Olympic Blue / Silver metallic 1972 US Import 1.7L

[jjeffries]

I hadn't seen this thread before...normally I lurk in the Restoration section. Deeply impressed! I think 20+ years ago no one on the DIY level even imagined doing this kind of quality restoration. The tools, equipment and chemicals/products are so much better now but those wouldn't mean squat without the kind of vision and determination you're demonstrating. That photo of the car's underside in bear metal is super-cool, even now when we're all so used to the incredible car porn that comes our way. Like Alfa GTV's, it seems like 914 are now getting the love they've deserved all alomg but didn't used to be given. Sorry to gush, but very impressed. John in CT/USA (about ten miles from Tangerine Racing)...

[LMR]

John

Never apologise for gushing!! I always appreciate any kind words from people who read my ramblings, so thank you!

I used to compete in speed events, and have previously done some pretty substantial work on my Porsche 964, and have learned that determination and passion means good results can be achieved on modest investments of time and money. I am also incredibly thankful for other people's information that is available on the internet, and hope my blog gives some payback. Kind words also encourage me back into the workshop when it is blooming freezing! My progress may be slow but I am thorough!!

I will be spending some $$ soon with Tangerine Racing!!

[LMR]

A belated Happy New Year!

I haven't progressed much over the Christmas break. Just as I was getting around to some 914 work, the fan belt on my 964 snapped. The upside (if ever there is an upside to mechanical failure) is it forced me into having a tidy up in my worksop so that I could get my 964 in for repair. Several bin bags and trips to the tip later, it looks a lot tidier.



I have even tidied my workbench!



I don't really do new year's resolutions, but I am hoping to make some significant steps over the next few weeks. I have a small pile of parts arriving in the next couple of days which will allow a bit more progress.

[Mr Pharmacist]

Wow - that's a great work space you have there! What else have you got lurking under those sheets?!

[LMR]

Under the sheets is my friend's Porsche 944, which he stores at my place over the winter. When tidy, my space is pretty good.

5 of us share this workshop, which makes the space reasonably affordable. It is not without its challenges, but by and large it works well. The downside of having a workshop is it is blooming cold and difficult to heat. So I own plenty of woolly hats!

[Darren C]

You know what they say about a clean workbench....

Man who has clean workbench cannot remember where he put stuff

Nice colour 964 always wanted one that colour with a matching S2 944 with linen.

[LMR]

The workbench stayed clear long enough to take the photo they was very quickly filled again!

[milhouse914]

That is a stunning 964, is it a 2 or 4 ?

[LMR]

It's a C2.

[chief]

I was there Saturday and he hadn't cleaned up for me, oh but to impress you lot he even oils the bench work top......TART

[LMR]

More progress today. But mostly cleaning as stripping.



Even with the above running to help the rust converter along, temperature didn't get to 7 degrees!

I also stripped the steering rack. There is no play in it, but I wanted to check it over. There are plenty of websites that go through the process so I won't repeat it here. The rack and pinion are in good condition, but I am glad that I have stripped it as the bearing carrier on the pinion was cracked, and shattered when I removed it. Now I am waiting for parts, I think I will clean up the housing.



Now off to warm up.

[LMR]

I was planning on a day with the clean and strip wheel today (I know I need to get out more), but my die grinder is pretty ruined, and its brand new replacement has decided to throw in the towel the first time I used it last weekend. I went to replace it this morning but Machine Mart were out of stock.

Instead I carried on with the steering rack. First I pulled the bearing from the casing using my newly purchased internal bearing puller



The job was much easier when I gently warmed the housing with a blow torch

During the week new bearings and oil seal arrived (as did the circlip but not pictured)



Reassembly was reasonably simple.



I have cleaned the casing up as well but forgot to take a photo. I have tried the rack, it is super smooth and no play. So it is wrapped up ready to fit.



As it was blooming cold in the workshop, I decided working outside couldn't be any colder. I started stripping out the bushes from the rear trailing arm.



I started by using a blow torch, but resorted to oxy-acetaline. As I type this they are still not removed, but are moving. I have tried hammering them out, but my Black and Decker workmate cried enough. I ran out of time to finish the job tonight, so have left them soaking in penetrating oil.

[chief]

More sterling work our Phil!
Must drop by to see this progress close up.
Also I do need to eyeball some of Mark's welding to see how best to progress on mine?

[LMR]

I am putting plenty of hours in at the moment, so drop by. Kettle will be on but I am on a diet so no pastries or biscuits this month!

[LMR]

I was a bit annoyed yesterday that the trailing arms didn't get finished, so I was doubly determined today. I woke with a sore throat and a voice that could have given Barry White a run for his money, but thought I would crack on anyway. After some effort, they were free.



Buoyed by that success, I tackled the front suspension. First I levelled the arm so that I could measure the angle of the brackets.



Then a bit of blow torch soon removed the bushes



I have quite a pile of parts to get powder coated and plated