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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Bluey the $400 Porsche
Posted by: Olympicblue73 May 14 2023, 01:52 PM
Hello everyone! This whole thing might seem familiar to some of you since I posted about this car a few years ago, but I lost motivation and I feel like starting a fresh thread is a good idea. 
So, this will be my project thread from here on out!
Here’s the story from my post 2 years ago for those of you who didn't see:
“Hello everyone! I’d like to introduce myself: I’m Cian, and I am a high school senior college sophomore and a car fanatic who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.”
In October of 2019 I purchased this ‘73 914 2.0L in Olympic Blue from my neighbor across the street. I have always wanted a 914 and buying the exact car I gawked at throughout childhood was a dream come true.
I inquired (without my parents permission unsure.gif ) and the owner and I met up the following week. He knew quite a bit about 914s, and he loved the car, but it was obviously time to let it go. He left it under a tree, and it was covered in dust and rotting leaves. However, under the filth, it was in pretty good shape overall, with minimal rust and dry rot. The dash was not cracked (!) and at least the front of the car could be salvaged paint-wise. He said that it has dual Weber carbs, and the engine was rebuilt a few years before it was parked (sometime around 1998.) he said the carburetors were in dire need of a rebuild, and I should replace the fuel lines as well. He also said it has minor rust issues (what abandoned 914 doesn’t??)
I asked about the price, thinking that I couldn’t possibly afford it. I ended up buying it for 400 bucks, complete, with a clean title. One three and a half years later, I am still just as thrilled with it as the day I got it- it is my prized possession, and the fact that I got such a nice 914 for that cheap just makes me even happier.”
Now, two years on, I have finally begun major work on my car- better late than never! I have discovered that the motor is most likely water damaged and is probably in need of a rebuild, forcing me to drop the engine, a job that I was terrified of two years ago. I will send the powertrain over to Russ Kelso and his team at PMCI INC where they will do the necessary work to make it run. I actually laughed out loud when I read “minimal rust” which has to be one of the biggest understatements of all time. 
Plan
- Fix structural rust (unsafe to drive at the moment)
- Engine rebuild
- New fuel and brake lines
- Clean fuel tank
- 5 lug swap with new brakes (maybe 911 front struts)
- Install authentic 5 lug Fuchs
- Try not to damage original paint
I hope to make this a weekend driver that I can take to Cars and Coffee and other similar events. This is going to be a big project, but am excited to see this car back on the road! Here’s some photos of the turd for you all: 
Posted by: Olympicblue73 May 14 2023, 01:54 PM
Heres some “before” photos
Posted by: StarBear May 14 2023, 02:14 PM
Best wishes! 
Posted by: burton73 May 14 2023, 02:39 PM
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=354097&hl=
We have been here with you earlier on. I still think that you got a screaming deal on this car and really if you have some talent or follow instruction well you can take a stab at fifing it yourself because if it goes to a guy to rebuild the Eng it is going to cost you a bit of money.
The are great video’s on how to rebuild the Eng and maybe you send the transmission out to have someone review how it is and rebuild it or at least reseal it.
I rebuilt my first 914 2.0 when I was 24 but did lots of motorcycle when I was 16. It is much easier to follow the video’s now and back when I was 25 I used a simple manuel available able at that time in 1979 . The machine shop was my friend to review just how my parts looked and what needed to be replaced or machined.
Understanding witness marks and having a keen eye for damage to used parts will go a long way. I found that it was a lot of fun to work on my 914
Good luck, take it slow and follow instructions and you will end up with a fun little that you should make a nice profit on it someday. You should tell us something on your history and what talents you have. The guys here will be happy to share their knowledge with you
Best to you,
Bob B
Posted by: 914Toy May 14 2023, 02:58 PM
![popcorn[1].gif](style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Posted by: JeffBowlsby May 14 2023, 03:23 PM
If that’s a 74 the rear bumper has been changed.
Posted by: JeffBowlsby May 14 2023, 03:24 PM
If that’s a 74 the rear bumper has been changed.
Posted by: Olympicblue73 May 14 2023, 03:34 PM
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=354097&hl=
We have been here with you earlier on. I still think that you got a screaming deal on this car and really if you have some talent or follow instruction well you can take a stab at fifing it yourself because if it goes to a guy to rebuild the Eng it is going to cost you a bit of money.
The are great video’s on how to rebuild the Eng and maybe you send the transmission out to have someone review how it is and rebuild it or at least reseal it.
I rebuilt my first 914 2.0 when I was 24 but did lots of motorcycle when I was 16. It is much easier to follow the video’s now and back when I was 25 I used a simple manuel available able at that time in 1979 . The machine shop was my friend to review just how my parts looked and what needed to be replaced or machined.
Understanding witness marks and having a keen eye for damage to used parts will go a long way. I found that it was a lot of fun to work on my 914
Good luck, take it slow and follow instructions and you will end up with a fun little that you should make a nice profit on it someday. You should tell us something on your history and what talents you have. The guys here will be happy to share their knowledge with you
Best to you,
Bob B
It’s good to see you again! I think the biggest issue I’ve had since day 1 is that I do not have any prior experience or any mechanical skill, and I also don’t have anybody in my life that could teach me. I’d never even changed the oil or spark plugs on a car before I got my 914. I’m starting slow with the removal of the drivetrain, and then I will reassess when its out. Another option could be to ask if I could work WITH him on the motor. No matter what I’m going to have someone who knows about the motor at least check it out and see what we are working with.
Posted by: Puebloswatcop May 14 2023, 07:33 PM
Welcome back to the insane asylum.....The addiction to these cars never ends.....Looks like you made a steal of a deal when you bought that car. Good luck on your build
Posted by: steuspeed May 15 2023, 12:21 AM
A 73 2.0 for $400 is a great deal. You can put a lot of $$$ in this and still be $$$ ahead. Great color too.
Posted by: malcolm2 May 15 2023, 08:09 AM
why send it out? do you want to rebuild it or just have someone check it out? Engine rebuilding is part of the process. The only thing I did not do, was the tranz. Dr Evil built mine for me. He used to and I hear he will again, have weekend training sessions that I could have attended and rebuilt the tranz too. water over the dam now.
Take your time, do everything you can yourself. Save 1/2 the money, maybe more, using your own labor.
Enough of that. What else have you done besides wash it?
Posted by: Olympicblue73 May 15 2023, 09:16 AM
why send it out? do you want to rebuild it or just have someone check it out? Engine rebuilding is part of the process. The only thing I did not do, was the tranz. Dr Evil built mine for me. He used to and I hear he will again, have weekend training sessions that I could have attended and rebuilt the tranz too. water over the dam now.
Take your time, do everything you can yourself. Save 1/2 the money, maybe more, using your own labor.
Enough of that. What else have you done besides wash it?
Im pretty sure it’s going to need a rebuild, but I might open it up before I send it to Russ. I am pretty sure there is/was water in the motor, but we will see when it’s removed! I’m just waiting on the Jack plate now! I’ve already replaced the fuel lines in the tunnel and I’ve cleaned the tank. I started to rebuild the carbs, but they are toast
Posted by: Olympicblue73 May 29 2023, 09:30 AM
Update!
I’ve decided to break up the motor removal over multiple days since I’ve been running into some issues. I don’t know how some of you guys get this job done in under three hours lol. The biggest problem I have encountered is that the previous owner stripped multiple screws and bolts for different components under the car, and they are the exact ones you don’t want stripped- the transmission cone screw and the CV bolts…
It seems as if he just manhandled everything when installing- a good example is that the plastic cover for the side shift, which fits INSIDE the metal lip surrounding the linkage, was just stretched and hammered on OVER it. Similarly, the rear bumper was installed in a way that pinched the wiring of the passenger side plate light, causing the entire bumper to sit improperly, warping the upper rubber bit, destroying that wire, and seemingly grounding it out on the metal bumper
Now time to deal with some stripped CV bolts! 
Posted by: Dr Evil May 29 2023, 10:22 AM
why send it out? do you want to rebuild it or just have someone check it out? Engine rebuilding is part of the process. The only thing I did not do, was the tranz. Dr Evil built mine for me. He used to and I hear he will again, have weekend training sessions that I could have attended and rebuilt the tranz too. water over the dam now.
Take your time, do everything you can yourself. Save 1/2 the money, maybe more, using your own labor.
Enough of that. What else have you done besides wash it?
I wouldnt hold your breath on me doing any more weekend clinics. Family needs are far eclipsing my abilities to be away for any extended period of time, and my shop has been cranking non stop with no break in sight. I hate to tell customers I cant get their build done because of traveling to do several other builds. Lastly, I have had multiple generous members around the continent offer up their location for a build clinic and none of the locations (PNW, Canada West, Canada East, Central/North CA) have had any luck in generating enough participants to make it worthwhile. My last clinic was in Santa Clarita, CA like 4 yrs ago and so many folks bailed at the last moment that I ended up financially in the red with a bunch of new parts and uncovered travel, vehicle, shipping, and lodging expenses. The clinics are a bit of a big endeavor and take time, money, and effort to put on. Im short on all three when I have a constant small backlog at my home shop. They were a lot of fun, and I got to meet a lot of our members and help a lot of people. I do miss doing them.
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=25642
Looks in some pics that the rear wheels have some camber to them. Have you checked the suspension mounts for rust, cracking, etc?
Posted by: Dr Evil May 29 2023, 10:26 AM
Example of the camber issue Im talking about.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: Olympicblue73 May 29 2023, 12:17 PM
Example of the camber issue Im talking about.
The suspension mounts are very solid. I think the camber is because the car is lowered on aftermarket rear suspension =)
Posted by: VaccaRabite May 30 2023, 08:49 AM
Example of the camber issue Im talking about.
The suspension mounts are very solid. I think the camber is because the car is lowered on aftermarket rear suspension =)
Thats weird though. If the mounts are in good shape, you almost have to do it intentionally to get the camber wrong like that.
And I realize that was a common VW fad for about a decade that may have slipped over to your car. If intentional, it should be easy to correct.
Be aware, though. The suspension ears rust from the inside out. They look great from the outside until they rust through...
Zach
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Jun 2 2023, 11:01 AM
Image of the stripped CV bolts. Sorry if it might be a little hard to see. Only 2 of the 8 total are intact. The rest are completely rounded out 
Posted by: 930cabman Jun 2 2023, 11:15 AM
I have had luck with a vise grip for this application
Posted by: Root_Werks Jun 2 2023, 12:53 PM
I have had luck with a vise grip for this application
Don't be nice to them, just grip, shred or whatever you have to do to get them out.
Usually a sign that someone used a 6point instead of the proper 12 point tool to remove.
Posted by: nditiz1 Jun 2 2023, 06:22 PM
Just went through this. Had to cut a slot and use a flat blade socket. Got them all out to replace.
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Jul 24 2023, 10:05 AM
Hello everybody! I finally got the CVs disconnected- the stripped bolts and the unrelenting heat (100º+) killed my motivation for a little bit. I tried everything I could, and they would not budge. I finally decided to contact my neighbor who builds drift cars to see if he could possibly weld some nuts to the ends, as I do not own a welder. It turns out he’s a super nice guy, and although the welding didn’t work, he decided to take a crack at them himself. He cut huge slots in the bolts, and we used a socket wrench holding a chisel to screw them out. 
I’m grateful that I decided to contact him, because not only are my stripped bolts out- I have also made a new friend as well. All that is left is to drain the oil, and then the motor will be out!
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Jul 24 2023, 10:36 AM
I just keep stumbling upon 70’s porsches in my neighborhood! While walking my dog, I caught a glimpse of a yellow car that was behind a gate at an elderly neighbor’s house. I don’t remember ever seeing any car back there, so I took a peek: it’s a rally yellow 1977 924! A few weeks later, I was driving by when I saw him outside doing yard work. I decided to ask him about it, and he was very happy to show it to me. Apparently it was under a tarp this whole time, but the tarp finally ripped. It seems to be in pretty great shape, 91k miles. He said his left knee got bad, so he could no longer work the clutch. He also told me that he was tossing around donating it to PBS. I made an offer, but he thought it was too low, which was funny because he said he was going to donate it just a sentence ago 
But, I gave him my contact info! He seemed pretty motivated to get rid of it, so maybe he will call. 
[attachmentid=882656]
Back to work on the 914
Posted by: KELTY360 Jul 24 2023, 11:05 AM
Beware the slippery slope.
Posted by: 930cabman Jul 24 2023, 01:20 PM
Beware the slippery slope.
many of us get caught and never recover
Posted by: Freezin 914 Jul 24 2023, 02:39 PM
Stick with the 914, 924 can be fun, but my guess is, the blue car will be using plenty of your time and money. The 924 will do the same. I would focus on just one. Just my .02.
I have personally been there with multiple projects, it can get a bit overwhelming and you will end up not really getting anything done on either.
But I have been wrong before. Best of luck either way. 
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Jul 24 2023, 03:28 PM
Stick with the 914, 924 can be fun, but my guess is, the blue car will be using plenty of your time and money. The 924 will do the same. I would focus on just one. Just my .02.
I have personally been there with multiple projects, it can get a bit overwhelming and you will end up not really getting anything done on either.
But I have been wrong before. Best of luck either way.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Although it pains me to let such a nice 924 go, I barely have the skillset to work on my car, let alone a water cooled fuel injected motor. Also dumping tons of money into a ‘77 4 speed emissions choked 924 all because it’s a rare color isn't the best idea. I’ll only take it if he comes back with a miraculously low price. Lightning rarely strikes twice though
Posted by: KELTY360 Jul 24 2023, 09:45 PM
Beware the slippery slope.
many of us get caught and never recover
Will you own the car....or will the car own you?
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 1 2023, 11:14 AM
After a few headaches (and way too much time), the motor is finally out. It fell off the Jack plate a little bit coming out, and I forgot to disconnect the accelerator cable but otherwise it went pretty smoothly! I’m incredibly proud of myself, as I feel this is a big feat for somebody with no prior mechanical experience. Now it’s time to see what we are working with!
Excuse the nightmarish mess in the garage, I’m not the only person who uses it to store their junk… but, at least my junk is cool
Posted by: bkrantz Aug 1 2023, 08:47 PM
Nice work so far! Now you can start unbolting engine parts.
And a belated welcome to the four corners area 914 club. There are a few of us in Durango, and more in ABQ. If you have nothing better to do on Labor Day come up here for our annual car show. I can promise some 914s to look over. We also have a C&C on the first Saturday each month, usually with 914 action.
Posted by: Porschef Aug 2 2023, 04:33 AM
Yes, in fact one of the east coast’s best deserted us for the dustier pastures of New Mexico Big Len
Seriously, Len is a great guy and will probably put some kind of gathering together at some point, meeting owners is one of the best ways to both learn and get inspiration to tackle projects on the car. Looks like you have a great start with yours
Joe
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 2 2023, 09:21 AM
Nice work so far! Now you can start unbolting engine parts.
And a belated welcome to the four corners area 914 club. There are a few of us in Durango, and more in ABQ. If you have nothing better to do on Labor Day come up here for our annual car show. I can promise some 914s to look over. We also have a C&C on the first Saturday each month, usually with 914 action.
Thank you! I will be sure to check it out!
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 2 2023, 09:36 AM
Yes, in fact one of the east coast’s best deserted us for the dustier pastures of New Mexico
Big LenSeriously, Len is a great guy and will probably put some kind of gathering together at some point, meeting owners is one of the best ways to both learn and get inspiration to tackle projects on the car. Looks like you have a great start with yours
Joe
I think I might’ve actually met Len! His name sounds super familiar. Does he have a red ‘74 1.8 that is in immaculate condition? If so, I’ve met him!
Posted by: Porschef Aug 2 2023, 10:40 AM
That’s him
Posted by: Front yard mechanic Aug 2 2023, 12:28 PM
Yes, in fact one of the east coast’s best deserted us for the dustier pastures of New Mexico
Big LenSeriously, Len is a great guy and will probably put some kind of gathering together at some point, meeting owners is one of the best ways to both learn and get inspiration to tackle projects on the car. Looks like you have a great start with yours
Joe
Just because it hasn’t rained in 73 days does not mean you can call us dusty
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 14 2023, 12:06 PM
With the motor out, I’ve finally been able to get a clear view of the valves, and it looks the way that I suspected! Water damage! I’m glad I didn’t try and start this thing in the car. 
Posted by: WizPorsche914 Aug 15 2023, 08:46 AM
Whatever happened with that yellow 924 ?
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 15 2023, 09:41 AM
Whatever happened with that yellow 924 ?
I never heard back from him after I went over there to look at it. It has also been sitting for a considerable amount of time and is going to need quite a bit of TLC, and I don’t know if I can juggle two basket case Porsches. If he wanted less money for it than he does, I’d be getting it. There are quite a few 924s that are for sale that RUN for not much more than what he wants for it.
Posted by: WizPorsche914 Aug 15 2023, 11:04 AM
Whatever happened with that yellow 924 ?
Yeah sounds like it would be more problems then what its worth. I would just worry about the 914 for now.
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 25 2023, 03:26 PM
This past Saturday something very lucky happened at cars and coffee. I was talking to my buddy who has a ‘74 1.8 when all of a sudden a man approaches us, and asks us if we need any parts. He tells us he has what is practically a ‘914 junkyard’ with all the parts you could ever dream of, at liquidation prices.
The following day we visit him, and let me tell you, it is NUTS. He’s gotta have at least 30 914s in different conditions in his backyard, from running to totaled shells. I had a list of items I wanted, and I got to work tracking them down. I ended up purchasing 911 front struts, rotors, calipers etc, a right front turn signal lens, and a set of genuine 14 x 5.5 Fuchs. He also has a set of trailing arms and rear brakes from a 914/6 that are in good condition that I will return for.
Now, all of this set me back just… $1400. This is a crazy good deal, considering the Fuchs were just $800.
The wheels are a mismatched set, stamped 1970, 1969, 1969, 1968- I will send them for restoration before they get put on the car, because I’m not a fan of the unpainted, polished look. At the moment they overpower the car, especially since it’s such a turd.
Posted by: Big Len Aug 25 2023, 04:53 PM
Hey Cian,
Did we meet at the Rio Rancho car show several months ago?
Also, did the person with the 30 914s live in or near Edgewood? That's where I live.
Would you like some of us local owners to come over one day on a weekend and give you a hand?
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Aug 25 2023, 05:04 PM
Hey Cian,
Did we meet at the Rio Rancho car show several months ago?
Also, did the person with the 30 914s live in or near Edgewood? That's where I live.
Would you like some of us local owners to come over one day on a weekend and give you a hand?
Hey Len!
Yes we did meet very briefly! Your car is gorgeous! You were talking to my buddy Jeff, and I shook your hand. The guy is actually out on the westside just off Coors!
Having a little get together could be very fun, that is incredibly generous of you to offer! I can PM you to get your contact info
Posted by: Big Len Aug 27 2023, 01:05 PM
PM sent
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Apr 6 2024, 02:50 PM
Hello all! Long time no see! I apologize for not keeping up with my update posts, but my life has been overwhelmingly busy over the past 8 months, mainly due to architecture school. The good news is that I still have been making slow progress on the car, which I will share with a series of posts below!
Many of you will dislike that I am not doing it myself, but in September I took my motor to Performance Motorcar Investments to be rebuilt. As I established before, I reeeeeally struggle with motivation, and I know that if I decided to rebuild the motor myself, the project would probably never be finished. Now that somebody else is doing that, I feel forced to get other things done before the motor is finished, which is giving me much needed motivation.
The jobs that I need to complete include:
- Repainting the tins for the motor
- Tidying up the engine compartment
- Rebuilding the transmission
- Finish fuel lines
Among other things, like CVs.
Posted by: Olympicblue73 Apr 6 2024, 03:23 PM
One major thing that needed to be done was to reseal the transmission. It was the only thing that really leaked on the entire car, and it had seemingly leaked so much that it had resealed itself with dried transmission fluid
I decided to contact my friend who works on air cooled Porsche transmissions to see if we could work on fully rebuilding it together, because if the inside was as bad as the outside, it was going to need it. Upon opening the transmission we discovered that it was in okay shape, but it needed synchros for second and third, and a first gear dogtooth ring. It seemed like the previous owner had cracked the transmission open multiple times and moved parts around to "distribute the wear evenly..."
I am very grateful for this opportunity because I learned a ton about the 901 and transmissions in general, as well as saved a chunk of change. On to the next task! 
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