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

[jaredmcginness]

Hey guys,

I figured I would make a build here. I am very active on the facebook group and have received some great feedback and help from the guys over there. I will try and remeber to update this as I complete some work.

I'm in my late 20's and have wanted a 914 for a long while now. I've been through 11 or 12 VW's water and aircooled - Rabbits, Caddys, Beetle, etc... so it's natural progression I suppose.

I found this car in Louisville and towed it home last summer. A friend looked at it for me. Gave me the OK, said there was minor rust, but a solid project. I paid for the car, and drove out that weekend. Upon arrival I found there to be a pretty severe case of rust...

I stored the car the rest of the year - bit the bullet and decided to go to town on the structural repairs.
It is the color and the car I want. I work in fabrication by trade, so I am not too scared to take on this project.

I will not be driving the car until I feel it’s solid.
I am cutting some corners - depending on how you look at it. This is a budget build. But I will be using as many replacement parts (AA and RD) as I can. Without removing too much of the car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

Car:
12/70 vin. Added to database.
Off the road since 1998.
1.7 gunky motor.
Toasty interior.
70k miles shown, iirc. So probably 170k
Came with late style black adjustable seats.


Plan:
Fix structural rust so I can drive the car ASAP
I’d like to keep original paint (too late)
Fix as much rust as I can. (Hell hole, shelf, passenger long, floors)
Drop in replacement motor
Run new brake and fuel lines
5lug swap.
2.0 down the road?

So what's been accomplished? As of July/2020
Structural rust fully repaired.
Top end of 1911cc is done, bottom end in the works.
5 Lug swap
Replaced all interior components.
Tail and window rust, outer body rust
Side markers deleted.
924 Retractable seat belts.
Drank sh*tload of beer.
Spent a good deal of cash.
tons of other little things. So much stuff!


This will be a cars and coffee cruiser, not a concour restoration (sorry!)

I just want to drive MY 914!

The car as I found it:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779074.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779075.2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779364.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779365.2.jpg)

Quick Buff:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779365.3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779365.4.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583779365.5.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583780005.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1583780006.2.jpg)

[jaredmcginness]

Good choice to replace that rear panel.

When you fit the new one, watch the spread between the fenders. The distance from left to right fender should be constant.

Thanks. I made that other post in Garage and read a few of your pages for tips before drilling. I will verify factory dimensions before welding. 51 and change I believe.

[jaredmcginness]

Hey Ladies!

Happy Friday. Minor update, if you're bored... or is it me that's bored...

Received the new tail form Stoddard. Poorly packed and stapled directly into the metal, but I'm easy. We'll live. 6000x better than what I had.

Check it out:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634294.1.jpg)

Some rust to address... same on both sides:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.2.jpg)

Repair under way, little more grinding to go...
I've said that a lot huh?

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.3.jpg)

Test fit:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.4.jpg)

I gotta say, to me the pulling the quarters were a total pain in the ass. I believe @bkrantz said it was "minor surgery" in his build thread, I found that to be an understatement. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Tightly sandwhiched in there. Quarters have seen better days before this afternoon...
Looking decent inside. Some hammer and dol- *ahem*... 2x4 on the flange and it's looking like a smooth edge.

Lot of little parts to transfer to the new tail... as seen.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.5.jpg)

Sharpie line is marked so I have a good idea of where to drill the tail for spot welds.

Getting there good buddies:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.6.jpg)

Probably have another go at it tomorrow.... some drilling, welding and body work in the sights for the weekend.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.7.jpg)

So next plan is; get the alignment (gotta shift over about 1/4" to the left)
drill spot welds, adjust the quarters to not look like (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stromberg.gif), weld that mother in, Once aligned, weld the tail light brackets in. and finally, shape a new tow hook support of some kind.

Thanks for reading!




By the way: if anyone cares about side projects... I sold my '87 Harley Sportster and picked up a '79 Shovelhead 80".
Wanted to go a little bigger, wanted a kick start, want a simple, narrow 70's style chopper... you know how it goes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

Winter project. Gotta get the 914 on the road before I dump a bunch of money into a scratch built Harley.

Gotta get the photo with your first big twin! Not even going to try to look like a tough guy, these are REAL heavy!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595634295.8.jpg)

Have a nice weekend!

[sixnotfour]

HOG....

[bkrantz]

Looking good. One thing I figured out after a while, the upper edge of the rear panel, when viewed from the back, should make a straight line across from side to side (just like the trailing edge of the trunk lid). In your photo with the lights mounted, it looks like the ends turn up where they meet the fenders.

[jaredmcginness]

Looking good. In your photo with the lights mounted, it looks like the ends turn up where they meet the fenders.

Thanks ! They are just wedged in there for now. I need to trim the edges and level it all out flat. Nothing is permanent yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[jaredmcginness]

Here comes the most photos ever posted of a tail section.


6 hours of work today.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595721519.1.jpg)

Good hour of grinding.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595721519.2.jpg)

Skim coat of self-etcher.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595721519.3.jpg)

Looks pretty good! 90% there... a few holes to fill, and some shaping.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595721519.4.jpg)

Cheers.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1595721519.5.jpg)

[bkrantz]

That looks right--nice work.

[Cairo94507]

That looks terrific. Your car is coming right along and you will be driving in no time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[jaredmcginness]

Thanks everyone.

No huge updates from the last few days. I removed any old dirty seals, degreased and cleaned them, such a big difference. Simple green and Dawn soap,
surprisingly still pliable and nice. I will use these. Most of these were engine bay and tin seals. Here's a before and after:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596212493.1.jpg)

I installed a new master cylinder... I removed the lines through the trunk and installed them on a bench. I don't know how anyone could seat these inside the car.
Unless I did it incorrectly, it was a pita and required a lot of brake fluid lubricant.

My girlfriend found a great technique for popping the flares flush into the grommets. Credit where it's due, I couldn't figure it out!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596212493.2.jpg)

After removing from the bag, I realized I mistakenly ordered a 23mm. I'm not sure if I should try this... or nut up, toss it and put a 19mm in.
I read a few reviews from 911T guys using them with no issues on stock cars, slightly harder pedal...

I read a lot of stuff on here saying not to even try... but nothing I saw was actual practice. hmmm. I'd hate to have to install those lines again... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)


Other news:
My short block for the 1911cc is almost done. I delivered the oil pump the other day.
Once I CC the heads, and figure my deck height, the motor will be coming home to my garage, where I will assemble the long block! Super excited.

It was really great to be able to crank the fly wheel and see everything finally coming together.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596212494.3.jpg)

The case sure cleaned up nice from:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596212494.4.jpg)

First "scratch" built motor, so eager to hear it.

My whiteboard list is getting slim, but there are about 45 small tasks I can think of... you know how it goes.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

[mepstein]

Don’t even try the 23 on stock brakes. You will have a super hard pedal and very little pressure at the caliper. It will be a huge step backwards.

If you need a 19mm, text me.

[jaredmcginness]

Don’t even try the 23 on stock brakes.

10-4.
The car had a non leaky 19 in it already. I will inspect, and reinstall, or order a new one.
Only replaced it because I assumed it was a crusty old 17mm.

[mepstein]

17mm is even better.

[jaredmcginness]

August already... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)



Here's some stuff.

A few more hours of welding, smoothing and sanding.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674738.1.jpg)

I didn't replace the lower trunk section, instead I scuffed, and used my POR-15 kit. Love it or hate it... (in my opinion) the trunk was perfectly OK... A few lumps and dips, but entirely solid.


I think I like that.. the theme of this build - perfectly OK

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674738.2.jpg)

Seam seal, paint and we're good to go.
So much work just in this photo - every bracket, every spot weld,
rust repair, etc.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674738.3.jpg)

Laid some paint down. What do you think?

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674738.4.jpg)

This is 4 coats. Two things to note:

1. I did not shape a tow hitch support bracket, yet.
I got eager to paint and also I'm not totally concerned about it (i almost cut it off) We'll get to it.
2. I was running low on paint, made sure to get the important parts. Two less coats under the bumper, until I can restock.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674738.5.jpg)

After a wet sand, I think this will turn out really nice.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674738.6.jpg)

What a great change, I cannot wait to see everything assembled.

Also, grabbed my heads, P&Cs, etc etc. Short block is coming home Friday, once I get my broken dipstick tube repaired.

Then on to building the motor.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596674916.1.jpg)


Not much else going on, I have another work trip coming in the next week, so I am trying to gun as much work as possible before Sunday.


Cheers!

[Big Len]

Well done.

[bkrantz]

That looks great!

[jaredmcginness]

^Thanks for the comments fellas.

Anyone guess what happened in this picture? Anything missing that could have fallen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) Ugh.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596760725.1.jpg)

Test fit some parts today.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596760725.2.jpg)

Loving the look! After seeing this, I pretty sure I am not going black my bumpers. It seems wrong... Can always plastidip as a feeler.

Might add a new bumper top to my list, but... eh it's a driver for now. (of course I don't use the term driver literally (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) )

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596760726.3.jpg)


Cheers,

Jared

[mepstein]

Chrome bumpers look great on the early cars. With your Fuchs, it will look very similar to a real six.

[AZBanks]

This is what it would look like with a black bumper.

[jaredmcginness]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

I already blacked out most of my trim, windscreen and all. (Rusto Trim and Bumper spray - works great)
Black would look good with the period ‘71 blue plate I’ll be running.

[jaredmcginness]

Hey fellas,

Leaving for another work trip to White Sands, NM tomorrow. 2 week trip, so I rushed to get some stuff done today.

Good news, my short block is complete! Man this looks so much better.
Totally satisfying to have it back together. Fresh everything. Biggest step toward the 1911.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926344.1.jpg)

Spent a little time cleaning the case, added a new oil cooler, seals, etc.
Some of the blemishes just dont come off. But hey its 49 years old and the tins cover it up anyways.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926345.2.jpg)

I'm really happy with it - eager to build the rest of it.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926345.3.jpg)

My pistons came installed, I pulled them to check the piston ring gap. I almost skipped this part...

Of course the second ring I remove snaps. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)
I suppose this is a sign to purchase the Hastings rings like I was instructed to.

While installing the oil cooler, I noticed the part number/serial is 1911. Weird!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926345.4.jpg)



As for anything else, just cleaning, sanding and painting everything that comes out of this thing. The impeller case has been the worst.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926345.5.jpg)

Trying to remove the red overspray from everything.

Gettin' there.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926345.6.jpg)

Anyone have any tips for a uniform look for these? I noticed @cuddy_k has a beautiful grey one on his 2.0. Paint /powder? Will a nice VHT grey paint last on there?



Lastly, here's a cool Polaroid my girlfriend took of the green car and me. She hangs out in the garage, helps clean and passes me tools (or dodges the tools when I throw them) often.

One for the fridge:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-23209-1596926345.7.jpg)

Cheers.