Build Thread: 914 Limousine, For real this time, 914world exclusive. UPDATE: The Limo Project has found a new home! Options

[kenshapiro2002]

I see and understand your point as well. The problem is one that happens wayyyyyyy too often between people, in person and on the internet. It's called expectations. You have described your expectation of what this thread would entail. I stepped all over that (not having the slightest clue what your unexpressed expectation was). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

Again...what did you lose by me throwing in a coupla Photoshop images I enjoyed making for the group

I see and understand your point. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'll try to explain mine:

This thread is meant to be a build/progress thread of a car that the owners (Mark, Rob, me) have been planning to build for quite some time now.
The intend was/is to show the progress of our build.
I felt you were spamming this thread with images of how you think our car should look like.


Maybe i do need to lay off the coffee, but it just came across weird which prompted my response.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) Andy

[JeffBowlsby]

I would lean towards option 2.) also. I don't think the stock removable top will work due to its curvature unless a curved filler is put in between the ligfted top and the door glass top edge. Even then the roof line will have an ugly 'bump' in it if the stock top is reused.

I think Felix had great difficulty with this same issue of getting custom door glass on the neo914 project. He eliminated the triangle glass, but getting custom door glass was very expensive. I don't think he ever solved it last I heard. Flattening out the top to stretch it the full length of the limo would be as straightforward as possible, but still a lot of work. I hope there is a talented metalworker available. Maybe Marks partner?

Building the edges of the steel top to match the top edge of the stock door glass curvature would be the easiest approach, although still a challenge. With a solid steel top fixed sunroofs could be put in both front and rear - simple plexiglass panels using that rubber marine gasketing 'zip strip' just like the aftermarket moon roofs use. Not sure how to make a removable top panel, but this car screams for it.

So Andy,

Can you share any details of how this might look? Especially interested in how the roof line will work as the stock roof line/window top edge slopes down towards the rear of the car.

Congrats to you and the Limo team on a cool project!

Got an exterior paint color selected?

Jeff,
we're still debating the roof.

In order to create a smooth line, we need to raise the back of the front targa top and there are several possibilities.

1| We can keep the removable targa top and shim the seals to match the top of the window. This *might* look OK if we keep the targa bar side panels black.

2| Get rid of the front targa top and add a solid steel roof that can be shaped to match the door glass.

3| Leave the top shape and blend in the rear of the top with the roof strip that needs to be added between the two tops. This could be as easy as adding side skirts that 'fake' a smooth roof line ...

4| Get custom door glass.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) Andy

PS: I'm leaning towards 2. A solid roof in the front (Maybe a sun/moon roof?) would also help adding strength to the tub.

[PanelBilly]

Can't wait to see the creature in the raw state. Show me the Limo!

[EdwardBlume]

For the top, I'm thinking plywood.. easy to paint or texture too!

If the top of the windshied loop can be used, it might look funny but it should work, and connect it to your custom Targa pillar. Or are 2 tops end to end really funky?

[SirAndy]

Or are 2 tops end to end really funky?

Two tops would work fine except that the 914 roof is sloped towards the rear.

So if you raise the front top to match the front of the rear top, you get a gap at the top of your door windows in the front.
That's the problem we're trying to solve.

The windshield hoop can be blended into the middle roof section of the extended targa bar. That's pretty straight forward.

We even figured out how to store two tops in the rear trunk without any cutting of the trunk or decklid.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) Andy

[carr914]

Are you gonna have Neon lights under the Limo?

BTW; I used to have a Limo Company - the stories I could tell.....

[SirAndy]

Are you gonna have Neon lights under the Limo?

Let me look at the list ... Yes, under car neon lights - check ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

[bandjoey]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ...it's really not intended to redesign your car...unless you want a Texas Limo. High Ground Clearance, leather upholstery, and plenty of horse power.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

LOVE THE CAR... I want you to drop us off at Disney Land when it's ready!

[Sleepin]

Don't forget the Xbox 360 to play Forza III!

[Al Meredith]

I saw a show on TV once about a shop in Los Vages that builds stretch limos, they always have a vinyl roof because the metal roofs always warp. The padded vinyl hides the wrinkles .

[Rand]

Good thing 914s don't have metal roofs.
Actually I think I would use metal (remembering Dan Root's job) around the perimeter. Build the overall roofline you want, make it strong (which would be nice given the extra length) then drop in the open top options how you want. Open top above the driver isn't as important as the back... Where a large open area would be great - for passengers to stand up while cruising the Tahoe gut during WCR! Wait, is that Mrs. C swinging her top around? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[hot_shoe914]

Maybe i do need to lay off the coffee, but it just came across weird which prompted my response.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) Andy

maybe also toss in a couple of xanax or prozac too. I can't speak for the rest of the people (seems they did so themselves by making suggestions) but I for one enjoyed seeing the photoshop mock-up(with exception of the funky rims) photos and actually thought he was doing you a favor out of the kindness of his heart. It takes time to do those things and even though you think he was being a pain, I believe he was being very generous with his time.

That being said, I also see your point too Andy and can respect your point of view (no matter how narrow it may be) and look forward to seeing the finished product. At this point I will keep my ideas and suggestions to myself now as I believe your oatmeal already has a strong enough hint of urine in it's flavoring.



Shoe (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bootyshake.gif)

[Dr Evil]

Finally, after hearing you all talk about it and scheme at the transmission clinic, it is a nice to see it progressing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[RJMII]

Nice work! I want to see more pictures.(actual pictures!) I don't even care if they are slightly out of focus... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) wait, who had the camera?


On the roof ideas... Would building a custom roof out of fiberglass be an option? In a similar fashion to how some of the car stereo guys build sub enclosures. Make the arches and shapes with balsa wood, plywood, etc; then stretch speaker grill cloth over it. Maybe you could build the mold that way to get the lines you're wanting, to get somewhat of a consistency.
Mark's got that vacuum pump, does he have a big enough bag?

[McMark]

Fiberglass is certainly an option. The roof portion of the build is going to be the only big hurdle to cross. Everything else will be easier.

[Dr. Roger]

Did you say you have a rough sketch? Can we see it, if so?

I'm curious if you've thought of a triple door limo? It looks like this example has a collapsible middle window or sail panel.

(IMG:http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/RealConnections/IMG_21461.jpg)

Just more food for thought.

[dw914er]

I can't wait (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[zymurgist]

BTW; I used to have a Limo Company - the stories I could tell.....

I'm all ears. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[kenshapiro2002]

A buddy of mine builds perfect roofs (did one for his Prowler) out of carbon fiber using foam as the mock up. He only does this as a hobby and for his own pleasure. He also did the fenders and air box (looks like the fuel tank) on his V-Rod. Never seen him actually build these things but they are freakin' perfect.

Nice work! I want to see more pictures.(actual pictures!) I don't even care if they are slightly out of focus... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) wait, who had the camera?


On the roof ideas... Would building a custom roof out of fiberglass be an option? In a similar fashion to how some of the car stereo guys build sub enclosures. Make the arches and shapes with balsa wood, plywood, etc; then stretch speaker grill cloth over it. Maybe you could build the mold that way to get the lines you're wanting, to get somewhat of a consistency.
Mark's got that vacuum pump, does he have a big enough bag?

[carr914]

Here's your motor in my garage, I've been waiting to use it for something (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)