Area51Werks starts another Autotopsy Resurrection of a Factory 6, Welding is Done! Fixtures are removed Onto the cleanup and paint work. Options

[rick 918-S]

I wanted to start another build thread for the 914-6 I purchased from Ethan. When we were able to put together a deal I could hardly wait to come out and collect it.

Last year our Titan was totaled. So Sandy and I took our little truck with trailer and headed out. We drove straight through to Vegas. We met up with John Peterson and stayed in the 914 room. Sandy was calling it our room. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif)

Half way to Vegas the brakes started grinding. There was no way we were going to make So Cal and all the hills with dead brakes. So while Sandy was at her meeting in Vegas JP and I rebuilt the front brakes on the mighty Ranger. Thanks again for all your help and hospitality John!

Our first stop on the way to pick up the 6 was at Ron's shop. Ron set me up with a 2.7S and goodies. Thanks to his generosity I have most everything to put the car back in running condition when the chassis work in done. And congratulations to Grandpa Ron and the new baby girl they just welcomed into the world.

When we arrived at Ethan's we were pleasantly surprised by the weather. Beautiful Sunny California makes it hard to leave and come back to the cold and snow. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Yes, we were greeted by a nice light dusting of snow when we arrived home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

Anyway, it was great to spend the day with friends, eat brisket and tell stories.

Kent, Rod and Wayne came to help with the fun.

I received a project from Rod while I was there. More on that in another thread.

Rod was a wealth of knowledge about the history of this car. I really need to spend some time on the phone with him now that I am back and talk more about the cars origin and past.

Kent lead the way and got us back on the road heading out of So Cal to points east. It was a great day in the 914World. Thanks all!

Now on to the car. I have it home now. My son Aric and I spent some time doing forensics on the chassis. We dropped the suspension and started removing some of the bolt on stuff that will have to be cleared in order to repair the chassis.

I plan a full on documented chassis rebuild showing the process involved in determining how and where to pull, what to remove and the importance of proper technic when splitting panels welding things back together. To some this may be basic but I get a lot of questions about chassis repairs and felt it would be a good place to start a discussion.

For now, here's the car:



My favorite place to stop for a photo of my 914's. I have taken a photo here with every 914 I have.

[rick 918-S]

Mark & Scotty,
Yes. I will rent fixtures for this one. I am going to do a full on instructional video. My goal is to start with the basics of chassis construction and logic in repairs with an emphasis on safety of repairs. This car is an excellent test case for this as it is damaged back past the suspension. An improper repair would render this chassis non usable.

There was a 6 for sale awhile back in the classified that suffered from collision damage and improper repairs and as a result would not corner balance. You say, no big deal I'm not racing but it effects the track in suspension loading and steering Ackermann. Wrong weather conditions and spirited driving and your in the guard rail.

Also, there is an issue with metal fatigue and pre-stressed metal or metal left damaged causing a weakened condition.

Anyway I will address these all during this repair.

I have a few things still on my plate. I really doubt I will start the chassis work until late January or February. I need to clear the Mercedes off the Celette, I'm helping another member here on World with chassis repairs on his 6. and I may get a 911 Targa for a repaint... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)