my grandads '74 restoration project Options

[_stickykitty79_]

just want to say hi to all you crazy people trying to revive these things like me. this is a bit of a sentimental project as its been in the family 3 gens now. was a Michigan car, suffered the consequences as the pics show, trailered it to california where it will remian.
my plans are to address all the obvious rust issues and do some fun upgrades along the way, some chassis stiffening, some minor engine tuning. (webers instead of fuel injection...yes i know the forum doesnt like it but it was always a disaster and carbs just sound better)
im a realist so heres what im prepared to face:

- tons of welding, i can do and thanks to Restoration Design i have plenty of metal to purchase as i go
-spending a few thousand here and there to do this right and time to do it. its a passion project and im in no hurry.
-building a chassis rig as i tear into the longitudinals, along with temp supports in the door jams.

i know this will seem daunting but i also dont think its at the point of scrapping based on what we can buy, and what im willing to do.
thanks

[TargaToy]

Welcome to the World! You’re in the right place for any guidance you could possibly need in your project. I’m very sentimental about heirlooms myself so there’s no better reason to save another one than keeping your grandfather’s car alive. Please post updates and pics as you dig in.

[930cabman]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

We have seen worse, but we have seen better. Make sure to get some chassis stiffeners in place to keep things from moving around when under reconstruction

[technicalninja]

Welcome!

Look to this thread for recent metal magic on one of the "worse" ones...

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=368359



What's under the car cover???

[_stickykitty79_]

Welcome!

Look to this thread for recent metal magic on one of the "worse" ones...

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=368359



What's under the car cover???

wow they brought that one from the dead alright. ill be honest im going to be learning alot as i go. even though i have a welder and can weld its a bit underclassed for this project and based on what ive read in here stepping up will happen. not sure to what yet kinda like this one https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Products/k4498-1

the car under the cover is a lotus elise, which sadly i will sell to clear space and help fund the restoration. fun car but no character, too modern (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Montreal914]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Fred's restoration thread is a reference happening live! That being said there are many very good threads in the restoration build threads here:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showforum=78

The little Lincoln Mig 140 is what I am using. I am no welder per say, but it has worked well for me. Bought it use many years ago and no problem (knock on wood). The 914 is all thin metal, no need for a big welder.

Selling an Elise to finance the restoration of a 914 is what I would call dedication. Welcome to the madness! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/assimilate.gif)

[wonkipop]

hey another 74 1.8 L jet coming back from the dead. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

nice collage.
high res enough for me to look right into the photos. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

04/74 car.?
vin17519?

looking at the throttle body vac hose connection to dizzy advance can its a EC-B engine.
can see the emissions sticker is still there on left hand side of engine bay.
likely says EC-B on that. 49 states emission set up.
looks so original its probably still got the three digit paint code stamp on the engine tin.
be a 604 if it never came with console and gauges. be 605 if it did?

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk. thats a valuable bit of data for @davep who is trying to track when that plate is introduced and pin down a day and a week of production.

there is a bit of data there if you got time to check out a few things.

good luck with the job to bring her back.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Superhawk996]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Sad that the Elise has to go. I’ve driven both the 1st and 2nd Gen Elise and thought it was the only modern car that comes close to matching the 914’s lightweight and nimble feel.

I’ve seen plenty of rusty Michigan cars over the years - I lived there forever. You’ve got your work cut out for you. Sort of crazy to be in the heart of 914 central (CA) and working on something so roached by mid-west cancer, but I admire the desire to preserve a car that has sentimental history.

Take a look at the Dub EFI conversion. The EFI throttle bodies will give you that carb look and induction sound but with the reliability, driveability, and horsepower that is better than Webers can provide . Just something to check out if you’re not aware of availability of that option.
https://thedubshop.com/dual-throttle-body-f...gnition-t4-914/

Now go burn some metal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

[friethmiller]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Awesome! This one is worth saving for sure. Have you thought about putting it on a rotisserie? Based on what I'm seeing in these pics, it might make things a lot easier for you. RD has a CAD design for a rotisserie up on their website. I've made this design twice now. It has certainly made my life easier for both of my restorations. Something to consider, I guess. Best of luck!

[_stickykitty79_]

hey another 74 1.8 L jet coming back from the dead. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

nice collage.
high res enough for me to look right into the photos. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

04/74 car.?
vin17519?

looking at the throttle body vac hose connection to dizzy advance can its a EC-B engine.
can see the emissions sticker is still there on left hand side of engine bay.
likely says EC-B on that. 49 states emission set up.
looks so original its probably still got the three digit paint code stamp on the engine tin.
be a 604 if it never came with console and gauges. be 605 if it did?

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk. thats a valuable bit of data for @davep who is trying to track when that plate is introduced and pin down a day and a week of production.

there is a bit of data there if you got time to check out a few things.

good luck with the job to bring her back.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

yes! all correct, my frunk no plate pic came out fuzzy but its there.
like i said its been in the family awhile, actually third owner was my grandpa from the late 70's. i have all the seller info w the manual.
im still open to what to do in terms of fuel injection/ carbs etc. once i get the engine out, which ran when parked fine 15 years ago so hoping the block is good, is take it to AA performance in Covina to breath on it a little and help me decide where to go from there. https://aapistons.com/?cmp_id=214225090&...8EaAnaiEALw_wcB

thanks all already for the thread links. lots of good rabbit holes to travel

[_stickykitty79_]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Awesome! This one is worth saving for sure. Have you thought about putting it on a rotisserie? Based on what I'm seeing in these pics, it might make things a lot easier for you. RD has a CAD design for a rotisserie up on their website. I've made this design twice now. It has certainly made my life easier for both of my restorations. Something to consider, I guess. Best of luck!

honestly no i didnt plan on it...of course until i visited this site more thoroughly. lol.
ill check it out thanks! this will be a play-by-ear situation. i really wanted a fun project that wasnt home renovation...boring

[_stickykitty79_]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Sad that the Elise has to go. I’ve driven both the 1st and 2nd Gen Elise and thought it was the only modern car that comes close to matching the 914’s lightweight and nimble feel.

I’ve seen plenty of rusty Michigan cars over the years - I lived there forever. You’ve got your work cut out for you. Sort of crazy to be in the heart of 914 central (CA) and working on something so roached by mid-west cancer, but I admire the desire to preserve a car that has sentimental history.

Take a look at the Dub EFI conversion. The EFI throttle bodies will give you that carb look and induction sound but with the reliability, driveability, and horsepower that is better than Webers can provide . Just something to check out if you’re not aware of availability of that option.
https://thedubshop.com/dual-throttle-body-f...gnition-t4-914/

Now go burn some metal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

thanks for the link! 4200 seems a bit steep. but i love the idea they help you set it up. and the ease and convenience seems great too, you go this route?

[davep]

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk.

Indeed, this car is the earliest with the tag that I know of. Importantly it moves the date to week 17, and in week 16 I know of one car with the holes punched, but no tag yet. Please get a good photo for me.
Dave

[_stickykitty79_]

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk.

Indeed, this car is the earliest with the tag that I know of. Importantly it moves the date to week 17, and in week 16 I know of one car with the holes punched, but no tag yet. Please get a good photo for me.
Dave

again sorry for the quality. flash photography and reflective material is tough.

[wonkipop]

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk.

Indeed, this car is the earliest with the tag that I know of. Importantly it moves the date to week 17, and in week 16 I know of one car with the holes punched, but no tag yet. Please get a good photo for me.
Dave

at least my interests in 74 L jets is coming up with some info useful to somebody. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[wonkipop]

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk.

Indeed, this car is the earliest with the tag that I know of. Importantly it moves the date to week 17, and in week 16 I know of one car with the holes punched, but no tag yet. Please get a good photo for me.
Dave

again sorry for the quality. flash photography and reflective material is tough.

hey - thanks for all the photos @_stickykitty79_

the plate @davep is talking about is the dark coloured one down on rhs of trunk (ie same side as the headlight bucket manufacturer plate. its down there in the spare wheel well area. don't really need a photo of it, can see it in the photos you already posted at start of topic. it will have the same number as the karmann plate in the lhs door you photographed. dave's now got those numbers and can date the car to when the plate first started appearing.
good stuff.

there is one other little date threshold i am chasing and its the emissions sticker.
thats the white label with red writing that is on the lhs side of the engine bay.
its hidden up there just below the side top panel where the engine lid edge is.
i can see it is there from the photo collage. if you could take a photo of that and post it - that would be pretty interesting. as going by the vin number on your car its also close to a date when that sticker got updated due to what i think was an EPA directive.
esoteric stuff i know, but hey. why not find stuff out? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

also if you look around on the side of the engine tin upper surface, hidden behind the left hand side heater blower fan hose will be another three digit number with a bit of luck.
see if its there. if the car is what i think it is number should be 604. if engine went with car. using the emission sticker i can check that against that three digit engine number.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

sounds like you have the skills to do some serious looking corrosion repairs.
and the car looks like its all there and very original.
which is a great place to start from if you can handle the tin worm damage.

those little lotuses are red hot cars. but you are right. the 914 will strangely give you more joy. i have driven a elise. it was 25 years ago. great car. but the 914 is actually lower and the steering is even more delicious when fully recommissioned. the closet thing to a 914 is a europa. which i also drove a long long time ago. and a europa is so small you can barely fit in one.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[wonkipop]

this is the plate @davep is talking about @_stickykitty79_

i see dave would like a good photo of it if possible.
congratulations - you got a car that popped some valuable data. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[FlacaProductions]

@wonkipop - I just realized that I might have something to contribute to the 1.8 thread.
or not.

my car is a 74: 4742913488 (40th car built Tuesday, Jan 29 1974?)
originally a 1.8 (now a 2.0)
no tag in the spare well.
and here's my emissions sticker.
To me, it looks like there is a sticker on top of a sticker. I haven't really investigated but happy to if it helps add a data point:
(apologies for the hijack...)

[wonkipop]

@wonkipop - I just realized that I might have something to contribute to the 1.8 thread.
or not.

my car is a 74: 4742913488 (40th car built Tuesday, Jan 29 1974?)
originally a 1.8 (now a 2.0)
no tag in the spare well.
and here's my emissions sticker.
To me, it looks like there is a sticker on top of a sticker. I haven't really investigated but happy to if it helps add a data point:
(apologies for the hijack...)

thanks mate.
geez your car is real close to mine.
mine is jan 25. a friday. yours is the tuesday after.
mine is 13361.
ace. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

i'll stick it in my data.
if you know where your car was originally sold that would tell the full story.
if its still got an owners manual be stamped in there where it was sold new.

the other data that goes with the emissions sticker is the white tune up sticker on the engine tine. lhs. still there? can you post a photo.
and is the three digit painted (white paint) stamp still on engine tin.
usually on left hand side hidden by heater fan hose.
but can sometimes be on right hand side.

if your car is an EC-B its sold new 49 states.
and it it did not have a console/gauges (ie non appearance group 1.8) the engine tin three digit number should be 604.
the tune up sticker on the engine tin will show two black hoses drawn diagramaticallyy either side of the distributor diagram.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)


ah - rereading the post you say the car is now a 2.0
was that a full engine change or 1.8 bored out to 2.0 with still original engine tin etc.

anyways if you have the owners manual with the point of sale new that tells you straight away whether it was an EC-A or EC-B. with reference to the sticker under the sticker.

[_stickykitty79_]

can even see its a car with the production number plate rivetted in front trunk rather than engraved in rear trunk.

Indeed, this car is the earliest with the tag that I know of. Importantly it moves the date to week 17, and in week 16 I know of one car with the holes punched, but no tag yet. Please get a good photo for me.
Dave

again sorry for the quality. flash photography and reflective material is tough.

hey - thanks for all the photos @_stickykitty79_

the plate @davep is talking about is the dark coloured one down on rhs of trunk (ie same side as the headlight bucket manufacturer plate. its down there in the spare wheel well area. don't really need a photo of it, can see it in the photos you already posted at start of topic. it will have the same number as the karmann plate in the lhs door you photographed. dave's now got those numbers and can date the car to when the plate first started appearing.
good stuff.

there is one other little date threshold i am chasing and its the emissions sticker.
thats the white label with red writing that is on the lhs side of the engine bay.
its hidden up there just below the side top panel where the engine lid edge is.
i can see it is there from the photo collage. if you could take a photo of that and post it - that would be pretty interesting. as going by the vin number on your car its also close to a date when that sticker got updated due to what i think was an EPA directive.
esoteric stuff i know, but hey. why not find stuff out? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

also if you look around on the side of the engine tin upper surface, hidden behind the left hand side heater blower fan hose will be another three digit number with a bit of luck.
see if its there. if the car is what i think it is number should be 604. if engine went with car. using the emission sticker i can check that against that three digit engine number.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

sounds like you have the skills to do some serious looking corrosion repairs.
and the car looks like its all there and very original.
which is a great place to start from if you can handle the tin worm damage.

those little lotuses are red hot cars. but you are right. the 914 will strangely give you more joy. i have driven a elise. it was 25 years ago. great car. but the 914 is actually lower and the steering is even more delicious when fully recommissioned. the closet thing to a 914 is a europa. which i also drove a long long time ago. and a europa is so small you can barely fit in one.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

awesoem thanks for the clarification! ill get those pics posted.
as for skills? not really, general knowledge and an eagerness to try. ive got some fun plans for it and will post as i go!
-MAtt