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Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 5 2008, 08:07 PM

I've been spending alot of my free time doing some detailing work in the wheel wells while the car was up on jackstands awaiting a replacement fuel pump. The idea was to detail the four wheel wells. On the fronts I was left with large dark spots where there was a thick buildup of road crud; the paint isn't chipped in those areas, and the spots come out when I scrape at them with my fingernail, but the spot is just too large to remove all of it that way. I was looking to see if anyone else has dealt with something like this. Maybe some sort of rubbing compound will contain just enough abrasives to remove it without harming the paint underneath? All in all, not bad for almost 40 year old paint in a vulnerable spot.

Also, the struts are left with some spots after cleaning them, what could I use to clean them up. Pat, think that "simichrome" would be a good idea to use on them?

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 5 2008, 08:08 PM

And heres a pic of the strut

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn May 5 2008, 08:13 PM

J,
Wow, looking good in the wheel wells. Was there undercoating, rustproofing or sound deadening material in there, or just road grime?
Don't use Simichrome on anything painted, it'll dull the paint and eventually abrade through it. I use it only on chrome surfaces.

Paul

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 5 2008, 08:21 PM

Nope, never had any undercoating. It spent its whole life in CA until last year when we brought it over to NJ.

The strut isn't as dirty now as it is in the picture, as it was taken before I went at it with a toothbrush. Its free of any dirt now, the finish is just a bit dull.

Posted by: Pat Garvey May 5 2008, 08:41 PM

Jon,

If I gave you the impression that Simichrome was a cure-all for everything, I apologize - it is not!

Let's look t the background of "S". I first learned about it from bikers. They loved to have the engine cases of the bikes gleaming. Works great for that, but only last a week.

Simichrome is only for use on unpainted metal parts. And, moreover, parts that haven't neen cad plated, or the plating is gone & you don't want to invest the money is new parts.

Take, for advatage fuel rails. These were originally cad plated (or a derivative). but they are subjected to the environment. You could buy new, or Simichrome them. They are unpainted, so they will look like chrome when you're finished. And, they'll stay that way for a couple of years.

Do not use Simichrome for painted surfaces. You could pop off your brake line clips, clean them up, and Simichrome them - they would loook gorgeous, though not original (since they were cad plated).

Sorry if I gave you the wrong idea about this product - do NOT use it on painted surfaces, though it won't hurt them - only dull the finish.
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 5 2008, 08:49 PM

Pat, no worries. I got the idea that it was alright to use on painted finishes from the "NLA Parts" website, where they advertise it as being able to "polish paint".

How about a clay bar for removing the left-over brown film in the wheel wells?

Posted by: Pat Garvey May 6 2008, 08:07 PM

Jon, can't help you here - never used a clay bar.

But, others have & they should chime in here! PLEASE! I'm still curious about the efforts & effects of a clay bar.
Pat

Posted by: tod914 May 9 2008, 12:14 PM

Maybe start with something like a ps21 paint cleaner. If that doesn't
work then the 3m rubbing compound (get the most mild that you can).
Use the least abrassive 1st, then go from there. Remember you'll be
removing paint with either product. Rub a little and then check your progress.
If you rush it, you'll likely not to have too much paint left in that area when your
done.
You don't want to burn through the paint. Mequires has a good cleaner too from what I recall,
and cheaper in price than the ps21. I used the Mequires cleaner to do my
engine bay and was very happy with the results. It's slightly more abrassive
then the ps21 and should work fine for your wheel wells. Anxious to see your results
You might be able to get away with an orbital buffer using the ps21 or mequires.
But I would start by hand and see how it goes.
Good luck.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 27 2008, 05:46 PM

Still haven't gotten around to removing the wheels to address those dark spots in the wheelwells. This weekend I took some time to remove my already loose front trunk seal and clean the gutters. I'm not going to glue the seal down. This way I can periodically remove it to clean up. I was lucky when I removed the seal because no chunks of it stayed behind, just lots of adhesive. I thought about what I could use to remove all of the adhesive, because just soapy water wasn't working. I went out and bought a bottle of Goo-Gone, and tested it on the paint on my parts car (by letting it sit overnight) just to make sure that it wouldn't have an unwanted effects. It worked really well at removing all the adhesive, and now I have a very clean gutter all around my front trunk, with no adhesive residue! After initial cleanup with Goo-Gone, I went over the gutter with soapy water, dried it, then waxed it. Pics to come

Next will be removing the rockers, cleaning under them, then refinishing them and reinstalling with new rivets I got from Tod. I'll also be refinishing the front and rear valances while i'm at it.

Posted by: Pat Garvey May 27 2008, 07:26 PM

Jon,

Not certain about not gluing the front seal, but nice work overall.

How are you planning on refinishing the F & R valences?

Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 27 2008, 07:44 PM

Pat, I'm not 100% sure how I will be refinishing them. My initial plan of attack was to sand them smooth (should I take them down to metal?), then prime them (which primer is best to use). I remember you suggested the 3M body schutz for rockers and valences. If the gun is reasonable enough I'll probably go down that path, but I'll practice the spray method before actually applying to the panels. Then I will finish with a satin black, probably the wurth stuff.

Pat, or anyone else, please feel free to give suggestions. I have lots of time to put into them, and I'd really like them to come out near-perfect.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 28 2008, 04:54 PM

Pat, im gonna see if I can borrow the gun from someone here, because I can't justify paying $60 for something im gonna use only once or twice, ya im a CSOB. Think 1 quart of the body schutz will be enough to practice the spray pattern and to shoot the pieces?

Here is the only pic that I took while I was cleaning the gutters

Posted by: orthobiz May 28 2008, 08:10 PM

Jonathan, I can't believe you're only 17 miles from Chatham, NJ, home of John Paterek! He's one of the national technical concours chairmen for PCA, is a super guy and is beyond knowledgeable about our cars.

Get over to his place, drive your car, I'm sure he'd love to see it and pick his brain. I wound up with a car from CA also last year. He gave me advice regarding the condition via e-mail pics I sent him. However, at 14K he also advised me NOT to pay more than 5K!

Anyway, you can tell him Bizzigotti says hi (he remembered my Black 2.0 from the 80's).

He will tell you EXACTLY what to do with EVERYTHING.

http://paterekbrothersinc.com/index.html

Paul

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn May 28 2008, 10:30 PM

Nice work on the H/L weatherstripping gutters. You are indeed a lucky puppy that that metal looks so good, original and solid.

Here's what lay 'neath my rubber..............



Paul


Attached image(s)

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn May 28 2008, 10:38 PM

What Paulie (Orthobiz) said about the Paterick Bros is
Last weeks' issue of AutoWeek had a real good article on the Patericks' shop. They and their business do indeed rock. The Paterick name has always seemed to be held in high regard in classic Porsche circles.

You, however, are doing a fine job in your own right, especially with regard to "preserving", rather than "restoration"

Paul

Posted by: tod914 May 31 2008, 01:08 AM

It's looking good Johnathan. The problem with that front seal is it retains some
moisture and typically water seeps under it while you wash the car. I also pull mine
out on the white car after I wash it, and hand dry the gutter. The seal I let dry out
before it goes back in. The rear one can also get water under it too. Good idea
to pull that out and dry underneath too after a wash. Other culprits are those air
vent plugs in the door jams.

Posted by: Pat Garvey May 31 2008, 08:09 PM

Relpy from the whacko here!

These, and just about all rubber seals, experience the same conditions when you "wash" your 914. Think the door panel seals don't hold moisture? Think that "ultra sponge" inside your sail panels (if you still have it) doesn't hold moisture? Think all of the seals don't hold moisture after you've washed your 914?

Think again!

And, no, the 914 is no different from any vinatge vehicle. The best, and worst, things we have going are good rubber.

Good, because it keeps the elements out (usually). Bad, because it harbors moisture & transfers it to to attached parts, sometimes leading to "scratch-your head" rust - how the hell did that start?

For those who insist on routinely driving thier 914's in the rain, then washing it with liberal quantities of water - sorry, you will get rust.

That's why I no longer drench my 914 with water - I dry wash it. Rarely gets filthy - last time was (I think) 1982. Still, I dry washed it afterwards. No linering moisture. No rusted surfaces. But, that's just me.
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 29 2008, 05:47 PM

Made some progress this weekend on the restoration of my valances. After sandblasting the rear valance, I smoothed out a few dings with a hammer, then primed it. I'll be using 3M Body Schutz to attain the proper finish. It will get schutz'd along with the front valance later this week, once the front valance is smoothed and primed. For now, heres some pics of the rear valance in primer. I'll post more once the front gets smoothed, and schutz'd.

Posted by: orthobiz Jun 29 2008, 05:54 PM

So, Jonathan, get out to meet Paterek yet?

Paul

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 29 2008, 06:12 PM

Nope, but one of these days I will.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jul 13 2008, 06:31 PM

So I finally schutz'd my valances this afternoon! The front one came out perfect (as far as uniformity goes). I did two rears, and I still have to decide which I will use, I kinda messed up a bit on one (one corner is a bit over textured). Im confident that I got the proper texture overall, or at least close to it. Can someone post a pic of their schutz'd valances? I will post pics once I install the valances along with my NOS 1.8 muffler this week

Posted by: Pat Garvey Jul 14 2008, 06:02 PM

Jon,

I can take pics of my rear valance tonight & send them. Can't do the front, because the car is on stands & too close to the tool chest to get decent pics. The rear is the best anyway. I'll fire up the cam & shoot some off a little later.

Pat.

PS: the rear is an early one. However, I'm currently running a later one that I re-did. Will try to send pics of both later.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jul 14 2008, 07:25 PM

Thanks Pat, after looking at the valances today im not so sure I got the texture right, from what you describe it should look like. Oh well, you have my email, looking forward to the pics, I appreciate it!

Posted by: Pat Garvey Jul 14 2008, 08:48 PM

Jon,

Pics of the wrong valence for my 914


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Pat Garvey Jul 14 2008, 08:55 PM

Jon,
This is the correct valence for my car. NOT finished by me - done in southern California by an expert!
Sory for any duplications - still learning VISTA.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jul 15 2008, 07:34 AM

My final product has a texture very close to the valance that is on your car in the first few pics. I'll try to get pics tonight after work. Thanks again for the pics

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Jul 17 2008, 06:51 PM

I would think that either finish that Pat has depicted would be correct. Depending on whether Fritz, Hans or Werner was spraying the finish that day, what he set his pressures to, and how clean the equipment was, could all contribute to some variance of finish and texture. The original finish on my '70 rear valence was noticably textured near the bumper fitment, but almost smooth at the bottom.

Paul

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Sep 10 2008, 07:39 PM

Hey Pat, are those mud flaps on your car in the pics above? Whats the part number on those?

I decided against installing the NOS muffler, gonna hold onto it for a bit

Posted by: Bucci Oct 5 2008, 08:10 PM

Hello, I have some new/ old stock 914 mud flaps in storage. I will pull down and take a picture soon.

Marc-

Posted by: Pat Garvey Oct 6 2008, 08:33 PM

Jon,

Nope, those are "spats". They aren't factory - made by Colgan in the late 70's (don't know if they still make them).

They are definitely NOT original, but they have provided protection for my rear valence for many years & will stay, particularly with the addition of a correct early valence. They actually work! So, I'll continue taking a gig for them.
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Feb 9 2009, 09:16 PM

Guess its time to bump my own thread. I haven't done much in the way of detailing or cleanup but I have been collecting nice NOS parts. I promise to get back to working on it soon. I'd like to drop the trans in the spring and degrease it as well as clean under the rear trunk (lots of oil buildup).

Posted by: Pat Garvey Feb 10 2009, 07:22 PM

Jon, we'll be watching & waiting & willing to offer suggestions. Sounds like a dirty job, but you can't get a 914 clean without removing the filth from the 914 onto your clothes. After all, you can't run your 914 through the clothes washer. Can you? Anyone tried THAT?
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Mar 27 2009, 08:43 PM

Well, back to work! Dropped the transmission today to fix a leak and to do some cleaning. Everything is caked in oil, so this is going to take some serious effort. I'll start with cleaning the trans then move onto underneath the car and detail it. Ordering a bunch of shiney new parts too! Finally, I'll install my NOS 1.8 muffler. Pics to come.

Posted by: Pat Garvey Mar 28 2009, 07:10 PM

Couple of cans of CRC & toothbrusheswill clean up the tranny gook. Use several layers of or heavy corrugated cardboard underneath to "recycle" the gook & keep the mess localized. Good luck.
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Mar 28 2009, 09:18 PM

Whew, finally finished cleaning the trans. 3 cans of EasyOff oven cleaner, a pressure washer spraying hot water, and a small toothbrush, it is spotless! Took me about 4-5 hours but I was able to achieve the spotless finish that I was after. After doing the oven cleaner twice, I scrubbed the entire thing with baking soda and water to neutralize any acid from the oven cleaner as to not discolor my case, just as a precaution. Im really happy with the results, every nut & bolt is clean. Now just to replace the speedo angle drive (looking for one!). Next task is cleaning up the mess under the car, but it will be as clean as my wheelwells. Pics to come, my hands were too greasy to take any.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Mar 29 2009, 08:20 AM

Hi Jonathan,

Good going, now show us a picture of the finished transmission. You & Tod will be our next cloned Pat Garvey. His job is open

Tom
BTW: We are proud of you.

Posted by: Pat Garvey Mar 30 2009, 07:05 PM

Nice try Tom! These guys are good, though I would never let oven cleaner touch my sensitive parts.
Pat

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Mar 31 2009, 07:24 AM

you know of course that the rear valances and rockers were never finished in schutz or stone guard, but rather trim paint with a very orange peal finish. The schutz is a nicer product to use these days but is not an original appearance.

Posted by: Mr.242 Mar 31 2009, 08:33 AM

Couple of cans of CRC & toothbrusheswill clean up the tranny gook. Use several layers of or heavy corrugated cardboard underneath to "recycle" the gook & keep the mess localized. Good luck.
Pat
[/quote]


I am in the process of cleaning under my car: engine/tranny. I have found that a good layer of WD-40 (assume any lubricant would work) first and let it sit. I then come after it with CRC and clean. The stuff comes off way better.

I figure that caked on oil and grime comes off better when it has be "rehydrated" with oil.

And yes, I have a catch all under the car because it is messy!

Now, who has the best solution for the oil grime that gets under my fingernails!?


Mark

Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 3 2009, 08:11 PM

George,

Look, I know you the godfather of 914's ...but. I won't disagree with you on Schutz, but will relate somehting I experienced.

1974, my first Porsche Parade. Won councours, did my usual mediocre auto-x & rally. But, duringthe concours, one of the judges (Chuck Stoddard) told me that the leading forward edges of my rocker covers looked like they needed to be re-done. I asked what he said I should use. Told me that Body Schutz was the factory material & that I should buy the low pressure gun and redo all the lower panels. I did. They turned out great.

My question is this, and no disrepect intended, whom should I believe?

If anyone has proof that Schutz was not used by the factory, I'll shut me mouth.

If not, I'll contnue to recommend it.
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 11 2009, 07:38 PM

Well, finally finished cleaning. I finally got the trans spotless and spent a few hours cleaning and detailing underneath the car. Its not 100% to my liking, but I want to start driving the car as the weather has been nice, so this winter out comes the engine/trans for some refreshing and a full cleanup. I'll post more pics once I get my NOS muffler and bits installed, but for now...

Posted by: dcheek Apr 12 2009, 05:26 AM

Jonathan,
I want to congratulate you on such a thorough cleaning job. It's amazing what you will find when you dig this deep.

Just a couple of comments:

-While I don't have proof that the factory didn't use Shutz, I would have to agree with George at A/A that it looks like they used a fairly thick mixture of paint in a pressure feed gun to give the finish a pronounced orange peel effect. I defer to the Brothers Paterek on that one, they must know the answer.

-As far as cleaning a greasy trans or engine; 30 years ago I went to a Paterek workshop and they used plain old kerosene with a brush. There was a miserably neglected 356 for the demonstration. They heated up the engine, covered the distributor cap with plastic and brushed liberally with kerosene. Then hosed off with a strong stream of water. I know it sounds downright primitive, but it worked! I continue to use this method on my tranny, not the engine, since it never really gets that dirty. The trouble with store bought engine cleaners is that they are too aggressive and leave blotches and totally strip any protection you would have on the parts. And I would have to agree with Pat that the oven cleaner is too caustic for plating, seals and paint. The kerosene leaves everything clean and won't remove the finish on painted or plated surfaces.

As with any procedure, whatever works for you is correct. I just though I would put in my two cents.

Dave

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 12 2009, 07:11 AM

Thanks for the tips Dave. I thought that the oven cleaner would be too strong, but I read about how good it is for removing grease and oil, so I made sure not to leave it on too long, and to rinse liberally with water and baking soda to make sure it wouldn't spot. As always, thanks for the input, and at this years All Air Cooled Gathering feel free to judge my 914's undercarriage

Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 12 2009, 06:49 PM

Jon,

Great looking tranny! Your witch's brew aeems to work well. We all have our own "brew", and they all seem to work.

Nice job my friend. Nice job!
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 12 2009, 06:56 PM

Thanks Pat. Im sending you a PM

Posted by: dcheek Apr 15 2009, 06:59 PM

Jonathan,
With this level of preparation any thoughts on attending the Zone One Porsche Concours in Parsippany NJ on May 17th? I'm assuming you are a PCA member of course. See the "Events" thread of 914world.com for details.

And, yes I would be happy to judge your undercarriage at the AACG. Tod, are you ready for some competition?


Dave

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 15 2009, 08:59 PM

Dave, thanks for the kind words but my car is no where near concours, I wouldn't stand a chance! As for this year's AACG, any chance of seperating the 914's from the 911's and have two seperate classes? Those same two 993's take 1st and 2nd every year! Talk to you soon.

Posted by: dcheek Apr 16 2009, 07:08 PM

Jonathan,
The All Air Cooled Gathering's original premise was to have an informal venue for the VW air cooled hobby. It wasn't really a car show but, just as the event name implies, a "Gathering". We quickly found out that people really like to be recognized for their effort, whether it be restoration, preparation or preservation of their vehicle. So, we decided to hand out trophies. The first year, being a very small club with a very limited budget, we only gave out one trophy per class. While that's better than no trophy at all, we could see that many entrants were disappointed. So at my suggestion, we went 3 deep in each class (i.e. 1st, 2nd and 3rd). And since Dr. Porsche was instrumental in the design of the VW, I thought it was obvious that we should invite all air cooled Porsches as well. The only way this was going to happen is if I volunteered to judge the Porsche class, which I happily did. So, what about breaking up the classes of Porsches? I think its a legitimate question if the Porsche turnout was a little stronger. So far, with less than 10 cars in the entire Porsche class with representation of each model in the low single digits it just doesn't justify the formation of subclasses. I would love a large Porsche contingent to show up, especially 914's. So, unless this changes, we will keep it just one class for all air cooled Porsches. FYI, last year we had 215 cars in attendance. So, all you 914 owners, give us a reason to break up the class and show your pride and joy!

Dave

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 16 2009, 07:58 PM

Well, im trying to convince Pat to go to this years AACG But otherwise its the usual suspects, me, Ray and Tod. Dave, why don't you bring out your 914 this year? I have a feeling I can recruit at least 2 more teeners from the club site. Lets try for a nice 914 turnout this year.

Posted by: tod914 Apr 16 2009, 09:50 PM

Kudos Johnathan. Under carriage looks great! Patterak brothers are haveing a workshop this Sunday; 13 Commerce Street, Chatham NJ 07928. You should pop down if you can. I believe it starts at 1:00 Dave looking foward to seeing you there.

Posted by: dcheek Apr 17 2009, 05:32 AM

Tod,
Along with the normal Paterek program I think they are unveiling the Zone One Award/Poster. This should inspire those that are on the fence about attending; the picture is awesome. Yes, Jonathan that means you too! Let the judges determine whether your car is "concours" or not. Trust me, preparation, and we know what kind of cleaning you've done lately, counts for a lot of points.


Dave

Posted by: tod914 Apr 17 2009, 11:07 AM

Dave, very cool. I remember one year they gave out some limited edition prints. I won one! Johnathan, throughout the season there will be several events. Enter!!! You'll do just fine. You'll start off as a novice this year. Think the judges will be very impressed with your effort. If you have chips on the car, touch them up. You won't get gigged for that.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 17 2009, 09:28 PM

Yea? Maybe I'll give it a shot! Tod or Dave, let me know some dates of upcoming events, thanks guys.

Posted by: tod914 Apr 17 2009, 10:00 PM

pca.org zone 1 Northern NJ chapter. check out their scheduled events. autocross, de, ralley, concours. they have a triatholon comming up; autox ralley & concours. fun weekend. you'll have to sign up to be a pca member.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 18 2009, 09:08 PM

Well, took her out for the first ride of the season today! About 70 mile round trip, runs great. Also got the NOS muffler and tailpipe installed, much quieter and looks great! Next weekend I'm doing the sail panel vinyl, and then redoing the suspension with original green-stripe 90lb springs, maybe a new set of Boge shocks? And raising the front back to stock height. A new set of 195/65 tires will finish it off, replacing the current 205/60's which are too low profile and ride too harsh. Some pics from today

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 26 2009, 06:02 PM

Well, couldn't go to Hershey because of placement tests at school, too bad. But I had lots of spare time to work on the 914, so I did new sail vinyl. When we bought the car a few years back the original vinyl was dry and peeling. So I bought a set of Camp 914's vinyl kit and off I went. The top rollbar vinyl is fine, and its original so I didn't touch it. Saturday night I carefully removed all of the necessary trim and did some cleaning, and masked the sections so not to overspray glue. Sunday morning I sprayed the glue and set the vinyl down. I spent the afternoon trimming and fitting the trim pieces back on. Overall, im pleased with the job I did. Sometimes im glad my OCD kicks in when it comes to details, because it really pays off.

All masked off and ready to go


And finally, finished!

Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 26 2009, 06:47 PM

Jon,

Looks gorgeous! Nice job!
Pat

Posted by: tod914 Apr 26 2009, 06:57 PM

Bring it to the concours event on the 17th! Looks great. Maybe that 914-6 GT will be there.

Posted by: tod914 Apr 26 2009, 07:00 PM

I spent the better part of the day cleaning the undercoating on 1 front wheel well. Man that grime really works it's way into the tar. I got it 80% better. Think I will finish it off with Griots tire dressing. One of the few that aren't greasy and shinney.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Apr 26 2009, 07:04 PM

Hey Tod, lets see some pics. When I did my wheelwells, I spent roughly 3-4 hours per wheelwell, got every nook and cranny, but then again I don't have undercoating so I can imagine how the dirt sticks to undercoating. I'd love to stop by and check out your car sometime Tod, let me know.

Posted by: tod914 Apr 27 2009, 09:21 AM

Sure Johathan. More than welcome to pop by. Right now the car looks Delphi Green Metalic from all the pollen that was out yesterday. Need to get it over to the dent wizzard and the new shocks & struts put in/aligned. Then I can get more into the cleaning for zone 1.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail May 11 2009, 08:07 PM

Well, figure I'd up date you guys on what I've been doing; absolutely nothing. I picked up another 914 and I've just been lazy lately but I'll get back to cleaning soon. Next will be pulling the rockers.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 21 2009, 07:03 PM

Spent some quality time with dad today for father's day. Took the rocker panels off today, and honestly I think it may be the first time they've ever been removed. So much dirt packed behind them all along the longitudinal! As I anticipated, the longs are completely dry no rust at all, being that it spent its entire life in California. Today I just took off the drivers side and wiped it down. More pics tomorrow of the passenger side

Posted by: Pat Garvey Jun 21 2009, 07:52 PM

Jon,

Looks really nice! I hate CA cars (just kidding). You may want to look at the forward edge, since there seem to be some iron oxide seapage from somewhere.

Pat
nice 914!

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 21 2009, 08:02 PM

Hey Pat, thanks alot! That rust seepage is from two chips in the paint, ill make sure to treat those two chips and touch up the paint. So Pat, are you gonna make it to the AACG this year?

Posted by: Pat Garvey Jun 21 2009, 08:21 PM

Jon,
I'm going to try to make it, but sans Porsche. All energies are being spent on the 73T because it needs to go before winter sets in. So, if I make it, it will be in a Mercury Milan.
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 21 2009, 08:25 PM

As long as you're there Pat

Posted by: tod914 Jun 21 2009, 09:31 PM

Car is shapeing up real nice Jonathan

Posted by: Pat Garvey Jun 22 2009, 08:03 PM

Jon,
Your 914 has come so far! You have done excellent work & the car is great!

Ah, the fortitude, eergy & enthusiasm of the young. Well done bud!
Pat

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 22 2009, 08:51 PM

Means alot coming from yourself and Tod. Well, I took the passenger long off today, and im happy to say its just as clean as the drivers side. Tomorrow I take on the task of detailing both sides. Not sure what im going to do about the rocker panels themselves, they need to be painted. Any suggestions?

Posted by: tod914 Jun 22 2009, 09:34 PM

Maybe use a good prep solvent/cleaner on them and lightly coat them with the Wurth Satin Trim paint so the original texture is preserved. Try the inside 1st to see if it will adhear well.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 22 2009, 09:41 PM

Yea I want to preserve the very subtle texture that they have. I also want to redo my front and rear valances because when I did them last year the body schutz came out too rough, almost like a bedliner.

Posted by: tod914 Jun 26 2009, 08:57 PM

Jonathan, after all that work I hope to see you enter that car in the some NNJRPCA events this year. Come in as a novice in preservation class and you'll be going home with an award. I think the picnic is in August.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jun 26 2009, 10:38 PM

Well Tod, thanks for the kind words. Im unsure about entering the car in any real judged shows. U've seen the car and you know it isn't exactly show worthy. All this detailing I do it more for my own liking; but if you seriously think its a candidate for novice class then maybe i'll give it a shot. August ill be away on vacation, but let me know of any other dates.

Posted by: tod914 Jun 27 2009, 12:18 PM

It's a very nice original car. Go for it.

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Oct 22 2009, 10:39 PM

Hey guys, it sure has been a while. Started up the 914 and drove it out of the garage for the first time since May!

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Jan 7 2010, 07:45 PM

Got a set of Chris's (Tangerine Racing) stainless steel fuel lines for the tunnel and for up through the engine shelf. I pulled the tank in preparation to install those, under the tank is going to need quite a bit of cleaning, but no issues otherwise. I'll be replacing fuel lines at the tank with german cloth hoses that I can source from work, as well as the proper clamps, and new blue brake hose at the reservoir.

Anyone have some pics of what under the tank should look like?

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Jan 11 2010, 08:33 PM

These might give you some idea, but they are from a '70/4....



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Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Jan 11 2010, 08:42 PM

And another....


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Posted by: larss Jan 12 2010, 02:04 AM

Always wondered about the big (4") round hole to the right of the steering colum just under the gas tank fuel pipe connections, it is ment to be left open to vent the area under the gas tank (?) but will not a lot of dirt and moisture get in through the hole instead?


/Lars S

Posted by: Jon Fernandes Mar 16 2010, 06:25 AM

Ok, weather is finally nice enough to drive! Gas tank area is detailed (no pics), new SS fuel lines and german hose under the tank, tank cleaned and reinstalled. It runs great!

I has never messed with the headlights so I decided I would tackle that today. Popped them open and disconnected the battery, lots of crud inside the buckets but since this car hasn't seen much water in its life, theres no rust. The plastic headlight surrounds came out looking like new after I scrubbed them with purple degreaser and a brush, same goes for the headlight chrome ring.





Oh, not sure if anyone remembers but a few years back I had started a thread about how a PO had painted the bumper while it was on the car and they got black spray paint all over the yellow paint underneath. Well, I was finally able to get that off. Dare I say, I used paint stripper very carefully and it took some time but it looks great! Here's a pic from that old thread, shows the unpainted bumper and the black paint. Also, im still tempted to install fogs on this car, that one in the pic is just there for show.




And I also painted the rockers, valances and front bumper. I'll get a pic once I take it out of the garage.

Posted by: Pat Garvey Mar 16 2010, 07:32 PM

Jon - you are a stalwart! Nice jobs, really well done. I seriously think that you are the next gen for original 914's. Two years ago I figured you'd never stay with it. You have made me happily wrong. You ARE the next gen dude. Proud to know you! Keep it going.
Pat

Posted by: Jon Fernandes Mar 16 2010, 08:11 PM

Thanks so much Pat! It's because of you and a few others that have encouraged me and offered great advice that has helped me with my car. Only question is, what's next?

Posted by: Pat Garvey Mar 17 2010, 07:04 PM

Well, keeping these things alive never end. After a point, it isn't mechanical, or even cosmetic things that begin to fail.

No matter how much time and goo you spend keeping your rubber pieces supple, the eventually succomb to ozone.

Just last summer, I had to replace the boots for my turn signal/side marker boots - and what a bitch that was. A week later, while working in the engine compartment, I nudges an injector boot - turned to dust, as did all 4! I know the boot for the alternator has to be gone. I know the snubber for the fuel pump has to be hard as a rock.

Yeah, I'll get them soon, but it just shows you that rubber has a limited life, no matter how you care for it.

So, yeah, you'll find more to do - FOREVER!

But, we sorta like it that way don't we. Else it wouldn't be fun!
Pat

But Glycerin, in any form & use it.

Posted by: tod914 Mar 18 2010, 10:17 PM

Very nice detailing Jon. Hope you enter it in some events this year.

Posted by: Jon Fernandes Mar 23 2010, 05:44 PM

Well, I put about 50 or so miles on the 914 last week. The weather was great, and had to take advantage of it! Had a few customers ask me if it was for sale when I had it parked at my job (for those of you who don't know, I work at an aircooled VW garage), but of course I said no

Didn't do much as far as cleanup, but I did get the rockers and valances on with fresh hardware, the proper spacers, and Tod's rivets. Bumpers went on with stainless hardware, and a newer bumper pad for the front. Also, took care of the only rust on the car; a bit of surface rust in the trunk. I first treated it with a prep & etch acid that we use at work for rust, then it was cleaned and a few good coats of rust bullet, my preffered rust inhibitor. This winter the motor will be coming out for detail, and I will detail the engine bay, which will need some paint touchup (with a mini-gun) so i'll paint the trunk at that time too.

(my trunk is a mess compared to the rest of the car)

Posted by: Jon Fernandes Jun 14 2010, 10:20 PM

Hey guys, its been awhile. We're in the middle of a move so the 914 hasn't gotten much attention. Plan on getting it up on the lift at work this weekend, doing oil change and adjusting valves, and doing some cleanup underneath; I would do a full belly detail, but the guys I work with would think im a nut.



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Posted by: tod914 Jun 16 2010, 08:54 PM

Very nice Jonathan. P.S. they don't judge undercarriages at PCA events; at least in this chapther. Keep me posted of events. Will definetly do the Hippyfest, Aircooled gathering, and the New Hope show.

Posted by: Jon Fernandes Jun 16 2010, 09:05 PM

Hey Tod, I'll also be doing the AACG in September.

On July 11th theres a show & shine at Foreign Car Werks in Bound Brook, NJ. I'll probably be heading over there with the usual VW suspects from my job.

Doesn't look like i'll be around for the Hippy Shop show, ill be in Portugal. Let me know about the July show.