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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Convertible 914

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 7 2004, 09:54 AM

Hello, I am a new member looking for some information/advice.

Back in the late 80's and early 90's there was an outfit in Carson Ca. that was marketing a convertible kit for the 914. Their name was MAI Auto Division. There were 2 men, Bill Guinn and Bill McKnight.

I was wondering if anybody knew of these guys or had any other tips on how to make my 914 a convertible??

Posted by: Brad Roberts Aug 7 2004, 10:50 AM

I forget the guy's name, but somewhere buried on the Google archives you'll find a guy who dedicated a decent site to the 914 convertables built in Socal.

The person I would call is Bob Farnham. He runs the body shop in Venice Ca. where most of the conversions where done. I dont know the name of the body shop... but I know it is still there. Bob called a "division" of his place "Beach Boy's Racing". He is right next door to "Otto"s. Someone else on the BBS here can get you the numbers. Last I checked they where utilizing parts from a Miata top.

B

Posted by: Ctrout Aug 7 2004, 11:07 AM

Try this site. It might be what you are looking for.http://www.reddawgracing.com

Posted by: Brad Roberts Aug 7 2004, 11:10 AM

They are the ONLY (so called) vendor that I would advise you staying away from. I have seen some seriously hacked crap come out of that place. The beer bottle is more important to them than getting anything done around the "compound".

B

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 7 2004, 11:58 AM

I have already talked to them. The method they use removes the entire sail panel and rear window. I do not think that this is practicle for a Fl. car. To much unexpected rain.

BTW this is not the first time I have been warned about them.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Aug 7 2004, 12:03 PM

Ha ha... and it wont be the last.

B

Posted by: Brad Roberts Aug 7 2004, 12:04 PM

Welcome BTW

I noticed your signup. Good to see you posting so quickly.

We have many members throughout Florida.

B

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 7 2004, 12:08 PM

My little one has been dissasembled for the last 10 years.

Its restoration is starting to take as long as my college degree.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Aug 7 2004, 12:11 PM

You'll fit right in with this group...

B

Posted by: watsonrx13 Aug 7 2004, 09:05 PM

Welcome to Central Florida Group. If you need anything, just post. There's alot of local teeners with vast years of experience. Don't worry about getting the car to a drivable state, it will get there when it get's there.

Again, welcome the the ABYSS.

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 8 2004, 05:10 AM

Hey, where do the central Fl. guys hang out ?? I need to immerse myself back in the "car culture".

Posted by: Rider914 Aug 8 2004, 01:40 PM

Full time convertable - not good for regular days, but great on sundays!

Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 8 2004, 02:55 PM

Rider 914:

NICE CAR. I think that you and I have E-mailed in the past about this subject. Your car is unmistakable.

I guess full time sunshine is good but you have had her inside for the better part of the last 2 weeks, have you not..

I like it , however impractical it is. If I cannot find a way to make mine a functioning convertible I would like to imitate yours.

BTW I used to work out on the Beeline on the way to Moroso.

Posted by: Rider914 Aug 8 2004, 06:50 PM

Thanks, You are right - rain every day for a good month now. Today I went out for a quick run (down the Bee Line) saw 5k in 5th! Then went to the beach for a little surfing!

I have a water proof cover that works well, but I'm not afraid of a little rain - rust is going to get her one day sooner or later. Better to drive it than let it rust in the garage.

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 11 2004, 09:39 AM

I'm glad that someone is enjoying their car.

I am going to start my rebuild and leave the top situation
until the end. Maybe something will turn up along the way.

Posted by: rdauenhauer Aug 11 2004, 10:19 AM

I recall that outfit, I tremember VW & Porsche or perhaps by then they had converted to EC, did a artical with a White car. The top dropped into a tray fabbed where the engin lid is. To compensate for the lack of intake air they fabbed scoops extending from the door latch scallops.

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 11 2004, 04:50 PM

Exactly, it was a December 1989 issue of VW/ Porsche magazine. I still have that issue. ( I gotta learn to throw things away.)

The car looked great. I don't know how well that particular conversion would work with a V8 conversion, but it looked very nicely done. In the article they state that they were marketing it as a kit, or as a conversion done by them.

Posted by: neo914-6 Aug 11 2004, 04:59 PM

heavydriver,

QUOTE

December 1989 issue of VW/ Porsche magazine

Can you scan and post some pics from that issue?
Felix

Posted by: heavydriver Aug 11 2004, 05:35 PM

I'll try. I am about as low tech as they come. I still have not figured out the smiley faces that everyone uses.