Replacing rusty jack points, So this is what it means to own a 914... Options

[Lilchopshop]

Pulled my rocker covers today to inspect for rot. Unfortunately I found significant rust on both jack points and the driver’s side long has a good size rust hole. I’m going to cut and patch the bad spots in the longs, but I’m trying to avoid a complete resto right now and I don’t want to get into exterior bodywork. The rear fenders are in pretty good shape but they seem to block access to the top flange of the jack point plate. Does anyone know if the jack points can be replaced correctly without cutting out a lower portion of the rear fender?

[IronHillRestorations]

You'll probably have to cut a section off the lower part of the fender. I'll guess that to fix the rust you haven't found yet, you'll have to do that anyway

[dlee6204]

It is possible to replace the points without cutting the fender. It’s not easy but doable. You could also cut for access in the door jamb and leave the outer fender alone.

With that being said you have quite a bit of rust on your drivers side that will require more than a jackpoint. There’s always more rust hiding.

[flyer86d]

I’ve done it by cutting out the lower couple of inches of the door jam. Many times there is rust there anyway where the door jam is welded to the door sill. I remember welding part of it from the rear fender well. My welding helmet wouldn’t fit in the opening so I put a #10 glass in my goggles and mig welded away. Needless to say I sunburned the hell out of my face and had wicked goggle eyes! Live and learn. I was a much younger man back then.

Charlie

[Superhawk996]

Uh, what what do you intend to weld to? Can’t weld to rust.

Candidate for complete longitudinal replacement. The fact the driver side is this bad is concerning since the passenger side is what usually goes first. Passenger side looks slightly better but looks are deceiving. These cars rot from inside out.

I’ve replaced without cutting the fender but I’m doing the complete wheelhouse from the inside and a complete longitudinal replacement. See the link in signature block if you’re interested. Page 13.

[bbrock]

Yeah.... I'm afraid you are beyond being able to sneak in there without cutting the fender. I had the same hope when I started my own repair, but nope.

[cary]

Yes you can.
But you can only do 3 rosettes on the top.
You need a special scuba style welding mask.
And a 18 or 25 inch belt sander.

You'll need the belt sander to "dig" out the top spot welds first.
No cutting. Cutting out the door jam is easier, but then you have to paint. $$

[911GT2]

Just out of curiosity. Do people leave the jackpoints off? Or are they structural?

[brant]

cut the fender and repaint...

welcome to the typical 914

this is the reason that pulling the rockers off is mandatory before any purchase... period

it can be an expensive repair (many thousands for paint) and should have been factored into the sale price.

brant

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

NEVER cut the exterior sheet metal!!!!!!!!

WE access under the rocker and remove the engine for the inner fender well.

[Cairo94507]

This is disappointing- we have all been there. I urge you to please do the research for a solid repair and then bite the bullet and fix both sides correctly. Do it right and never mess with it again. I would also encourage you to repair it to stock or better- replacing the jack points and perhaps installing a chassis brace kit from Maddog or someone else.

The alternative would be to just sell it as is or find a clean tub to swap your parts to if the car is otherwise in great condition. If not, sell and find a nice, clean, running car to start with w/little rust.

Unfortunately a lot of people have bought 914s, (not saying this is the case here) that have been all shined up on the outside and maybe even had a fresh coat of paint, maybe the car was represented as "restored" and they take people at their word only to later find out they were deceived and the car is on life support with terminal cancer. It never ceases to amaze me what some people consider "restored" to be.

Good luck and we all wish you the best. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[rjames]

Just out of curiosity. Do people leave the jackpoints off? Or are they structural?

The jackpoints themselves aren’t structural, but the longs they attach to are. IMHO your car isn’t safe to drive until the longs are properly repaired. It looks like you’ve got quite a bit of rust to cut out and replace. If you decide to fix it, make sure you brace the car before you start cutting and welding.

[SirAndy]

Mandatory reading for anyone doing rust repair on a 914:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=16748
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[911GT2]

Just out of curiosity. Do people leave the jackpoints off? Or are they structural?

The jackpoints themselves aren’t structural, but the longs they attach to are. IMHO your car isn’t safe to drive until the longs are properly repaired. It looks like you’ve got quite a bit of rust to cut out and replace. If you decide to fix it, make sure you brace the car before you start cutting and welding.

I understand, but why place them back if they aren't structural and are a big reason for rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[SirAndy]

... and are a big reason for rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

They aren't causing the rust ...
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[914e]

Just out of curiosity. Do people leave the jackpoints off? Or are they structural?

The jackpoints themselves aren’t structural, but the longs they attach to are. IMHO your car isn’t safe to drive until the longs are properly repaired. It looks like you’ve got quite a bit of rust to cut out and replace. If you decide to fix it, make sure you brace the car before you start cutting and welding.

I understand, but why place them back if they aren't structural and are a big reason for rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

They are not structural to the car, they are structural to supporting the jack point to the car structure. Not something you want to fail while changing a flat.

[brant]

... and are a big reason for rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

They aren't causing the rust ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

I 2nd this statement.
they are a symptom, not the cause

[911GT2]

... and are a big reason for rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

They aren't causing the rust ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Thanks. Didn't know that. That's how I learn (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[bbrock]

... and are a big reason for rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

They aren't causing the rust ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Just a slight amendment to this. They should have a small drain hole at the bottom. If that gets clogged, it can contribute to rust. Many replacement pyramids don't have the drain holes so they should be drilled so water doesn't get trapped inside.

[Superhawk996]

Just a slight amendment to this. They should have a small drain hole at the bottom. If that gets clogged, it can contribute to rust. Many replacement pyramids don't have the drain holes so they should be drilled so water doesn't get trapped inside.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I can't remember where I purchsed mine but they don't have drain holes drilled. You need to drill them yourself.

Also agree with RJames above, that you want to evaluate if car is safe to drive. In my case, the passenger side seat belt anchor was pretty much rusted away and would not have withstood actual impact use. Occupant would have kissed windshield. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)