I'm a sucker for rust! New package deal on 2 914's and New Member, Rebuilding two rollers Options

[LouCity914]

Hello 914 enthusiast - thanks for allowing me into the group. I suspect I will be here often.

I just recently made a package deal on a 1974 914 and a 1973 914. A complete 2.0 engine and a partial 1.8. No transmissions. The 1973 needs a long replacement and work in the hell hole, but overall is in pretty sounds , mostly rust free condition. Not perfect, but much better than most rollers I've priced out. I made a deal for everything including a 1974 with a Chalan wide body kit and 911 hubs and some decent Fuch replicas.

The 73 we'll come back to in a later post I'm sure. However, the 74 wide body has my attention at the moment. She is a rust queen. And before anyone starts to pile on - I come from the MG WORLD! So, rust is my middle name and have the skills and equipment, including a rotisserie, to do my own repairs.

I took a gamble as the price was right and it looks like I hit a home run on the 73 as far as rust goes (some long work passenger side, single patch in the trunk and the floors are good).



The 74 wide body was a bit more of a gamble - I could clearly see the sag, the obvious rocker and floor stuff. But, what has intrigued me is the fact that most of the original body had been cut away to place the Chalan kit on.

Let me further say, that I realize this cars best hope is a cool driver - perhaps after I replace the inner rockers and do the fiberglass work (and make it safe complete with documentation) I will market to someone who wants to do a motor swap. The guy waiting in line bebind me wanted to put a Subaru engine in it.

So, my questions are was it common to cut the original fenders off when adding a kit like this? Also, was it a matter of weight? Did they want a lighter car?

Also - I clearly think it benefits me from a repair perspective, because there was less sheet model to rust. And any patches required behind the fiberglass need not be dressed up nicely - just strong.

Can't wait for feedback and thanks for the add!