State of rust and unknown plastic bit Options

[macnichol]

Hi all, thought'd I'd share my continuing progress on my college 914 project. I was able to get a better look underneath the car and poked around with a screwdriver, the rust looks to be mostly surface. I got the calipers off, they are def worn out and need a rebuild.

My question to you guys, is that crack in the long something that I need to be especially worried about and is it a good fix to remove the rust and patch it up with the TIG? Also, what's that plastic piece hanging from the underbelly of the car? Thanks guys

[bbrock]

I'm a little skeptical you'll be able to just weld that crack shut. I would stab it with a screw driver like you are trying to murder it to see how solid the metal is. You can't weld rust and usually a crack on the outside means more rot on the inside.

Of course, doing it right is always best but I owned 3 914s while I was in college and did some quick patch repairs to keep cars mobile. Like @Superhawk996 said, don't compromise on important safety items like seat belt anchors. No judgement here as long as you make it solid and safe, and don't try to pass the car to the next owner without being honest about what was done.

While in college, I learned how to gas weld by welding a front clip into my first 914 on weekends in my dad's garage 60 miles from college. It wasn't smart and the repair looked exactly like what you would expect, but the car continued to get me around for a few years. I got my current 914 also while in college for dirt cheap because the dreaded hell hole rust had roached the rear suspension console. Again, weekend welding in my dad's garage got it on the road again and was a fun ride for several years. It wasn't a repair to be proud of, but it worked. Thirty-five years later, I've finally fixed it the right way and am looking forward to having her back on the road. All this to say, I've been where you are and I get it. Good luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)