Where to find a new a/c clutch and compressor kit, radiator? Also for some reason having some trouble getting to the lower mounting bolt on the front calipers? Any suggestions would be highly appreciated!

 

You will want to buy a complete compressor instead of just the clutch or just the compressor. I haven't seen a compressor that is purchased new and must have the clutch installed. Most aftermarket manufacturers sell units that are assembled already.

The radiator can be purchased online and at a few of the local parts stores still.

An offset 14mm wrench can get to the lower mounting bolt. An open end can but you're likely to round the head as people usually overtighten the bolt and often the threads are rusty. I've had trouble with some over the years and have modified my 85 by milling the raised flange so that I will not have an issue when removing the bolts in the future.

 

lower mounting caliper bolt? that's the one where you have to turn the steering wheel hard right, to get to the lower vertical bolt on the bottom left caliper. Liquid wrench helps. straighten the steering wheel, and remove the top vertical bolt the bolt that hold the shock strut to caliper, then straighten the steering wheel, then rotate to the right the caliper assembly to get to its two horizontal bolts on the backside of the caliper. Hard to explain here, but easy to explain in person.

what's it like to work on a 944? always wanted one, and it was in the cool 1986 song "boom town"

 

I enjoy working on my 944. Much of the car is well engineered and the car requires quite a few special service tools. I spent quite a bit and purchased all of the special service tools and its made life much easier. They are incredible on the open road. I highly recommend them. Easily one of the best cars of the 80's.

 

I've had 3 944's and working on them was fairly straight forward, but sometimes the issues could be a mystery to solve. Obviously the better ones are those that have been maintained but don't let one that hasn't scare you.