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Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 5 2023, 08:01 PM

So it's time to get off my ass and deal with this rare gem that has wandered into my garage. Much to the skepticism of some, it's an original 21,000 mile LE that was parked by the original owner in 1988 and didn't move til his heir's sold the car and the new owner moved it from Honolulu to Pt. Townsend, WA in late summer 2022. My somewhat accidental purchase is documented in a previous thread: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=361903

For those who don't know me, I'm a longtime 914 believer since purchasing a Sunflower Yellow 1.7 brand new in 1973. I've since owned a variety of these little cars, currently holding a '74 2.0 and the LE. I've also encountered a couple of major oral surgeries over the last year that have put me in a state of slow recovery that leads to my personal resurrection. I didn't really intend to buy the LE but that ship has sailed and I'm trying to bring it back to life for my own resurgence, with the help of some friends of course.

The car is very solid and straight with minimal corrosion, as verified by @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=2105 and @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=3013 . My plan at present is to get it sorted out mechanically and some cosmetics, without performing a complete restoration. I do not plan on keeping the car when the plan is done. So, anyone who's interested in a very original, documented and compete LE is welcome to contact me. In this thread I'll be posting a list of parts needed and pictures and descriptions of work planned or completed.

I'll end this long post with an obligatory pic so I don't get the dreaded TTIWWP emogi. Many more pics to follow as I progress.

Posted by: Chris H. Feb 5 2023, 08:12 PM

Awesome find Marc! Can't wait to see the refresh.

Posted by: 914werke Feb 5 2023, 08:13 PM

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 6 2023, 02:12 AM

you got to love survivor cars.

there is a real case for just doing whats necessary and no more with a car like that.

great stuff.

Posted by: Bullethead Feb 6 2023, 07:50 AM

What a great find! Sympathetic resurrections take patience but the results are so rewarding... watching with interest.

Posted by: Beach914 Feb 6 2023, 08:37 AM

Can't wait to see the progress! Looking forward to lots more pictures.

I like that you will keep it as original as possible!

Posted by: rjames Feb 6 2023, 10:29 AM

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 10:37 AM

A number of people commented in the auction thread that it had 20K 'hard miles'. That may be true, but I think it's more a matter of 34 'hard years' sitting idle in a carport.

Initially the driver's door latch wouldn't work without pulling so hard you'd break the handle. Fortunately the inside latch worked fine. After many applications of penetrating oil and gently operating the latch it freed up and now opens smooth and easy. An added benefit is that the door closes with a satisfying thump...love that sound.



I'm very pleased with the body gaps on this door.

Posted by: mepstein Feb 6 2023, 10:40 AM

Posted by: Craigers17 Feb 6 2023, 10:43 AM

Nice find! I hope you put those Rivs on there to roll the car around, and have the stock Mahles stashed away for safe keeping. Otherwise, it looks like one of the previous owners made a very poor wheel decision. It's also strange that he converted the targa trim on the back to chrome.....I could be wrong, but I think it's supposed to be black if it's stock.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 11:03 AM

It's not rolling now as it went on jackstands this weekend thanks to Curt who came over the mountains from chez Greenie to help. The Rivs were on when I got it, but I also got the Mahles in the deal. Four of them have been painted with a red center for some reason but the spare in the frunk is pristine. Mahles are my favorite 914 wheel and I'll be restoring them to their proper finish.






I suspect the trim and sail/targa vinyl was added by the dealer to enhance floor appeal. I've heard the LE's could be slow to sell initially. The vinyl is in very good shape, although I will be looking to replace some trim pieces. I've thought about removing the vinyl but for now I'll let the next owner make that decision.

Posted by: Root_Werks Feb 6 2023, 12:22 PM

Very cool you finally got a thread started on the "refresh"!

For the wheels, wonder if it'd be worth it to just have them completely restored?

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 12:37 PM

Good question. My plan is to get the paint stripped and any curb rash and blemishes fixed and then have them painted at the same time as the bumpers and valances; using the pristine wheel as a guide for color match. Make sense?

Posted by: Beach914 Feb 6 2023, 01:22 PM

Looks like an original spoiler too! Hopefully its in good condition. Don't let that sucker out of your sight.

Posted by: scallyk9 Feb 6 2023, 04:40 PM

Congratulations!!! Great find as this LE survivor appears to have "good bones" and yes, the original VPC front spoiler.

When I had the yellow accents repainted, Mark at Eurotech Bodywerkes found the correct Sunflower Yellow paint listed with Glasurit as Summer Yellow with the same paint code (Sunflower Yellow became Summer Yellow for the 1975 model year). And the same mix was used by the vendor who restored all five Mahle wheels. We had the Porsche script for the sides custom made to a paint swatch.

Your side script seems to be mounted a little high. There are actual Porsche specifications for the location of the script and I think I might have seen them on Jeff Bowlsby's site.

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 6 2023, 06:18 PM

looks like the spare still has the o g dunlop SP mounted on it.
speaks volumes.

good luck with the both your resurrections.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 07:34 PM

Right! That was confirmed when I first saw the car. Would have been a deal-breaker if it wasn't. More pics when it's off the car.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 07:42 PM

That's good info, Ben.

As I understand it the stripes were delivered in the trunk and added at the dealer. They didn't do a very good job in application. All four transitions at the wheel well lips have separated from the body to some degree.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 07:49 PM

Good eye! 165R15 Dunlop SP57, Made in Germany. Found this sticker firmly attached on the back wall of the spare well. Probably put on at the factory, although it might have been applied at the dealer. The Mahle on the spare also has SP written on the back of the wheel.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Feb 6 2023, 07:50 PM

A couple of clarifications. THis appears to be an original finish car. Everything is original.

Great to see the factory spoiler which was not made by VPC. VPS made an afermarket spoiler emulating the factory spoiler.

The side stripes look original like they have been on the car for 49 years. On my original paint BB they were also mounted high like that. As I understand it, the stripes were mounted on the dealer lot (assuming the customer did not reject them) because the cars shipped coated in cosmiline for the ocean voyage which would damage vinyl decals, so the side stripes could be mounted in any number of ways. The package o aftermarket stripes that dealers sold over the counter has mounting instructions, but that does not mean the lot boys followed them.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Feb 6 2023, 07:55 PM

I think this is a survivor that should just catch up on deferred maintenance, then clean and wax it. Leave the chipped paint and wear marks as badges of honor to tell their stories and let the car proudly represent the marque as it is. Like Seinfields blue 356 cab.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 6 2023, 08:06 PM

That's my intent although the paint on the left front fender is badly done (have receipt for the repair at the dealer in 1976) and the headlight covers are poor. I will definitely present those flaws when I pass it on.

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 7 2023, 03:34 AM

yep.


its real special.

Posted by: Craigers17 Feb 7 2023, 06:29 AM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=104 Just to be clear, are you saying that the sail panel vinyl and accompanying britework is stock on this LE? I didn't realize that any LE had either of these features. I also thought the two rear trim pieces were supposed to be black.

BTW.... @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344 , glad you were able to get the Mahles as well...that spare is cherry!

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Feb 7 2023, 09:22 AM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=21317

No, Im not saying that about the Targa vinyl and bright trim. They were added along the way and are a previous owner modification, just like the Riviera wheels

What I am saying is that unless a full resto would be undertaken, some things are too hard to change back and the original patina would be lost. Sometimes its better to just leave unoriginal things be as they are. Change the wheeels - sure, easy. Leave the Targa vinyl and buggered paint for a full resto in the future.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Feb 7 2023, 09:45 AM

"heave ho" those wheels asap!! (LOL)

Posted by: jhynesrockmtn Feb 7 2023, 10:10 AM

Exciting and semi local to me. Congrats on this acquisition and best of luck on your continued healing and bringing this car back. Sympathetic (not over) restoration seems like the best course of action. I love the idea of a car that is mechanically in great shape with the cosmetics left mostly as is. I hope to see it someday and would forward to seeing it side by side with mine.

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 7 2023, 10:14 AM

Get the blue car finished. Fixing 2 cars at once would not be my cup of tea. The credit card could become a puddle of melted plastic.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 7 2023, 11:27 AM

The marathon blue 2.0 is fine. I drove it a lot last year. It’s currently at @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=453 getting a new oil cooler seal.

The more I dive into the LE, the more interesting it gets. Discovering the original spare was a bonus, especially with the tire tag on the spare well. I’m just kind of starting at the front and working my way back. Lots of decisions on what to fix/replace and what to leave alone. Sorting through the various documents is another series of discoveries. The log book of fuel stops and oil changes is filled with clues about the car’s history. I’m hoping to talk to the son of the original owner. That could fill in some blanks.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 9 2023, 02:24 PM

I've hit the first crossroad in the LE resurrection. The front bumper had to come off because the frunk cable wouldn't operate; that's another story. My intent has been to repaint the bumpers, front valance and Mahles at the same time; leaving the rocker covers alone as they are in good shape and still have the original rivets. Some of the comments here have caused second thoughts about that plan. Here is the bumper off the car with the spoiler in the background.


As you can see there are spots of serious surface corrision.




I've soaked the nuts for the bumper top but when I went to remove them, the first one turned the stud along with the nut. I immediately stopped knowing I'd just pull the stud out of the rubber. The stud appears to be firmly rusted to the nut.


So my question is: do I just reattach the bumper and call the corrosion 'patina', or do I proceed with the plan to repair and paint the bumper and replace or repair the bumper top also? The bumper top is not pristine. It has light dimpling on the left end.

Posted by: troth Feb 9 2023, 02:48 PM

Seems to me you could very carefully cut the nut off with a dremel without damaging the threads so you can save the bumper top in case that’s what you decide. Although it might look silly with a fresh painted bumper. Definitely want to stop that rust before it gets worse. I’d be surprised if there isn’t some Swiss cheese behind the bumperettes after blasting.

Posted by: troth Feb 9 2023, 02:52 PM

Looking at the pictures it might not even be worth saving that bumper. Paint makes it easier than chrome, but it will require work either way. I’d lean towards putting it back on and driving as is. Source a solid core bumper and paint it when you’re ready. Probably for less than it will take to repair that one. Good news is the front clip looks great.

Posted by: Root_Werks Feb 9 2023, 03:05 PM

I know there will be a lot of perspective on restore vs patina.

I'm kinda leaning toward your original plan with the Yellow parts:

Leave rockers alone as they're in good shape along with side stripes.

Paint F/R bumpers and valiances as well as wheels. Front spoiler needs some fixing anyway.

Just doing that would make this LE look 100 times better than it already does.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 11 2023, 10:40 PM

I'm kinda starting at the front and working my way back. Today I cleaned and conditioned the rubber seal for the frunk lid. The seal was in good shape, completely intact with a slight deformity at the left headlight bucket where the fender was damaged in 1976. The rubber is pliable but will need more conditioning.


Tried to get into all the nooks and crannies but these pics show more detailling is needed


Same is true of the inner fender wells.


Also worked on removing surface rust from the right headlight cover. It was heavily corroded as you can see in this pic. It still needs refinishing but it's a big improvement.

I didn't even touch the underside of the frunk lid but it's impressive in it's original gloss black finish.


Learned a couple of things in the process today. It appears the original driving lights are still in place, with no chips or cracks. Also the original windshield washer connection for the spare tire is intact. In 1973, I thought that was a very cool application. I'll have to test it when I hook it up.

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 12 2023, 12:11 AM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344

its a pleasure to look at these images.
you got to love a time capsule from a half a century ago.
its kind of hard to resist going the tonk and restoring it,
but there is something about it being so original.
the battle scars are part of its character.

given it is so original whats the windscreen in it.
mind taking a photo of that etched data down in the bottom lhs?
there is a little thread going in the originality section covering original windscreens for 914s. am betting this baby is a good candidate for having one.

keep up the good work.
raising a stubbie to you from down here in north antarctica

ps, keep those rivieras i reckon.
even when you fix the mahles.
they kind of should stay with the car (adjacent to it that is).
they are part of the story about the vinyl and chrome on the sail panel!

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 12 2023, 12:23 AM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344 ..............and @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=104 .

i just noticed something in the photos above.
the horn is on the right hand side front.

and.......my 74 1.8 has it on the left hand side.
am pretty confident mine is original. 99% confident given the car.
and i'm thinking this bumblebee also might be very original.
so........did they change the position of the horn in 74?
mine is end of jan 74 build date.

i'm thinking of this in the context of all the chaotic changes along the way we have discovered with 74 model cars.

or did LEs have twin horns and one is missing?

i know you know the answer to this already mr. b!

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Feb 12 2023, 12:39 AM

Dual horns on LEs, infact all 74s I am prettry sure, at least the harness supports both horns. This DR side horn has been replaced.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Feb 12 2023, 12:42 AM

Dual horns on LEs, infact all 74s I am prettry sure, at least the harness supports both horns. This DR side horn has been replaced.

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 12 2023, 12:43 AM

thanks mr. b

i feel sure the lowly 1.8 of which i am the owner did not get the special "duwal" autobahn blast units you describe as coming standard on the LEs you blokes own.
i have only a single unit and i am fairly certain the original owner was not the type who liked to customize in order to be a loud american.

but that does indicate what is going on in above photos.

ah yes i am seeing that the lhs blast unit is black and not an original roadrunner "meemp meemp" type unit like the one on rhs which is like my single unit from the wile e coyote era.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 12 2023, 08:17 AM

Correct. I believe the horn on the left side was replaced when the fender needed repair, which was poorly done at the Porsche dealer. I have found the correct horn in the spare well and will be testing it to see if it operates. Otherwise, I'll be looking for one in the classifieds.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Feb 12 2023, 09:07 AM

Nice car. Were it mine, I would pull the rocker covers and see what's what. If nothing else, I would want to clean everything up and get any/all the dirt and more out of there. Additionally, if there is rust, I would want to know the extent so I could decide how best to address it.

As for painting the yellow bits, I would shoot them all at the same time- even the rocker covers.

The Bumble Bees are my favorite LE cars. Love the look.

Posted by: Jett Feb 12 2023, 10:15 AM

+1 most buyers would want to know that the rockers are solid, and the new plastic rivets are identical to the originals. I would also pull the script off and after having the minor parts (door and headlight cover) repainted, would wet sand the car and buff back the paint. I suspect that you will be surprised how well that single stage will come back.

Btw. I need some yellow paint and new script… maybe if you use EuroTech we can split the paint material cost. I can call Mark to ensure he informs the new shop owner of the correct color.

I need the entire car painted

Posted by: Geezer914 Feb 12 2023, 12:05 PM

Nice find. I would check the inside of the fuel tank by removing the filler neck and using a flash light. Can't be too sure if the car was sitting all those years. Also spray some fogging oil in the cylinders before cranking it over.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 12 2023, 08:52 PM

It’s been started and driven many times since it’s deep sleep.

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Certainly illustrates the difficulty of resisting mission creep. I don’t want to cross the line into restoration but there’s lots of value judgements along the way. Take the rocker covers for example; I recognize the importance of clean rockers but I also don’t want to impair the originality of the rivets on the covers. The battery tray is cleanly intact and the hell hole is very solid. The jack posts are not compromised and viewing the longs and underbody show no signs of problems. So, my educated guess is that if I pulled the rockers I’d see shiny black paint.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Feb 12 2023, 08:58 PM

Nothing precious or sacred about common aluminum rivets, especially when the health of structural elements are unknown. I encourage you to R/R the rivets and confirm if those screws into the chassis bottom below can be removed. They are known to rust in place.

Posted by: KELTY360 Feb 12 2023, 09:28 PM

Makes sense. It can’t hurt to post pics after I wax the longs. If the longs are as nice as I think they are it would only ad to the value.

Posted by: wonkipop Feb 13 2023, 12:44 AM

it was in hawaii. may not be salt on the roads but a sh$tload in the atmosphere coming off the spray at pipeline and mr lightning bolt/late take-offs tail fin.
best to have a peek in there.

Posted by: altitude411 Mar 5 2023, 10:22 PM

*Subscribed* Thanks for the link Marc. Very cool project and looking forward to see where it leads. Also, next time thru Montana give some notice and dinners on me.

Posted by: 914werke Mar 6 2023, 09:59 AM

There are no aluminum rivets on 914 rocker(s)?
if you have have any it means the outer rockers have been off prior & the PO didn't but them back on with the correct OE plastic rivets.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Mar 6 2023, 10:09 AM

The plastic rivets are on the upper threshold plates. Clear or black depending on year.

Mill finish aluminum rivets were factory stock on the 'rocker panels'.

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 6 2023, 10:12 AM

That invite sounds good Keith. I've even had my 914 in Montana for some epic drives. Maybe we could even drive down and rattle @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=20845 's cage.

Posted by: 914werke Mar 6 2023, 10:17 AM

NOPE

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 6 2023, 11:28 AM

In true slacker fashion, I haven't updated my progress in the last few weeks. Not only has it been hectic with medical appointments and an epic road trip to Colorado, but I can't seem to get my photo app to perform the way it previously did.

I have successfully removed the bumper top with all studs intact. Huzzah!




I've completed the first phase of cleaning the interior, which consisted of clearing out all the debris from 35 years of sitting. That also included visors, driver's door storage box, coco mats, busted inside mirror and assorted screws, bolts and fuses left in the console storage box.

I've taken pics of the aluminum rivets in the rocker covers and the newly separated bumper top, but alas I can't seem to post them at present. I know, I know, if there's no picture it didn't happen. You'll just have to wait til I get it figured out.

Trust me...lots of foolish people have.

Posted by: Root_Werks Mar 6 2023, 11:35 AM

Glad you are on the mend along with the Bumble Bee!

Yes, pictures, especially of the interior after some cleaning. If I remember correctly, I couldn't find one popped stitch or crack anyplace.

Posted by: 914werke Mar 6 2023, 11:37 AM

Ok call me foolish if you will, @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=7418 George care to chime in?

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 6 2023, 11:50 AM

Ok, you’re foolish, but I promise it’s true: bare aluminum rivets on both sides holding the covers on. Strangely, the threshold plates are secured by Phillips screws, but they show signs of being turned at some time. Once again, pics to follow.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Mar 6 2023, 12:10 PM

Ok Rich, tell me what you know. What I know is that the photo below shows aluminum rivets (with a peculiar head shape not available in todays marketplace from any place that I have found anyway) in the 'rocker panels' and black plastic riviets in the threshold plate as correct for a 1974 car. i *think* the clear plastic rivets are for 1973 and earlier cars.

Car acquired with ~40Kmi from the orig owner who told me the rocker panels had never been removed. VIN 4742914536


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 6 2023, 08:52 PM

Mine look just like Jeff's:



Question?: If there is no precise replacement for the rivets, what is the preferred fastener?

Posted by: 914werke Mar 6 2023, 09:10 PM

The OE fastener is the Plastic rivet also used on the threshold.
I looked for an isolated image I may have taken of my car but didnt find one.
Id take one post it, but car is remote.

Perhaps this will help -

Posted by: bkrantz Mar 6 2023, 09:38 PM

Of course, for owners not pursuing concours restorations, screws make it easier to pull the outer rockers for cleaning.

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 7 2023, 12:02 AM

So true and since I’m not pursuing a concours restoration I’m becoming inclined to leave that decision to the next owner. If a serious buyer wants to see the rockers I’d pull the covers; but in the meantime they stay in place…I think.

Posted by: wonkipop Mar 7 2023, 03:29 AM

mr b will be right about those rivets. he is rarely wrong, and even his speculations/guesses are pretty good.

Posted by: JeffBowlsby Mar 7 2023, 10:28 AM

Maybe George will chime in on on this? If anyone knows orginal 914s its George.

What are the factory original rocker panel rivets? Plastic (clear or black) or aluminum (mill finish)? The same or differnet over the model years?

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=4947 @autoatlanta.com

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 7 2023, 02:47 PM

So, giving the interior a first cleaning to see what I'm working with, and confirming Dan's opinion that there wasn't a split, crack or tear in the cabin.











Here's the condition prior to any cleaning. Lots of detailing ahead.



The only cracks I found were more like scratches in the backpad light.

Posted by: wonkipop Mar 7 2023, 03:02 PM

not one i can answer with certainty as i took the rockers off my 74 30+ years ago to clean in behind them and check out the sills/jack points. have alum rivets now same as kelty360. i can't really recall what was on the car back then. too long ago.
what i can say is when it comes to rivets or rust, i know which one i could care less about.

black plastic thresholds have never been off.
either a black plastic rivet or a black coated alum rivet that fixes those on.

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344 - that interior is minty. steering wheel factory fresh!!!!
i've got exact same cocoa mats in mine (but a little more worn )
that particular "natural" brown color = the fashion item back then?
also remember my interior light when i got it back in 89 had the same melt droop in the middle top. someone had fitted the wrong bulb. too hot. pretty funny.

Posted by: wonkipop Mar 7 2023, 04:30 PM

i think you are on to something mr. b

its maybe an extensive change in mid 73 when they change the inner threshold plate from alum to plastic?
i've done a bit of searching back through the L jet files i have which are all 74 and 75 1.8s.

i know this from my own car (and PET data).
when the thin inner most threshold piece was changed to black plastic the screws changed too. the screws received additional cupped raised washers to help with distributing the load and keeping the plastic straighter. very few cars seem to have the correct screws surviving. i have the original screws on mine for those very inner most thresholds and a few of the ones i have on file have them as well. that helps with knowing you might be looking at something trustworthy throughout sill area. the earlier cars pre mid 73 just have a screw into the aluminium earlier inner most threshold.

they changed the outer sill threshold piece to plastic at the same time and the rivets in that changed to black. all the examples on file match mine.
they had been white in the pre mid 73 cars to fasten the alum threshold.

i looked up my first addition restorers guide to authenticity.
its getting a bit old now (out of date?). i don't have the more recent edition.
down the back on page 78 is a photo and description of the earlier alum threshold. also shows rocker panel. the rocker panel is held on by the same white plastic rivet. so i believe @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=453 is right about that. when it comes to earlier cars.

however there is no detail or description on the post mid 73 in my edition of R G.

but---everything i have on file from L jet research which are in some cases drawn from BAT archives has silver alum rivets fixing the outer sill rockers. i think i have got at least two original examples i would trust to a reasonable degree on that. they could have been black rivets that the paint has worn off. but they are silver now which indicates alum not plastic.

it could be interesting. they might have changed the rivets in the outer rockers from mid 73 on. your example you have posted where the owner assured rockers had not been off and the rivets are silver alum seems to agree with everything i have collected on file.

i can't say for certain what i did back in the early 90s when i took the covers off was a like for like replacement. but i used to be fairly careful with detail like that and i feel sure i would have replaced what was there to match. but who knows.

i guess the doc will have the full answer.

but there appears to be something in the differences being brought up and contested.
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=453 is definitely correct about the early cars pre mid 73.
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=104 may well be correct about the later cars post mid 73. something different appears to be going on there.


a 74.
not mine but identical to mine.
from L jet archive. a pretty original car in all respects.
not a restoration
correct inner threshold screws and seems to have alum rocker rivets. look silver.
matches @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344 's rockers and your example of a 40,000 mile car.

Posted by: wonkipop Mar 7 2023, 06:21 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=104

the mystery of the rivets deepens.

looking further into L jet files and am only turning up alum finish rivets on the 74 rocker panels.

v good condition, highly original, factory paint example.




another one that was an original paint, highly original car in aged/worn condition.
but very unmolested.



i ain't saying they are mill finish alum conclusively.
but i can't seem to turn up any other sort on 74s.


so i looked at 75s.
.........black!
this was what i would consider an unmolested highly original low mile 75.
dunno if rivets are painted alum or black plastic?
but they are black.
kept looking further into the files and all the reasonably trustworthy examples appear to be black.




i dunno.

somethings going on with those sill panels i think.
maybe even from 74 to 75 they are changing again?
????

but i'm swinging towards you and @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344 being right about rivets on a 74.
which means i might have done the right thing back in the 90s.

Posted by: wonkipop Mar 7 2023, 07:46 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=104
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=5344

hmmmmm!
i thought to myself i know there is an in depth photographic record of S G's sahara beige 74 2.0 in originality section. went snooping to see if there were photos of sill.

uncovered a very interesting exchange.




unoriginal sill rivets - incorrectly restored?



http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=101921&st=120

seems to be a bit of uncertainty around the business of what was on a 74.
and maybe 73? leaving aside what was on an early car.

the black plastic rivets that S G quotes dr914 says were on all 14s def agrees with my files on 75 1.8s. they sure look like they got black rivets.

S G's comments about what were on his super clean super original car when he bought it, before he changed them to black, def agrees with my files on 74 1.8s and the 74 cars being discussed here a page earlier.

Posted by: DBF Mar 8 2023, 04:32 PM

My Bumblebee was given one inexpensive repaint due to stone chips from driving on the typical gravel roads in the Michigan UP. Other than that, it is all original. The painter painted over the rivets, and given the so-so repaint, it is unlikely the rockers were removed. I lightly scratched some paint off one of the rivets and found .......metallic.

Posted by: DBF Mar 8 2023, 06:33 PM

Would the same tool be used to install both Al and plastic rivets? Could a shortage of plastic rivets cause the factory to substitute Al rivets on some cars?

Posted by: KELTY360 Mar 8 2023, 06:38 PM

The windshield looks to be original but this is the best pic I've managed so far. I'll keep trying to get a better one. The garage lighting has to be just right.

Posted by: wonkipop Mar 9 2023, 04:22 AM

yep thats farken original for sure.
whats the date on the build of this baby.
all good data. i only give a sh$t about 74 1,8 914s. but i will make an exception for a bumble bee or a vanilla icecream with orange sauce.
get a good shot when you manage it and post it but don't fret. glass and reflections.
great car.