Adventures of an old 914-6, Keeping it in the family and making memories Options

[vintage914racer]

As a regular lurker, and occasional forum participant (primarily when I find myself in a pickle and need to "phone a friend") I've always enjoyed ongoing build and "keeping them on the road and running" threads. So in an effort to do the same for myself, and perhaps prevent haphazardly ad hoc and disjointed threads for projects and updates, I figured I'd try to pull things together into my own, ongoing thread.

This thread is about "Speedy," my 1970 factory 914-6. The car has spent more time off the road than on, but as of late I've proclaimed it's the year of Speedy and started tackling a long list of updates. Before we get into those details, here's a bit about Speedy...

My memories with Speedy go back the the mid-80's when I was a pudgy four or five year old. Back when safety was more of a suggestion than a requirement, I'd often tag along in the front seat between my mom and dad on backroad blasts and the occasional trip up to Brainerd International Raceway when IMSA used to run up there.

Why the name "Speedy?" Well I suppose because as a kid I saw the 180mph speedy, felt my dad's right foot initiate some speedy acceleration, and perhaps because I distinctly remember my mom, in the passenger seat look up from what she was reading, glance at the speedo and shriek upon the realization that we were doing 120mph. By 1980s perspective, particularly that of a 6 year old, the car was Speedy. By today's standards? I'm not sure. But it sure is fun. And for the record, I'm not typically one to name a car, but apparently I was as a youth. And its stuck.

Here's she is, for reference...



It's worth noting that my Dad bought Speedy after he overcame a horrible battle with blood cancer (where they initially gave him 60 days to live). After paying off some truly excessive hospital bills that piled up during his better part of a year spent in the hospital, Speedy was his "I kicked Cancer's ass" celebratory purchase. He bought it at Carousel Porsche Audi in Golden Valley, MN, and perhaps not by coincidence, when I was a teenager I kicked off 10 years of employment at that very same dealership.

Stay tuned for more about our early years with Speedy and my journey as caretaker...

[technicalninja]

Most of the solid SS shafts don't have the ridges in the ends that dig into the suspension ears.

Rebel racings versions (which are also hollow) show this feature.

https://www.rsrproducts.com/product-page/91...r-rear-bushings

I like those!

Now, the guy who runs Rebel has a bit of a bad rap. Sounds like he is a good guy, just overwhelmed by life.

A recent thread regarding this.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=372961

Personally, I'd call and see if he had any in stock, ready to ship.

Both he and Elephant have upgraded rear trailing arm bushings. Many here like the Rebel product.

Streetcar will be most "user friendly" on rubber.

Elephant seems to have the best rubber ones, but they are MORE expensive than the poly-bronze which seems backwards to me.

[vintage914racer]

Most of the solid SS shafts don't have the ridges in the ends that dig into the suspension ears.

Rebel racings versions (which are also hollow) show this feature.

https://www.rsrproducts.com/product-page/91...r-rear-bushings

I like those!

Now, the guy who runs Rebel has a bit of a bad rap. Sounds like he is a good guy, just overwhelmed by life.

A recent thread regarding this.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=372961

Personally, I'd call and see if he had any in stock, ready to ship.

Both he and Elephant have upgraded rear trailing arm bushings. Many here like the Rebel product.

Streetcar will be most "user friendly" on rubber.

Elephant seems to have the best rubber ones, but they are MORE expensive than the poly-bronze which seems backwards to me.

I'm leaning towards rubber bushings. I have purchased parts from Clint at Rebel Racing in the past and didn't have any issues. I always grab my popcorn when I see the thread that pops up quarterly here or on the Pelican forums wondering if Clint is still in business, alive, etc. More recently I've ordered his stuff through Tarett for peace of mind that it will arrive.