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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ New project: 1975 Chalon
Posted by: carl k Aug 14 2018, 04:56 PM
My 1974 1.8 is only gone a week and I've got a new project to waste time on. This 1975 1.8 Chalon kitted car belonged to a co-worker who needed it out of his side yard so he could fill in his backyard pool. Motor is locked up due to him selling the carbs and not covering the intake ports.
My oldest son is 15, so I'm going to try to get him involved with this resurrection so he's got some equity in it when he's old enough to drive it. I am realistic and know there are likely going to be some new driver mishaps, and I won't feel guilty if he bends a Chalon.
One of my first orders of business is to figure out how I can get it running in the most cost effective manner possible.
-Carl
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 14 2018, 05:22 PM
Well, if nothing else, there’s a $1000 worth of Fuchs there... 
Posted by: beech4rd Aug 14 2018, 05:36 PM
Now that's a fine car! Or not.
Is that a Dormobile conversion on your Land Rover?
Posted by: tygaboy Aug 14 2018, 05:42 PM
Say what you will about Chalons, but that I think that one actually looks pretty good!
Best of luck with the build.
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 14 2018, 05:55 PM
Say what you will about Chalons, but that I think that one actually looks pretty good!
Best of luck with the build.
Chris,
I agree. If the body and paint work were redone that would be a good looking Chalon.
Slip a six or other (insert wild imagination here) conversion in it and you’ve got a car worth talking about.
My problem with the car in the first place is that it was a conversion meant to make the car look like one of these, and WTF! They were only $9-10K new. I know! I bought 2 of them new. My feeling is that if your going to do a body kit on a car to make it look like another car, at least make it look like a car that you can’t afford to actually buy.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Beakster Aug 14 2018, 06:59 PM
Hey ... Say what they will about the Chalon .. 
But they make a great looking RAT ROD ..
Thats what I'm turning my Chalon into .. Flat Black and the odd chrome pieces .. 
Posted by: tomeric914 Aug 14 2018, 07:13 PM
I'd rather see more of what looks like a Series II LWB than the Chalon, but that's just me...
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 14 2018, 07:44 PM
Well, now that i have your approval ...
![whip[1].gif](style_emoticons/default/whip[1].gif)
Posted by: Andyrew Aug 14 2018, 10:55 PM
Cost efficient? Cut out the trunk, put a Honda motor/trans in it, and put the radiator in front of the engine laying flat with a fan and a duct.
You could probably get it on the road with some new parts for less than 500
Same thing can be done with a Subaru but more cost, however nicer.
Mueller just got his 3.5 Honda v6 conversion running with very minimal effort and costs.. that is a killer setup there, but adapter hardware is required.
Posted by: Mueller Aug 14 2018, 11:15 PM
Cost efficient? Cut out the trunk, put a Honda motor/trans in it, and put the radiator in front of the engine laying flat with a fan and a duct.
You could probably get it on the road with some new parts for less than 500
Same thing can be done with a Subaru but more cost, however nicer.
Mueller just got his 3.5 Honda v6 conversion running with very minimal effort and costs.. that is a killer setup there, but adapter hardware is required.
I like this Chalon, it might have to do with the wild paint job.
I think you should do an Audi 1.8T so you can buy my Passat/Boxster 5 speed and brand new 1.8t forged flyweel and clutch kit
Posted by: motorvated Aug 15 2018, 07:11 AM
How about a fresh 215 Buick. I have a complete unused conversion setup that I was planning for my Chalon, but have decided to stick with a four so I can keep racing with the Vintage guys.
Posted by: carl k Aug 15 2018, 11:11 AM
I like the ideas, and my son is thinking engine swap also. He plays a driving video game, Forza, where he can virtually "mod" his cars. In the video game, an engine swap is just a few controller clicks. Little does he know how long the 914 would actually be up on the jack stands!
But for starters, I am thinking a 914 engine. There's a locked-up 1.8 in the car, with no FI or carbs. I have another 1.8 which has (at least) a broken exhaust valve, and it came with the L-jet FI. I have a couple 1.7L D-jet systems (can I use those on a 1.8 engine?). And a GC code 2.0 long block.
I think I'll see if I can piece together a running 1.8 between the two core engines. If that looks too expensive due to machining costs, maybe try to find a known runner 1.7 or 1.8 from a local enthusiast.
The engine swaps can come later. I don't want to give a 16 year old too many horses to play with!
-Carl
For tomeric914 and beech4rd: The 1967 Land Rover Dormobile tow vehicle:
Posted by: Mueller Aug 15 2018, 11:31 AM
I like the ideas, and my son is thinking engine swap also. He plays a driving video game, Forza, where he can virtually "mod" his cars. In the video game, an engine swap is just a few controller clicks. Little does he know how long the 914 would actually be up on the jack stands!
But for starters, I am thinking a 914 engine. There's a locked-up 1.8 in the car, with no FI or carbs. I have another 1.8 which has (at least) a broken exhaust valve, and it came with the L-jet FI. I have a couple 1.7L D-jet systems (can I use those on a 1.8 engine?). And a GC code 2.0 long block.
I think I'll see if I can piece together a running 1.8 between the two core engines. If that looks too expensive due to machining costs, maybe try to find a known runner 1.7 or 1.8 from a local enthusiast.
The engine swaps can come later. I don't want to give a 16 year old too many horses to play with!
-Carl
For tomeric914 and beech4rd: The 1967 Land Rover Dormobile tow vehicle:
I have a 1.8 ready to re-assemble, all cleaned up!
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=331606
I dig the Land Rover, we have a newer one however I'd love to have a classic like yours.
Posted by: carl k Aug 15 2018, 11:44 AM
Yes I've seen your ad and it's definitely an option depending on what I find when I dig into the engines I have!
I have a 1.8 ready to re-assemble, all cleaned up!
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=331606
Posted by: burton73 Aug 15 2018, 01:40 PM
How about a fresh 215 Buick. I have a complete unused conversion setup that I was planning for my Chalon, but have decided to stick with a four so I can keep racing with the Vintage guys.
Back in the late 70s I thought the styling of the Mitcom Chalon was super. I was also in my early 20s and I liked the update styling kits for the pre-1974 911s. The paint of the Mincom for their ads from the porotype paint ad scheme.
What the hell was I thinking but I never bought one. Still think they look good. If done with aluminum and steel the valances and bumpers for 1974 911 look good to me. Now I like the older long noise on the 911 but in that moment, I did like the styling Q’s
Bob B
[attachmentid=663366]
Posted by: ValcoOscar Aug 15 2018, 01:46 PM
Back in the late 70s I thought the styling of the Mitcom Chalon was super. I was also in my early 20s and I liked the update styling kits for the pre-1974 911s. The paint of the Mincom for their ads from the porotype paint ad scheme.
What the hell was I thinking but I never bought one. Still think they look good. If done with aluminum and steel the valances and bumpers for 1974 911 look good to me. Now I like the older long noise on the 911 but in that moment, I did like the styling Q’s
Bob B
I also liked this kit back then. I visited their facility in Compton (now Rancho Dominguez) just off the 91 Fwy. I must have seen 10 body kits in-process.
Fav color was guards red! My wallet back then never let me buy a kit. 
Oscar
Posted by: sixnotfour Aug 15 2018, 03:04 PM
VW Porsche mag Aug. 1980
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Beakster Aug 15 2018, 05:40 PM
HEY ... Too All you guys in the 914 World that feel that the Chalon is a piece of 
May want to just keep in mind ... After Having only 911's my whole life the 914 is a piece of to the 911WORLD ..
We all have different taste in how we fix up our 914 's .. Some like V8's Some like 6cly some stay with the type 4 .. We All have different Budgets and what we want to do to our personal HotRod ... So It angers me to hear Bashing towards someone uses choice ..
the WORLD part means we are all are different but share the same passion of the 914
Posted by: Beakster Aug 15 2018, 05:52 PM
Say what you will about Chalons, but that I think that one actually looks pretty good!
Best of luck with the build.
Chris,
I agree. If the body and paint work were redone that would be a good looking Chalon.
Slip a six or other (insert wild imagination here) conversion in it and you’ve got a car worth talking about.
My problem with the car in the first place is that it was a conversion meant to make the car look like one of these, and WTF! They were only $9-10K new. I know! I bought 2 of them new. My feeling is that if your going to do a body kit on a car to make it look like another car, at least make it look like a car that you can’t afford to actually buy.
Hey Chris Your WRONG ... It was made to look like a Mazda .. Just in YOUR eyes ..
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 15 2018, 06:24 PM
Say what you will about Chalons, but that I think that one actually looks pretty good!
Best of luck with the build.
Chris,
I agree. If the body and paint work were redone that would be a good looking Chalon.
Slip a six or other (insert wild imagination here) conversion in it and you’ve got a car worth talking about.
My problem with the car in the first place is that it was a conversion meant to make the car look like one of these, and WTF! They were only $9-10K new. I know! I bought 2 of them new. My feeling is that if your going to do a body kit on a car to make it look like another car, at least make it look like a car that you can’t afford to actually buy.
Hey Chris Your WRONG ... It was made to look like a Mazda .. Just in YOUR eyes ..
Oh dear. I’ve angered Canada again. They’ll probably invade us...
Posted by: cwpeden Aug 15 2018, 06:27 PM
We are starting with a smoke screen... 
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 15 2018, 06:29 PM
We are starting with a smoke screen...
Posted by: Larmo63 Aug 15 2018, 06:39 PM
I read and re-read the whole thread.
Was there bashing going on?
Posted by: forrestkhaag Aug 15 2018, 06:44 PM
this thread illustrates exactly what my Harvard Prof. Dad used to say to me all the time. "This is exactly why there is a program of higher education for you to pursue, Son".
Attached image(s)
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 15 2018, 06:49 PM
I read and re-read the whole thread.
Was there bashing going on?
No. Apparently, someone is sensitive about their Chalon and now no one is allowed to have opinions. CW says the smoke from he B.C. fires is a prelude to a Canadian invasion (stay safe up there CW) , the Beekster will probably point out that Canada kicked ass on the US once before. (Incorrectly)
I’m in trouble for thinking the Chalon looks like an RX7 even though articles written about it back in the day point out that it “looks like an RX7.” He thinks my name is Chris so just to be safe I’m going to PM him Chris’ address.
My personal feeling is it’s kind of funny.
Posted by: Mr. Olympic Blue 2 You Aug 15 2018, 09:19 PM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything! 
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 15 2018, 09:58 PM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything!
If you’re talking about me, my car isn’t a 916 body kit. It’s an M471. Also, no one at all called it ugly. It isn’t ugly. It’s made to look like an RX7. I owned two RX7’s in the ‘80’s. Why would I buy a car I thought to be ugly? I said, and I repeat, why would you put a body kit on a car to make it look like a car anyone could buy? In 1984 I bought an RX7 GSL-SE for $14K. So let’s think this through critically. The 914 was only say 10 years old on average then. So it wasn’t that cheap to buy. Then you have the cost of the kit and shipping, then installation and bodywork. By then, you’re pretty darn close to that top of the line RX7. So why?
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 15 2018, 10:05 PM
I like the ideas, and my son is thinking engine swap also. He plays a driving video game, Forza, where he can virtually "mod" his cars. In the video game, an engine swap is just a few controller clicks. Little does he know how long the 914 would actually be up on the jack stands!
But for starters, I am thinking a 914 engine. There's a locked-up 1.8 in the car, with no FI or carbs. I have another 1.8 which has (at least) a broken exhaust valve, and it came with the L-jet FI. I have a couple 1.7L D-jet systems (can I use those on a 1.8 engine?). And a GC code 2.0 long block.
I think I'll see if I can piece together a running 1.8 between the two core engines. If that looks too expensive due to machining costs, maybe try to find a known runner 1.7 or 1.8 from a local enthusiast.
The engine swaps can come later. I don't want to give a 16 year old too many horses to play with!
-Carl
For tomeric914 and beech4rd: The 1967 Land Rover Dormobile tow vehicle:
Just a thought Carl, when our youngest started driving a friend suggested putting an MSD box on it with a 4000RPM pill. We never did but it would have allowed everything but WOT driving...
judging by the color scheme, that might be a factory built Chalon.
Posted by: RickS Aug 15 2018, 10:12 PM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
Posted by: Jamie Aug 16 2018, 07:36 AM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
Just out of my own ignorance and curiosity, was there a real "original factory" 914 Chalon?
Posted by: Steve Aug 16 2018, 07:50 AM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
Just out of my own ignorance and curiosity, was there a real "original factory" 914 Chalon?
Nope, just a bunch of aftermarket kits. Chalon was a kit made by Mitcom. I also liked the Rayco kit. In the 80's and 90's, I was a big fan of both kits, but I was never a fan of fiberglass, due to the cracks, so I never invested in one.
Posted by: Steve Aug 16 2018, 07:54 AM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything!
If you’re talking about me, my car isn’t a 916 body kit. It’s an M471. Also, no one at all called it ugly. It isn’t ugly. It’s made to look like an RX7. I owned two RX7’s in the ‘80’s. Why would I buy a car I thought to be ugly? I said, and I repeat, why would you put a body kit on a car to make it look like a car anyone could buy? In 1984 I bought an RX7 GSL-SE for $14K. So let’s think this through critically. The 914 was only say 10 years old on average then. So it wasn’t that cheap to buy. Then you have the cost of the kit and shipping, then installation and bodywork. By then, you’re pretty darn close to that top of the line RX7. So why?
I think he was referring to Sir Andy, since Andy is the only one on this thread with 916 bumpers.
I also like the vintage M471 look. Too bad our cars are not real M471 cars. They would be worth a lot more money. However if they worth that much money, I probably wouldn't drive it as far and as much.
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 16 2018, 08:30 AM
Paul posted his in the sandbox. I’m confused though. If they weren’t factory assembled, why are so many in this color scheme?
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 16 2018, 08:41 AM
Paul posted his in the sandbox. I’m confused though. If they weren’t factory assembled, why are so many in this color scheme?
I don’t know but that pic isn’t a Chalon.
The rear is a Rayco and the front looks, uh, custom? Chalon shad the 911 front bumper bellows, albeit in fiberglass.
But like you I do wonder why this paint job ends up on so many 914’s.
Posted by: Andyrew Aug 16 2018, 08:49 AM
Paul posted his in the sandbox. I’m confused though. If they weren’t factory assembled, why are so many in this color scheme?
I don’t know but that pic isn’t a Chalon.
The rear is a Rayco and the front looks, uh, custom? Chalon shad the 911 front bumper bellows, albeit in fiberglass.
But like you I do wonder why this paint job ends up on so many 914’s.
Thats a 944 NA front bumper center section.
And they were painted that way because 80's... And products of the 80's are better than any other generation
Posted by: AZBanks Aug 17 2018, 01:32 PM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything!
If you’re talking about me, my car isn’t a 916 body kit. It’s an M471. Also, no one at all called it ugly. It isn’t ugly. It’s made to look like an RX7. I owned two RX7’s in the ‘80’s. Why would I buy a car I thought to be ugly? I said, and I repeat, why would you put a body kit on a car to make it look like a car anyone could buy? In 1984 I bought an RX7 GSL-SE for $14K. So let’s think this through critically. The 914 was only say 10 years old on average then. So it wasn’t that cheap to buy. Then you have the cost of the kit and shipping, then installation and bodywork. By then, you’re pretty darn close to that top of the line RX7. So why?
It only looks like an rx7 to those who need an appointment with their eye doctor.
It has 911 style bumpers. If they wanted it to look like a mazda, they would have put mazda bumpers on it. It was designed to look like a 911/930 slant nose. One look at the marketing materials for the kit should make that obvious.
Posted by: Mueller Aug 17 2018, 01:39 PM
HEY ... Too All you guys in the 914 World that feel that the Chalon is a piece of
May want to just keep in mind ... After Having only 911's my whole life the 914 is a piece of to the 911WORLD .. We all have different taste in how we fix up our 914 's .. Some like V8's Some like 6cly some stay with the type 4 .. We All have different Budgets and what we want to do to our personal HotRod ... So It angers me to hear Bashing towards someone uses choice ..
the WORLD part means we are all are different but share the same passion of the 914
Lighten up Francis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OnpkDWbeJs
I'd say a good majority of 914 owners currently have or owned a 911s in the past (like myself)
No one is calling the Chalon a POS, it is the styling that is a love or hate thing.
Posted by: AZBanks Aug 17 2018, 01:42 PM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
YOU should not feel like an idiot...
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 17 2018, 02:17 PM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
YOU should not feel like an idiot...
But I think Rob should add a Chalon to his stable. Sell off the Datsun!
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 17 2018, 04:41 PM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
YOU should not feel like an idiot...
But I think Rob should add a Chalon to his stable. Sell off the Datsun!
No.
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 17 2018, 04:45 PM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything!
If you’re talking about me, my car isn’t a 916 body kit. It’s an M471. Also, no one at all called it ugly. It isn’t ugly. It’s made to look like an RX7. I owned two RX7’s in the ‘80’s. Why would I buy a car I thought to be ugly? I said, and I repeat, why would you put a body kit on a car to make it look like a car anyone could buy? In 1984 I bought an RX7 GSL-SE for $14K. So let’s think this through critically. The 914 was only say 10 years old on average then. So it wasn’t that cheap to buy. Then you have the cost of the kit and shipping, then installation and bodywork. By then, you’re pretty darn close to that top of the line RX7. So why?
It only looks like an rx7 to those who need an appointment with their eye doctor.
It has 911 style bumpers. If they wanted it to look like a mazda, they would have put mazda bumpers on it. It was designed to look like a 911/930 slant nose. One look at the marketing materials for the kit should make that obvious.I worked for Dune Buggy Supply back then. Building kit cars. The VW mags back in the day said it “brings to mind the Mazda RX7.” I’ve never seen the marketing materials.
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 17 2018, 05:32 PM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
YOU should not feel like an idiot...
But I think Rob should add a Chalon to his stable. Sell off the Datsun!
No.
But you said you owned RX-7’s!!! One has to make the mental leap that you actually liked the styling in order to purchase TWO of them!
If needed we could always look for a Chalon that has had a Wankel swapped into it.
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 17 2018, 05:33 PM
And the whole time I thought the Charon kit was a facsimile of the slope nose 911. Man do I feel like a total idiot.
YOU should not feel like an idiot...
But I think Rob should add a Chalon to his stable. Sell off the Datsun!
No.
But you said you owned RX-7’s!!! One has to make the mental leap that you actually liked the styling in order to purchase TWO of them!
If needed we could always look for a Chalon that has had a Wankel swapped into it.
No.
Posted by: worn Aug 17 2018, 07:02 PM
HEY ... Too All you guys in the 914 World that feel that the Chalon is a piece of
May want to just keep in mind ... After Having only 911's my whole life the 914 is a piece of to the 911WORLD .. We all have different taste in how we fix up our 914 's .. Some like V8's Some like 6cly some stay with the type 4 .. We All have different Budgets and what we want to do to our personal HotRod ... So It angers me to hear Bashing towards someone uses choice ..
the WORLD part means we are all are different but share the same passion of the 914
Lighten up
I'd say a good majority of 914 owners currently have or owned a 911s in the past (like myself)
No one is calling the Chalon a POS, it is the styling that is a love or hate thing.
Me among others. The OP had no way to know how very funny this thread would become. No, I don’t blame Canada.
Posted by: horizontally-opposed Aug 17 2018, 09:38 PM
What's amazing to me is a Chalon might be at pricing parity with a (rough) 944, the newer Porsche some Chalons share their front bumpers with. I would have loved to have listened in on some of those conversations: "Sir, we now offer the choice of a downgraded 944 nose, in case you're feeling a bit conscious about the full monte up front." It would be even more interesting to chart the value curves for Chalons vs real Slantnoses between 1985 and now, this from a guy who hates value threads. Might be humorous to see where the curves come closest.
And yes, lighten up re: poking a bit of fun at the Chalon. They've actually aged better than I expected, but more importantly, I've always felt like a Porsche owner who can't laugh at the porcupine joke shouldn't be driving a Porsche. That goes double when it comes to we 914 folk...while the car is finally having its day, it was long the butt of many, many, many jokes. Best to grin and bear it. 
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 17 2018, 10:17 PM
On the plus side Pete, with far more slant nose 911’s than were originally made, it’s much easier to plot that value curve! 
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 17 2018, 10:22 PM
What's amazing to me is a Chalon might be at pricing parity with a (rough) 944, the newer Porsche some Chalons share their front bumpers with. I would have loved to have listened in on some of those conversations: "Sir, we now offer the choice of a downgraded 944 nose, in case you're feeling a bit conscious about the full monte up front." It would be even more interesting to chart the value curves for Chalons vs real Slantnoses between 1985 and now, this from a guy who hates value threads. Might be humorous to see where the curves come closest.
And yes, lighten up re: poking a bit of fun at the Chalon. They've actually aged better than I expected, but more importantly, I've always felt like a Porsche owner who can't laugh at the porcupine joke shouldn't be driving a Porsche. That goes double when it comes to we 914 folk...while the car is finally having its day, it was long the butt of many, many, many jokes. Best to grin and bear it.
Wait, are we plotting the curve of all Chalons? Or Chalons with wankels? Because if it’s the latter we could just ask Rob what he thinks his new car is worth..to him...if he sold it to a Canadian.
There can’t be more than one Chalon with a wankel, can there?
Posted by: horizontally-opposed Aug 17 2018, 10:24 PM
On the plus side Pete, with far more slant nose 911’s than were originally made, it’s much easier to plot that value curve!
To keep it fair, I was thinking original Chalons and original Slantnoses only.
The question is, would that disqualify Beach Boys Racing?
Wait, are we plotting the curve of all Chalons? Or Chalons with wankels? Because if it’s the latter we could just ask Rob what he thinks his new car is worth..to him...if he sold it to a Canadian.
There can’t be more than one Chalon with a wankel, can there?
Posted by: Larmo63 Aug 17 2018, 10:27 PM
I imagine leisure suits will come back in style someday too......?
Posted by: ConeDodger Aug 17 2018, 10:40 PM
What's amazing to me is a Chalon might be at pricing parity with a (rough) 944, the newer Porsche some Chalons share their front bumpers with. I would have loved to have listened in on some of those conversations: "Sir, we now offer the choice of a downgraded 944 nose, in case you're feeling a bit conscious about the full monte up front." It would be even more interesting to chart the value curves for Chalons vs real Slantnoses between 1985 and now, this from a guy who hates value threads. Might be humorous to see where the curves come closest.
And yes, lighten up re: poking a bit of fun at the Chalon. They've actually aged better than I expected, but more importantly, I've always felt like a Porsche owner who can't laugh at the porcupine joke shouldn't be driving a Porsche. That goes double when it comes to we 914 folk...while the car is finally having its day, it was long the butt of many, many, many jokes. Best to grin and bear it.
Wait, are we plotting the curve of all Chalons? Or Chalons with wankels? Because if it’s the latter we could just ask Rob what he thinks his new car is worth..to him...if he sold it to a Canadian.
There can’t be more than one Chalon with a wankel, can there?
I would never sell anything to a Canadian. Without exception, every time I did this in the past, they asked me to help them cheat on their taxes, and then were totally butt hurt when I said no.
I have never seen a Chalon that I would call decently done. I’m no Ferg, but I just wouldn’t own any I’ve ever seen. The were all total shitboxes. On second thought, I should buy one and sell it to a Canadian just to get the damned thing exported! Might even help the wanker cheat on his taxes!
Posted by: porschetub Aug 17 2018, 11:07 PM
What's amazing to me is a Chalon might be at pricing parity with a (rough) 944, the newer Porsche some Chalons share their front bumpers with. I would have loved to have listened in on some of those conversations: "Sir, we now offer the choice of a downgraded 944 nose, in case you're feeling a bit conscious about the full monte up front." It would be even more interesting to chart the value curves for Chalons vs real Slantnoses between 1985 and now, this from a guy who hates value threads. Might be humorous to see where the curves come closest.
And yes, lighten up re: poking a bit of fun at the Chalon. They've actually aged better than I expected, but more importantly, I've always felt like a Porsche owner who can't laugh at the porcupine joke shouldn't be driving a Porsche. That goes double when it comes to we 914 folk...while the car is finally having its day, it was long the butt of many, many, many jokes. Best to grin and bear it.
Wait, are we plotting the curve of all Chalons? Or Chalons with wankels? Because if it’s the latter we could just ask Rob what he thinks his new car is worth..to him...if he sold it to a Canadian.
There can’t be more than one Chalon with a wankel, can there?
I would never sell anything to a Canadian. Without exception, every time I did this in the past, they asked me to help them cheat on their taxes, and then were totally butt hurt when I said no.
I have never seen a Chalon that I would call decently done. I’m no Ferg, but I just wouldn’t own any I’ve ever seen. The were all total shitboxes. On second thought, I should buy one and sell it to a Canadian just to get the damned thing exported! Might even help the wanker cheat on his taxes!
Wow what a sh%t storm on this car,main issue that many were built on crashed tubs because they were most likely free back then,worth checking panel fit and gaps but hopefully all is ok,good luck.
Posted by: AZBanks Aug 18 2018, 07:18 PM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything!
If you’re talking about me, my car isn’t a 916 body kit. It’s an M471. Also, no one at all called it ugly. It isn’t ugly. It’s made to look like an RX7. I owned two RX7’s in the ‘80’s. Why would I buy a car I thought to be ugly? I said, and I repeat, why would you put a body kit on a car to make it look like a car anyone could buy? In 1984 I bought an RX7 GSL-SE for $14K. So let’s think this through critically. The 914 was only say 10 years old on average then. So it wasn’t that cheap to buy. Then you have the cost of the kit and shipping, then installation and bodywork. By then, you’re pretty darn close to that top of the line RX7. So why?
It only looks like an rx7 to those who need an appointment with their eye doctor.
It has 911 style bumpers. If they wanted it to look like a mazda, they would have put mazda bumpers on it. It was designed to look like a 911/930 slant nose. One look at the marketing materials for the kit should make that obvious.I worked for Dune Buggy Supply back then. Building kit cars. The VW mags back in the day said it “brings to mind the Mazda RX7.” I’ve never seen the marketing materials.
Post 15 of this thread has some pics of the original marketing materials.
The writers and editors of VW mags back in the day did way too many hard drugs.
Posted by: carl k Aug 19 2018, 12:46 PM
OP here....lively discussion! Don't worry about offending me. I'm no huge Chalon fan either. Since it has the Fuchs, it was an easy decision to bring it home as a project. It's a solid car with minimal rust, so it will be a good project to work on with my son. And as I said, I won't be heartbroken if something happens to it.
ConeDodger, that is a good idea to put a rev limiter on it.
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 19 2018, 12:56 PM
I probably should’ve mentioned earlier in the thread that I had a Chalon kit back in the late 80’s. Never installed it and ended up giving it away...to a Canadian (no lie). Last I heard it was in his attic but he did modify one of the 914’s I gave him to look like a Chalon. He used a Ford Probe GT (late model) front fascia, Chrysler Cirrus front fenders, Ford Escort front fenders in the rear (turned around so the left was on the right and right was on the left) and a Ford Probe GT rear fascia. I’ll see if I can find the pics and add them here. He had a Chrysler 318 in it for awhile but had trouble getting it registered in Ontario so pulled the engine and putting a 2.0L type IV back in.
Posted by: PatrickB Aug 19 2018, 04:30 PM
I probably should’ve mentioned earlier in the thread that I had a Chalon kit back in the late 80’s. Never installed it and ended up giving it away...to a Canadian (no lie). Last I heard it was in his attic but he did modify one of the 914’s I gave him to look like a Chalon. He used a Ford Probe GT (late model) front fascia, Chrysler Cirrus front fenders, Ford Escort front fenders in the rear (turned around so the left was on the right and right was on the left) and a Ford Probe GT rear fascia. I’ll see if I can find the pics and add them here. He had a Chrysler 318 in it for awhile but had trouble getting it registered in Ontario so pulled the engine and putting a 2.0L type IV back in.
Was the guy outside Windsor? Might be my car.... Ford probe GT front and back, had a 360 dodge in it... type 4 2 L when I bought it. Mine was originally a Sarnia car according to the the dealer package everyone has to get from the government when they sell a car. Was light blue originally. Problem my guy has wasn't registering the car, it was that the insurance company wouldn't give him historic vehicle pricing with the 360 and the body mods.
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 19 2018, 04:54 PM
I probably should’ve mentioned earlier in the thread that I had a Chalon kit back in the late 80’s. Never installed it and ended up giving it away...to a Canadian (no lie). Last I heard it was in his attic but he did modify one of the 914’s I gave him to look like a Chalon. He used a Ford Probe GT (late model) front fascia, Chrysler Cirrus front fenders, Ford Escort front fenders in the rear (turned around so the left was on the right and right was on the left) and a Ford Probe GT rear fascia. I’ll see if I can find the pics and add them here. He had a Chrysler 318 in it for awhile but had trouble getting it registered in Ontario so pulled the engine and putting a 2.0L type IV back in.
Was the guy outside Windsor? Might be my car.... Ford probe GT front and back, had a 360 dodge in it... type 4 2 L when I bought it. Mine was originally a Sarnia car according to the the dealer package everyone has to get from the government when they sell a car. Was light blue originally.
Yup, yup and yup. I gave him two cars, a black one and a light blue one. I believe it was a 360 Dodge motor in it now that I think about it. I think the black one was the one that he put he built the Chalon look alike on. Did it look like this?
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Posted by: PatrickB Aug 19 2018, 05:17 PM
I probably should’ve mentioned earlier in the thread that I had a Chalon kit back in the late 80’s. Never installed it and ended up giving it away...to a Canadian (no lie). Last I heard it was in his attic but he did modify one of the 914’s I gave him to look like a Chalon. He used a Ford Probe GT (late model) front fascia, Chrysler Cirrus front fenders, Ford Escort front fenders in the rear (turned around so the left was on the right and right was on the left) and a Ford Probe GT rear fascia. I’ll see if I can find the pics and add them here. He had a Chrysler 318 in it for awhile but had trouble getting it registered in Ontario so pulled the engine and putting a 2.0L type IV back in.
Was the guy outside Windsor? Might be my car.... Ford probe GT front and back, had a 360 dodge in it... type 4 2 L when I bought it. Mine was originally a Sarnia car according to the the dealer package everyone has to get from the government when they sell a car. Was light blue originally.
Yup, yup and yup. I gave him two cars, a black one and a light blue one. I believe it was a 360 Dodge motor in it now that I think about it. I think the black one was the one that he put he built the Chalon look alike on. Did it look like this?
That's my car. drove it a lot in the last 4 years with the 2 litre, had a valve seat come loose. In the middle of another swap... Good to know where some more of the body work came from! paint inside the headlight pots and the doors is blue.
Posted by: PatrickB Aug 19 2018, 05:25 PM
Tried to chase him down this summer, he ran a body shop and I hit a raccoon and made a mess of the car. He sold the shop and I don't know where he went. The other car was on a jig last I saw it, and another guy in Windsor bought it and a whole lot of other parts, at least 2 bodies,and including the 360 and adaptor. Don't know if he ever got it together. My car is in a PPG paint calendar from 2005, so it's a long time ago that he built it.
Posted by: Rob-O Aug 19 2018, 05:35 PM
Yup, all that (including the rims/tires) were mine at one point. The paint is a PPG prismatic. Unless he gave you what he had left I doubt a repaint will match.
He had a light blue shell. The black car had rust in the rear trunk. He cut all of it out, put the 360 in it and we would use it as a dune buggy in the field next to his house.
I lived in Detroit at the time and we were pretty close.
Posted by: PatrickB Aug 19 2018, 05:45 PM
Yup, all that (including the rims/tires) were mine at one point. The paint is a PPG prismatic. Unless he gave you what he had left I doubt a repaint will match.
He had a light blue shell. The black car had rust in the rear trunk. He cut all of it out, put the 360 in it and we would use it as a dune buggy in the field next to his house.
I lived in Detroit at the time and we were pretty close.
Got the can of paint with the codes. Rock hard now but at least I got the numbers. Can't buy it this side of the border, and illegal to bring it across. Paint guy that's going to fix it is really good, and his supplier used the codes to come up with a match... we'll see. Not sure what happened to him, there's a trucking company working out of his shop now. Sold the place. The local guys here said the guy that built the car should do the repairs so I tried to find him... No luck. Had a few phone numbers and knew where the shop was. All dead ends.
Posted by: horizontally-opposed Aug 19 2018, 08:02 PM
OP here....lively discussion! Don't worry about offending me. I'm no huge Chalon fan either. Since it has the Fuchs, it was an easy decision to bring it home as a project. It's a solid car with minimal rust, so it will be a good project to work on with my son. And as I said, I won't be heartbroken if something happens to it.
ConeDodger, that is a good idea to put a rev limiter on it.
There is a reverse logic that goes on with Slantnoses, Chalons, etc. as the cars get older and harder to find...and, in this case, I'd much rather start with a good solid Chalon than a bad anything else. And you're right about the Fuchs...and being a good project with your son .
Posted by: carl k Sep 3 2018, 10:17 PM
We made some progress on the Chalon project today. About a month ago, I removed the Fuchs and squirreled them away for another project. To replace them, I found some cheap GM wheels and tires on Craigslist, and some Empi adapters from The Samba. I think these are IROC wheels. With the adapters and the offset, they fill the wheel arches pretty well.
Posted by: carl k Sep 3 2018, 10:24 PM
Today my son helped me remove the seats and interior. It had suffered from mice since it had been sitting outside for many years. Lots of vacuuming with face masks and gloves. In fact, my son saw a live mouse in the engine bay. 
The carpets went into the trash, and the rest of the interior got a good scrub down with a bleach solution.
Posted by: worn Sep 3 2018, 10:26 PM
I probably should’ve mentioned earlier in the thread that I had a Chalon kit back in the late 80’s. Never installed it and ended up giving it away...to a Canadian (no lie). Last I heard it was in his attic but he did modify one of the 914’s I gave him to look like a Chalon. He used a Ford Probe GT (late model) front fascia, Chrysler Cirrus front fenders, Ford Escort front fenders in the rear (turned around so the left was on the right and right was on the left) and a Ford Probe GT rear fascia. I’ll see if I can find the pics and add them here. He had a Chrysler 318 in it for awhile but had trouble getting it registered in Ontario so pulled the engine and putting a 2.0L type IV back in.
Wow. That sounds like a heck of a lotta work!
Posted by: carl k Sep 3 2018, 10:26 PM
Everything I've seen so far shows the chassis is very solid. I scrubbed down the floor pan with a bleach solution. While the interior is out, we need to rebuild the pedal assembly, the hand brake, and lubricate the seat belt retractors. The mice chewed on the wires for the courtesy lamp, but I have not seen any other wiring damage yet (besides the radio installation!)
Posted by: ConeDodger Sep 3 2018, 11:08 PM
Tried to chase him down this summer, he ran a body shop and I hit a raccoon and made a mess of the car. He sold the shop and I don't know where he went. The other car was on a jig last I saw it, and another guy in Windsor bought it and a whole lot of other parts, at least 2 bodies,and including the 360 and adaptor. Don't know if he ever got it together. My car is in a PPG paint calendar from 2005, so it's a long time ago that he built it.
How’s the raccoon doing?
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 4 2018, 01:54 AM
I probably should’ve mentioned earlier in the thread that I had a Chalon kit back in the late 80’s. Never installed it and ended up giving it away...to a Canadian (no lie). Last I heard it was in his attic but he did modify one of the 914’s I gave him to look like a Chalon. He used a Ford Probe GT (late model) front fascia, Chrysler Cirrus front fenders, Ford Escort front fenders in the rear (turned around so the left was on the right and right was on the left) and a Ford Probe GT rear fascia. I’ll see if I can find the pics and add them here. He had a Chrysler 318 in it for awhile but had trouble getting it registered in Ontario so pulled the engine and putting a 2.0L type IV back in.
Wow. That sounds like a heck of a lotta work!
Tried to chase him down this summer, he ran a body shop and I hit a raccoon and made a mess of the car. He sold the shop and I don't know where he went. The other car was on a jig last I saw it, and another guy in Windsor bought it and a whole lot of other parts, at least 2 bodies,and including the 360 and adaptor. Don't know if he ever got it together. My car is in a PPG paint calendar from 2005, so it's a long time ago that he built it.
How’s the raccoon doing?
The guy that currently owns the car I spoke of (and also hit the raccoon) has his own thread about his car on the World. He’s currently putting a diesel VW engine in the car.
Posted by: PatrickB Sep 4 2018, 03:38 AM
Tried to chase him down this summer, he ran a body shop and I hit a raccoon and made a mess of the car. He sold the shop and I don't know where he went. The other car was on a jig last I saw it, and another guy in Windsor bought it and a whole lot of other parts, at least 2 bodies,and including the 360 and adaptor. Don't know if he ever got it together. My car is in a PPG paint calendar from 2005, so it's a long time ago that he built it.
How’s the raccoon doing?
Racoon was dead when I hit it, came out from under a crown vic I was about to pass.
Posted by: AZBanks Sep 5 2018, 08:50 PM
We made some progress on the Chalon project today. About a month ago, I removed the Fuchs and squirreled them away for another project. To replace them, I found some cheap GM wheels and tires on Craigslist, and some Empi adapters from The Samba. I think these are IROC wheels. With the adapters and the offset, they fill the wheel arches pretty well.
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 6 2018, 05:35 AM
Geez, some people...
Posted by: AZBanks Sep 6 2018, 10:56 AM
Better???
IMNSHO, wheel choice makes or breaks a Chalon. Wheels from an 80's camaro broke this car. It looked good with the Fuchs, now, not so much.
Posted by: carl k Sep 18 2018, 10:09 PM
EDIT:
Well, this thread isn't going in the direction I hoped. I'm glad my son didn't read it ('cuz only old people are on Facebook and forums...). He might get the wrong impression of Porsche owners.
Posted by: marksteinhilber Sep 19 2018, 02:24 PM
Put the Fuchs back on the car and never ever mention or take another picture of that car with the iroc wheels! The chalons are totally throwback if they shine in their original inspiration, but make most people want to throw up if they are a cross pollenizing attempt of overachievement. Would you take body parts of a pontiac Aztec to embellish a Matador or an Edsel? Please, No. Each as an original best represents the creative attempt of the designer and public response. The horror!
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 19 2018, 05:03 PM
Another one...
There should be a rule on our board that if you’re going to tear someone’s car up you need to post a pic of your car in that post so the rest of us can contribute to all the shit we think you should take off or change on your car.
Posted by: carking1996 Sep 19 2018, 07:02 PM
I think the car is going great. Everyone has their own tastes. I would love to see it go further.
Posted by: PatrickB Sep 19 2018, 07:04 PM
Another one...
There should be a rule on our board that if you’re going to tear someone’s car up you need to post a pic of your car in that post so the rest of us can contribute to all the shit we think you should take off or change on your car.
YES!
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 19 2018, 08:57 PM
I think the car is going great. Everyone has their own tastes. I would love to see it go further.
Me too!
Hey Carl, nice to see your son interested in the car and doing some work on it. As a parent I’m sure you’re proud to see him taking interest in something that also interests you. What a great opportunity to bond. He’ll remember this stuff for the rest of his life.
I don’t know about you all, but my first car was a complete POS (a ‘73 Ford Pinto!) but I felt like a million bucks when I drove that car...well, maybe not a million bucks but you get the idea. It’s also what I cut my teeth on learning about working/repairing cars. I’m sure your son has all kinds of ideas and dreams about what that Chalon could be! How awesome to share in that with him!
Posted by: ConeDodger Sep 19 2018, 09:20 PM
Another one...
There should be a rule on our board that if you’re going to tear someone’s car up you need to post a pic of your car in that post so the rest of us can contribute to all the shit we think you should take off or change on your car.
Have at it. Tear it down.
It’s a forum. That means that you’re going to hear opinions.
I would love to see a really well done Chalon. Pretty much every one I’ve ever seen looks like it was dragged out from under someones deck from under a tarp, flat tires and all. Impress me! Build a really nice one. As you can see, my standards are pretty high.
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Posted by: Rob-O Sep 20 2018, 05:16 AM
Oh, I don’t mind opinions. But there’s a nice way to convey those opinions and then there’s an a**hole way to convey them. In the history of man, the a**hole way hasn’t seemed to win people over.
I like your car, especially the color. It’s what my car aspires to, except I probably won’t add engine bay badges.
BTW I promise I’ll post a picture of my car here in just a bit. I thought I had some on my phone but I guess not.
Carl’s Chalon is rough but personally I’d rather try to be encouraging about his progress than say things like never ever take another picture of your car with IROC rims on it.
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 20 2018, 07:22 AM
As promised...
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Posted by: Rob-O Sep 20 2018, 07:29 AM
Rear
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Posted by: Rob-O Sep 20 2018, 07:30 AM
Interior
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Posted by: ConeDodger Sep 20 2018, 07:35 AM
Interior
All the change is going to fall out of your console...
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 20 2018, 07:37 AM
Phew! Got the change before gravity got to it.
Posted by: Rob-O Sep 20 2018, 07:43 AM
My latest addition to the herd...
It’s in rough shape.
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Posted by: AZBanks Sep 21 2018, 12:16 PM
Ok, here's the one I am building with my son.
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Posted by: Rob-O Sep 21 2018, 01:46 PM
You’re a brave man. That’s a lot more work than I could take on. I do like that color on the passenger firewall. <—— see how that works?
Posted by: SirAndy Sep 21 2018, 01:56 PM
Did a guy with a 916 bodykit insinuate the chalon kit was ugly?
Ive heard everything!
I'm also the guy who has stated numerous times that he hates his 916 front bumper.
But please, by all means, don't let facts get in the way of this body image bashing thread ...
Posted by: Tdskip Sep 22 2018, 06:20 AM
So can I ask what is up with mechanical stuff? Do you have a plan on the engine etc?
Sorry if I missed it with all of the body bashing....
Posted by: carking1996 Sep 22 2018, 06:30 AM
Yes, let's please get back on topic. What's the plan for the car?
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