Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 02:55 PM

So a couple weeks back a car came up on the Samba and was linked over here in the classifieds. Whole thing looked really fishy, ad was a single picture that was lifted from the Patrick Motorsports site, the wording was broken and the seller had only signed up to the Samba the day of the listing (thread here)
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=343405



Patrick Motorsports build link:
https://patrickmotorsports.com/blogs/news/914-6-gt-3-8l-dme-915-big-laguna

I'd been looking for the right car for quite a while and finding that there are a lot of scammers out on the internet, but I figured I'd try and contact the seller anyway because, hey, you never know.

Sent off an email, days go by, maybe even a week, no reply, definitely seems like a scam. Started chalking it up to "when things are too good to be true..."
Finally, I get an email from the seller, brief, didn't really say much, didn't try to answer questions from my initial email or anything, seemed like an odd generic response but hey at least there's a response, still seems like a scam. Still figuring I'd try to at least have fun with the scammer, I asked about the history etc on the car and why they'd be selling as surely this was a very special car to someone at one point. A few more days go by...now I"ve mentally moved on, it's fake.

Five days after the 1st email and nearly two week in, I get a big long response from the seller, wow, this might be real. The original owner and guy who had the car commissioned to be built by Patrick Motorsports, had passed away about 5-6yrs ago and this is his brother, whom he left the car to. I get a dialog going with him via email and try to pin down a viewing of the car. I'm in San Diego so if it's in Victorville CA, I'm all in After two weeks I finally get him to agree to let me see the car on a Saturday morning. Still thinking it could be a big fake or bait and switch, at this point I'm out of my mind that it could also be the real deal and holy crap the guy finally sent me an address and phone number Thursday night before the Saturday viewing

I got a buddy to agree to ride shotgun in my daily driver so we could drive up to VIctorville to see this thing, we're both still 50/50 on whether or not we're going to get clubbed over the heads when we get there by someone who thinks we're carrying cash or something. Oh great, forcast is RAIN after a solid week of sunny soCal weather, rain, you've got to be kidding me.

We get to the house meet the guy and he leads us into the garage

There it is, just like on the Patrick Motorsports website, holy crap it's REAL

I'm a little, well, a LOT awestruck now, he pops the front and rear hoods and opens it up, OH YEAH, its the Big Laguna car, holy cow! I take a peek outside, weather is still holding, at this point I just want to hear it run because I have already made up my mind Can't believe it's real, peek into the engine bay, whoa! twin plug 993 motor, underneath the car, it's clean enough to eat off of, see the ceramic coated big headers and the stainless exhaust boxed trailing arms, 10/10ths, everything.

He grabs the keys and I ask him to drive me around the neighborhood, it runs like a Swiss watch, everything is as it should be. He lets me drive, I can't believe it still.

He had all the paperwork, build docs and the history of the car, we made a deal and went to the bank, it was a bit overcast but the weather seemed to be holding out, I'm operating in a temporary state of shock, holy crap this car is about to be mine

We come back to the house, load up some spares, weather is holding out, it took us just over 2 hours to get up there, lets hope it's an easy trip back, first off, gas! Its getting darker outside, clouds are getting pretty thick...deal is done and now it's just the ride home I have to get through, oh yeah, the car has no seat belts in it

Fill up and hit the freeway, trying hard to learn the car as I go. We get down Cajon pass and the rain starts. Not terrible rain, just the kind that makes the roads super slick and here I am driving a big 6 I've never driven before...the roads were a total mess. The wipers worked but the blade on the drivers side was crap so my visibility sucked. Stop and go traffic through Riverside county, accidents all the way, dumping rain through the next hour of driving as I tailed my buddy in my SUV, it took us 3 1/2 hours to get back...with no seat belts

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 02:57 PM

Here are some of the pictures so far, I"m still going through things but this is the 1st picture I took when we arrived after the drive back

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 02:59 PM

The car is crazy, they did everything, Chassis stiffening, boxed arms, roll cage, bracing between the suspension pick ups, the level and quality of work are pretty impressive:

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:01 PM

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:01 PM

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:02 PM

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:03 PM

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:05 PM

PMS data plate:

Posted by: Craigers17 Mar 1 2020, 03:10 PM

Absolutely awesome 914! Congrats!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:11 PM

I've started to check the little detail things that need to be sorted, like the left and right wipers were on backwards, there's a couple of small rubber trim items that could be swapped out and it needs lighting upgrades for sure.

And OH YEAH, it needs freaking seat belts in it!! I ordered harnesses the Monday after getting the car and put them in yesterday, there were literally never belts in the car as I had to make the holes in the carpet to get the bolts in:

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:12 PM

Harnesses in,

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:16 PM

I keep finding details on it that are just mind blowing. 993 Twin turbo brakes and rotors, 7 and 9x16 turbo wheels, the 993 3.8 RS spec motor and WEVO 915 are amazing and seamless, Recaro Pole Position seats with custom brackets that leverage the factory seat rails, it just goes on and on

Posted by: R1200rider Mar 1 2020, 03:22 PM

Outstanding. Great story, nice car. I’m about to embark on a similar journey to Wisconsin, very exciting.

Posted by: pete000 Mar 1 2020, 03:23 PM

Wow a story for VINwiki for sure !

I remember this car very well, but last time I saw it was at the VW Classic when it was last held down in Irvine. Sad the orig owner passed.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:25 PM

After getting the harnesses done yesterday including subs, I figured I'd re-embrace the original owners concourse weenie ways and give her a good washing. It was clear by the lack of ever having seatbelts that the former owner was just jumping from from PCA white glove concourse to the next

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:27 PM

It was an adventure for sure! Sad the original owner passed but I definitely feel that he'd be happy it ended up in the hands of a 914 die hard

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:30 PM

The seller gave me two binders of stuff with the car one of which was a Patrick Motorsports binder full of receipts. I added up the big 4 that were easy to pick out and just those totaled out to ~$143k

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:32 PM

Another of the new belts:

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Mar 1 2020, 03:37 PM

Totally great hunting on your part and a worthy catch ! Patrick's open-checkbook builds are amazing. Enjoy the G forces ¡!
Marty

Posted by: mepstein Mar 1 2020, 03:39 PM

It’s a lot of car for sure. I drove an 911T with a 964 engine and that car was a beast. Yours must be a whole ‘nother level of fast.

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Mar 1 2020, 03:40 PM

If it's something you want it's always worth chasing the car, I've dealt with some real bizarro's and gone to look at cars I was sure were from a fake ad, only to leave with a cool car. My rule is to go look at anything, never send money.

Glad this one worked out for you, cool car!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:42 PM

Car only needs some odds and ends, going to do Spokes LEDs and replace the headlights with newer LED versions. I have hoarded parts in my 30 years of 914 ownership that I hope will find there way to this car and take it to the next level.

Its actually weird to work on a car that doesn't look like its old

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 03:49 PM

Marty I now understand the crazy intoxication of the big 6 and I'm hooked


Its actually intimidating on some levels, after getting the belts in I went and did a big twisty road loop up around my area and actually managed to scare myself a couple times with that motor. Once when I was making a dog leg left and lifted and got squirrelly, once going too fast into the lead in of a tight corner because it just went too fast too quickly and probably the most surprising, when I dropped the hammer in a big straight that had some gentle up and downs and the car accelerated so fast it felt like I got air from one of the crests on the hills

Its super-bike like, you have to be on your toes!

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 1 2020, 04:00 PM

Nice!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 04:03 PM

Thanks Andy!! Remarkably the VIN wasn't in the 914world DB so despite his passion for the car the previous owner wasn't on here that I know of, his first name was Craig.

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Mar 1 2020, 04:04 PM

Congrats on what looks like a great buy! Few normally-aspirated cars go like a big six.

Years ago, I was following a friend's 914-6—that looked a lot like yours—with the first 3.6 conversion I'd seen…probably around 1995 or 1996...on our way to the Carlsen swap meet. Approaching the exit from the 92 to the 101, I saw a brand-new 993 C4S (a total spaceship to a 914 driver back then...and king of the hill ahead of the 993 Turbo's debut) flying up behind us. Fast. Cut my 914-4 off with a dive bomb into the exit lane and got all over Ernie's silver 914-6 into the cloverleaf, hunting and weaving all over Ernie's bumper. I smiled, knowing what was about to happen next, given the 914 had similar power (and maybe a bit more) with about 1,000 lbs less weight. When those two hit 101, the 993 C4S guy floored it and crossed 3-4 lanes immediately to the fast lane where he thought be belonged. Trouble was, Ernie was a small silver dot by the time the 993 got all the way over. I couldn't see the 993 driver's face over there in the fast lane from my weezy seats, but his face at the swap meet was priceless when he came over to look at Ernie's car and muttered something to the effect of "what do you have in that thing?" Next time I saw him, he was driving a Ruf. I drove Ernie's 914-6 as a 3.6 and later when it was a 3.8, and it was just super quick. Even Ernie was surprised after he built a Dinan-supercharged E36 M3 and his 914-6 (with me driving) just plain smoked Dinan's newest toy.

Have fun with this—I know you will. They can be a bit intimidating with that much power, but you'll get used to it. That's when to watch out. And have fun!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 04:15 PM

Pete, totally, also one of the reasons I bought full harnesses.
The fact that its even out there in my garage is so surreal I still can't believe it.

Posted by: Tdskip Mar 1 2020, 04:37 PM

Congratulations

Posted by: Coondog Mar 1 2020, 05:22 PM

Talked about this cars build with James Patrick several years ago as I wanted to clone my car to match, had to bow out at the 250K number he quoted me. Congrats, amazing this car was in my backyard and I never knew it.

Posted by: Maltese Falcon Mar 1 2020, 05:29 PM

Some times if you whip them (other Car) too hard, it's like they are tied to a fire-hydrant. I've even had to let up a bit and sandbag...just to keep them in the hunt

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 05:36 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19195 watching your build and pricing stuff out I knew that this was a bargain in time as much as it was money. And I'm not surprised no one saw it, I don't think he had it out much around town, the car only has about 7K miles total since the build! I'd guess I saved at least 3 years and a TON of money!

Posted by: flyer86d Mar 1 2020, 05:57 PM

Over the years I have driven stock 4s and 6s, as well as hot rods. The fellow that I bought our 6 from had a 2.9 with 906 cams in his. I’ve ridden with Doug Arneo in his with either a 2.8 or 3.2 race motor, our 911sc track car had a twin plug, short stroke, ge80 cam 3.2 and I have driven 964 and 993 cars as well as a Ruf turbo and a GT3. I cannot imagine that kind of 3.8 power in a lightweight car! You are a lucky man and it must be great to play overdog!

Charlie

Posted by: 914-300Hemi Mar 1 2020, 06:53 PM

Wow what a great car. Congrats

Posted by: ClayPerrine Mar 1 2020, 10:04 PM

Congrats! That is a beautiful car. And I know the allure of a big six. Betty and I were out in Igor one day, and I had a modern gray 911 pass me and immediately duck in front of me. I was just cruising in 6th gear, so I decided to pass him back. Dropped it to 5th, and put my foot down hard. Igor accelerated hard enough that the 911 driver was surprised. He quickly jumped out into the left lane to catch up, but I kept looking in the rear view mirror at the receding gray dot. The whole time Betty was giggling because she could feel the seat back crowding her really hard.

I slowed down before I got to triple digits, but it was definitely a great feeling.

Take care of that car. It is a treasure.

Clay

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 1 2020, 10:27 PM

Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 1 2020, 10:37 PM

What a terrific purchase. I love that car and remember when it was built by PMS. I hope to see it a some events in the near future. Cheers, Michael

Posted by: burton73 Mar 2 2020, 10:53 AM

All I can say is wow and congrads.

Use it in good health.

Bob B

Posted by: Root_Werks Mar 2 2020, 10:57 AM

What a score!

While looking for a converted 914-6, I clicked on that link myself a hundred times. I also thought "scam".

I'd be pinching myself as well. Wow, that is just one sorted 914-6!

Posted by: defianty Mar 2 2020, 12:11 PM

Fantastic, congratulations.

Posted by: ValcoOscar Mar 2 2020, 12:27 PM

Early bird gets the worm

Way to execute

Oscar

Posted by: DRPHIL914 Mar 2 2020, 01:55 PM

Beautiful! once in a life-time deal for sure. so cool someone here grabbed it and not a flipper/scammer or collector/museum! drive, enjoy, for many years to come!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 2 2020, 02:39 PM

Its a dream 914 for me, its beyond anything I would have even done had I commissioned a build myself, it'll be with me to the end!

Posted by: EdwardBlume Mar 2 2020, 03:38 PM

So stoked for you! Drive the shit out of it!

Better you - an enthusiastic enthusiast vs a slimy flipper.

Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 2 2020, 03:54 PM

Great score! Looking forward to the stories and antics that come with.

If you don’t mind, would you please share pics of the custom seat brackets? How is the headroom (How tall are you). I have SPGs mounted in my race car, had to bot them to a plate fabricated in place of the sliders, I dont have enough headroom, my helmet hits the inside of the top. I’m a short guy though, so it could be that seat was further forward, therefore higher.

Posted by: EdwardBlume Mar 2 2020, 03:57 PM

If Wilt fits.....

Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 2 2020, 07:17 PM

Ugh fits is a relative term, top off and pretzeled in is not exactly a fit in my book...

Posted by: dax1969 Mar 3 2020, 02:28 AM

Wow, you hit the jackpot. Supernice car, congrats.

note : think you won't drive the silver 4 anymore, sell it to me


bye
Dax

Posted by: falcor75 Mar 3 2020, 05:08 AM

Amazing car and an great story. The only thing I would do differently is that I would like RSR finish on the wheels. Then it would be perfect.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 04:03 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=9463 I should have taken pics when I pulled the seats out to do the harnesses, here's a pic "in car" but admittedly it's kind of a crap picture. The recaro's have bolts to attach up on the sides, so essentially they did a massive "L" on each side cut slightly to the seat shape, it then L's under and they put the stock seat slides on the bottom:


As far as headroom goes, I'm 5'11'' and it's no problem at all, I'll have to pop a helmet on and see if it's banging the roof. In terms of leg room I have to actually move the seat forward a bit more than I do in my other 914 with Konig's but those have a lot thicker padding in them.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 04:05 PM

Yeah I struggle a little with the monochromatic look of the car right now and the fully polished Fuchs are a bit much. In person I like it much better than in pictures. Someone posted pics of Fuchs re-done by Al Reed recently in an RSR type finish and they were pretty fuching amazing

Posted by: Dion Mar 4 2020, 04:16 PM

That looks like one helluva ride. Very sharp. Enjoy, all the best with it.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 4 2020, 04:38 PM

I agree with @falcor75; the RS finish on those wheels would be freakin' amazing. But I confess I have never been a fan of polished Fuchs.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 05:52 PM

Agree, there's something magical about the finish someone just posted that Al Reed had done:

Posted by: Coondog Mar 4 2020, 06:12 PM

Pays 75K for a car now you want him to change rims.............

Posted by: raynekat Mar 4 2020, 06:15 PM

Haha...love it.

Posted by: jim_hoyland Mar 4 2020, 06:37 PM

2009 at GAF when the car was first shown. Won 1st place IIRC


Attached image(s)

Posted by: FlacaProductions Mar 4 2020, 06:48 PM

I agree with the above - I think the only thing I'd do is the RS finish on the Fuchs. Spending other people's money is fun....

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Mar 4 2020, 06:53 PM

Wasn't gonna say anything, but since you did…I'll confess I struggle with the monochromatic look, also. This 914 reminds me so much of Ernie King's 3.8, which was silver with the same flares and overall look but had the targa bar in black vinyl with a stock roof for some contrast...and it was perfection on the same 16-inch Fuchs you've got but with black centers, plain black center caps, and toned-down polish.

There's also a silver GT running around Europe on 15x7s (or 8s) up front and 15x9s in the rear wearing Michelin TB rubber or something similar, and it looks insane—once again with the period correct vinyl targa bar and black top. But I am not sure I could give up your brakes with the engine you've got!

Whatever. You have plenty of time to make this 914 yours. The best thing you can do for now is live with it and enjoy it!

Posted by: Morph914 Mar 4 2020, 08:31 PM

Congrats, an amazing car! Enjoy

Posted by: Coondog Mar 4 2020, 09:12 PM

So I guess you want me to change rims to.........

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 09:39 PM

Nope

Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 4 2020, 09:44 PM

I went through the the wheel dilemma on my 930, wheels are like coondogs, but to this day, I like them too much to swap out to RS finish.
I think the little bit of black in the background helps tone down a polished or chromed wheel.



Although gold is my current fascination on my 914

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 09:46 PM

I knew people would think/know I"m insane, to me the execution is somewhat resto-mod, I"m more of a classic guy and actually am thinking I may re-vynil the targa bar and go back to black on the roof, switch the over the top recaros to the konig/scheel's that are in my /4 and maybe even put a 914 style dash vs the 911 getty dash back in. I have a NOS dash amongst other things in the parts stash. Black centered fuchs well, they're awesome, they don't need bling they are cool just sitting there.

I figured I'd give it time though, my wife may kill me.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 09:56 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19195 in a weird way, your car drove me to this purchase. My other 914 is a stock /4, I'm the second owner, it's a total survivor car and it's incredible, everything works like it rolled off the showroom floor yesterday. I remember when you started your project I PM'd you and asked about cost, then slept on it for a couple years. My /4 is so original is would b a crime to convert it--a 74 2.0 with all the options you wanted, SoCal survivor, I just couldn't do it and I knew the cost made it counter-intuitive. Your car, to me is the real deal for conversions, 3.2 flares, all done really well, stuck to the original look overall but improved on every level. Don't change a thing man!

Posted by: FlacaProductions Mar 4 2020, 10:02 PM

I understand the targa bar and back to a black roof - and even the seats but I'd keep the Getty dash.

Posted by: Coondog Mar 4 2020, 10:06 PM

Thank you Eric, The Big Laguna in my opinion is the most extensive 914-6 conversation to come out of PMS. Hope we can meet up and gets some pics of our cars together.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 4 2020, 10:11 PM

Totally
And thanks for the compliment, the thing is insane mechanically even if I am picking at the cosmetics.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 5 2020, 12:15 PM

Hi Greg,

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19195 I love your car Your car is a different look because it is white. However.....I love the RS finish on deep wheels. Your car is terrific as is, but if you wanted to bump it into outstanding across the board, then yes, IMHO, do the wheels.

Cheers,
Michael

Posted by: get off my lawn Mar 5 2020, 12:57 PM

Iffn it were me (and he's glad it's not) I'd leave them rim just the way they are.
To each his own.




Attached image(s)

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Mar 5 2020, 01:14 PM

^ It's a matter of personal taste, and a car by car thing. I'm not a big polished wheels guy...most of the time. But there are some cars where it looks great. Andy's yellow rod-rod 6 is one where I can't see how you would improve on its wheels...Elvira, the black 6 out of Vegas, is another.

To each their own is right...

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 9 2020, 11:58 AM

Noticed that at some point there was a significant change to the cage, guessing that it was too much of a PITA to get in and out for street use so they removed the door bar sections on both sides. What's odd is it doesn't look like there were ever there (i.e. removed and ground out)

Original:


As it is now:

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 9 2020, 11:59 AM

Oh and ordered these to honor the original owners legacy:

Posted by: DRPHIL914 Mar 9 2020, 12:05 PM

nice!

Posted by: Coondog Mar 9 2020, 12:14 PM

FUCHING AWESOME

Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 9 2020, 01:22 PM

That is an amazing car and it just keeps getting better.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 9 2020, 01:57 PM

Dug out some NOS special parts from the stash over the weekend, pretty sure I've had these for the better part of 20yrs:


Because GT that's why

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 06:38 PM

Wow just realized I hadn't updated this thread in a year! Well it's been a heck of a year for Covid and lockdowns, but the 914-6 has been rollin' so I guess I'll do some updates to what has been going on with the "Big Laguna"... there's been quite a few, but mostly driving
So here's the speed dating v version of the last year

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 06:48 PM

The car had sat for the better part of ~5-7 years so I figured the best thing I could do was shake the cobwebs off and drive it... Went for a SoCal drive, started great

Made it half way to the start point and while jogging up the 5 freeway through Camp Pendleton, something caught my eye in the back window, HOLY FUCHS, I was smoking oil like a Blue Angles fly over
Threw it into neutral and shut it down in the fast lane, might have crapped my pants a little too, wasn't ready to have to deal with the 3.8 having gone south on me

With the covid restrictions, I had to call the wife to come pick me up because they wouldn't let me ride in the tow truck.... Inasult to injury.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 06:57 PM

Got the car home, mopped up all the oil, couldn't find a root cause to the issue, everything looked fine, engine fired up, made perfect oil pressure, was still freaked out when @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=16669 offered up his famous P-Car Hauler and I decided the best move was to take it back to PMS for a check up and to get things sorted


I lucked out majorly and the massive smoke trail was the result of the wrong oil and too much of it, the engine had burped oil back through the breather and spilled out on the top left of the engine, that's what caused the massive smoke plume.

"while I was in there" it got some love on things that had deteriorated over it's time sitting, all new fuel lines, changed all the fluids and checked absolutely everything... it was expensive but worth it for peace of mind.

PMS was pretty happy to see the car and that it was still in great condition as they hadn't seen it in ~10 years. They did some social media stuff and updated the build blog while it was there, that was kind of fun, 'glamor shots'

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:02 PM

I get all the way back with it and it wouldn't start off the trailer when I got home, the fuel pump died
No fault of PMS, just a result (likely) of time it sat etc. Easy fix...
Then onto the small details like rubber that had gotten crusty etc. I was surprised at the little detail stuff that was needing attention considering how much money was dumped into the build so I started after the easy things. 914rubber to the rescue!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:06 PM

1st real project was adding a fire extinguisher, picked up a Rennline universal mount and went to town on it


Had to trim down the tubes a bit and made a dowel shim to join them when it was all set to add some rigidity to it, easy peasy.




Pretty slick once it was all done and back in the car

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:14 PM

Next up on the odds and ends was the front torsion bar covers on the A-Arms were missing, minor and inconsequential, but Stoddard advertised some take offs for a good deal so I grabbed those and got them on, they looked brand new

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:20 PM

While I was down there... noticed that the front brakes were all set up for vents but had the parts missing...decided that I'd put that back also so ordered up hoses and the bottom vents, total overkill and probably unnecessary but they were there so...

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:24 PM

The wheels were a bit much for me, I know it's one of PMS's kind of signarture things that they use the full polished Fuchs but I felt it was a little too Miami Vice flashy so I started the hunt for wheels and ended up finding a set of NOS Turbo 7/9x16's in black with anodized lips

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:27 PM

Then the quest to replace 12 year old tires before I had a 'bad time'
Ended up buying for both sets of wheels, two different Yokohama tires, both in turbo size
205/55/16 and 245/45/16
One set of A008-P and A-052's


MUCH Better on the black wheels IMO

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:29 PM

Obligatory brake porn, still amazed at how far this build went
993 TT Brakes

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:32 PM

At this point the car was pretty well sorted and I started doing some local drives to keep shaking it out and learning the car, its still totally intoxicating to drive

Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 15 2021, 07:35 PM

I 100% agree with your wheel choice.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:35 PM

Swapped all the signals and lighting over to LED including alll the Spoke works goodies including the fogs, held off using the NOS drivers I'd posted a year ago and went this direction

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:39 PM

The gas pedal was really odd with the ergonomics, not even as good as my stock 4 pedal for whatever reason so I replaced that with the adjustable Rennline pedal, much better heel/toe now, still needs some fine adjustment but worlds better

Before, 911 pedal?


After, still 'proud' in this pic, adjusted down after

Posted by: Coondog Mar 15 2021, 07:42 PM

Your car is a Monster, hope to see you and the San Diego Teeners on the May 22 mini rally run.

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:43 PM

Started a side quest to make one of the spare black roofs I had "new again"
That was quite an adventure, still haven't put it fully back together but here's how that went, damn that texture is tricky to get right!!

Before


Got the headliner out using denatured alcohol and a plastic scraper



After:

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:45 PM

Now I'm down to just little details, swapped the momo horn button so the "Carpet matched the drapes" I like the low key badging this car is rocking so I went a step further with it, all blacked out subtly

Before:


After:


Because:

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:48 PM

And that's about it, think we're all caught up now

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 07:49 PM

Thanks I like it a lot more too!


Can't wait!

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 15 2021, 08:06 PM

I think I've put around 1200 miles on, mostly this kind of stuff, really fortunate to live in the heart of the "fun roads" in San Diego---sound on!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd9RxY1Lqts

Posted by: rhodyguy Mar 15 2021, 08:16 PM

Very cool. Thanks! Swell road too.

Posted by: Krieger Mar 15 2021, 11:06 PM

The black wheels look perfect on your car! Same with that horn button. Where did you get that?

Posted by: raynekat Mar 16 2021, 12:51 AM

Black wheels look excellent.

Also....man what a great job you did on the roof.
You've got that factory like texture pretty much nailed.
Well done.
Does that knee bar (from the cage) get in your way at all?
I'd never fit in there I'm afraid.
Your previous idea about some Konigs would be cool too if you can track 'em down.

Enjoy the car.

Posted by: rick 918-S Mar 16 2021, 01:52 AM

Very nice. I like the changes.

Posted by: sixnotfour Mar 16 2021, 02:15 AM

Love it all.. but the knee bar..is a knee bar.. too low.. ouch,, Stay buckled tight

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 16 2021, 08:17 AM

Horn button came from Car-bone via Sierra Madre Collection

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 16 2021, 08:26 AM

Knee bar looks deceptively low in pics because of the custom dash and no lower dash pad at all, there's actually more room than it seems and with the Recaro Pole Positions I even have to scoot forward a bit.

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=18263 the Konigs are already in the garage in my /4
Bought them new in the late 90's, seat monkey not included

Posted by: mepstein Mar 16 2021, 08:31 AM

I like the black Fuchs. It seems to direct me more to the body lines vs the shiny bling.

Posted by: Luke M Mar 16 2021, 08:50 AM

Any better pics and info on the fender liners ?
Looks like the rears are on but no fronts?

TIA,

Posted by: Root_Werks Mar 16 2021, 09:49 AM

Another + for the wheel choice. Just a timeless look on a 914 with flares.

Posted by: pete000 Mar 16 2021, 10:10 AM

I agree on the wheels, good choice. I would do the sail panel back to vinyl, but that just me...

Posted by: ValcoOscar Mar 16 2021, 10:16 AM

Great updates Eric, love those wheels.

I see you're hanging with Jim (Lucky9146)

Hope to see ya soon

O

Posted by: Shivers Mar 16 2021, 10:53 AM

Wow, congratulations. Such a beauty. Glad it's getting to stay here, in a happy home.

Posted by: ClayPerrine Mar 16 2021, 02:52 PM

I love the wheels. But just my $.02... you should paint the dash black. White can reflect sunlight from behind the car.

Clay

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 16 2021, 03:27 PM

They're front and rear, I'll try to get better pics, they're pretty neat, simple but effective, there's no undercoating so it keeps most of the pebble/rock noise and impacts to a minimum, also keeps crap from collecting in the tight spots

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 16 2021, 03:32 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=1143 Do you mean the gauge cluster face? Dash is black, gauge cluster face is same as outside of the car, no reflection problems

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Mar 16 2021, 03:45 PM

New wheels look great!

Posted by: jat914 Mar 16 2021, 03:57 PM

Excellent change on the wheels!!! It is an excekkent 914!!

Posted by: jat914 Mar 16 2021, 03:59 PM

I meant excellent. I just can't type!!

Posted by: flyer86d Mar 16 2021, 04:16 PM

Who cares about the wheels, I just want a ride in that car! Power to weight.

Charlie

Posted by: eric9144 Mar 16 2021, 06:33 PM

its crazy, every time I drive it I feel as though there's a learning experience to be had

Posted by: MM1 Mar 16 2021, 07:21 PM

So glad to watch you living the dream!

Posted by: Larmo63 Mar 16 2021, 07:52 PM

Be careful hanging out with Jim - Lucky914-6, he's nothing but trouble!!

Posted by: eric9144 Apr 7 2021, 08:57 AM

Finally trimmed out the black roof... was a longer and more involved project than I'd thought it was going to be. Getting the texture right was a PITA.
Ironically by the end of this, the silver roof has actually grown on me, but it's nice to have the option to change up the look from time to time.

New hardware from Bruce Stone, Rubber bits and headliner from 914rubber:

Posted by: RiqueMar Apr 7 2021, 11:46 AM

Have the same - Painted roof and stock texture, will be cool to mix-and-match. Doing the same with my deckled and wheels. I like the thought of being able to make small changes.

Looks great!

Posted by: Lucky9146 Apr 7 2021, 02:02 PM

Way behind the curve on this thread, sorry Eric! Was on a trip to FL and disconnected from technology for the most part for 2 weeks. Nice changes you have been making and I really like the wheel & tire choice, need in person update on them. The car is a beast I remember when you got it and brought it by not long after you got it.

I refinished a roof but the texture was ok so it was a respray that came out great. I think you nailed it on your roof texture. I wanted a choice in roofs too and have since acquired a spare roof, sanded it smooth, filling the rain groves and painted it gloss black. Have yet to final fit it but installed all 914 Rubber seals and headliner too.

Absolutely love the driving picture you posted a few pages back.

Like that your thread is getting the attention it deserves. Stop by anytime.

Posted by: Coondog Apr 7 2021, 09:25 PM

Looks good......

Posted by: CCE Feb 9 2023, 09:27 PM

Incredible car, with an incredible collection of parts, congratulations… I am now your fan..

No one mentioned the McIntosh radio. It all works

Posted by: eric9144 Feb 10 2023, 10:38 AM

Ha! Yes there's that too, it's awesome (with the car off) a bit tough to appreciate with the car on vs the exhaust note!

I probably should throw some updates on this thread as it's been a bit

Posted by: Root_Werks Feb 10 2023, 12:13 PM

Roof turned out nice! Reminds me I really need to either redo mine or source one that's in better shape.

Posted by: Justinp71 Feb 10 2023, 12:35 PM

Interesting that oil cooler just looks a bit bigger than the stock 914-6GT cooler, but there is no engine cooler. Does it stay nice and cool? Have you done any track racing with it?

Posted by: flat4guy Apr 14 2023, 09:24 PM

What width spacer you running in the front?

Posted by: DRPHIL914 Apr 17 2023, 07:24 AM

what product did you use for the top texture? that seems really close to stock , turned out great.

Phil

Posted by: eric9144 Apr 17 2023, 01:27 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=11106 Wurth SKS along with the special spray gun--"test" the sprayouts on some cardboard or something until you're feeling good about how it's coming out and then go for it on the roof panel--tried to find a pic of the material but google will pull it back--here's the gun: