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Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 10 2003, 05:55 AM

1973' 2.0 with Rayco kit installed. Aussie CSA wheels.


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 10 2003, 05:56 AM

another


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Posted by: Ferg Sep 10 2003, 08:05 AM

Those wheels look nice. Never seen them before. What does the rear view look like??

Posted by: tat2dphreak Sep 10 2003, 08:29 AM

real clean, sweet look! I usually don't car for body kits, but I think that one is nice

Posted by: Curvie Roadlover Sep 10 2003, 09:40 AM

Posted by: Lawrence Sep 10 2003, 10:23 AM

Well done. Gaps look good, and the front end is clean, with Miata-esque lines.

Not sure about the turn signal placement, though. Is that street legal (can it be seen from the front?)

-Rusty

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 10 2003, 10:45 AM

I'll get a picture taken of the rear. She is a wide load I'm warning ya. The back is 8" wider than stock. Like a old girlfriend of mine LOL. The turn sognals have a place in the front air dam, but I decided that they will house some HIDs to make up for the stock low power beams. The turn signals where they are can be seen fairly clear from the front.

Thanks for the good words of encouragement. I wasn't sure how the car was going to be recieved.

Posted by: p914 Sep 10 2003, 10:57 AM

Car looks great Steve. Hope the Fuchs you sold me on eBay helped fund the project.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 10 2003, 11:05 AM

you betch they did!!!! I hope those Fuchs have been behaving themselves. I had a long talk with them about that they were sacrificing themselves for a better cause LOL!

I can tell all of you one thing, this four wheeled facelift for a trophy wife is a blood sucking money vacuum LOL

Posted by: p914 Sep 10 2003, 11:09 AM

I hope she lets you drive it on Sundays at least!

Posted by: JRust Sep 10 2003, 11:14 AM

Well done. I've seen 3 rayco kit 914's. One was done pretty crappy & looked like crap. The other I saw at Renegade hybrids & drooled all over it! Yours is definately in the drool class. Looks sweet man good job!

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 10 2003, 11:16 AM

The car is the trophy wife,...the Mrs has given up trying to get between me and IT! LOL

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 10 2003, 11:18 AM

Thank you JRust, I just hope nothing breaks LOL God help me if someone hits it. It will look like a cracked egg with wheels LOL

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 11 2003, 06:48 AM

more pics


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 11 2003, 06:49 AM

one mo


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Posted by: tat2dphreak Sep 11 2003, 08:24 AM

I DIG that interior DUDE! that is sweet! great job!

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 11 2003, 08:32 AM

Thanks Tat,...I figured I'd be a wee bit different on the inside as on the out. I'd love to have some of those 911 looking door panels. Maybe I can take a look at one and have someone make the skins to stretch over the existing bare panel. I have seen a few people do it and darn it looks nice.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Sep 11 2003, 08:47 AM

I totally agree with you! I have interior demented plans as well, so I like it when someone does something different and does it very well! I'm going for brushed aluminum door panels, gauge plate, and glove box... remove the "basket weave" from the dash, leaving the flat black that's behind. should be fun!

Posted by: Steve Thacker Sep 11 2003, 09:01 AM

That is a great idea on the brushed aluminum! That would have a visual impact for certain. Please post some pics when / if you do it. I'd be interested in seeing what it looks like. I like different things. I'm going to stay with the black, maybe have some read tastefully sewn in red stripes or piping. Always something ya know?...money ,..money,...money. LOL

Posted by: tat2dphreak Sep 11 2003, 09:15 AM

sounds sweet! I definately want to see that!

money is one main reason for going with aluminum... I can do it myself! I saw a beetle years ago that did something similar(of course they MAKE the replacement parts for beetles though! ) and it looked very clean and striking!

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 08:16 AM

Latest developments. I have finished the uphostery for my car. I learned a lot about sewing parts together. The Mrs was patient in teaching me the basics and I went on from there. Just wanted to get the honest thoughts of the fellow members. Be truthful good, bad or indifferent, I can take a punch.
Thanks!


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 08:17 AM

another


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 08:18 AM

another


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 08:20 AM

just have to put the center console back and third seat in and finish up putting the speaker panels in and I'm done with all I can do. I'm tired......

Posted by: tat2dphreak Apr 23 2004, 08:38 AM

OMFG!!! that is SWEET!!!

Posted by: dakotaewing Apr 23 2004, 08:47 AM

What kind of mirrors did you end up putting on the car? Do you have any more pics?

Thom

Posted by: ! Apr 23 2004, 09:20 AM

Obviously a lot of effort....but just not "my" style. Too Miata like and the turn signal lense on the side....well, it might make sense if the observer never knew where it came from...but SMALL side markers would suit it better.

The interior....ummm, it certainly is RED, prolly won't need an interior light at night....

Good luck on the project. Hopefully the powerplant will be equal to the exterior looks.

Posted by: ninefourteener Apr 23 2004, 09:32 AM

I'd give my left testicle to have the interior of my car match the exterior like you did.

SWEET.... you are one seriously bad mofo.

Major props for a job well done.. don't let anyone else tell you different.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the kind words,..I'm ah trying. The mirrors believe it or not came off a 78 Camaro or was that a Firechicken? Shit I forgot! LOL these are all the ones I have now. I can take some more this evening.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 10:00 AM

Humm great idea...I'll add the side markers as soon as I can find a set that would look good on the car....Any suggestions on where from?
You are right the interior Mikez, the interior light is useless LMAO

Man save those testicles, you may not use them, but they are good for asthetic purposes Get some material and take a stab at it. Borrow someones sewing machine and do some practicing. I can help along the way on what not to do

Posted by: JohnB Apr 23 2004, 10:03 AM

Nice work on the seats, though I have to admit the color choice is a bit, shall we say, loud. Hey, it works for you so go for it, great workmanship is always good to see.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Apr 23 2004, 10:28 AM

Steve,

that is the NICEST Rayco install I have seen. Great job. Just in time for Spring.

All that hard work paid off.


B

Posted by: Gint Apr 23 2004, 10:32 AM

W W! That's LOUD

Nice work I have to say. I like that body colored dash panel. Hmmm.....

Posted by: SirAndy Apr 23 2004, 10:41 AM

cool!

but you need some wheel spacers in the rear and drop the whole car an 1" or 2" ...

Andy

Posted by: shoguneagle Apr 23 2004, 11:24 AM

There is only one thing wrong with the car------ it is not parked in my garage!!!! Great effort and an excellent total balance in the car appearance. Looks better than a professional job; this one was done with extreme care and to perfection. Great job.

Steve Hurt

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 11:30 AM

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. Every bit helps more than all of you can imagine. I want this car to reflect something new and different as you can tell. Also I want to make sure it is right. What better place could I go to to get this sort of help? This place gives the meaning of friends its true meaning.

W W! That's LOUD

I don't think I'll have a problem of it not being noticed by satellite tracking systems But hey I love the effect it has on people. Certainly sturs some emotions, the psychological effect worked out the way I hoped. They might not remember anything else about the car, but the interior ought to stick in their minds or crawls LMAO!

Andy,
I'll try to find some spacers for the rear wheels. My only other problem is that the rear shocks are on their last notch. What can I do to lower it more? need some help on this one for ertain.

Brad:
A good word coming from you is a special treat to me, it tells me I'm on the right track. I appreciate it.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 11:35 AM

GO FOR IT GINT. Be daring! Be Bold! Be crazy like me!

Posted by: ninefourteener Apr 23 2004, 12:27 PM

OK... correct me if I'm wrong...... but are those 2nd generation Firebird / Camaro mirrors on that??

Hmmmm

Posted by: Steve Thacker Apr 23 2004, 12:36 PM

I got them off of ebay. I think they came off a 78 Camaro or Firechicken. I decided after many back and forths to do these or the flag mirrors. The flags didn't win so these were put on.

Posted by: Lawrence Apr 23 2004, 02:34 PM

I like what you've done with the seats and especially the quality of the door panels. I know the top padding is a SOB to get right, if it's a DIY job.

-Rusty

Posted by: onrails Apr 23 2004, 02:59 PM

great job man!
the interior is a-bit "flashey" for me.
but the exterior looks of the car
have given me wood!
what kind of motor will be going in it?


once again,,,,,terrific job! bravo!
BRIAN

Posted by: Curvie Roadlover Apr 23 2004, 03:37 PM

Steve,
That is really incredible!!. WOW
Might we be blessed with your appearance at SMOG's Mid-West 914 Classic? I sure hope so!!

Posted by: campbellcj Apr 24 2004, 12:36 AM

Nice work on the body and interior. One tip on some cool vintage marker lights, although they are kinda spendy, is the small Hella lamps that Smart Racing Products is selling. (I am "pretty sure" they are a lot smaller than the stock 914 units). They might look nice in your turn signal application.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Jul 9 2004, 07:38 PM

hummm.... great idea on the markers...something old,..something new

Posted by: Steve Thacker Jul 13 2004, 10:46 AM

I have to regretfully say that the car will not be good enough "for me" to show this year. I most certainly will be there next year. I think Rich's "Alien" will be done before mine...sniff sniff...I suppose I too picky and want the car to be flawless, not to mention I'm chasing a electrical gremlin down.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:25 AM

Some updated pics. I put in a new windshield with new chrome. Still need to fabricate and install mesh screen inside my grill and rear air ducts, then wheel spacers for the rears. Oh yea and get the new paint color sanded and buffed. I hope these pics are not too large.


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:32 AM

another


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:35 AM

another


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:43 AM

yup


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:48 AM

ditto


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:50 AM

new speaker fabrication


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 04:52 AM

last one


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Posted by: Hi_Fi_Guy Jan 28 2005, 09:46 AM

I came to this post a little late and I wanted to tell you what a great job you have done with your car. Looks like you had your own personal vision and stuck too it, the most important thing when redoing a car IMHO. I also know what a pain the upholstery is to replace and I wanted to give you major props and kudos for sewing your own and getting the seams and panels to fit so well.

Why not keep the 914 turn signals as you have them... it is unique, I have never seen anyone do that before. If it works and you like it then keep it.

Great work, I hope I get to see it in person some day.

Posted by: Root_Werks Jan 28 2005, 10:08 AM

You put a lot of work into that car and it shows! Looks like you had a good time putting it together too! Looks great, great job!

Posted by: brant Jan 28 2005, 10:13 AM

Nice job..
what attention to detail.. wow..

good job

Posted by: larryp Jan 28 2005, 10:33 AM

Don't listen to these guys - the interior is sharp!

You can find all sorts of blinkers at your local Honda (or Kawa, or Suzuki, or Yamaha) motorcycle dealer. Just go to the parts dept counter. And they are cheap; we replace the stock ones with flush mounts all the time. All are small and many are tasteful.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Jan 28 2005, 11:35 AM

Thank you fellas for the kind words. I know one thing I would never do another modified car again. This one spanked me and my wallet, even with doing everything myself, except for paint. I only want to get this car out on the road to enjoy. Snow is flying here, so it is hurry up and wait. HURRY UP SPRING !

I want to go to the Midwest classic and a few others. I hope everything is good engine wise enough to trust for a long drive to these get togethers.

The pictures of the interior came out orange-red looking...hummm must be a camera setting I have wrong. The interior is just bright red.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Jun 5 2007, 09:40 AM

New body work and paint color ( Viper Red )
Courtesy of Kenny's Collision, Millersport Ohio


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jun 5 2007, 09:40 AM

another


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jun 5 2007, 09:41 AM

ya


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jun 5 2007, 09:42 AM

Fini


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Jun 5 2007, 09:43 AM

The interior dash and console are going to carbon fiber, to knock off the edge of red. Wheels are going to be black satin. Mirrors are going to be vitiloni californian mirrors kept black satin. The Firechicken mirrors are history.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 5 2007, 11:51 AM

That looks SOOOOOOO much better with out the wing!

Zach

Posted by: Steve Thacker Jun 5 2007, 12:30 PM

The next time I get it painted by this gentleman. I may have him weld up the holes for the wing.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 6 2008, 12:33 PM

Interior dash update
New pics of the car after the Viper red repaint and reassembly soon


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Posted by: stateofidleness Feb 6 2008, 12:55 PM

send me the wing for my chalon

Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 6 2008, 10:10 PM

Ha Ha !

I will keep my eye out for you one.

Posted by: Spoke Feb 6 2008, 10:25 PM

Wow, nice ride. I like the color. How did you do the upholstery? Attention to detail really pays off.

Posted by: nsr-jamie Feb 7 2008, 05:50 AM

Love the interior, where did you get those carbon fiber parts??

Posted by: degreeoff Feb 7 2008, 07:15 AM

good looking car my man! Is it my imagination or is that thing REALLY low?

Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 01:00 PM

First off Teener Brothers Thank you. Now off to the answering the questions.

Spoke:
Wow, nice ride. I like the color. How did you do the upholstery? Attention to detail really pays off.

I learned how to sew on the machine via a few lessons from the Mrs. After that she was darn glad I didn't ask her to help. " I cussed A LOT" until I was done.

nsr-jamie
Love the interior, where did you get those carbon fiber parts??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-914-Decorative-dash-kit-Complete_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ40017QQihZ009QQitemZ190195402988QQtcZphoto

Fitment is very good on the kit, I went with the black. The seller has a few other colors as well. I'm making my own cluster face from a sheet of carbon fiber as the kit doesn't come with one. Not sure why?

degreeoff
good looking car my man! Is it my imagination or is that thing REALLY low?

It was just raised up about two more inches. Now I can just clear speed bumps HeeHee

Posted by: Twise Feb 7 2008, 01:10 PM

Are you putting the wing back on? I really like it without. You interior is much better now - the red was a bit much on the dash. I like the carbon it suits the car...

Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 01:23 PM

I decided I liked the wing and put it back on.

You are so very right on the red dash. I just went a bit nuts in the beginning trying to find the right look. It has been a long strange trip.

Damn glad its over. the car is done.


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 01:24 PM

sdddsd


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 01:25 PM

ssswww


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 01:26 PM

dddf


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 01:26 PM

Dah new mirrors


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 7 2008, 02:05 PM

Since I'm done with this car and 25K less in my wallet. I'm ready to move on
I want a 550 Spyder and this baby will need to go.

Posted by: Justinp71 Feb 7 2008, 06:43 PM

You should put these wheels on it...

Is this the same body kit?? it looks like it.


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Posted by: Steve Thacker Feb 8 2008, 08:06 AM

Justin I would love to have some wheels like that. However, I don't want to spend the
cash for the five lug conversion, then another bunch for tires and wheels. I would like to outright sell or trade this car for a 550 that is either almost finished or completed. I'm sure there is a deal out there somewhere. I'm out to find it.

You also have a Rayco 986 kit installed.
If you would like to make your side ducts functional let me know. I have a template that you can use and then get a dremel in there and cut it out. I then have a mesh template that can be used to insert behind the hole. Then you can get some flexible black hose to port over to your intake or the brakes. It isn't hard, just a wee bit tight for the hands to get to the back of the scoop. Once done it makes a world of difference. I also noticed that you used projection lights in the holes in the grill area. I did the same. I found that 2000 GM and up lights fit perfectly in the holes.


Nice car by the way! Lets see some more if you get a chance.