PMB restoration, Resto so far…guys doing a great job.. Options

[mepstein]

I’m no expert on Scheel seats, but these appear to be the real deal at a price that to me appears to be pretty reasonable given how rare they are. Pete, could you weigh in on what you think of these?

https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/dealtank...e-scheel-seats/

They are Scheel 114’s but the price is a bid. There was an unknown reserve and seller says bid is well below.

[horizontally-opposed]

By the way, thanks Pete for your 2 cents. Yes I love Michaels car and I think you are pretty much right on with my thinking on how I want to present this car. I’ve pretty much done exactly (so far) what you have suggested. I also had the warts removed from the bumpers for a smoother look (thanks for the suggestion Trent). The interior is my only point of contention. I’m thinking factory plaid (although not available in ‘73) in the darker blue tartan, possibly match that fabric on the dash panel as well (to break up all the black) Would love some Sheels but they seem hard and $$$ to come by. I’m also thinking of deleting all the carpet and just putting down some 914 fitted mats. I’ll definitely look into the short shifter as well. I pretty much did the suspension as you suggested (lowered) Need to get the black paint off the rims and go stock there as well. Keep the suggestions coming.

Right on, and you're welcome. You're on a great path with your 914, and it'll likely go a long, long time without developing rust at the sails if the areas are in good shape when the vinyl goes on. Interior is a great place to experiment over time, and cloth seat centers in a 914 are game changers—so much nicer than vinyl or leather on hot day, and grippier too. Let me know if you want to test sit Scheels some time…they definitely aren't for everyone. Best path with them, in my opinion, is to simply keep an eye out. And count on redoing even nice old ones…so there isn't much point in paying for nice finishes so long as a total rebuild isn't needed.

Was out on the Breakfast Club Rally yesterday, and had a lot of fun. Would be great to see another 914 active in the North Bay. In a strange twist from my childhood here in the Bay Area, I see Lambos more often than 914s these days…

[KELTY360]

Yes those are before shots of my car..it was pretty..but like a lot of pretty things lots of underlying unseen issues. Not much rust but lots of metal work (frickin holes everywhere!)
I am keeping this car narrow bodied. I really like the classic lines of this car. Definitely keeping the 2.0 4 cyl. with maybe some minor performance upgrades. I don’t think these were meant to be particularly fast cars, and like they say it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast..
I think I’m going for the “Euro” look hence the deletion of the warts, and considering the non vinyl sail panel look.

This comment may come too late but I like your direction. I had the same decision with my ‘74 2.0. Deleted the warts and sail vinyl and am pleased with how clean those changes made the car. You won’t be sorry.

[stevesc_us]

I’m no expert on Scheel seats, but these appear to be the real deal at a price that to me appears to be pretty reasonable given how rare they are. Pete, could you weigh in on what you think of these?

https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/dealtank...e-scheel-seats/

They are Scheel 114’s but the price is a bid. There was an unknown reserve and seller says bid is well below.

They’re actually in the Deal Tank section with a buy it now price of $2k so that price is known.

[burton73]

Frankie, 914 and PMB Brother.

As far as the Scheel seats go, $2,000 is not bad at all if they fit your ass OK.
Look over my Build from PMB and look at what we had to do with the Scheel seat to fit me in a more comfortable way at 6ft 220 lb.
The 30th 914-6 #41 build: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=307620

Look at the work done by PMB from Advice and paint on. Custom sound, custom interior.
All PMB custom.

Good luck

Bob B
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[frankieshooz]

Ok. Vacation is over and the guys are getting back to work in a big way. Old heat exchangers look shot. Time to pony up and pick up some SS versions. I’m not sure if the quality of these vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but any suggestions helpful. Did look on E bay, saw some used as well as new. Probably (as everything else is new) probably splurge and get a new set,

[frankieshooz]

Also, as is the common case, longs needed a bit of love and some new sheet metal.

[frankieshooz]

Also removed the A/C compressor. I really didn’t feel I needed it living in NOR CAL but it is unique in that it was dealer installed and I have the whole unit. Will try to sell not sure value of it? It was operating before I removed it.

[BillJ]

Not worth a whole lot actually. Usually the compressor is substituted for a modern less hp hungry version. The blower that is inside the car may have some value for those looking to keep original and holding on to mounting bracketry amd pulley setups may make for great ease in case someone wants to use them again. Unfortunately not overly valuable. My parts source has probably 5 or more full original setups in storage.

[Eric_Shea]

Also, as is the common case, longs needed a bit of love and some new sheet metal.

Wow... you're on top of it! I was watching him weld that in this morning! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

You're almost rust free. This week should wrap it up!

[Eric_Shea]

I think the price of the Scheels is a bit high. I'm now coming to the "overrated" conclusion. Every Scheel we've been into has been broken or in need of frame repair. They are made rather "cheap" in my book. There's a small welded frame inside and it will not withstand years of using the bolster to get in and out of a 914.

Not a big deal if you're going in there and reupholstering the seat. We weld in the repair and we weld in extra frame support to make them work but... all that said, you can easily be upside down in a Scheel. They're gorgeous, don't get me wrong... I just think there's better values out there.

[frankieshooz]

Hi fellow forum folks.some more resto porn out there for you. Driving lights looked pretty bad decided to just go with replacements and possible do the 118’s at a later date as they seem relatively pricey.

[frankieshooz]

I’m especially pleased with the new trunk metal as the old one had a huge hole in it from a horribly installed A/C compressor.

[frankieshooz]

Now the extra goodies start being added. Chassis stiffening kit installed! Woo Hoo. Canyon carving here I come!

[frankieshooz]

Had a nice little chat with Eric and decided that if I’m going this deep into this restoration, and that I already had the motor out, I might as well take the plunge and go with an upgrade and build the 2.0 up to a 2258 motor. Initially I had deemed my original 2.0 was strong enough to keep as is but the temptation for more power/torque was too much to ignore. Really excited about this, not as excited about how much extra work I have to take on to pay for this though! LOL.
Eric thanks for the input on the Scheel seat discussion. I agree completely. I will start looking at possible alternatives or just stay with the stockers.

[eric9144]

I might as well take the plunge and go with an upgrade

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) And that my friend is the slippery slope.
It's in very good hands, it's going to be freaking awesome! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[eric9144]

Agree on the Scheel's too, don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, have a pair of Konigs on the shelf in the garage, but they're a bit overrated compared to options that are out there now... They sit a bit proud, you loose a bit of headroom and leg room and if you're a 32", maybe 34" waist they're great, anything 34" up and you'll likely hate them, also the adjustable head rests on the ones with that feature, get stuck and tend never to want to come back up, and they tend to make operating the parking brake a bit of a pain too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[Eric_Shea]

The team did the final walk through on Frank’s tub yesterday. He is officially a “rust free” teener. This week we’ll move on to seam sealer and paint prep. Come’on out Frank!

[Cairo94507]

How cool. I am so looking forward to pictures. I know Frank is really excited about his car being in your capable hands Eric. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Eric_Shea]

We’ll start seam sealing next week. She was working double duty yesterday as we templated the frame jig with her pristine body.