Irish Green '71 "Resto", Update: the 914 has been sold! Options

[jaredmcginness]

Today's update: On ALL Fours!

Seam sealer and undercoating applied. I used 3m Professional rubber coat. 2 coats. I said this was a budget build right? We will see how it holds up.

That only means one thing - Floor and frame are effectively done.
Lets get it off the jackstands and let her breathe for the first time since winter. All that work and it still looks like this. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033941.1.jpg)

Stiffening kit:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.2.jpg)

Majority of 2 months work in one shot here:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.3.jpg)

Inside.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.4.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.5.jpg)

Underneath - the money shot. Literally.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.6.jpg)



Also deleted the antenna hole.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.7.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033942.8.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588033943.9.jpg)



Quick and dirty save. There's a lot more work to do. I'll stop being ecstatic, pull her back in and get to it! .... After we sweep up...

(Still trying to keep my original goal of road ready by Luft 7 - May 29th)

[bbrock]

Ah! The old A-hole delete. Be careful with that. Things can back up on you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[bkrantz]

Congrats on reaching that milestone!

[9146C]

I've really enjoyed following your build...great work!

[jaredmcginness]

Many thanks to all your advice and motivation. Lots left to do! The hardest part is over. I think.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bs.gif)

Door gap
Now that its on the ground I found it to be a little closed on top of the passenger door, and a little open on the drivers. I suppose that's a slight body twist. Attempted to check (and keep) my diagonal measurements several times.
Maybe to be expected with the technique I used... jackstands and no jig!

Regardless, the doors close awesome with a person sitting in the cab. No catching and a solid THUD So I am happy.

Driver: (note wider gap near handle)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588077969.1.jpg)

Passenger: (note smaller gap near handle)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588077970.2.jpg)

Worth noting that I have not adjusted either door yet. But the passenger side has always looked a little tight on top with a nice even gap going down.
I suspect this might have something to do with the amount of bondo around the door handle that we discovered a few weeks ago.


The prettier side of the car... Warts are being deleted. I cannot stand to look at them.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588077970.3.jpg)

And just for fun... somewhere down the line.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588077970.4.jpg)

Back to work.

[BeatNavy]

Jared, I've got a similar situation with door gaps on my project car. Drivers side measurement between windshield flange and rollbar is perfect, but door gaps are a bit off, both front and back. Meanwhile passenger side measurement is slightly too big (~ 1/8 inch) but gaps look perfect. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

My working theory now is that it has to do with the upper hinge point on the driver's side. I think the metal at the top hinge is weak, and years of people putting their weight on the door tend to make it sag. Inspect that area and see if the metal looks stretched at all. I had a similar situation on my driver. A few years ago I was working on installing triangle door seals, and I think I put too much downward pressure on the door and stretched the metal there. After carefully tapping (or whacking (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) ) on that section the door lined up much better. I may try same thing on the project.

On different topic, at some point I'd like to get more thoughts from you on those long reinforcements. I'm considering those once I seal my driver's side long up, but I wanted to get more thoughts about fitment, weight, etc. It adds a ton of structural rigidity, but they are not light.

[twistedstang]

Nice work. Cant wait to do an antenna/wart delete.

[bbrock]

Trailing edge door gaps wider at top than bottom is pretty common. When I was working on gaps, I started paying close attention to any pics of doors posted on the forums and noticed even low mileage survivors often show it.

+1 on Rob's comment on the top hinge metal stretching. I had a severe case of it on one side and mild on the other but was able to gain gap at the top rear by adjusting the hinge area with a hammer. I think many of us get in a bad habit of using the doors as grab handles to lever our fat asses out of those low seats.

[BeatNavy]

Truthfully Brent helped me out on this one. I PM'ed him after seeing his thread fighting the door gaps and was like "Really? That's a solution?" Anyway, it was good advice he gave me. Use your hand to see if you can feel a ripple in the metal or can otherwise see where or if it was stretched.

[jaredmcginness]

Truthfully Brent helped me out on this one. Use your hand to see if you can feel a ripple in the metal or can otherwise see where or if it was stretched.

Thanks boys. Sheesh, I'm 28 and and 160lbs and I was "ErrrGH!" lifting up out of the thing yesterday. This car is accelerating my aging.
I will inspect these areas this evening. I appreciate the feedback.

Rob, when I get it on the road I'll definitely provide feedback. As far as the original fit, everything went together easy... (infact, the pre-cut, new jack prymids exactly lined up first try with the cut out in the side skirt, nice job brad!)
Maybe a couple swings of the Universal Adjustment Tool here and there. Only gap/fit issue was on the lower long (that I made myself, came up a little short.) but some C clamps and a fat weld connected them no problem.

I'd imagine they add something like 45-55 lbs.

[jaredmcginness]

Happy Thursday (thirsty Thursday?)

Here's a question, whats the name of this windshield insert to targa seal?
Mine is totally chewed up. Cant seem to find a replacement. Any of you guys have a spare laying around in decent shape I could purchase?

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588255590.1.jpg)

The girlfriend and I laid the Noico rubber down yesterday. I think I found this stuff from an old comment made by... @Larmo63 ? I can say that just sitting as is, no interior installed, there is already a good deal less resonance when shutting the doors.

I paid $65 or something for the 80mil small car kit, and have 4 or so full sheets left over.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588255590.2.jpg)

Carpet arrives next week. I ordered the Gray Perlon kit from AppBiz. I've read good stuff about their kits.


As for the rest of the interior....

Here are the door panels I have.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) I don't want to break the bank essentially paying $400.00 shipped for a nice pair. So how can we take care of this on the low?

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588255590.3.jpg)

Maybe I can remake these myself.
Harbor Freight measuring tools (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588255590.4.jpg)

Drawn up in solidworks. I left out all the extra holes... arm rest etc. Maybe go with a simple GT style.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588255591.6.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588255590.5.jpg)


Solid fit.


(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588256599.1.jpg)


My original plan was to reuse the original smooth fabric, its in OK shape but.... Why?
I'll just recover the new skins, new foam, etc. and get it fresh.

I dont like the early smooth vinyl anyways. I ordered some interesting, kinda factory (maybe not widely liked) material to cover these up. We'll see how it turns out this weekend.

Thanks,

Jared

[bbrock]

I used Noico too and like it. You should probably go over yours some more with a roller. Tight bonding to the metal is important to get best sound deadening and the instructions say to roll it until the diamonds embossed in the foil are flattened out. That's when you know it has been pressed down tight enough.

You are making great progress!!!

[bbrock]

Oh, and 914Rubber has that seal. Can't remember the exact name but you can find it in their parts diagrams.

[Larmo63]

I used the black Noico and did the WHOLE firewall area. I think it took me about an hour and it transformed the driving experience.

[jaredmcginness]

I used Noico too and like it. You should probably go over yours some more with a roller. Tight bonding to the metal is important to get best sound deadening and the instructions say to roll it until the diamonds embossed in the foil are flattened out. That's when you know it has been pressed down tight enough.

You are making great progress!!!

Thanks @bbrock .

I used a clear plastic roller, It seems like a tight fit and doesnt peel up. But I will look for a metal roller locally... Get some more bite on it.

I used the black Noico and did the WHOLE firewall area. I think it took me about an hour and it transformed the driving experience.

Sounds good. I have plenty left to fill the spots in. Cheers.


Edited and added a photo of the fit of the door card. I will drill the clip holes of course.

[jaredmcginness]

Hey guys,

Happy May - I cant believe we are already here.
I've been putting off the lower windshield rust. Part of me wanted me to like... seal it up and worry about it next round of restoration (paint and fenders?) Something scary about pulling a windshield.

I think the right time to do these repairs is now. Otherwise I'll keep staring at it.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389324.1.jpg)

Guess that means pull the windshield... Actually came out really simply. WD40 and wire had it out solo in 45 minutes.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.2.jpg).

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.3.jpg)

The only casualty when removing was a crusty turn signal. Luckily I received these as a gift! Little too fresh for the car in this state (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.4.jpg)
Perfect time to do everything there. I'll install my dash vinyl, buff the paint seals, etc.
I also made a 914 rubber order amd got all the seals for this area. Another fun thing I ordered is their chrome trim delete. (replaces the chrome with rubber)


So both sides look about like this... Better than I imagined with all that bubbly paint. the middle of the windshield flange is rust free.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.5.jpg)

Started crafting a replacement this evening. Not complete yet.



(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.7.jpg)


Weird shape!
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.6.jpg)



Part 2:

Per your recommendations, I needed a better roller for the sound deadner. The plastic guy we had has no weight to it. Couldn't find anything, locally so I made this heavy duty stainless roller at work. Lathe cut roller, bent the bracket and welded at home. The thing weighs damn near 3 pounds.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.8.jpg)

Has no problem laying the stuff down flat.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588389325.9.jpg)

[jaredmcginness]

Just about finished up with the passenger wind screen rust. heres a play by play

Needs the fix.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465212.1.jpg)


Pleased to see just about no rust under there!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465212.2.jpg)

Solid hour into this little guy.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465212.3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465212.4.jpg)

Going to be a close fit boys.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465213.5.jpg)

Weld and smooth. Repeat

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465213.6.jpg)

Lay some primer down.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465213.7.jpg)

Respectable fix!! A little more sanding and it should look great.
Making this piece myself saves me $130 per side. More money for other parts, or beer so I can cope with the time and money I've sunk into this in 7 weeks.

Also quickie wart delete:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465213.8.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588465213.9.jpg)

Amateur hour over here, but I'm doing the gosh damn thing and learning a lot.
Back at it tomorrow. Time to sit by the fire and sip on one.

Have a safe Saturday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif)

[bkrantz]

Nice work! And welcome to the wart remover club.

[BeatNavy]

Man, I wish I had the tools, and more importantly, the SKILL to fab metal like you can. I've gotten better, but if I have to fab something even remotely complex it takes me WAY longer than what you're doing.

Nice job, Jared.

[jaredmcginness]

Hey everyone,

Happy Friday. I haven't made an update in a few days. Lots of small jobs, waiting for material, etc.

Here's what I'm working on:

After a few sessions of smoothing I got the temporary paint laid down on the windscreen corners. Not a perfect match. But cheap and "OK" for now. As my GF said... just about any green is better than bright grey primer patches. (maybe true... unless it was Ravenna green (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif))

...At least until paint squeezes its way into my budget.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946009.1.jpg)

I need to get some wet sanding done, better than the rust holes!
Pretty nice fab on the corners. I am content.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946010.2.jpg)

After this, I went around and cut the paint around the windscreen and above the hood. A job easily done with the windscreen out of the car.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946010.3.jpg)

This is coming from totally flat, chalky paint (see the first page!) So its nice to see some form of sheen.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946010.4.jpg)



I started the carpeted firewall. I ordered the raw material from Pelican parts - $40. Some (a ton of) cutting required.
This is just the sound deadening and 3M 90 (applied to both the SD and Carpet)
I will do a vinyl strip along the top between the carpet and the rear window, to keep it clean.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946010.5.jpg)


I adhesed...adhered? the under dash carpets, started longs, etc.

Pretty exciting to see. The vinyl floor pieces are arriving today. So I can finish the carpet after that.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946010.6.jpg)



On the list this weekend.
-Install rear window and vinyl beauty strip.
-Install dash top vinyl and dash.
-Install floor vinyl and finish carpet.
-Install seats + mounts.... (am I getting ahead of myself?)
-Design and build my custom door panels....


By-the-way, here is the fabric for my door panels. Maybe liked, maybe not...
Factory VW black vinyl basket weave - An ode to my VW roots (and the Splitty I have tattood on my leg!)

(I also settled on this because 914rubber said "backordered" on their door material (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Turns out it was in stock the whole time. Oh well.)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1588946010.7.jpg)

Cheers.