Returning Barn Find BB To The Road Options

[DBF]

I posted earlier about finding this survivor BB and I am working to get it back on the road by spring. I was asked to post more photos, and I’d also appreciate some advice on a couple items.

The first regards the engine. The car has 100K miles, and my experience with VW Type 1 motors is they are ready for a rebuild, at least a top-end rebuild at 100K. Is that true for Type 4's as well? I have the engine stripped down to the bare case/cylinders/heads since I want to clean off 100K worth of old oil/dirt, replace all the oil seals (yes all leaked), and to replace the fuel injection/air intake seals and vacuum lines to help ensure good drivability. Does the mileage say it’s time to keep taking it apart?

The second regards the fuel pump. It is still in the rear of course, but I plan to pull the gas tank to replace the old fuel lines, including installing stainless steel lines. “While I’m at it”, should I move the fuel pump to the front? It changes the originality of the car, but I plan to autocross and attend DE events with the car, so looking for safety and reliability.

Here is the car on the lift a friend gave me when he closed his auto repair shop this fall. It is a tight fit, but works for my small cars and old jeeps. I was sweating as the lift was being installed, hoping that all my calculations were correct, and was relieved when the 914 fit as planned. I was so anxious to see if it would fit that we lifted the 914 before we cleaned up the garage after the install. It will also allow me to store two small cars. Lastly, while on the lift I can still open and close the 914’s doors with one finger.

[DBF]

Have a few more questions hopefully some of you can help me with. I was told a hiding spot for rust is at the bottom of the bulkhead/rear floor, and when I was looking closer at that location, I noticed a disconnected wire behind each seat. Can anyone tell me what was disconnected?

I was also told rust can hide behind the mat in the engine compartment since moisture can get trapped there. Mine seemed a bit loose and was easy to remove. It was just attached on a couple of spots - you can see in the photo. As I carefully lifted it out, I started to see red spots and thought rust. Turns out it was just dried glue. I put it back for now just held with the clips. Is it better to glue it back in, or just use the clips/plastic plugs so it can be periodically removed for cleaning and ensuring no moisture is trapped between the mat and firewall?

I also included a couple photos showing the crack in the dash and driver's seat. Is there something I can do to keep the cracks from getting any worse? Being vinyl, not sure if there is any treatment anyone has tried that keeps the vinyl from shrinking further?

Thanks.