Restoration of a near concours 914, We'll watch the progress Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Outer rocker panels refinished and fitted.......

[Pat Garvey]

Outer rocker panels refinished and fitted.......

Have any pics of that finished rear valence?
Pat

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Have any pics of that finished rear valence?
Pat

Funny you should ask.
From this .....................

....to this.......

[dw914er]

nice job!

the car looks amazing in these photos

[Twise]

Outer rocker panels refinished and fitted.......

Hey Paul - Those look great. I am stoked that they went to someone who is really going to appreciate them. Tell Mike I said hi, and to keep in touch. Him calling me for those rockers was the first time I have heard from him in like 10 years. We are planning on coming back there next year for a family re-union. I will look you up. You do the same if you make it to Cali... My father gives you two thumbs up on the retoration...

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Now, finally, after having stared at a cracked dash top for the past 33 years, thanks to CAMP 914, it looks bee-yoot-e-full! A big helping of thanks on Craig's plate for his dash top renewal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

(For the eagle-eyed, pay attention to the radio panel)

Paul

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

more dash renovation.....

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

and more

[Ferg]

Looking Good (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

[Pat Garvey]

and more

I have to say that dash top is extremely nice! In fact, it's gorgeous!

But, what's the deal with the basket vs square weave on the dash face?
Pat

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

But, what's the deal with the basket vs square weave on the dash face?
Pat

Yes, I noticed the disparity between the radio trim fascia and the rest of the dash facing immediately after I received the photos. As Pat knows, I've never touched the OEM radio, and I have the original Motorola owners' manual and the original dealer installation instructions as well. What you see is what the car was delivered with in April 1970. When I called Stoddard about the obvious difference in material, which neither I or anyone else had ever noticed before, the explanation I received was a revelation to me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Paul

[Pat Garvey]

But, what's the deal with the basket vs square weave on the dash face?
Pat

Yes, I noticed the disparity between the radio trim fascia and the rest of the dash facing immediately after I received the photos. As Pat knows, I've never touched the OEM radio, and I have the original Motorola owners' manual and the original dealer installation instructions as well. What you see is what the car was delivered with in April 1970. When I called Stoddard about the obvious difference in material, which neither I or anyone else had ever noticed before, the explanation I received was a revelation to me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Paul

Umm, could you share the revelation?

BTW, Paul is my best friend - we've been "attached at the hip" for 35 years. Paul was always a tightass when spending money. He has really surprised me with this restoration!

I applaud him!!!!!! His 914 means so much to him that he made this comittment.

You have upstaged me, my friend! I like that! I sincerely look forward to you whipping my ass at any concours.

You may very well be the ultimate 914/4 pursist.
Pat

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

But, what's the deal with the basket vs square weave on the dash face?
Pat

Yes, I noticed the disparity between the radio trim fascia and the rest of the dash facing immediately after I received the photos. As Pat knows, I've never touched the OEM radio, and I have the original Motorola owners' manual and the original dealer installation instructions as well. What you see is what the car was delivered with in April 1970. When I called Stoddard about the obvious difference in material, which neither I or anyone else had ever noticed before, the explanation I received was a revelation to me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Paul

When I called Stoddard about the above noted dash facing (keeping in mind this is all original as-delivered) they told me that the face plate surround for the radio was a "hard plastic" material that was similar, but not identical, to the pliable vinyl that is on the rest of the dash front. Before they refitted the radio, they cleaned the assembly, and now that it's installed back in the dash, it noticably doesn't match the rest of the material. For 30+ years, I'd just wipe those surfaces with a clean, soft, damp rag or towel and I'm guessing that for all those years the minute dirt and dust just accumulated in the recesses of the basketweave material, dulling it, and masking the fact that the radio faceplate was made of a different material. Goes to show how much attention I had paid to that area. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Paul

[championgt1]

Damn, everything is looking very very nice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

In the beginning there was rust.....


...and now.....

[jonferns]

Wow, that looks amazing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Now, just 535 days later, we're here, about 98% finished......

Paul

[Pat Garvey]

Now, just 535 days later, we're here, about 98% finished......

Paul

I have to make some comments about this restoration, since it is just about complete.

I've known this guy for 35 years - since he first showed for a wine tasting at a local PCA event with this car.

Through the years we've been friends, he has been totally committed to THIS 914. Yeah, during the late 70's, some of us pseudo purists did some goofy things with our 914's (that includes me) - not Paul. He has reamained steadfast to originality since the beginning. His 914 always looked great, though with a dirty engine. That's why I was shocked when Stoddard started tearing into it. Boy, was it hiding serious problems! Even Paul wasn't ready for what he saw.

But, he has been steadfast. The 914 that he & his family have loved for many years was going to be put back to it's original glory. It's almost there.

Did he spend a bunch of money? Yeppir! Only he knows how much, but I'll bet it's less than a new high-end Accord.

Could he have bailed & gone out & made a bogus six? Yeppir!

Could he have bought a six & done the same thing, plus an additional huge amount of $$? Yeppir!

Didn't matter. Never a concern. No question. This was the 914 he could barely afford when he bought it. Lived with it & loved it for 33 years before decision time. His daughter rode on the center seat when she was six. Autocrossed it for many years, tried concours (wouldn't want to compete against him now!), rallied, etc - all the PCA events, including Parades. Drove the car everywhere during proper midwest weather.

He knows how to turn a wrench, but doesn't have time for a do-it-yoursef restoration - goofy work hours. So, he saved his money. And, very soon, he'll have his "baby" back. Will he drive it? Will it become a garage queen? Doubt it. This 914 has always been his summer savior. Oh, he'll pamper it more than ever, but I'll bet it gets driven as soon as it comes back.

Will he ever sell it? Forget that! His committment is too strong (stronger than mine).

So, now it is waiting for door panels for the car to be complete. Could have had it weeks ago, but wants it ready to enjoy.

It isn't just because he's my best friend, but because he encompasses the the original 914 think, that I say - excellent job! Unbelievable committment to originality! You are the benchmark for the early years. Oh, and thank you!
Pat

[championgt1]

Paul,

Your car is truly amazing. It is just stunning. Congrats on the near completion of a very beatiful car.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

Jack

[francar]

Great work