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

[VaccaRabite]

Did you ever do any of the metal remediation on the new tub? has there been degradation over the past 5 years?
At least hit the soft spots with a wire wheel to see how far they go?

Everything is fixable!

Zach

[bbrock]

Did you ever do any of the metal remediation on the new tub? has there been degradation over the past 5 years?
At least hit the soft spots with a wire wheel to see how far they go?

Everything is fixable!

Zach

I'm just seeing this thread for the first time, but (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I wouldn't start putting parts into the new tub until at least those longs were dealt with. But with the car already stripped down, I'd go over all the metal. It's work, and time, but like Zach said, it is fixable! And with the pittance you have invested, I think worthwhile.

I hope you are taking lots of pics and bagging and tagging the parts as you disassemble the donor. And I can relate to those seatbelts. Mine were the same way. Wouldn't come out without pulling a patch of skin.