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]

@bajafreaks

The passenger floor pan I bought from the classifieds here on World from another member. With shipping it still cost me the price as a new one but I got to help another member out with the purchase.

The pan was likely originally from Stoddard since it was the full passenger side. Yes, this pan came with the seat rail underside reinforcement and the seat hinge brackets/risers installed. I only had to weld on the hinges themselves which I was able to salvage from the old floor.

Depending on what you need various configurations of floor replacement pans can be obtained from Restoration Design, AA, Stoddard and maybe others. These same vendors will also have the cross brace.

You could start with a WTB ad to see what others might have to offer up before going straight to retail.

Good luck!

[bajafreaks]

[quote name='seanpaulmc' date='May 29 2023, 12:45 PM' post='3080330']
@bajafreaks

The passenger floor pan I bought from the classifieds here on World from another member. With shipping it still cost me the price as a new one but I got to help another member out with the purchase.

The pan was likely originally from Stoddard since it was the full passenger side. Yes, this pan came with the seat rail underside reinforcement and the seat hinge brackets/risers installed. I only had to weld on the hinges themselves which I was able to salvage from the old floor.

Depending on what you need various configurations of floor replacement pans can be obtained from Restoration Design, AA, Stoddard and maybe others. These same vendors will also have the cross brace.

You could start with a WTB ad to see what others might have to offer up before going straight to retail.

Good luck!
[/quote

Thanks for getting back to me. Res. Design and Stoddard look to have the best sheet metal. Working on cars for 40+years Ive been able to do just about anything mechanically including body work and paint, but welding has never been my thing, oh well time to dive in...