Derek’s Willow Green, ‘72 914, Restoration Thread Options

[friethmiller]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[dereknlee]

Couple months of slow progress:
- I re-assembled the horn using slotted screws purchased from zoro. Wish I had started shopping there sooner. Belmetric has been my go-to, but shipping costs are a bit high. Got 100 screws for $5 from zoro. The horn and fog lights were the last of the exterior lights/lenses to be re-installed.



Next was cabin wiring. After viewing a 'Watch Wes Work' video where he re-spliced 40 wires in a wire bundle that someone had drilled through, I was convinced I needed to start using better butt splice connectors. So I got yet another crimping tool and an assortment of non-insulated butt connectors. Really happy with them, the crimps are strong and with just a layer of heat shrink applied after install they are slimmer than anything else I have tried.

There were a handful of wires leftover from a PO radio or security system. In the process of untangling and removing those connections I found that they had tapped into the instrument backlight circuit, which was being powered by a replacement jumper wire from the headlight switch because it looks like the original wire had shorted and melted. I got a short section of black with blue stripe wire and re-ran the wire from the switch to the dash. There were also a questionable repair to another melted wire on the switch that I replaced. I re-taped the bundle and re-installed the headlight switch.



While I had the instruments out, I soaked the instrument panel sheet metal in evapo rust and then repainted it. I am pretty sure I re-painted this back in 2008 after I bought the car. Just goes to show that rust never sleeps. Hopefully by dissolving all the rust and using a good primer I will have slowed it down.



Next was bumper and valance install. This would have been fast except for the surprising amount of unique fasteners and rubber spacers that I had to acquire. After receiving more 914 rubber and belmetric orders I had everything I needed. I have a 'snowplow' rear valance that I bought off craigslist years ago for $100. The paint shop re finished it for me, along with the front valance and rocker covers. I was told it was a 914-6 valance when I bought it, but I am not sure. Shouldn't have any problem recouping my investment if it turns out to be for a -6.

I went to install the brake pads and while the rears went in fine (after drilling out one tab) the front are too thick. Guess that will teach me to do more research before buying parts from rockauto. Installed the parking brake lever.

Brakes were necessary because it is time to move the car to a new home (not selling it, just storing it at another property). I lowered it down onto the fresh tires and rolled it out of the garage. The last time it rolled through that door was May 2013 when I got it back from paint. I rented a trailer and towed it to its new home where it also got a wash. Finally get to show off the re-chromed front bumper with license plate holes deleted. Not the best chrome job in the world, but I think I paid $600 at the time and felt really guilty about spending that much. Now I am kicking myself for not having the rear bumper done as well (it has holes from nerf bars, a couple dings, etc.).



As if progress could slow any more, the move of the car likely signals another pause in work on the 914. There are two big projects that I need to spend most of my time on. Getting the car out of the garage (and all the associated parts in the basement) clears up room to work in and is one less distraction*. But time will tell, maybe I can sneak in some progress here and there.

-Derek

(*given the pace of progress it is entirely fair to question whether the 914 has really been that much of a distraction in my life)

[rick 918-S]

Damn! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

[slowrodent]

very very nice job! now take some time and enjoy it!