in hispersonal and professionallife. He raced a 1958356 Speedster withRudge knockoffs in thelate 1950’s and adecade later hemade one of thefinest motorsportsmovies ever,featuring 908’s,917’s and one ofthe loveliest 911’sI have ever seen.I can watch theopening scene tothe movie LeMansover and overindefinitely. Thegorgeous 1970911S motoringthrough the French country side is trulymemorable! The movie is well worthrenting if you’ve never had the pleasure.The machines are the stars in this filmand the actors are there to display themproperly. The passion for sports cars thatMcQueen bestowed on this film carriedthrough his daily life from very early onuntil his death in 1980.Matt Stone focuses on the cars the starloved. There are lots of photos showingthe actor driving and standing by themachines. Where ever possible Stonehas tracked several of the cars down tophotograph them in their current stateand in many cases to drive them! He hasalso provided the history of each vehicleand some nice McQueen stories tocomplement the photos. This hardback iswell laid out and thoughtfully organized.It takes us through thestars automotive historychronologically withgenerous helpings of periodphotos.What really makes thisbook stand out is how theauthor portrays McQueen’slife by examining the cars.Stone focuses on whatmade the cars distinctive.He lets us know thebackground for each of thevehicles…what McQueenwas doing at the time, whohe was influenced by, what movie hewas working on, who he was married to.There is deep background on several ofthese machines that has been carefullyresearched through interviews withfriends and family. This gives the cars asort of life of their own so that they aremore than merely the collectable vehiclesshown in the photos.Stone had substantial support fromMcQueen’s son Chad as well as severalwives and many friends. Chad, who stillowns and drives at least three of hisfathers Porsches, even wrote the forward.He also related many of his childhoodmemories (and photos) of some of thecars on movie sets or merely in familydriveway. Neile McQueen Toffel, Steve’smost influential wife supported this workby providing lots of memories and photosthat really authenticatethe biography Stone hasproduced. This lendsa personal touch to avery enthusiastic bookabout a consummateautomotive aficionado.McQueen’s Machinesis a great read and funto just leaf through andenjoy the photos. I giveit four stars.book photo courtesyMotorbooks Publishingphoto left courtesyOctane MagazineHEAT EXCHANGER 08.20089

GOT DE?Increasing numbers of our membershave been exposed to the contagious DEdisease, as revealed by the record turnoutof eleven registered Shenandoah Regiondrivers at VIR (Virginia InternationalRaceway, near Danville, VA) for theMay 23–25 Memorial Day driverseducation event sponsored by the FirstSettlers Region. The weather was greatfor driving—mostly sunny but neverexcessively hot. The sandy VIR paddockcan become a solar furnace in thesummer.moved up to the blue group and GregMcGee began driving in white, so theystayed in separate groups and could sharetheir sole surviving Porsche, a black 1996993. Susan’s newly upgraded car wascrushed by a truck while being traileredon an interstate. Fortunately, nobody wasby Jim CondonMel recently proposed that theShenandoah Region sponsor and run itsfirst-ever PCA-sanctioned DE at VIR. VIRis an outstanding track, so most PCA DEevents there quickly attract the sell-outlimit of about 200 drivers. Sponsoringsuch a large event entails financial riskThe Danville area is not famous for finedining, so Sherry and I were pleasantlysurprised on Friday night with ourexcellent dinners at VIR’s Oak TreeTavern. The word is getting out, so besure to arrive before 6 PM if you don’thave a reservation. After the track closedon Saturday afternoon, Synergy Racinghosted another of their open houses,which are famous for good munchies andcold beer as well as numerous Porschesdisplayed in various stages of preparationfor racing. Perhaps the PCA should add anew slogan, “It’s not just the cars, it’s thefood.”Henry McGovern (1977 targa), SteveSarfaty, and Sherry Westfall drove inthe green group. Steve left his Porscheresting at home and flogged his BMWM5 instead. “Mad Mel” Brannan servedas Sherry’s excellent driving instructor.By the end of the weekend, she wassignificantly faster, more accurate, andmore confident. I hope I will be promotedto white before she advances to blue,or we will have to fight over who gets todrive our only Porsche. Susan McGeeSherry Westfall terrorizing the green run group in her burgundy (officially “arena red”)1999 996, just after turn 3. Mel Brannan is in the instructor’s seat.injured. Other “blue” drivers were JimCondon, sharing a car with Sherry, andErin Israel in her silver 996. Erin is nowcornering fast enough that she uses a CGLock to keep from sliding around in herseat. The Israels are fortunate enough toown his-and-hers Porsches; David drovea 1987 911 in the white run group. Mel’strusty 964 kept on running for him in theblack group, and John Kessler (red group)could be seen from a mile away in hisyellow and black 1971 911. Also in redwas Scott Leopold (1996 993 GT1R).Inspired by our record turnout, “Mad”and running it properly requires a fairlylarge group of dedicated volunteerworkers, some of whom—registrar, chiefinstructor, safety/tech chairman—actuallyhave to know what they are doing. TheShenandoah Region is much smallerthan most recent sponsors of VIR DE’s(First Settlers Region, Potomac Region,Zone 2,…), but with careful planning,enthusiastic volunteers, and a littlehelp from our friends, we just mightbe able to do it. If you would like toparticipate in this effort, contact Mel atMadMelRacing@adelphia.net.RennZennHarmony for yourPorscheConcours Detailing • Maintenance • PerformancePre-purchase Inspectionswww.rennzenn.com e-mail: jfro@rennzenn.comJeffrey Elmore Phone: 434-409-002312

TECH-TACTICSby Jeffrey ElmoreFor model year 2000-2004, Porschedecided to dress up the interiors of theirvehicles a bit. Parts of the interior thathad been left as bare black plastic formodel years 1997-1999 were now treatedto a rubberized application dubbedthe “Soft Touch Interior.” These piecesinclude the center console, the side A/Cvents, the radio/climate control surround,and the door armrests. I’ve seen theSoft Touch Interior done in black or lightgrey; there are probably a few othercolors out there. Porsche succeeded ingiving these pieces a more sophisticated,luxurious feel and appearance, but it wasat the cost of durability. The new surfaceis indeed soft to the touch, and if yourfingernail strays a bit, you will leave avisible scratch. Furthermore, the SoftTouch laminate easily softens and peelsfrom the plastic surfaces in the presenceof many alcohol-based substances,including, of all things, sunscreen. Maybeit wasn’t the best choice for our cars,particularly the topless variety.The Soft Touch armrests on my Boxsterhad taken a beating, showing a fairnumber of scratches and nicks fromwatches, rings, etc., and this year theysuccumbed to the volume of sunscreenmy wife and I used on our trip to theParade in Charlotte (a great experience,I must add!). So I decided a refresh wasin order. In a couple of online Boxsterforums I had seen other owners with thesame problems, and the best solutionoffered was to cover the armrests withleather. I decided to take this on, andI’m happy to report that the job wasinexpensive and easy. The results look likewhat the factory should have done in thefirst place. Here’s how it goes:BEFOREYou’ll need to get a few things together.These include two pieces of leather withsimilar grain to your door panels, seats,or side airbag covers; straight edge razorblades; sharp scissors; art glue suitablefor both leather and plastic (I usedCrafter’s Pick The Ultimate, availablefrom Michael’s); and some light clampingclothespins.First, you’ll need to remove botharmrests from the door. Open them upand you’ll see that each is secured bytwo hinges. Press the pins out of thehinges, and then slide the armrest offthe spring at the back. Be careful not tolet the small metal bushings fall out ofthe armrests – they’re necessary to holdthe pins in place. With the armrests out,test-fit how the leather will form aroundeach armrest. You want to get an idea ofwhere you’ll need to stretch the leatherso that creases and folds are minimizedand that visible areas are smooth. Beforestarting to glue, wipe the armrests downwith rubbing alcohol to remove any oilsand create a clean, fresh surface. For me,the actual gluing process took a coupleof days. I wanted to make sure that whenI had glued an area, it would hold fastwhen I pulled against it to stretch andsmooth the leather. I began by gluingthe primary surface, but not going overany of the edges. I spread a coat of glueacross the armrest surface, just to theedges where it curved underneath. ThenI placed the leather on the armrest withplenty of overhang to get the edges later.Using a small ball (a golf ball is perfect), Iformed the leather into the main curvesof the armrest, rolling it out to where theglue stopped, then I let it sit overnight todry completely.AFTERNow for the tricky part: the edges. Beginby gluing the longest edges from thecenter out to where the curves begin toget sharp. Put a coat of glue all the wayaround the edge and onto the undersideof the armrest. Work from the middleout, pulling the leather across the edge. Ifyou need to, use the golf ball or a roundpiece of wood to roll out any creases orlumps. When you’ve got a section of theedge covered and smooth, secure it withthe clothes pins. Use a piece or two ofscrap leather between the clothespinsand the leather on the top side of thearmrest to prevent the clothespinsfrom creating an uneven edge. Whenthat’s dry, work around the ends of thearmrest, pulling the leather from theoutside edges towards the back and thehinges. Because the corners are so sharp,inevitably there will be some bunchingof the leather. Use the scissors or razorblade to eliminate as much excess aspossible, then pull the rest towards theback edge, which will not be visible whenthe armrest is installed. Again, use theclothespins to clamp your work, and letthe glue dry as you work a smallsection at a time. When it’sall done, trim any excess andreinstall the armrests.As easy as the job was, and aswell as it turned out, I’m actuallyconsidering covering my centerconsole…Hmmm…Happy driving and wrenching!HEAT EXCHANGER 08.200813

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Heat Exchanger NewsletterEditor, Shenandoah Region3817 Brook RoadRichmond, VA 23227Return Service RequestedUPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCEAUGUST8-10 Zone 2 PCA Club Race - VIR23 Shenandoah Region's 13th Anniversary Party -Herb Distefano's house on Lake Anna24 Autocross - Augusta Gov. Center - VeronaCheck the website for event details & updates athttp://SHN.PCA.ORGSEPTEMBER4-7 PCA East Coast Holiday - Lancaster, PA14-19 The Carolina Trophy Rally - Lake Lure, NC21 Autocross - Augusta Gov. Center - Verona26-28 SVRA (Sportscar Vintage Racing Association)Fall Festival - VIR - Featuring Klub Sport PorscheChallenge Series; Historic Stock Car Series; 4thAnnual IMSA RS / 2.5 Challenge Reunion Racephoto courtesy Alex SmithHEAT EXCHANGER 08.2008