914 "101" winter project, learing about 914s with a parts car Options

[GaroldShaffer]

Just a tought. I want to learn more about the 914,
how it goes together and stuff so I was thinking of
buying a complete parts car and over the winter to
tinker with. I am by far no mechanic but I want to
learn. I really don't want to "practice" with my 914
so I thought a parts car would be good to start with.

I figure this is a safe way to learn, and if I break
something I won't be upset that I just F'd up my
914. So what do you think? Is a complete parts car
a good starting point? I want to see and touch
everything so I have a idea on how things go
together on my car. My overall goal is gain some
confidence on doing minor repairs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) (more than just changing the oil). What do ya think???

- Garold

[ChrisReale]

Shit, I learned on mine. Just take it slow and document how you took everythig apart. Installation is the reverse of removal (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Aaron Cox]

I learned on mine, (first car) did all the major things in a 5 month period

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

A complete car will give you more of a learning experience. As things go wrong you work them. A parts car can only give you so much whereas a runner gives you the drive to work thru and finish to your satisfaction. My advice is to know your limits and swallow your pride if you get in over your head and have an expert finish the job.

I started on my VW and I started learning Porsche w/my first 914 and I'm continuing my learning with my current money pit, er, project (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[mike_the_man]

I say just work on your runner. When I bought mine I new very little about air-cooled engines or 914s, and I had limited mechanical experience. It's not that tough, and this board is an excellent resource. Just be careful when working, and you shouldn't have any problems.

[boxsterfan]

Buy a digital camera and take pics as you dis-assemble the car!!

Also, label everything you take out of the car (and put in pastic bags if they are small....ie screws, etc....). Hint: taping the screws, nuts, bolts to the part that came off of the car helps it go back in.

If you are not sure, label it again. Label, label, label....

[GaroldShaffer]

Thanks guys. Yep, I do work on my car when there is a problem and when I get over my head I got to
my mechanic. I guess what I want is to understand
better the workings of the 914. I'm a "if it isn't broke
don't fix it" type of guy. So I really don't want to
take things a part on my car just to take them apart.

I was thinking if I could
find a parts car, one that runs for a fair price, maybe
it would be a good learning tool, or if / when
something breaks on my "good" car I could use the
parts car to go over the repair before I do it on my
good car.

- Garold