Tonight my son and I got out in the shop and changed the oil and transmission gear oil and gave the chassis a good inspection. It was great spending time with him and teaching him (and myself ) how to change the oil in the car, it was truly a learning experience for both of us, we have always serviced our own cars but I have never serviced one of these engines. Afterwards I let my son drive me around some country back roads with the top off . It was the first time my son has ever driven a manual transmission and he did really well. He has shown a ton of interest in this car so I think I'm going to let him have it.

My son getting dirty

Like a pro

Aw c'mon, make him do it the old fashion way: on his back with jackstands. Back in MY day we didn't have 2 post lifts...

Glad he's enjoying it and you're enjoying it together. Good times, dad

Lol I know he has it way too easy , next time I'll make him put it up on wood blocks on some gravel.

Have him adjust the valves. That'll make a man out of him! haha

Glad you got the tranny issues sorted, awesome teaching him to work on this car, he’s the future enthusiast when we all get old and cranky and stop posting....

Take another step: cut open the oil filter and cut out the paper element. Drain it for a day or two then use a sharp chisel on the filter body and a razor knife on the paper. You can have a "what am I supposed to see" moment, or an "oh no" moment. It's kind of messy, but it'll let you know if the bearings are going south. An easier but more expensive test is to get the oil analyzed.

Not to be a downer but isn't it dangerous to use the engine bar mounts as a support point?

I think he might be a little concerned about the integrity of the jack point (unless I'm mixing up my threads). But valid question.


Good point. I think adjusting valves and installing HE's/heater components are God's way of asking if you REALLY want to work on air cooled cars.

This is good stuff. He'll remember these experiences for the rest of his life. Good times with Dad!

I was waiting for someone to burn me on lifting on the engine bar, lol I decided to lift there because of the rust in the hell hole. While the car was on the lift I was able to inspect the bottom of the car for rust issues and pleased to say I could only find rust beneath the battery tray and wasn't to bad. I still have to remove the rocker covers.

You are correct, I decided to lift on engine bar because I was concerned about strength of hell hole. I lifted very slowly to make sure nothing was bending or crushing.

This is the best picture of your son. You will look back in 20 years and say where did the time fly.

This is precious time with your son. It is great teaching him to drive a stick. My kids and 1st wife could not drive a stick no matter what.

Having 2 people to tackle your 914 jobs makes it much easier and as it is your son, Its priceless!


Bob B

Thank you Bob , I'm really proud of my son, today he got out in the shop and removed the driver's door panel because Thursday night the window came out of track and fell down into the door, he took it apart and put it back together by himself, tomorrow he's going to take it on a solo trip about 25 miles one way to the marina where we keep our boat and back.