I'm actually gonna have a pretty car., First time in 30 years Options

[aircooledboy]

I have owned a 914 for the most part of the last 30 years. 5 drivers and 3 parts cars later, for the first time EVER, I will soon have a 914 that runs great AND looks great. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

The PO did a great job of collecting and installing all the right and best parts. I've had to "adjust" the execution from time to time, but I still believe there are few conversions out there that can hang with this one mechanically. I have really enjoyed the last 3 years with her, but between work and family, other than driving it, unless there is a problem that demands attention, I've had very little time to love on the old girl. The paint has always been a generous 3/10, and I certainly can't justify the cost of making it right with the oldest starting college in the fall, and her sister 2 years behind her. So, I try to keep it clean, and don't let anybody get closer than 30 feet to the car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Recently, I had a client who was so grateful for some things I was able to accomplish for him, that he told me he wanted to paint my car. This guy is a world renowned restorer of British vintage cars. Just having him agree to work on my car would be amazing, and that's what I thought he was offering. I politely thanked him, but explained the whole $, kids in college blah blah blah. . ., and he said, "no, you don't understand. I'm doing it to show my appreciation. Free." (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

I still can't wrap my brain around this, but this spring I will for the first time in my life have a 914 that looks as good as she runs. I'll try to keep up the progress here.

[aircooledboy]

As I was leaving his shop today, Steve hit me with a question I hadn't anticipated, and it really got me thinking. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

We had planned all along to paint the car "ultra black". He has a '68 Camero in the shop that he's just finished, painted in the ultra black, and it literally looks like it's made out of black mirror. Not sure it will be a great mix with my gravel driveway, but damn, it's incredible. Today he shows me 2 metallic blacks he has mixed up to show a customer who is trying to decide what color to paint the '69 Camero Steve is restoring right now. He suggests either of them would be nice on the "914 Plus Body" (as he's begun calling my car. I think it's some quiche eater terminology from the Rolls Royce crowd he's used to. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) )Initially I'm thinking "No glitter for me, thanks", but then he shows them to me, and they are really striking. Very subtle. So much so, in the shop it's hard to see the flake, and we have to take them outside to really see, but now I've got some thinking to do. (I took a pic, but the colors and metallic flake are really so subtle, the pics are useless). Nonetheless, I'm asking: You guys have any opinion on a very subtle flake on a 914. I'm afraid that on the whole car, it will look like an 80's bass boat, but dang those samples were pretty. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)