Sweat Equity, General feelings on doing it yourself Options

[1bad914]

I do it all, paint, body, interior, engine, never done a trans, I've never needed to. If I won the lotto tomorrow I would still do it myself, I enjoy the challenge. I have to admit that I don't really like getting super greasy anymore, but will do it if needed.

[jwalters]

I normally do 90 - 99% of all that needs to be done myself.

I do not have a garage (unless you count my front yard) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I do not have a lift (unless you count a 2&1/2 ton hyd. jack and four jack stands) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

But, I do have more tools that I would ever know what to do with ( thank YOU Harbor-freight!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

About the hardest thing I have ever attempted, and done, is change a set of front struts by using rope and a 1/2 socket extension as a twisting method to compress the coil spring...I was kinda scared when doing this, I know I should have gotten a spring compresser, BUT - THAT would have taken another hour outta my day----

[grantsfo]

No place to do work and generally I suck at being a backyard mechanic. I am also allergic to dirt and petroleum products. Converted my four into a six so I could bring the car to people who understand how to work on Porsches as opposed to Type 4 VW's. Much bigger pool of good mechanics who work on 911 motors.

[TonyAKAVW]

I've done quite a few different things on the various 914s I've owned and with rare exception I do everyting myself. For my Subaru conversion I had to get some welding done at a shop locally. A couple of small parts were machined by friends who have access to a milling machine or large lathe. All the fabrication otherwise though was done by me. The engine installation, etc. all completed in my small 1-car apartment garage.

I haven't started doing bodywork yet but its coming soon and I expect I'll do most of that too. For the welding I'll likely drive to someone's place who has a welder.

The best part of the sweat equity is the learning that takes place.

-Tony

[VaccaRabite]

I am goign to have a go at doing everyhting myslf that does not require a machine shop to do.

I am muddling my way through body work. Then I will muddle my way through paint. Then I will muddle my way through my electrical and engine (though the heads willhave to be farmed out - machine shop stuff). Hell, I am even going to try and get DrE to help me muddle through my tranny.

When I am done, I want to be able to say that I did everyhting on my car, from the paint to the upolstery to the door panel trim.

Zach

[GaroldShaffer]

I can do simple things, not a full blown engine rebuild change oil, spark plugs..... you get the idea. I have always wanted to do a complete gorund up project car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif) So I bought the two cars below. One is a complete 71 911 T targa, but it has rust issues the other is a nice 71 911 T targa tub. I have no clue what I'm doing, but its going to be fun. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

I have given myself two years and budget of $15k. My goal is a mainly stock looking 911 T targa with maybe a 2.7 or 3.0? Mild flares painted either signal orange or a blue color close to the complete 71 911.

I'm doing a lot of research now and will start around mid March. I have a few honey do's to finish before I start the car project.

Wish me luck

Oh, forgot the my 914 is down at Shelby's (flat out) for the winter getting minor body work and paint. So I will have to put that back together come spring so I can AX for the 2007 season. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[toon1]

I do as much as I can myself. I have yet to farm anything out. I rebuilt my trannie, motor, brakes, fuel pump and various other things. I am in the middle of creating a custom center console and backpad out of fiberglass.

I will be doing my own body work and paint soon.

The key is not to be afraid and take your time. If you don't know ask and have fun, that's what these cars are about , having fun.

I forgot, I had to farm out the heads for valvr guides

[tgbo]

Half the fun of owning old sporty cars is knowing what makes it work--and the best way to learn that is to take it apart and put it back together...I can't do some things as well as others, so I ask and listen, and sometimes that means (bodywork & paint) that I hire someone who is good at it. Generally, with air, toolbox and common sense, I get it done.

[So.Cal.914]

I don't have a valve machine or a line bore nor can I micropolish my crank or

resurface my flywheel but I handle everything else.

[jd74914]

I've done everything on my car except resurface the flywheel (as we don't have a lathe or other large machines).

I've never rebuilt a tranny though, one day I will try.

[Katmanken]

Those that can .. DO

Those that can't...... sit in little chairs drinking wine from little cups with their pinky's upraised and have open wallet$ with money flying out....


As for me, I was too poor with a wife and kid and college tuition to do anything else but learn to repair cars. So, I learned to weld, paint, repair, dissasemble, clean, measure, and reassemble. Done just about anything including some machining engine rebuild, tranny rebuild, manuals hydros, waterpumpers, aircooled etc. If I can't do it, it usually requires a machinist with skills and tools.

Heck, even made tools to knock out and replace valve guides.

All I can say is I have fixed almost everything. What I have found is the majority of the time it is a simple fix and am amazed somebody would throw something out or spend big $$$$$$$$$$ on a trivial fix.

Hmmmmm..... mebbe that's why I became a mechanical engineer.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Ken

[Pat Garvey]

Well, I've found this thread (so far) to be exactly what I expected.

Majority are gearheads. Either because they need to, or want to (that's me - want to).

Others have circumstances that require farming out - and that's not bad, because there are some good mechanics that need to feed thier kids too.

I was just interested in the mix.

I, personally, have the time, tools & guts (though maybe no longer the back) to try anything except the black art of a transmission. It's always a learning experience for me. Always enjoyed getting my bean counter hands greasy on the weekends, though I've learned that Nitril gloves remove that problem.

Great reponses!