So I am doing a lot of sanding/bodywork on my 76' project, and in the front trunk I noticed that it does NOT have what I am calling the "semi-circular" metal that supports the front part of the trunk board. My project has, at some point, taken a pretty good shot to the passenger right fender, and has been somewhat repaired. The headlight fixtures have also been removed. I ASSUME that is why the pieces I am referring to are no longer there.

That being said, I started looking up random pics of the trunk area in other 914's and noticed several that have the same missing metalwork. So my question is twofold, ....1.was this piece of metalwork omitted on some years and/or race models?, and 2. Is it structurally important that it be replaced?

I realize, in general, the more structural support, the better.... thanks in advance for any input. I have enclosed two pics of my car, and a couple others that I found on the internet. The LIGHT BLUE one, has what I would call the correct metalwork in it.

-CraigClick to view attachment Click to view attachmentClick to view attachmentClick to view attachment[attachmentid=618
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THe 75 and 76 had the 5 mph impact bumpers. These years had shock absorbers for the bumper. The bumper is also strong as hell and heavy. The metal you are asking about is not needed for 75 and 76

Here is a couple of photos from a 76 of that area.

I think the metal to which you refer is the collision reinforcement in the 73–74 models. It was a safety thing, not a board support thing. It changed in 75 I think.

-Andrew

Thanks for the info guys! I didn't realize that only the 73/74 models had that reinforcement difference.

I appreciate the correct 76' photo as well...even though I'm going to go a different route with those stock bumpers.