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]

Back at it.



I made up my own replacement corner out of some other cut offs rather than cutting out a tiny section from a brand new RD piece which seemed wasteful to me. Used the RD piece as a template.



Turned out rather nice.
But it is just going to get covered up by the outer reinforcement piece that goes here.



Question for you experts. Any tips for getting the door on and off alone?
To install the outer reinforcement piece I have to get the door out of the way. It’ll probably take a couple on and offs I’m sure so looking for some practiced advise.

Thanks for looking.

[bkrantz]

Back at it.



I made up my own replacement corner out of some other cut offs rather than cutting out a tiny section from a brand new RD piece which seemed wasteful to me. Used the RD piece as a template.



Turned out rather nice.
But it is just going to get covered up by the outer reinforcement piece that goes here.



Question for you experts. Any tips for getting the door on and off alone?
To install the outer reinforcement piece I have to get the door out of the way. It’ll probably take a couple on and offs I’m sure so looking for some practiced advise.

Thanks for looking.

Loosen all the bolts. Find a box or stack of lumber that the open door can sit on, and take the weight. Remove the bolts (be ready to hold the door for the last two).

[seanpaulmc]

Back at it.



I made up my own replacement corner out of some other cut offs rather than cutting out a tiny section from a brand new RD piece which seemed wasteful to me. Used the RD piece as a template.



Turned out rather nice.
But it is just going to get covered up by the outer reinforcement piece that goes here.



Question for you experts. Any tips for getting the door on and off alone?
To install the outer reinforcement piece I have to get the door out of the way. It’ll probably take a couple on and offs I’m sure so looking for some practiced advise.

Thanks for looking.

Loosen all the bolts. Find a box or stack of lumber that the open door can sit on, and take the weight. Remove the bolts (be ready to hold the door for the last two).

I wound up using a floor jack and some blocking. A bit awkward so will look to improve on that next time. There will surely e a next time.

I appreciate the advice! Keep it coming.