Complete bare metal restoration. Or not?, Opinions? Pitfalls? Options

[stevegm]

We are getting ready to have the little bit of rust in my '71 914-4 fixed. There isn't much rust. The car is in pretty good shape, and was complete when we bought it. Here is the build thread - http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=242895

Just curious on your opinions/experiences:

Should we do a complete, bare metal restoration. (i.e., remove every nut, bolt, wiring, etc.). We would do a complete media blast of the entire chassis, which is attractive.

or

Not remove the suspension, dash, wiring, and work around it. In other words, leave the hard to remove stuff in. With the latter, we would leave a lot of the original paint in the nooks, crannies, etc. But, it would be a lot easier.

I know that many say that you should not do a complete tear down restoration, because most people don't finish them. But, I have the time, and want to do it right. The car isn't one I am planning to sell. It is a keeper.

Opinions?
What are the biggest reasons you see people not finish their complete tear down restorations?
How long did you restoration take? What were the biggest slow downs?

[bandjoey]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
And buy a second 914 to drive while you do the restoration. Otherwise you'll get discouraged in the second year you'll quit and sell it off for a loss of money and future fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

[Sleepin]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
And buy a second 914 to drive while you do the restoration. Otherwise you'll get discouraged in the second year you'll quit and sell it off for a loss of money and future fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I have thought about this option a few times! Mine is...well...taken apart right now...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i171.photobucket.com-8357-1413564429.1.jpg)

[PanelBilly]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
And buy a second 914 to drive while you do the restoration. Otherwise you'll get discouraged in the second year you'll quit and sell it off for a loss of money and future fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I have thought about this option a few times! Mine is...well...taken apart right now...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i171.photobucket.com-8357-1413564429.1.jpg)

I see lots of stuff to take apart!

[TJB/914]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
And buy a second 914 to drive while you do the restoration. Otherwise you'll get discouraged in the second year you'll quit and sell it off for a loss of money and future fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

:
I have thought about this option a few times! Mine is...well...taken apart right now...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i171.photobucket.com-8357-1413564429.1.jpg)

I see lots of stuff to take apart!

Hi Eric,
BTW: BMO went out yesterday.

Back to subject: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
I agree, have a 2nd one to drive like Paul B (MI buddy) and plan on,
5-years + to restore to CW condition.
Lots of money & double your estimate.
2,500 min. # of personal man-hours of your time.
Outside services you can't do, budget $5k to $10K depends on your skill level.
Show quality paint is about $15K to $20K in today's market.
My best suggestion is buy one already completed and you will spend 1/2 of what your original budget was. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Personal info.
I did mine about 1990 (completed) when you could buy NOS parts from the dealer, today they are not available unless you use repo parts (good stuff though) so collect the parts first before starting the restoration. I have $20K in my restored 914 and today it would cost $50-$80K in todays costs.
Tom