Resurrecting a Bumblebee and me, A slackers attempt at keeping Pandora in the box Options

[KELTY360]

So it's time to get off my ass and deal with this rare gem that has wandered into my garage. Much to the skepticism of some, it's an original 21,000 mile LE that was parked by the original owner in 1988 and didn't move til his heir's sold the car and the new owner moved it from Honolulu to Pt. Townsend, WA in late summer 2022. My somewhat accidental purchase is documented in a previous thread: Low mileage LE?

For those who don't know me, I'm a longtime 914 believer since purchasing a Sunflower Yellow 1.7 brand new in 1973. I've since owned a variety of these little cars, currently holding a '74 2.0 and the LE. I've also encountered a couple of major oral surgeries over the last year that have put me in a state of slow recovery that leads to my personal resurrection. I didn't really intend to buy the LE but that ship has sailed and I'm trying to bring it back to life for my own resurgence, with the help of some friends of course.

The car is very solid and straight with minimal corrosion, as verified by @Root_Werks and @Greenie . My plan at present is to get it sorted out mechanically and some cosmetics, without performing a complete restoration. I do not plan on keeping the car when the plan is done. So, anyone who's interested in a very original, documented and compete LE is welcome to contact me. In this thread I'll be posting a list of parts needed and pictures and descriptions of work planned or completed.

I'll end this long post with an obligatory pic so I don't get the dreaded TTIWWP emogi. Many more pics to follow as I progress.

[Craigers17]

Nice find! I hope you put those Rivs on there to roll the car around, and have the stock Mahles stashed away for safe keeping. Otherwise, it looks like one of the previous owners made a very poor wheel decision. It's also strange that he converted the targa trim on the back to chrome.....I could be wrong, but I think it's supposed to be black if it's stock.

[KELTY360]

Nice find! I hope you put those Rivs on there to roll the car around, and have the stock Mahles stashed away for safe keeping. Otherwise, it looks like one of the previous owners made a very poor wheel decision. It's also strange that he converted the targa trim on the back to chrome.....I could be wrong, but I think it's supposed to be black if it's stock.

It's not rolling now as it went on jackstands this weekend thanks to Curt who came over the mountains from chez Greenie to help. The Rivs were on when I got it, but I also got the Mahles in the deal. Four of them have been painted with a red center for some reason but the spare in the frunk is pristine. Mahles are my favorite 914 wheel and I'll be restoring them to their proper finish.






I suspect the trim and sail/targa vinyl was added by the dealer to enhance floor appeal. I've heard the LE's could be slow to sell initially. The vinyl is in very good shape, although I will be looking to replace some trim pieces. I've thought about removing the vinyl but for now I'll let the next owner make that decision.