Rebuiding Inside-out Options

[bkrantz]

I realize most rebuilds go from the inside to the outside, but I am struck by how straight and clean the outer panels, including paint, look on my 73 2.0. And all the nasty stuff is hidden underneath--which I know is also not unusual.

Any way, I bought the car knowing most of what it was: a 2.0 with all the sport and appearance group equipment, including 5 good Fuchs, and the original fuel injection. The original engine is confirmed by a COA. In contrast to the exterior the interior was mixed at best, with some funky carpet. And the front and rear trunks (and engine compartment, and interior) had been sprayed with black undercoating.

So after a month, I have the car stripped to a bare shell, except for suspension and steering. I measured everything I could, and the body is very square and on spec. I need to patch some local rust spots, and replace the rear floor. And then do some minor straightening: right headlight bucket, front edge of right front fender, rear panel, etc.

[bkrantz]

I'm not sure how well the thinned stuff brushes on. I would test first.
I use one on the $10 HF spray guns to spray it on. Clean with gasoline.
Use it up because it disappears like magic.

Thanks for the info. I will try it and report back. For spraying I got the aerosol cans--we'll see how well they work, too.

[raynekat]

You had already bought your glue or I would have recommended this stuff.
It was absolutely the best and most Home Depots or Lowes have it on the shelf.
Will be interested to see how the glue you purchased works.
You should be fine I would think.

[bkrantz]

I actually have that stuff, but on the 3M web site they seem hesitant to recommend that for vinyl. Instead they recommend number 80.

[bkrantz]

I finally got to see my seats and other interior pieces. Not perfect (and not original) but I am very satisfied.

[bkrantz]

Door panels look good, too.

[bbrock]

Those seats look fantastic! Seeing things like that makes me curse being afflicted with CW disease. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

[bkrantz]

Brent, once I broke through the Original True Restoration barrier, I felt liberated, and was able to enjoy decisions like the color change, shaving the front side markers, and messing with the interior. I still feel like I am holding true to the spirit of the original 914 but I am sure somebody will argue with that.

[bbrock]

Brent, once I broke through the Original True Restoration barrier, I felt liberated, and was able to enjoy decisions like the color change, shaving the front side markers, and messing with the interior. I still feel like I am holding true to the spirit of the original 914 but I am sure somebody will argue with that.

I'd say you are holding true. I'm loving the choices you've made. I did shave the warts. Some things just can't be tolerated. I've also added some modern safety features as stealthily as possible but what good is a perfectly original 914 if it gets flattened by a truck with you in it? I'm also running carbs but there is a story behind that.

[wonkipop]

Brent, once I broke through the Original True Restoration barrier, I felt liberated, and was able to enjoy decisions like the color change, shaving the front side markers, and messing with the interior. I still feel like I am holding true to the spirit of the original 914 but I am sure somebody will argue with that.

I'd say you are holding true. I'm loving the choices you've made. I did shave the warts. Some things just can't be tolerated. I've also added some modern safety features as stealthily as possible but what good is a perfectly original 914 if it gets flattened by a truck with you in it? I'm also running carbs but there is a story behind that.

once you tear one down you are freed.
100% doing the right thing.

preservation is a bit of a burden.
like having the warts on it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) .

the cars are for driving for the enjoyment.
its nerve wracking driving mine around in the "family truck" traffic down here.
esp. brakes. can not class those as enjoyable if am honest.
might have been top shelf in 1974, but way short now.
having gotten it going again i wish i had the $ to build myself another one,
completely gone over and sleeper-ed for the 21st century. like you are doing.

[raynekat]

I actually have that stuff, but on the 3M web site they seem hesitant to recommend that for vinyl. Instead they recommend number 80.

Had no problem using it on the sail panel trim and dashboard face.
Your mileage may vary....


Oh and about that "originality" stuff.
At times I'm a stickler....other times not.
Do your own thang as they say.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

[Puebloswatcop]

I think your colors for the seats and cards is bold and they look fantastic, Great choice

[bkrantz]

Finally home and ready to play in my garage again. Since I brought the recovered seats and interior parts home, I could not resist seeing how these look in the car.

[bkrantz]

I also (literally) poked around on the center console panels. This is the right side interior.

[bkrantz]

Months ago, I made paper templates to show all the holes for mounting hardware.

[bkrantz]

I was able to find all the holes easily.

[bkrantz]

I did the left side and other pieces, and will get on to assembly next.

[Puebloswatcop]

Finally home and ready to play in my garage again. Since I brought the recovered seats and interior parts home, I could not resist seeing how these look in the car.

Those look great in the car. Once the carpet is in it will really pop

[bkrantz]

I finished the center console assembly, first with all the metal brackets.

[bkrantz]

And the end plate, with the original staple nails plus a bit of all-purpose glue.

[bkrantz]

All done, with the bottom piece and the gauge panel. I am 90% satisfied--just the top seam along the right side that is not centered.