Time for body restoration, Recommendations? Options

[brooks944]

My 914 is running good and stopping fine, thanks to Rick Berry at eurotech knoxville, Eric and PMB's great calipers, and my labor with your help and advice. Now it's time to work on the body. My car was purchased from a lister and needed body work which I knew about (but LL is never buy a car you don't see in person). Hit in the drivers front which ruined the fender and hood. Took the car to a trusted body shop that only does insurance work and no longer restoration. But they did give me an honest appraisal for the work, which was about $4k - $6k for labor and another $3- $4k for parts, assuming they can find them. After the necessary mechanical upgrades, I'm into this car for probably more than it's worth, even though our cars are appreciating so this puts me into crazy territory (which my wife thinks I've already crossed into). Enough whining.

What does everyone recommend for body restoration? I do not want to put another $10k into bodywork. I have always loved the flared fenders and fiberglass ones seem reasonable. If I do that, then you need to add the 911 suspension and of course the wheels (or 944, etc.), correct? What is everyone's experience with the fiberglass and what vendor is recommended? Are there other options? Appreciate everyone's advice as always. Sorry for the long post. Rick

[scotty b]

Not trying to be a dick, just honest. You build a car for one of 2 reasons.

1: sentimental - you'll be under water
2: financial - you'll have a half assed car

pick one or the other. The only way you can build a nice 914 and not be underwater is to start with a clean 6, or a steal of a deal 4

[stevegm]

Not trying to be a dick, just honest. You build a car for one of 2 reasons.

1: sentimental - you'll be under water
2: financial - you'll have a half assed car

pick one or the other. The only way you can build a nice 914 and not be underwater is to start with a clean 6, or a steal of a deal 4

I concur. To be right side up and restore it right, you have to get a deal up front (you make money when you buy; not when you sell). To keep the costs down do a lot of the labor yourself. In the end, however, if you keep the car a while you will be upside down. It can't just be about the money. You gotta love it. There are easier ways to make money.

[mepstein]

Not trying to be a dick, just honest. You build a car for one of 2 reasons.

1: sentimental - you'll be under water
2: financial - you'll have a half assed car

pick one or the other. The only way you can build a nice 914 and not be underwater is to start with a clean 6, or a steal of a deal 4

I concur. To be right side up and restore it right, you have to get a deal up front (you make money when you buy; not when you sell). To keep the costs down do a lot of the labor yourself. In the end, however, if you keep the car a while you will be upside down. It can't just be about the

Steve gets it.

[poorsche914]

Rick,

As far as rust, what condition are the hell hole, longs, floors, trunk, etc on that 914?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)