How to inspect the underside and longs without a lift, now the Not another novice project thread Options

[seanpaulmc]

I've just purchased a '73 914 and owned it long enough to ship it to Orlando and take it to go get titled. With only having it for this short period my list of concerns is growing. I have no intentions of driving the car around until I can assess how rusty it is. I appreciate the support and responses to the questions about transportation and engine identification. This is a superb community.

What advice do you have for lifting the car to inspect underneath and such without having access to a lift? I have read some of the build threads on here and you guys have some amazing shops and do incredible work! ...one day. But, at this point I don't have that.

For now I'd like to lift the car, take the wheels off, and take the longitudinal covers off to get a good look at the structural areas of the car. However, I have concerns because this is a snowbelt car and I've read the stories about putting a floor jack through a rusted out car. Where should I lift with the floor jack (trust the jacking points?, other areas) and where should I put the jack stands so that I can poke around some and get pictures?

Merry Christmas!!!

[seanpaulmc]

Let's see what we're working with. Or, without in this case.



How may holes did you count?






What about the battery tray area?





The tray itself was gone but the support was in rather good condition.
However, it had to come out to do what is needed to do.



Let's look at that hell hole area.



That's the paper thin top layer just eaten away. It took me a while before I realized what I was looking at.



As thin as it was it still took me a while to peel back. Quite surprised to see the inner layer (top of the long I suppose) in quite good shape. However, I know the bottom of the long is not in good shape and will need work (think door braces). Still a nice surprise nevertheless.



And if you look at the firewall in these pictures, it's pretty thin and rusted away at the bottom. Almost as if it was soaked in a wet sponge for years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

Here's to getting good use of that new welder. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

Thanks for the inspiration everyone.
Cheers.