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> 914 Body In White, chassis fixtures being made
McMark
post Jul 30 2018, 11:39 AM
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Well, I started on this path a long time ago. Back in 2011, I pick up a Celette bench on Craigslist. I rented fixtures a few times, but along the way Celette moved everything to a newer setup/system and trashed the old fixtures.

Last year I was able to get the new style adapters but would still need to rent fixtures. So it was nice to have the capability, but rental fees meant that expediency was critical. For a project like SirAndy's 914-6 there will be a lot of measuring, checking, cutting, welding, etc. That translates to a lot of time on the bench, and the less I feel the need to rush, the better. When straightening a chassis, it's critical that you have a plan and make pulls and adjustments in the correct order.

Restoration Design just started carrying their own set of fixtures that are compatible with what I have now. They had the early 911 fixtures, but thankfully they jumped on the 914 next. So I just placed my order for these. Now I'll have everything in house to put cars up on fixtures for straightening, major rust repair, and/or cage work. This is a huge development for Original Customs.

I've always done rust repair, but this is the first time that I'll start offering a 'chassis restoration service' for both individuals and other shops. So anyone, anywhere can ship their chassis here and get back a solid and straight body, ready to build on. I'll also be on the lookout for suitable cars to straighten/repair and sell ready to run, 'off the shelf'.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif) I can't wait to get started, then add early 911 and 356 fixtures...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.restoration-design.com-419-1532972340.1.jpg)
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914forme
post Jul 30 2018, 11:43 AM
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Nice Mark, our community has needed this service for a long time.
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BeatNavy
post Jul 30 2018, 11:45 AM
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Excellent, I may be in need before TOO long... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)
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ValcoOscar
post Jul 30 2018, 11:47 AM
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Mark-

Congrats..
I hope you have a large shop. I see lots of opportunities coming your way.

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Oscar
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SirAndy
post Jul 30 2018, 11:55 AM
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QUOTE(McMark @ Jul 30 2018, 10:39 AM) *
For a project like SirAndy's 914-6 there will be a lot of measuring, checking, cutting, welding, etc.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
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Andyrew
post Jul 30 2018, 12:10 PM
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QUOTE(SirAndy @ Jul 30 2018, 10:55 AM) *

QUOTE(McMark @ Jul 30 2018, 10:39 AM) *
For a project like SirAndy's 914-6 there will be a lot of measuring, checking, cutting, welding, etc.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)


BTW Mark, Thats awesome!
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mepstein
post Jul 30 2018, 12:11 PM
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I think the 914 community might underestimate the cost of "chassis restoration". Like getting a car painted, it's easier to justify the cost on a $100-250K car but it's a much larger percentage of a 914.

But I think the service is needed as less and less shops do this kind of work.
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Cairo94507
post Jul 30 2018, 12:43 PM
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I almost wet myself with Andy's reply. I can totally relate. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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ConeDodger
post Jul 30 2018, 12:45 PM
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QUOTE(SirAndy @ Jul 30 2018, 02:55 PM) *

QUOTE(McMark @ Jul 30 2018, 10:39 AM) *
For a project like SirAndy's 914-6 there will be a lot of measuring, checking, cutting, welding, etc.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)


And then there’s the check writing! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
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McMark
post Jul 30 2018, 01:03 PM
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QUOTE(mepstein @ Jul 30 2018, 02:11 PM) *

I think the 914 community might underestimate the cost of "chassis restoration". Like getting a car painted, it's easier to justify the cost on a $100-250K car but it's a much larger percentage of a 914.

But I think the service is needed as less and less shops do this kind of work.

Absolutely. It won't be cheap, but if you're embarking on a full restoration (or hiring out a full restoration) this is a significant opportunity. EVERYTHING else on the project can be swapped out as needed (engine, transmission, suspension, etc) -- but if you have a crooked chassis you're piling good parts onto a bad skeleton. Once you get a chassis painted, the opportunity to fix the body is gone....
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Dave_Darling
post Jul 30 2018, 04:03 PM
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Awesome, Mark!

--DD
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horizontally-opposed
post Jul 30 2018, 05:01 PM
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QUOTE(McMark @ Jul 30 2018, 12:03 PM) *

...if you're embarking on a full restoration (or hiring out a full restoration) this is a significant opportunity. EVERYTHING else on the project can be swapped out as needed (engine, transmission, suspension, etc) -- but if you have a crooked chassis you're piling good parts onto a bad skeleton. Once you get a chassis painted, the opportunity to fix the body is gone....


Genau. Precisely.
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worn
post Jul 30 2018, 06:28 PM
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QUOTE(SirAndy @ Jul 30 2018, 09:55 AM) *

QUOTE(McMark @ Jul 30 2018, 10:39 AM) *
For a project like SirAndy's 914-6 there will be a lot of measuring, checking, cutting, welding, etc.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Yes. I am sure that with such an important job, the hours would simply stack up. But, for that quality of customer, you can’t push the limits too far. Unless this should somehow come back around to bite me somehow...

Also, good for everyone that you have them.
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Unobtanium-inc
post Jul 30 2018, 07:25 PM
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QUOTE(mepstein @ Jul 30 2018, 10:11 AM) *

I think the 914 community might underestimate the cost of "chassis restoration". Like getting a car painted, it's easier to justify the cost on a $100-250K car but it's a much larger percentage of a 914.

But I think the service is needed as less and less shops do this kind of work.

I agree, many restoration customers have no clue what it takes to bring a decades old car back to square one, not even getting into paint or mechanical. I know guys who can't understand why it took $30,000 to put floors in their car, except the restorer explains that his only other option was to weld the floors to the dash, because that was the first piece of solid metal he found.
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GaroldShaffer
post Jul 30 2018, 09:03 PM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) I think I may know a guy or two that can help you find some cars to fix and sell. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)
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McMark
post Jul 31 2018, 05:18 AM
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QUOTE(Garold Shaffer @ Jul 30 2018, 11:03 PM) *

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) I think I may know a guy or two that can help you find some cars to fix and sell. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

I was thinking the same thing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
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Chris H.
post Jul 31 2018, 07:58 AM
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Very exciting development Mark. To be able to start with a tub that is definitely straight would be a huge advantage. Plus if the owner can show documentation that a chassis has been checked on a Celette bench it should be worth more $ like a 996 with the IMS bearing fix done. No brainer for anyone who is about to drop serious $$$$$ on paint and body work.
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IronHillRestorations
post Jul 31 2018, 01:18 PM
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My solution is much more crude.

I found an old Blackhawk bench, which has the same 100 mm bolt spacing and was supposed to be compatible with the older (now NLA) Celette fixtures. Then I found out they got trashed.

Highly likely my set up will be for sale very soon. We’re going to downsize and I want to get away from projects that need a frame bench. I’ll just send them to OC!


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IronHillRestorations
post Jul 31 2018, 01:50 PM
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I’d be very curious to know if the adapters and new fixtures would line up on a Blackhawk.

Another pic of my crude ity


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EdwardBlume
post Jul 31 2018, 02:20 PM
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Congratulations! McMark is the right guy now with the right equipment! Makes me wish I lived in Michigan....
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