72 rustoration / subaru 6cyl project in Kansas, Mild resto-mod build, my idea of a “true” sportscar Options

[Alain V.]

Well, I suppose I’ve put it off long enough.
I’m finally starting a build/progress page on my 72 914 project.

About the car: I’ve owned it for over a decade, and had it set aside as a quick & easy restoration project, because I “fooled” myself into thinking I had a fairly “rust free” example.
I work, a lot of hours (self employed) and own multiple project cars, so I didn’t start working on this car until recently.
...once I did “start” on it,,,, I became painfully aware of just how bad the car actually was.

The plan, since I ended up stripping the car down to the bare tub, I decided to build my idea/vision of a true sports car.....
In my opinion, the 914 is a perfect “canvas” for such a build. Focus will be on:
Light weight, handling, simplicity, and fun t o drive.

Goal weight is around 1800 pounds, using some carbon deck lids, GT style engine cover, etc.
Goal HP around 250 plus, will come from a Subaru 6cyl.

About me, My background is as an Indy mercedes mechanic for just over 40 years. I’ve never done rust repair or bodywork myself though, as I’ve always hired out those types of jobs. This little 914 is going to be my “tech school” into metal work as a spare time project. Hopefully I’ll be able to work on it one day per weekend on it and possible make monthly updates. I guess we’ll have to see...........

Here she is... when I initially started

[Alain V.]

“Hell hole” area didn’t look too bad, at first.

[Alain V.]

Outside of jack pad area looked a little rough

[Alain V.]

Had typical holes across the rear of the trunk floor

[Alain V.]

Rear of floor pan looked not too bad.

[Alain V.]

First little surprise was bondo hiding a hole here.

[Alain V.]

Dropping the drivetrain out.

[Alain V.]

Yup, both sides had little bubbles that just grew into holes as I picked at them.

[Alain V.]

[Alain V.]

This stuff is “The Devil” boooooo! Eats 914s from the inside out![s]

[Alain V.]

I even yanked out the old crusty wiring harness. I’ll be replacing it with my own custom harness which will be much simpler and lighter. Going to use GT style cables on the headlights, so I will be eliminating the front headlight motors, etc.

[Alain V.]

Floor pan actually seems saveable. Just has a bad spot in the front left corner

[Alain V.]

Trunk floor is Swiss cheese

[Alain V.]

It must have been in a small rear end collision at one time. The tail panel was loaded with a ton of bondo and was a wrinkled mess. I’ll be using one from a donor car

[Alain V.]

Went ahead and made up some door opening braces. I mounted them inboard so I can still fit the doors on the car while the braces are in.

[Alain V.]

Starting to make cross braces and supports for a cart for the car. Borrowed the idea from I believe ,MR Hall’s build here.

[Alain V.]

Cart construction

[Alain V.]

Rear suspension mount. Also added one at the trans mount area and a support under the firewall/floor pan area.

[Alain V.]

Time to start the rust hunt

[Alain V.]

First “lesson learned”. I should have left the door latch area installed and just cut the door jam around it.