'73 restoration update (tar mats and a parts car), plus a question about group buys Options

[cn2800]

As I've lurked for the last few weeks, I see a number of items coming up in group buys that I'll need if I want to complete this resto correctly. I put my name in for the strut wrench, but have held off on the others. What I'm wondering is how often do these sorts of buys come around? If I don't act now, will it be three years before I can get a correct compliance tag, or will another come up in six months?

Now, since I promised I wouldn't spend any money on this restoration until I knew what I was in for, I've spent the last two weeks doing free things. I got the car down to just the body shell:



And completed what I hope is the WORST job about restoring a 914 - removing the tar mats and trim adhesive from the interior:







Had the opportunity to pick up the parts car this afternoon:



She's pretty rough, and was originally Marathon Blue Metallic:





One nice surprise was finding these in the trunk:



It's a '74, and I think a 1.7. The intake setup is a kind of goofy custom job, but the heat exchangers look relatively new. Will 1.7 heat exchangers work on a 2.0?

My goal is to have this project complete by 22 Aug of next year, so I'd like to thank you all in advance for the upcoming help and advice.

[76-914]

Yes they will fit but the restriction costs you some HP.

[poorsche914]

Are the heat exchangers stock or stainless steel?
If SS, then they work same as the 2.0 version and are no more or less restrictive.
They will bolt up fine to a 2.0 engine but you will also need to use the 1.7 muffler and mounting bar.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[EdwardBlume]

Look at all that garage space....... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

[BeatNavy]

Look at all that garage space....... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Seriously. I'm jealous.

Group buys? I haven't been around too much longer than you but it is my impression that few, if any of them, are critical to where you are right now in the restore process. If you find you end up needing something, just put a WTB on the classified and you'll probably have little trouble getting it (unless it's an original interior light lens or something). There are tons of people here willing to help find things.

Nice job on the tarboards and adhesive. Yes, that job SUCKS.

[CptTripps]

That's a nice looking tub!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) with everyone else. That garage is insane.

[BeatNavy]

That's a nice looking tub!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) with everyone else. That garage is insane.

Yeah, so let me qualify my original answer. Because you DO have the space (and if you have the money), sure, jump in on any group buy you think you'll need. I have a tub in a similar state and I just feel it's probably better to allocate my space and my money toward those things I need now (or soon) and worry about the other when I get to it. 'Course, my garage is packed to the gills...

[cn2800]

Thanks! That shop was the reason I purchased an otherwise completely unremarkable house.

In appreciation for everyone here, I'd like to offer for free the one set of parts I know I won't be re-using: the BEAUTIFUL dealer-installed side guard moldings. They're in perfect shape, and I'll throw in a drill bit and chalk line for good measure.

[barefoot]

[quote name='cn2800' date='Sep 16 2014, 11:28 AM' post='2086709']
Thanks! That shop was the reason I purchased an otherwise completely unremarkable house.

Yes, we all have shop envy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)
I can barely walk around mine until I get rid of some parts shelves, an engine stand, and spare engine. I'm just beginning re-assembly now.
Presuming you'll need lots of new weatherstripping, Mickey at 914 Rubber has some specials, I'm just at that stage with mine

[DRPHIL914]

Looks like a good starting point for sure!, are my eyes playing tricks on me or does the left side front have some accident damage? cant tell from the picture-

on the group buy thing they do come and go, i would get what you think you need the most. at times you will se something you know you will need and just cant pass up based on price. when i got my SS HE's i only pain $200! they were like new! but are the 1.7/1.8's - since i was ordering my muffler(triad) (i have a 2.0 motor) i was able to get a great deal on the H.E.'s and got the muffler and hanger that match it. The exhaust ports on the motors are all the same so you can put the 1.7-8 on a 2.0 just hve to match up the proper muffler and hanger - since mineis a 75 and those are horrible- they were leaking bad and rusted out, i tore those off and backdated to the 74 variety. much better IMHO. you mght be able to trade with someone if you want the 2.0's, but certainly can keep what you have.

phil

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[malcolm2]

my 2 cents on the group buy...

I believe the vendor will offer a group buy on new items that they are just now making. A group buy helps cover the volume needed for a 1st run, testing and design costs, plus cover some or all of the mold or set up costs.

The items in the group buy are eventually available for purchase as part of that vendors regular items, they are just at regular prices now.

The parts should be available or "find-able" when you need them, but might cost more or might be free.

I have had lots of people "pay it forward" and I have done some of that as well to help a 914 brother out.

Good luck.

[cn2800]

Looks like a good starting point for sure!, are my eyes playing tricks on me or does the left side front have some accident damage? cant tell from the picture-

on the group buy thing they do come and go, i would get what you think you need the most. at times you will se something you know you will need and just cant pass up based on price. when i got my SS HE's i only pain $200! they were like new! but are the 1.7/1.8's - since i was ordering my muffler(triad) (i have a 2.0 motor) i was able to get a great deal on the H.E.'s and got the muffler and hanger that match it. The exhaust ports on the motors are all the same so you can put the 1.7-8 on a 2.0 just hve to match up the proper muffler and hanger - since mineis a 75 and those are horrible- they were leaking bad and rusted out, i tore those off and backdated to the 74 variety. much better IMHO. you mght be able to trade with someone if you want the 2.0's, but certainly can keep what you have.

phil

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Here's what the right-side heat exchangers from each car look like (parts car exchanger is the lower, shiny one):



I guess the big difference is the number of pipes to the muffler. The resto car had an original Dansk 'hotdog'.

These two mufflers are in the trunk of the parts car (along with a bunch of other items I haven't sorted through):



And here are a couple of the engine compartment on the parts car. I don't recognize the set-up here:





I don't think I'll have much need for heat or defrost since I'd tend to drive the car in pleasant weather, and I'm in the Texas Panhandle anyhow. I'm not sure I really have a need for nice heat exchangers, particularly if I'd wind up loosing horsepower. Thoughts?

[cn2800]

Looks like a good starting point for sure!, are my eyes playing tricks on me or does the left side front have some accident damage? cant tell from the picture-

on the group buy thing they do come and go, i would get what you think you need the most. at times you will se something you know you will need and just cant pass up based on price. when i got my SS HE's i only pain $200! they were like new! but are the 1.7/1.8's - since i was ordering my muffler(triad) (i have a 2.0 motor) i was able to get a great deal on the H.E.'s and got the muffler and hanger that match it. The exhaust ports on the motors are all the same so you can put the 1.7-8 on a 2.0 just hve to match up the proper muffler and hanger - since mineis a 75 and those are horrible- they were leaking bad and rusted out, i tore those off and backdated to the 74 variety. much better IMHO. you mght be able to trade with someone if you want the 2.0's, but certainly can keep what you have.

phil

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

And no, your eyes are not playing tricks:



The collision damage is why the last owner bought this car and then the parts car. He never got around to starting, so I happened on the cars while trolling Craigslist one fateful night. The pair were cheap enough it was really just 'why the heck not' money. Plus it'll keep me out of trouble (idle hands and all).

[theleschyouknow]

cool project look forward to the progress glad to see another new Texan on the board welcome to the madness