I'm actually gonna have a pretty car., First time in 30 years Options

[aircooledboy]

I have owned a 914 for the most part of the last 30 years. 5 drivers and 3 parts cars later, for the first time EVER, I will soon have a 914 that runs great AND looks great. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

The PO did a great job of collecting and installing all the right and best parts. I've had to "adjust" the execution from time to time, but I still believe there are few conversions out there that can hang with this one mechanically. I have really enjoyed the last 3 years with her, but between work and family, other than driving it, unless there is a problem that demands attention, I've had very little time to love on the old girl. The paint has always been a generous 3/10, and I certainly can't justify the cost of making it right with the oldest starting college in the fall, and her sister 2 years behind her. So, I try to keep it clean, and don't let anybody get closer than 30 feet to the car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Recently, I had a client who was so grateful for some things I was able to accomplish for him, that he told me he wanted to paint my car. This guy is a world renowned restorer of British vintage cars. Just having him agree to work on my car would be amazing, and that's what I thought he was offering. I politely thanked him, but explained the whole $, kids in college blah blah blah. . ., and he said, "no, you don't understand. I'm doing it to show my appreciation. Free." (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I still can't wrap my brain around this, but this spring I will for the first time in my life have a 914 that looks as good as she runs. I'll try to keep up the progress here.

[Tom_T]

Great story! ...now you can pay it forward. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[aircooledboy]

Great story! ...now you can pay it forward. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Agreed Tom.

Truth is, that's kinda how we got here. Being a partner in this firm allows me the latitude to help people who can't really afford my services from time to time (Maybe even a few folks around here. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ninja.gif)) Even before I was a partner, I did it, but now I don't have to hide it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Like I said, Steve's last business effort left him with a king sized butt reaming and a mountain of debt. He came to me with a pretty big problem, and very little obvious ability to pay me, but I liked the guy right away, so I decided to get involved, and if I got paid some day, great. I didn't really understand at the time who he was. I just knew I had been told he was a talented "car guy", and I have always had an affinity for guys who do amazing stuff with their hands. So, after much time and hard work, I was able to resolve his situation better than either of us thought was probably realistic originally. He's back on his feet, so to my surprise I did get paid in the end, and now one of the most gifted car guys I have ever met wants to show his appreciation by putting my car into a shape I couldn't afford in a million years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/monkeydance.gif)

I truly still can't believe it.