I'm at a crossroads with my 914 Options

[guywan914]

My car had the usual rust problem areas. Chris at CFR did the heavy welding and reinforcement work, with pieces from Restoration Design. The task of putting everything back together I took on (and then took it back to CFR to correct my mistakes) has resulted in a beautiful, drivable, dream ( it also has a Raby in it) If you have the time and a few(.!!!!) extra dollars it can be a rewarding journey.

[NC_Colfax]

Well the deeper I dig the worse it gets.

Pans are shot...rust front to back, sides, everywhere.

So it looks like I am going to start something....a roller would be ideal but I had a hard enough time talking the wife into one...so to tell her I need another would be rough.

So as the weather gets cool it will be time to start. I kinda hate it but maybe I will get to change the color to something I more perfer.

[BiG bOgGs]

I was feeling conflicted about the amount of work my 76 needs vs just getting a better 914 to work up from. Being that the one I have now was purchased on my 10th birthday (not by me) and that I have taken the past few years getting to know her, I just can't see restoring any other 914. But every few months, I must say that I do have reservations. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[1968Cayman]

Do you not have a garage at your house? I'm building both of my cars in my home garage. Plenty of room after convincing my wife to park outside full time.

[NC_Colfax]

Due to HOA issue NO

Car stays dry at my fathers shop about 30 min away.
It keeps his Jeep from getting lonely. When we built the shop he got a bay and I got a bay. Most of the time my side has been full of motorcycles/motorcycle parts. Since I have stopped riding only one bike remains and my 914....plus a tool box. The 914 does not take up much room.

[kphimself]

I say go for it, Its a world of hurt but you will learn so much. Its is without a doubt one of the most challenging things you can do on a car. I curse mine everyday but i'm happy i chose to do it.

[SUNAB914]

I'm here, if you need some help.

[tradisrad]

Look for a good roller and build that up. There was one on the SF Craigslist, but his ad has dropped off. Guy claimed rust free and I suggested to him, via email, that he sell his car on the world. if it pops back up on CL I'll post a link.
Bill it as a better financial decision to the wife. If I had fixed the rust on my old car I would have spent 4 or 5 thousand dollars. Instead I bought a almost rust free roller for $2k (a bit expensive) and moved my suspension, engine etc into it. My paint is original and there are more dings in the car than I like, but those will be fixed in time. But my rust is/was very minimal; it was isolated to the front trunk seal gutter and very minimal in the rear trunk. BTW the new car is in my avatar.

[NC_Colfax]

Well looks like I am going to start this weekend on getting the car apart.

Should be boat loads of fun

[topatrout914]

If you are in Colfax I'm not that far away. There are a few 914 people around this area. I've had a few 914 over the years and am working on another right now. Send me an e-mail and I'll help if I can. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

[PanelBilly]

When people ask you when it will be done (and they will), be prepared to explain that your having fun and there shouldn't be a time limit on the amount of fun one person can have in a lifetime.

I've been having fun for so many years that I don't think the grease under my nails and the stains in the creases of my fingers will ever go away.

[JTarver]

NC, don't give up on owning a 914 at the very least, even if it's not the car you currently have. With 5 grand to work with ( you said you'd have about that in the future?) You could make the drive down here to Arkansas and get a really decent car in running condition. I've seen half a dozen over the last few months for sale here. We don't have the usual rust issues nearly as badly as the coasters do, as there isn't any salt air here.
Check our craigslist for awhile, you might get a great car for 3-4k, and still have your donor cars for parts you might need.
I'm happy to go inspect something within range here if you find it. I'm far from an expert but could probably talk JT into going with me. He knows his cars.

I'd have another one if I had the cash, but I just don't currently.
So, you really don't have a garage in a subdivision with a HOA? Wow, that's wild.
Also, I've got buddies that go to Ashville NC all the time. With some coaxing, I bet they'd haul a car up for you to help fund their trips for a pretty reasonable fee.

Joe

[ArtechnikA]

I drove the car tonight...the 44mm Weber carbs are dead below 3K
and pop while I'm crusing...gets on my nerves sometimes

Sell the 44's to someone with a big engine or a racer.
buy 40's and apply the difference to the project fund...

[trojanhorsepower]

If you are in Colfax I am not that far either. I have family in Winston and Hillsborough. I would love to help if we can work out some time.

[Chris Pincetich]

Yeah, take it apart and detail the parts you have. Cleaning and adjusting the engine while it is out on on a good stand or rollers will keep you busy for a while. You can get a lot of 914 for $2-3,000, one that isn't running but has a fairly solid chassis. Then mix and match best parts for 2011 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)