1974 914-4 2.0, Tackling the rust Options

[Nemisus]

Now that I have the 2.0 running adequately its time to tackle the rust issues...

When I first looked this car over I was so excited about getting it I didn't look as thoroughly as I should have. The cost of excitement I suppose...

Although what I am about to show you isn't nearly as bad as some of the amazing restorations I have seen on this site, I still feel it is necessary to show you what I am dealing with! My hopes are that I can be pointed in the right direction.

I am partially embarrassed to even show these pictures as the rot is minimal by comparison to what I've seen some members work with...

here goes nothing...

all the interior removed:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590830.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590831.2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590831.3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590831.4.jpg)

seat mount is completely gone:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590832.5.jpg)

Just behind the passenger seat... directly over the jack mount area:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590832.6.jpg)

Same area as from the previous pictures only look from under:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432591623.1.jpg)

nearly completely separated from the top of the tunnel:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i98.photobucket.com-13631-1432590832.7.jpg)


Nemi

[Nemisus]

This statement was why I responded the way I did. No negativity intended. It's easy to get upside down in a rustoration.

I get it... I believe I walked into that one. Its like half of me wants to admit defeat and the other half of me says quite! The part that doesn't help is that my wife is extremely supportive of this project. She is encouraging me to work through it and focus on the results rather than what I see in front of me!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) just take it one step (or two) at a time. When I found mine I walked because I had no welding experience although I was willing to learn. I wanted to save the car so went back and picked it up because I was fortunate to have a great resource here in town that was able to get the car structurally sound for what I consider a bargain price. Every time we dug deeper we found more rust and each time the mechanic's answer was "we can fix that" or "I've seen worse". I've still got a ways to go but am not discouraged and know that it will be worth it once I'm done - even if takes another year or so.
Don't take anything personally here. We're all here to help (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

In truth I know everyone here wants to see another 914 saved. You offer great advice. After reading nearly all the restoration threads I have a pretty sound plan should I find myself going forward with this tub.

Hey, If you want to tackle the work, go for it! My car had a good deal more work than I thought I would, however nowhere to the extent yours does. When I tackled my project (still ongoing, though the car is now on her feet and running and driving) I thought I was going to be able to do things in small stages and piecemeal it together, which was very much not the case. I do highly recommend to try and do that, bite off small parts to do, make a list (dont look at it too often, you will get discouraged) but finish small stuff, have a beer and feel accomplished. Brushing up on my welding skills was interesting, but through support of guys on here and family friends with 914s, I know my car probably has more rust hiding somewhere, I have to drop the engine soon and patch a part of the drivers side firewall. Sorry for rambling, but just take your time and your project will pay dividends to you, and you will feel great saving a car too.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Thanks for the advice. Pretty good idea really. Set up the project in stages and focus on one stage at a time... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I only get weekends to work on it as I get home too late. One thing I am set on is finding a Rotisserie. I'd prefer to find one used, as we all know these aren't cheap. I just think it will make a world of difference when I get to the hard stuff.

On the plus side I do know how to weld. It has been some time but I weld well enough that I am confident I can do this. In fact I feel the welding is the easy part... removing the old and placing the new might be a different story.

I have absorbed a lot reading the restoration threads.

[Dave_Darling]

One thing I am set on is finding a Rotisserie. I'd prefer to find one used, as we all know these aren't cheap.

One great thing about welders--you can make stuff. I suggest that putting together a rotisserie would be an excellent warm-up project for your welding skills. If you start with a couple of engine stands, you have the rotating bits taken care of. Just hook them together, and build the bits that mount to the car, and there's your rotisserie!

--DD