>>>> ANDY, KENT & JIM - SEE MY POST #62 @ PAGE 4 FOR PRIOR PIX OF CONDITION, THEN THRU TO PAGE 7 -
- & I'VE ADDED SOME MORE CONDITION EVAL PIX TONIGHT STARTING ON PAGE 7 POST #132> - 7/5/22



OK - UPDATE - I've added some Pix at the end of this thread - Again....

The updated history findings, new info & pix start at this post:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...p;#entry1159791

More new Pix 1/21/10 starting here:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...p;#entry1264140

Hi All,

I'm new to 914World's list, and am in the process of doing pre-restoration research for my `73 914-2.0 - VIN 4732901954, to help me decide how to go about restoring it, and how much time, money & effort to expend, & whether to do it the way I would have bought the car new - or only as originally sold. I'll determine its initial set-up by ordering a Porsche COA - but that apparently won't even tell me the original dealer who sold the car, let alone the original owner.

So I'm also looking for tips & other research avenues, since you cannot just order a CarFax/etc. for pre-81 cars, in order to try to recover it's original owners manual/service book/etc. & initial 3+ years' service records, history, etc.

...and a very long shot - does anybody per chance happen to have any information on my `73 914-2.0 - VIN 4732901954 ?


Ergo, I'm trying to close the gap of ownership history between its initial sale by the dealer in CA on 11/9/72 (which dealer?), and any/all owner(s) up to the time I purchased it in Feb.-Mar. 1976. {ed. - NOPE = Brain Fart - CA DMV sways it was 12/26/75} I've lost or misplaced my original loan and purchase documents from `76, and never had the original service records book either (which was not in the car when sold). It was also missing the owners manual, etc., as well as several key options which I had thought came "standard" with the 914-2.0 in `73 based upon period Motor Trend/etc. articles - i.e.: the full set of appearance group & performance group items. However, my recent on-line reseach indicates that they could come anywhere from "standard" to full Appearance & Performance Group options (at least on German/Euro models).

Was this also true for USA - & specifically California models - in early `73 production & sold in late `72? ...and what did the USA/California 914-2.0's typically/always come fit-out with?


I'm also seeking advice & opinions on how "true to original" to approach the restoration. I've put a summary of the car history, past work & current condition at the end below fyi. If buying it new, I would have ordered it "fully loaded" with all Appearance & Performance Group options (of which some were missing when I purchased it, as noted herein), and factory painted in either one of the "Alaska" or "Marathon"/etc. 914 met. blue colors, silver, black, or a factory custom color - such as the 911 "Anthracite Grey" met. (dk. grey met.).

And now - if/when it needs another engine rebuild, should I do it per "stock" 2.0L specs, or go for a FAT Performance, AutoAtlanta, etc. bore/stroke/compression "upbuilds" to 2.0-2.5L with more HP, on the original block/case number?


Contrary to my personal preferences above, it appears to have originally been either L80E "Light Ivory" (white) - or maybe a white undercoat/primer with a dealer custom color or color matched Gold or Bronze met. overpaint?? From recent research, I understand that it could have been either a factory "Custom" color from the Porsche, Audi or VW line, or a factory custom "Color Match." It appears to have the white under the intitial gold/bronze when I bought it, with my `76 color change to copper met., and then another to gunmetal or anthracite grey met. in `80. However, I understand that L80E "Light Ivory" was used as a base coat for the custom & color match factory &/or dealer paint jobs.

Is this true? ...and if so, then how would I tell whether the gold was a later repaint (maybe an accident?) or an "original" factory/dealer custom color?


Although it has/had sway bars & Bilstein struts, chrome bumbers & sail vinyl from the App. & Perf. Group pkgs. - it was missing the center console/gauges & fog lights, & Fuchs alloys when I bought it in `76 - instead it was sold with brushed aluminum Riviera mag wheels (I would have chosen the polished Fuchs or Rivieras if new). So it begs the question as to how original it really was when I purchased it? - i.e: did the prior owners remove the center console & fog lights (& maybe Fuchs wheels), or had they been vandalized/stolen & not replaced prior to its sale to me (which the COA should tell)? In any case - after checking out several earlier & lesser quality/condition potential 914's to purchase - my mechanic Hans Imports in Huntington Beach felt it was a strong car in `76 (he's Porsche factory trained on the 914's & still in HB), so I bought it and he's serviced it ever since (see summary at end).

Additionally, I'd had a couple of minor front-end "benders" over the 9.5 years it was my daily driver (neither were my fault), where the front faceplate/bumper & rubber bumper parts had to be replaced, & the front deck lid needed replaced/repaired & repainted - both of which precipitated color changes by me in 8/76 (Copper met.) & 5/80 (Dk. Grey met.) respecively. Then in 5/85 it was hit in a UCLA pkg. structure while I was in MBA classes, by a Sorority gal in her Honda Accord - both pushing in the rear end, and pushing the car forward 2 feet into a concrete column & pushing in the left front area & bending the retractable headlight assembly axle (no other mech. parts damage at either end - fortunately).

Since 5/85 it's been prep'd., covered & dry-stored on blocks in my garage to present, patiently awaiting my tender care! Unfortunately, I cannot get into the car at the moment to see the VIN & Mfg. date tag in the front trunk, Karman door tag for the paint & body code, engine & transaxle codes, etc. (which the COA will tell me anyway), due to my daughter's furniture stored on the other side of our garage while she's away at college. So at the present time, I don't have the open space needed to jack it off the blocks & roll it out, in order to look at the tags, take photos & work on it.

Having been sold in early Nov. `72 (& manufactured in May or June `72, if I recall the VIN plate in the front trunk correctly), and being #1954 914 in the `73 model year (not sure what number of 2.0 production it would be - but COA will show it). At #1954, it also would have the newer and better post #1000 door structure/design. Ergo, being an earlier part of the `73 model year production run, but late enough to have the kinks worked out - it MAY be worth going to "as originally sold" - if sufficiently unique.

However, it may NOT be worth that - NOT being a low milage pampered garage maven - having been a daily driver for its first 12.5 years with 191,000+ actual miles on it, & having the transaxle case changed for a used case in the12/83 transaxle rebuild, and having been either owner repainted (or custom? - see below) - possibly in an accident 11/72 - 2/76, and I've had it color changed 2 times myself since then, and in 2 minor fender benders, plus a semi-major crunching that put it into storage in `85 that I now need to repair. See the summary below...

Of note: I'm one who firmly believes that cars - like airplanes and other mechanical stuff - were meant to be DRIVEN (or flown/used) - and NOT rarely/non-driven, pampered & trailered to car shows, etc. So I would definitely be using this car as an "active" but "extra" 3rd vehicle for "pleasure use", at somewhat less than our other 3 cars' "daily driver" levels. However, since I home-office and my wife works within 2 miles, even our other 3 "classic" daily drivers only clock <5-7,000 miles per year. These include: an `88 VW Vanagon CamperGL ("Westfalia"), an `85 BMW 325e 2Dr. Coupe (1st year of 6 cyl. & only year with fuel efficient "eta" engine version) - both well kept/semi-restored/refurb., & a recently refurished/restored `88 Honda Civic Hatchback DX for our 2 college age kids' use (it will get the workhorse transportation duties with them).


So given the car's history & my preferences/use, does it really make that much sense to take it back to original, or go ahead and restore it as I would've wanted it - and how will each route affect its current & future "as restored" value - given its imperfect history?


Thanx for any help, opinions, advice, etc.!
Tom T
Orange, CA


Summary Car History & Key Points:

Ownership & Records:
Sold & 1st Registered in CA 11/9/72 - VIN 4732901954
I purchased it used in Orange County, CA in Feb-Mar/76 with 45,000 mi
As far as known, its always been a So Cal car for 36.33+ years
Present Engine, Transaxle & Body/Paint nos. currently inaccessible due to storage situation
(COA will give orig. nos. for comparison)
Orig. & any other prior owners unknown 11/72 - 2/76 (3.33 years)
I am 2nd (?) owner since early 1976, purchased with 45,000+/- mi (2-3/76)
ALL Records since 3/76 (but missing 11/72 - 2/76)

Useage & Storage:
Daily Driver 3/76 - 5/85 - approx. 146,470 mi (9.25 years) + 45,000 initial mi
Dry-stored covered & on blocks in SoCal Garage 5/85 to present (+/- 24 years & counting!)
Curr. indicated 174,342 mi - not correct due to repaired/reblt. Odo not set to true mi
Est. actual 191,470+/- mi, with the added est. mileage while Speedo/Odo was on fritz `81
(est. using milage at service records for avg. use during 6 mos. down & error at new odom. reset)

Major Mechanical & Body Work:
Last Body Resto & Color Change Repaint Apr/May `80 at 113,622
(it now needs repaint/restore @ 29+ yrs)
Engine Rebuilt in Oct `83 at 162,260e in same case/block (orig. # ??), Use = 29,210 mi
(engine "overhaul" to factory 2.0L specs in existing case/block - orig.??)
Transaxle Rebuilt in Nov `83 at 165,090e in used case (prob. won't match orig. #), Use = 26,380 mi
(transaxle "overhaul" to factory specs in "new" used case, due to excessive wear at seal points)
Other typical key mech. work & fixes done include:
Engine mounts, clutch cable tunnel reinf., fuel pump reloc. to front (ala `75-76 914s), battery tray "clean-up" & factory recall cover & pad (batts. never leaked/corroded due to my exclusive use of closed cell batteries), new Konis up front (from orig. Bilsteins), remanuf'd. EFI computer, clutch & throw-out bearings, CV joints, rear deck/trunk lid hinges, etc., & regular maint. per factory schedule while in use 3/76-12/85 (probably during 11/72-2/76 too, while under factory warranty).

Original Equipment & Options:
Has front & rear sway bars & had all 4 Bilsteins (Perf. Group?)
Has Chrome Bumpers, Vinyl Sail Trim, Padded Center Seat/Cover (App. Group?)
Did not have Center Console/Gauges, Fog Lights/Chrome Grill & Switch in 2-3/72
Has less common "Cinnamon" (tan) Interior & matching Tan factory loop carpet
Still has early-`70's Radio/8-Track when I purch. car 2-3/76 (orig.? - don't recall brand)
(I also still have many 8-tracks, but they probably won't play anymore)
Orig. Ext. Color was White or custom Gold/Bronze ?? (see above)

Owner Body & Paint Work:
Color changes: maybe Gold/Bronze pre-2/76 ??, Copper Met. 8/76, Dk. Grey Met. 5/80
Rust & Body Resto. 5/80 with last color change

Current Condition & Repair/Restoration Needed:
Curr. gneral cond.: has some small recurrent 1/4-3/8" rust bubbles on L/R cowl & at L/R sails-3/4 panels, some surface rusting on exposed underbody & engine compartment area (non-battery related), 2-3" tear to outside seat bolster on drivers seat (happens in every car I own!), worn older int. carpet at L&R floorpan areas (despite keeping Coco & Carpet mats 3/76-5/85), Last 1980 paint/resto job is "dead" with clear-coat failure/checking & needs repaint, & at 29+ years with age related deterioration - most/all rubber & other seals need replacement.

Last Accident curr. body damage due to 3rd Party hitting it in Pkg. Structure at UCLA 5/85 & pushed car front-end into conc. column, with front & rear end "damage to" items including:
(some parts may be repairable/restorable &/or replacable with "dead engine" or "roller" 914 body)
> Rear End: rear center body panel full width, back edge of rear trunk floor, lower fascia/valance (short), chrome rear bumper/faceplate & rubber bumper top/cap, L&R rear light clusters & lenses, rear deck/trunk lid, upper & lower latch mechanisms
> Front End: front center body panel, left fender-1/4 panel, left retractable headlight assy. (bent axle), lower fascia/valance (stock - not dam), chrome front bumper/faceplate & rubber bumper top/cap, Left `73/74 rubber bumber extension, front deck lid, upper & lower latch mechanisms
> Uni-Body / Suspension: check & adjust/straighten Uni-body as req'd., verify suspension cond. & repair/replace as necessary (will need to replace 29 yr old Bilsteins/Konis with 4 stock Bilsteins)

> Engine & Running Gear: Although stored with Engine & Transaxle Rebuilds at only 29k & 26k miles on them, it will need a thorough "going through" of all mechanicals to bring all systems up to safe & reliable running condition. If an engine rebuild is now required after a full check-out, then I may do it as stock 2.0L, or as a "built-up" 2.0-2.5L custom engine.

Addl. Items desired to add if appropriate:
Add Center Console & 3 Gauges,
Fog/Driving Lights w/ chrome grills & dash switch/wiring/breaker/etc. as neccessary,
Maybe 914-6 style elec. windscreen washer pump (although the orig. was so simple & effective, as long as you remember to check the spare!),
Maybe set of 5 OEM Fuchs alloy wheels (altho. I've always loved & preferred the Riviera style),
Replace to stock 4 Bilsteins as orig.,
Maybe do a "Built-up" higher performance/HP 2+L Engine (if/when rebuild needed again)
Other mechanical & condition updates & upgrades as appropriate




>> See NEW Pix & info. updates added starting at:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...p;#entry1159791


///////end

Whew, one hell of a first post! I wouldn't mind knowing a little more history on my car as well.

Oh, and...

Well it was made in 1973, in Germany, from steel with good rust potential. Made from mostly German parts. It took a long boat ride in its youth, with others of its kind. It found a new home in the USA and has been there ever sense.

If I can be more help don't bother asking.

Thanx! for the humor on the "boat history", but not much help on researching it!
Tom T

i've done some reasearch on my early 73 it attempts to cover a spacific group of the first 1000 or so, yours may or may not be in it but maybe this link will help you

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...c=67816&hl=

hope thats of help. i just went thru and got rid of about 400 8-tracks i had stashed over the years for my old mustang factory 8-track... werrrr,click clack, werrrr.... gotta love um' oh yeah dont forget the matchbook wedge to hold the tape right

mike

It was sprayed with a special liquid rust accelterating chemical called Por 14, to aid in its long boat ride and assist in the short term lifespan.

Rich

Hey Tom - welcome aboard.

The Garage part of your story sounds way too familiar! When she gets back for the summer have HER clear out the garage. The nerve - taking up man space!

We have a whole lot of originality enthusiasts around here. I'm sure they will be by shortly. My understanding is that the early 73's were a bit of a mutt as they transitioned over to the new pattern. Parts were used up at different rates as they rushed to meet the demand in the US. A common marker of this group is vinyl on the A pillar. It does sound a little unusual to have a 2L without a console and fog lights. The Rivs of course were not an option. That was either a previous owner or a dealer scooping them to upsell a 1.7.

As to your restoration goals - of course you need to do what is right for you. Not the resale value. You've said you are a 'Drive it' kind of guy so I figure you would get more fun sinking your money into getting it on the road making it fun to drive. Given the bumps and bruises it has had it is probably not a candidate for a concours restoration.

Maybe set yourself some intermediate goals. As long as you don't hack into anything that would stop it from eventually being restored fully you keep your options open. Get in there and assess the rust situation and get it fixed. Get the fuel system, brakes, vacuum systems rebuilt. Fire her up. See where the journey takes you.

Thanx for the History Mike -interesting read. I think mine post-dates the "first 1000+/-", as it is pretty much all 73 build, but may have a few carryover parts. It's curious how they snuck by Euro build engines (either 1.7 or 2.0) in CA with the smog regs. then, unless the did quick modifications before shipping them!?

Tom T
///////

Thanx for the supporting 'My preferences" options Steve.

George Hussey at Auto Atlanta was really pushing for a full bore bare metal resto back to factory color, and not in favor of my using a s"donor" 914 - of course he's selling the parts!

As my semi-DD, I'd probably still want to stay in the realm of the stock/optional or available Porsche/VW/Audi colors of the day, and pick a nice metallic blue which goes well with the tan/cinnamon interior, and add the "missing" App. & Perf. Grp. items.

I'm up on the rust situation, but need access to do the clean-out & lead where bubbled! Daughter just informed me she's not ready for the furniture until next year 2010 or ?? !!!! We already have 2 storage shed full on the property (city max is 1 of 150 sf! - oops!), so now I have to get the addition done the wife's been bugging me about to put it somewhere. Argh!

So maybe we'll clear it out this summer long enough to put it on rollers, then "repack" her stuff. At least then I can roll it out to work on it in the driveway ...it's always sunny in SoCal - right!

As for intermediate goals - I'm doing the research, getting a COA, looking for likely "donors" & collecting parts.

Hey - does anyone know how realistic it is to just straighten & re-chrome the F&R bumpers? ...likewise to straighten & refinish the F&R rubber bumper caps & F rubber "tit"? (I've alys called them "rubber baby buggy bumpers!)

My paint & body guy who did the last paint & body in `80 can tell me what's repairable for the other body panels, if I can get it over to him in HB.

Tom T
///////

If you included pics, it would have been the "posterchild" for first posts

PS Mike -

I just figured out thaqt I can play the video clip on your post (duh - old guy!). Great clip - so I take it that's the son's 914? Let me know if you ever make it to the summer Classic Car Show in the City of Orange Plaza (traffic circle for most regular folk). We'll walk over & visit, gawk, etc.

Tom T
Orange, Ca
///////

Pix will come after I get my daughter's stuff out & can get to it! ...maybe a 3rd shed wouldn't be noticed?
Tom T
///////

Great video Rick!

...Geez - I thought I was borderline insane to want to restore my 2L - but a V8 conversion ! - waaaaay too much work for me, but I'll bet it hauls b***!

Being a Westy owner too - I liked the double-Westfalia at the Candlestick XC!


Were you flying out of OKC, DFW or ???? (...looked like flat land Midwest)

...and that begs the question - why not Road Trip it!?
Your Video brought back memories of my past 914 road trips:

SR1 - aka Coast Hwy - 2 914s (my 73 & friend's 72), `60 Bug-eye & `68 Spitfire - San Diego to SFO - 4 Day weekend - played "Double the posted Speed" up 1 - Don't try going south though - as you're on the cliff-side that direction! - weekend in SFO kickin' around ...then a Cruisin' return on 101.

17 mile drive to Pebble Beach Polo Grounds almost every March 1970 - 96 for the Monterey Rugby Tourney. ...I played Rugby 26 years - most at Scrumhalf - 4 at USC, balance 1st Div. - HB Unicorns 74-75 & Irvine Coast 75-86, 83-86 UCLA Biz School club, Coasters Old Boyz 86-96.... Ergo, the "It takes Leather Balls to Play Rugby" plate frame on the 914! ...when I played, they were still leather, ya see!

2 trunks - 2 folks & camp gear, or ski gear, or 10 speeds (yeah - I got both sets of "racks" for the 914), etc....
- up CA Coast (more leisurely those times), Park City (Rugby & Skiing), Cedar Breaks & Brianhead, Mammouth Mtn., Tahoe, Bryce & North Rim Grand Canyons, West Coast - SoCal to Vancouver Is., etc., etc., etc.!

Guess you can see how I piled up 146K on top of the 45k I bought it at, in just over 9 years from 3/76 to 5/85!!!! ...fortunately I used to bike to work for conditioning, so that kept the commuter miles down.

Hmmm.... More road trips... ....this is helping my motivation!

Thanx!
Tom T
///////

Thanx to all for "Welcomes"!
Tom T
///////

Wilkommen! But we really need some pics of critical areas to help. Foremost the badge on the drivers' side front door jamb, as well as the decal on the drivers' side rear jamb. We're her to help.
Pat

Thanx Pat - as I've said - as soon as I can get to it, I'll roll 'er out & snap some to post. ...but that may be a bit longer coming.

Any ideas on researching to close the initial 3+ year gap?

I suppose I could query all of the Porsche dealers in the OC & LA area from `72 that are still around today, and see if they might have any 36 year old records on microfilm? ...any bets on that one working?

I've already tried DMV thru AAA, but they purged the records, since I didn't keep the PNO up after `89. Any ideas on where DMV might have dead-filed records tapes????

Of course, then I'd have to track down the listed prior owner(s)! .....well, at least today there's the internet with which to search!

Tom T
///////

Pat - was it necessary to quote his first post?

Tom - You might want to try your regions PCA, and see if any members remember your car. Good luck!

yeah, kenny is responsible for inducting his mom & i into the world of 914's, we've always been mustangers. it's a long story but he bought his first 914 @ age 13 with paper route savings, worked up to this one. we recently bought him out so he could pay off his impreza (daily driver). once he's able though we intend for the 914 to find it's way back to his stable. meanwhile he's behind airbags and a more reliable vehicle for daily life as an 18 year old driver . we really want to make the upcoming 09 WCR if at all possible. if you don't know about that, do a search it's in so. cal in may(?).

mike

Yes George is a parts hawker but he also has the 914 disease worse than just about anyone here. There is no doubt bare metal is the best way to go but damn it cost the bucks. And time.

Surface rust is not a problem. It is the frame that you have to protect. Given the history of your car you probably don't have problems in the longs but you should still investigate. Take off the rockers and pull up the carpet on the inside of the longs.

back a while - maybe a year or two ago. Someone posted a picture of his garage where he had framed a box over the front end of the car. I thought it was genious. You could move some of her stuff on top the box so you can roll the car out of the box to work on it.


I had my rear bumper punched by a big old caddy way back when. They did a very exceptable job of straightening and refinishing but the chromer did a lousy job. Within a few years the rust started bubbling in behind and the chrome peeled. It all depends on the skill of the body man/chromer. Rubber on the other hand doesn't have many success stories. You might be better off watching ebay or finding the right donor car.

Hi Steve,

Given the damage to the pop-up headlight, body panels & deck lids - they'd all have to be repaired to make it legally roadable again, in addition to the running gear updates & maintenance.

Given your comment to not hack into it to keep future resto options open -
...is it better to straighten & repair the existing body parts?
...or to cut-n-weld "clean" used ones from a "donor" or parts source?
...or to try to get new body parts to cut-n-weld for the repair?

Given your comment about the oddity of not having the fog lights & center console, I've looked at the p914.com website regarding gauges, & according to them - if you bought a 2L without the center console & 3 gauges, then they were equipped with the combo fuel/temp gauge at the L of the instrument cluster.

However, mine just has the standard fuel gauge with only the parking brake light at the top (i.e.: no temp gauge). Being an early `73, mine has the silver button gauges with glass bezels, and the buttons are all still shiny & intact, with unscratched/non-fogged bezels - thanx to relatively dry SoCal climate I'm sure. It also never had vinyl on the A-pillars since I bought it in 2/76, and the sail vinyl doesn't & never had any foam under it - just direct adhered to the primed & painted sheet metal.

As to the fog lights, I just rechecked behind the front bumper grills and there is no evidence of a bracket nor screw/bolt holes to have mounted a fog light. This leads to one of two possibilities: either it never came equipped with them; or it had front end damage 11/72 - 2/76 before I bought it, & the original front body panel was replaced with another lacking the fog light. Body shops are known to cut corners, and could have pocketed the insurance money for the fog lights, etc., leaving the owners unknowing that they'd been shortchanged (or the owners could have opted for it at a lower cost, in order to help pay for the color change from white?).

This begs the question -
Does anyone know how hard it would be for me to add foglights to this front body panel without the brackets/holes, of course after having a body shop straighten that existing front body panel?

....or should I look for a roller or body part(s) for the 73-74 front bumper with fog lights & cut it in, since it's pushed in anyway from the accident?

For those interested in this fuel/combo gauge subject, look at:
http://www.p914.com/p914_gauges_clusters.htm
http://www.p914.com/p914_gauges_combo.htm
http://www.p914.com/p914_gauges_fuel.htm

Thanx in advance for any input!
Tom T
///////

Mike

I can't wait for our 20 yr old son & almost 22 yr old daughter to get off our AAA insurance! Their "cheapie" `88 Honda Civic Hatchback on which she's the primary & he's secondary drivers, will cost us next year more than both my 85 BMW 325e & wife's 88 Westfalia combined! I can just imagine how much they'd ding us for a restore 73 914-2.0 with them still on our policy!!!!

Still have 50+/- 8-track cartridges for nostalgia's sake to play - if/when I reinstall the stereo/player in the 914, instead of a current radio/CD type. However, I don't know if it's worth taking to a repair shop to fix - if anyone around still works on them - since it's been 30+/- years since I pulled it out of the car for a "new" stereo cassette player!

I pulled the original unit out of the box to see make & model. The front face shows no maker nor brand nor "Porsche", "VW", "Audi" lettering, but has a hinged station dial face to insert the 8-track cartriges into the player, and two in-out buttons aabove that - L for AM or FM & R for Mono or Stereo, with 4 small amber lights between to indicate the track being played. I'll post some pix when I can get around to doing it, and maybe some tight quarters in-the-garage-slot pix of the car too.

The radio/player unit did have on the bottom of the case - if I'm reading some of the hard to read numbers correctly - the following:
Bottom of case -
1VW4412 (printed)
P128 4 ("P" could be "D" or "R" or "B" ?? )
SER 4925 * 107419 ("*" is a silver rivet & numbers before are stamped, & those after printed)
27E43307001 (cast into case)
& several other printed inspection or mfgr., model, etc. printed numbers

Left side of case -
15D43330 C03 (stamped)

So I'm guessing it was one of the stereo sets that VW had made to market thru their VW/Porsche/Audi dealerships' options & accessories program.

If anyone has any leads on which radio it might be &/or where to get more "of the day" info about it, I'd appreciate any leads & info.!

Tom T
///////

Thanx for the input Steve,

I think that the bumpers are straightenable - no tears, just bent; rubber is available new OEM/after market replacement & ditto for the lights/etc.

But what about the bent body panels? ...as in my other post - am I better off straitening the existing ones on the car, or replacing cut-&-weld with new (if available) or clean used ones?

These primarily involve the F & R center panels behind & above the bumpers, F or R edges of the F & R trunks' floors, F & R deck lids. They also look straightenable - but that's never perfect, involves a lot of work, and all too often - the liberal use of bondo!

RE garage situation: Given a weekend with good weather & son's help, we can probably pull out & rearrange the garage stuff to give me a foot or so on each side to roll her in-&-out on those wheelie-dolly things. But I'll need everything out in order to maneuver the floor jack on the sides to lift off the cement blocks. & then the tires will have load on them while resting on the dollies, unless I can find 4 jackable stands to put under the car when not in rolling use. Being 26 years old, those tires will need to be replaced anyway, so it may not matter.

The rack is a good idea, but we already have bikes on rafter hangers above & some lightweight stuff sitting on top of the 914 (bad me!). However, I think that a little rearranging & a 3rd yard storage shed may do the trick! I'm researching them now, and can get by on it being a "temporary measure" while we do our home addition this year (09/10),after which the stuff goes back into the house + new rooms. I can then trash the 2 older sheds & keep the new one for stuff & my business records/etc. I'm looking for those today!

Tom T
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PS - SoCal Air Quality Rules have so restricted the use of old & reliable paints - that the only things allowed in body shops now are water based low VOC paints that are relatively untried long term. Likewise, rechromers have serious rstrictions. So I may be better off taking the chrome parts &/or body out-of-state for the rechroming & repainting!

Something to think about, for those of you in CA & other urban areas where they have these air, water & other pollution controls' onerous restrictions. Check out what your shop will use 7 don't assume it's the same as "the good ole days"!

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the environment, but some of these restrictions go too far for no t necessarily a better end product, & then you end up with far more pollution from stuff that doesn't last.

Tom T
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Hey Paul -

The car was first sold 11/72 - so it would be pretty hard to have been "made in 1973"! You must have gotten too much low desert sun, or too much polluter Jersey water - or both!

Fortunately most others on this site aren't as sarcastic & demeaning as your post!

Tom T
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Whoa--I think he was just joking.

RE your WTB Euro tail light lenses, try these websites:

Performance Products / Automotion:
http://www.automotion.com/dept.asp?dept_id=4719&level=1

Auto Atlanta:
http://www.autoatlanta.com/model/porsche-9...arts/905-05.htm

Pelikan:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopca..._pg3.htm#item23

However, I'd keep the US ones if they're in good shape, since they're no longer available & harder to come by - ergo more valuable. Ditto for the front turn signal & round marker lights' US vs Euro lenses.

These were Handy, since taillight assys. are on my needs list too!

Hope this helps!
Tom T
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keep them in the civic until they're past the "dumb driving" years. let them grow to appriciate the 914. unfortunately i'm speaking from experiance... fortunately, kenny was in his civic daily driver when he "put it on the roof". i don't think he would have been o.k. in the 914 under the same condition. as i've heard, there is a 100% chance a new driver will be in an accident, both of my boys have proven that statement many times over!

does the 8-track work? 99% of the time the "rubber band" that drives the tape breaks with age... piece of cake to change. i gave away most of my tapes but still have a bunch of car units i haven't dealt with yet. one is a n.i.b. unit. remember the 4 track?

mike

i need to remove that off our signature, we now have a beautiful euro set (and will be shelfing the o.e. u.s. red set). i beleive my 73 must have had them origanally as it was in the group slated for european destination but then pulled for u.s. so they would have been converted to u.s. lighting spec.'s. just one of those thangs. do you need light buckets too?

mike

Gee tom, check your sense of humor at the door? You should have checked that chip too. If your going to cry go to your room.

Mike,

I'll need both L&R full taillight assys. with lenses - preferably US. I'll by parts unless Iget a roller/DE donar 914 with them intact.

Haven't had the 8-track in since `78 & it worked then, but I've replaced the rubber drive bands in other 8T & cassette units before. Harder repairs could be in store if the electronics have suffered in that 31 years sitting around a box in my garage. So who knows.

Kids may have to stay away from the 914 until 26! I was pummeled with $2400 a year in insurance myself until I passed 25, and that was back in the `70's! ...hate to see what it would be today!! ...and so long as they're on our policy, apparently insur. co. will presume they'll drive it!

Of course, I'd also like to incentivize my son to help with the resto!

Tom T
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Actually, most (but not all) guys prefer the earlier (lightweight) doors with the later scissor style window regulators. I believe this is a feature unique to the 'early' 73's.

did some early 73's have the light (non reinforced) doors with scissor regulators from the factory? how involved is it to convert?

mike

Well Paul - between the close of your first post highlighted above and your "finger", you've proven my point!

Perhaps if you re-read your own post as is you're new to the list, maybe you'd see that it's not a very appropriate nor favorable "introduction" of yourself, let alone not very funny! My reply was prhaps not very funny about sun & Jersey water, but it was in the same vain of sarcasm as your intro. - so you apparently don't like it coming back your way either.

But let's not belabor the point - just stop responding to my thread, so others who care to be helpful can do so.

Buh-Bye! java script:emoticon(':wavebye:',%20'smid_58')
Tom T
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Given the flex already in the roadster design, some feel that the 5 or so pounds more is well worth the added strength & flex resistance that the later doors provide (so long as the rest of the unibody is solid, that is).

Tom T
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Opps here - dragged instead of clicked the image before:
Buh-Bye!
Tom T
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Tom the only person that did not find it funny is you. Quit being a Dick...Tom.

Tom,
Paul really was kidding. That is just his way and the way of many others on this site. You should see the shit they give me! Just their way of welcoming you... Kind of like the guys standing around in the garage with a beer in hand... If you had been here a couple years you would be just giving it back in kind. If Paul made a mistake it was giving you crap before he knew you better...

Good luck with your project.

Maybe he should come to one of the meetings.

AHA Meeting

When is the next one?

We could invite him but he hasn't made an asshat of himself yet

Here's a 9/08 MT article on a possible return of the 914 by Porsche which some of you may find interesting:

http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_ve..._914/index.html

Tom T
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...I looked at your AHA thread, and you guys are just nucking futs!!!! ...funny, but still F.N.!!!!

Paul is just a weeenie who can dish it - but can't take it. He just needs to stop whining. If it were reversed, I would just apologized to the guy & said no harm meant - instead he gives me the finger, which is not "friendly" banter in any universe! ...but I'll accept that he meant no harm, even if he can't say so for himself.

And after playing club & college Rugby for 26 years, I'm not exactly inexperienced in that area of dishing it out nor taking it - after I know someone.

In truth, most of the others posting here and on the other subject blogs are far more helpful than his and this ongoing defense of him, and I'm just not going to waste anymore time on this BS!

Cheers!
Tom T
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God Tom what is it with you? Were you abused as a kid? Sex change didn't take? Batteries dead in your anel probe? What? I welcomed you here , There was a smilie emo after my commments. I never said anything personal until you did.

SO FUCK YOU TOMMY

...nah, sent the "anel" probe to uranus!
geez....just thot this iz wut u liked - trash talking!

BTW ... your first "intro" post said something like: "...if I can be of more help don't ask..." which I took not to be too neighborly...

...altho I did say I liked the boat story - remember?

BTWW ....then your next reply flips me off, rather that just being civil & tell me you were just kidding - i.e.: without the finger!

..and everytime I kid ya back, you just explode a new set of cluster bombs!

....so just stop beatin' it to death, will ya!

.......& stop around!

....& letz stop bein' a couple of - unless you get off on this banter?

...nuff said, let's get on with it!


Tom T
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PS - hope there's enough emotives here, that you get my drift... ...& let it rest.



PSS - - BTWWW - lots of us old folks[b][u] don't pay much attention to the cutsie pix in these things - like you young-uns - we just read the wordzzzzz!

...although it iz kinda fun when your off on Friday evening with wife & kids away & nuttin else pressin!!!!


...and look - everyone up there agrees with me!
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....just enjoy yourself ....& go look at what Porsche/VW may have up their sleevies for a 914 redu....it looks preety slick!


http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_ve..._914/index.html

TT
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..glad ur enjoying the Tom & Paul show!

...and so you won't take this wrong...... ... ....

TT
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Please see my inserted comments & rehashed Questions within my revised post above in the quote ^
Thanx!
Tom T
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By the way - how do they come up with this "newbie", "senior", "custom", etc. "rankings" or "ratings" or whatever they are on our respective poster's info.?

...is it the number of times somebody's posted here? ..or time elapsed since joining up?

- cuz I can see where a lot of inane & meaningless posts can "earn" a misleading "ranking" or "rating"!


...or is it how long you've been in & around the 914's?

- and if that's the case, how can I be a "newbie" when I've owned my `73 914-2.0 for 33+ plus years, since 2/76!?


I mean, I'm just curious if I did something wrong when I set up my profile & should I change it? ...and if so, how?????


Also, does anyone know where the May `09 WCR is being held in Irvine, which is in my neck of the woods here in The OC?

...even if mine isn't drivable by then - I'd still like to come & check it all out, since I've never been to one. I'm sure my 20 year old son would enjoy it too, & we can bring one of our other "oldie but classics"!

Thanx in advance,
Tom T
Orange, CA
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