Starting to Lose My 914 Stoke Options

[ripper911]

914 drivers be like

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i921.photobucket.com-11654-1405081062.1.jpg)




It's worth the effort. Keep in mind that the car doesn't have to be perfect for you to be able to drive it. My DD is falling apart.

[ben*james]

OP. How did you bring that paint back to life? Looks great.
Park it in the he garage for a few weeks then get back at it. Nice color!

[bdstone914]

Perhaps your exhaust is bent. You also have to tighten the bolts down a little at a time all the way around for them to sit nice. You should also 'jiggle' the exhaust as you tighten to help everything settle into place.

914s have some little tricks that make them finicky. A 'typical' mechanic doesn't usually have the patience to be methodical and pay attention to details.

I have worked on the car and the problem is a poorly made repair by the previous owner. One exhaust stud hole was drilled out out round and oversized. They put in an insert that did not hold. The engine needs to come out and have the hole welded up and correctly redrilled.
The suspension console is very bad and can't tell how far the rust goes.
I agree that the rockets need to be pulled and I full assessment of the problems is needed.

[eyesright]

I bought a '76 in pretty good condition for a daily driver....but it was tired after all. I had a couple of long distance drives on it but then tore it down. With some help from this forum, and HAM rebuilt heads, Raby cam kit, Rimco crank and parts, nearby junk yard, used parts from WTB and 914 LTD (Brad is great) and there are many other great suppliers on board here, paint and engine-it went on for a year, and then some....

But my other Porsche is an '86 911 (red even!) that is faster, okay, but it sits in the garage, not near as much fun. The 914 is a better car for grins.

And my other DD is an '02 MR-2 with 235k miles on it. Yeah, its a better car, .....but the 914 is still more grins. And 27K miles this last year since it got off the jack stands.

Here's an idea. Buy a cheap Miata to drive while you wrench the 914 to the point its dependable, then park the Miata on a high cliff out of gear....

Anyway, good luck. The fun is in the driving but also in the wrenching and meeting some fine people on the Forum.

[Chris H.]

Step away from it for a week or month or (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) and return with a (hopefully) fresh perspective and new desire to work on the 914.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) +1 All great advice so far. I've been frustrated with my subie build so many times. If you just leave it for a week or so you'll get reinvigorated. Then dig in and see what you have. Assess the rust situation.

[76-914]

One more opinion. The long and console condition plus the exhaust repair make it a parts car. Buy another "good roller" and start switching over parts.

[914_teener]

I think you may want to take one of those boards out and surf for a bit to forget about it for a while.....


Then have a BBQ and beers with folks to asses the situation.

Bruce is a good sort so I would listen to what his recommendations are.

A suspension rebuild with the parts will take you at least 6 months to do if you have a day job and family.

IMHO.

[worn]

I bought the yellow '73 in March, and have done a lot of work and replaced a lot of parts on it. I'm starting to think I'm plugging holes on the Titanic. If it's not one thing, it's another. I should have started with a better car(?) I should sell it and buy a better one(?) I'm at that juncture and need to make a decision. What to do..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

When I started I had no clue about how bad things could be. Here is a possible strategy. Get it running right and do not worry about the structure. Even a rusted 914 can be a lot of fun if it runs right. The engines and drive train are well designed and go reliably once the cobwebs are cleared.

I decided to buy another one to really dig into. This will be a six when it is done, and it will also have the rust removed. Meanwhile I can cruise and autocross in the one that runs but has major rust issues.

Of course I like doing the work myself. If you are writing check after check, then you need someone reliable to tell you how long that is gonna last.

[worn]

I actually DIDN'T know what I was getting into when I bought it. I didn't know that I would fall in love with it. I thought I would get it running and flip it.

How it looked when found:

I remember the photo, but where is that? You have brought it a long way already looking at the little bastard photo.

[JRust]

A 914 is one of the greatest cars to drive. Just the feel of it on the road is a joy. I have been in love with them since I saw one on my paper route when I was 12. Fast forward about 30 years & I have owned many. I have had way to many projects I never finished. To many I have bought & sold to help fund my car. To many years of owning 914's & not driving them. A 914 project can be a great thing too. They tend to lose what makes them great when all you do is work on it. Or it spends multiple years on jackstands. Getting a nice solid car you can drive. I think is important to having a successful project. Meaning have 2 cars. One your working to make the ultimate 914 you want. One to drive daily that you can enjoy & inspire you to work on the project.

[PlantMan]

Hang in there Clint Eastwood!
Your car is sexy compared to my old gal!!!

Kevin's 914

I am in Mission Viejo we can always get together and share rust stories!

[sean_v8_914]

bring it over, ill look it over for free. good news, bad news. ill give ya the straight skinny on ol yeller. ill even provide the shot gun if we need to put him down.

[Johny Blackstain]

You've put a lot of time & effort into it... I'd keep going but I'd also take my time doing so. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[hblyle]

I don't know if Bob Marley owned a 914 but this quote always reminds me of mine! Our 914's are priceless and there is an instant bond with anyone who has owned one. Take some time off but don't ever give up! Best of luck my friend with what ever you decide?

[Larmo63]

The car project goes forward. Stay tuned....and, thanks for the mental help.

[race914]

The car project goes forward. Stay tuned....and, thanks for the mental help.

From Josey Wales

Endeavor to Persevere!

[wndsnd]

The car project goes forward. Stay tuned....and, thanks for the mental help.

Most excellante! Good decision.

[Sawfish]

A wise man once told me a well sorted 914 costs 10K.
You can pay up front or make installments ;-)