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?

[mepstein]

Scotty b is doing my bare metal resto, flared conversion car. After a while, I got impatient and bought another 914 to keep me busy. It's a driver that needs some work and will probably be restored once the 6 is done. The 3rd 914 project was spur of the moment purchase but will one day be a subie conversion. Either do a quick fix up on this car or get a driver. It's way more fun to have both than to be onstantly staring at a car on jack stands

[stevegm]

Scotty b is doing my bare metal resto, flared conversion car. After a while, I got impatient and bought another 914 to keep me busy. It's a driver that needs some work and will probably be restored once the 6 is done. The 3rd 914 project was spur of the moment purchase but will one day be a subie conversion. Either do a quick fix up on this car or get a driver. It's way more fun to have both than to be onstantly staring at a car on jack stands

I have a Boxster to drive (3 days a week or so). I considered buying a 914 DD to play with during the restoration. But, first, my wife may not go for that; and second, I think I might just end up playing around with that car instead of the restoration. I work well with projects with a medium-term goal. So, I will likely just focus on the '71. Unless I come across another car I have to buy, that is :-)