More clamshell pics, Here they are... Options

[pek771]

I started this thread:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=...t=44014&hl=long

so everyone interested could take a look at the deconstruction of a shoddily repaired 914, and what the rust patterns look like in the spots you can't see. The stiffener kits are great, but where there is obvious rust, I can guess it's like an iceberg...you can't see the other 90%

I m using the RD stuff, but I also built some pieces much like the Brad siffener, which is going on the cockpit side of the long.

Good luck!
Pat

[SpecialK]

The PO of my '73 also installed Brad's stiffener kit (was going to be a V-8 conv.), but instead of plug welding the holes, he drilled 3/8" holes completely through the longs (including the heat pipes (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif) ), inserted 3/8" threaded rod all the way through the longs, used large washers and nuts to "sandwich" the parts together, tack welded the washers to the inner longs and outside stiffener, then tack welded the nuts to the rod and washer to keep them from loosening, and ground off the excess threaded rod..........and after a full 6 years of sitting on jack stands, there' been no visible signs of sagging (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

After seeing the method recommended by Brad and others, I'd have to say that the PO was really thinking (unusual for PO's). It literally ties the inner and outer longs together pretty effectively. Now, if someone was to use this threaded rod method in conjunction with Mark's inner long stiffener kit, you'd end up with one bullet-proof tub!

[tat2dphreak]

I'm thinking of putting this kit on as a rust-repair on the outside of the long,

do you think the small piece that bolts to the rear suspension could be left out? I'm also planning on an Engman kit for the interior...

[SpecialK]

QUOTE (tat2dphreak @ Feb 5 2006, 10:43 AM)

I'm thinking of putting this kit on as a rust-repair on the outside of the long, do you think the small piece that bolts to the rear suspension could be left out? I'm also planning on an Engman kit for the interior...

Personally, I think that the part that attaches to the rear suspension is what makes it such an effective stiffening kit.....you're spreading the loads of the suspension over a much larger area.

Of course that's just MHO. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)