New chasis - Broad overview to Swap Everything from Parts Car Options

[ky914]

New member but long time lurker. I have been given a 1973 914 with a 1.7 engine. Unfortunately, it is too far gone due to rust. I know the engine and trans were good when it was last driven over 5 years ago. It has been converted to dual Weber 40's. It hasn't been driven more than 50 miles in the last 20+ years.

For the last 3 years I have been looking for a chassis that is local, cheap, and rust free. I knew this was impossible. However, it looks like I just found what I was looking for. I am buying an abandoned project and getting the 74 chassis. The floor pans have already been replaced. Hell hole looks ok from the pics. Long's are said to be solid with some pitting. My fingers are crossed it is as good as it looks. Regardless, the price was right. I will be picking it up next Sunday and will post pics when they are available.

I know a ground up restoration is huge, expensive and potentially cause for divorce. Can some of the experienced people on here give me a broad overview of the reasonable steps to transfer everything from my parts car to the new chassis?

I assume I need to get the all of the body panels prepped and ready so I can paint before putting on all of the other parts. After it is painted and glass is reinstalled, I assume I will need to deal with getting the suspension and brakes in shape. After that, engine and transmission, etc...

Let me know what you think the proper broad steps are that need to be done. I am assuming the car doesn't need additional work to repair rust damage. What are the big items I have to buy? Do you think I need a complete rubber kit?

What things are necessary to buy?
What things should be bought and why?

Thanks,

Michael

[ky914]

I can't listen to any of the experts. I am determined to make this project work. Next week I am going to disassemble the donor car. I have searched and cannot find any threads that cover a complete chassis swap. I need to take my donor car down to the wiring harness as I plan on reusing the wiring harness. From those experienced on this thread, what is the order for disassembly? Here is what I am thinking:

remove interior
remove trunk / engine lids
remove bumpers
remove doors
remove fluids
remove engine / trans
remove items from front trunk near windshield (gas tank and air handling etc...)
remove wiring harness
remove rubber seals and glass
remove remaining bits and pieces

I would like a decent order to enable me to be efficient. I have a week dedicated and a helper that is an avid air cooled VW enthusiast. Do you think this is enough time?

Thanks for your opinions.