woops lotsa great roads

R / Outlaw project...
 

That is probably the funniest DMV encounter write-up I have read in a long time. Needless to say I now have to clean the soda off on my desk at work because of the spontaneous blurt of laughter I belted out reading this.

Here in CA, our DMV encounters go about the same way. And I even have a backdoor knowledge of how they operate. I now fully can relate to the furry people experience. I was successful in getting 2 68 912's and my dad's 27 Model-T reregistered with period correct plates.

Good job on getting vintage plates and great write-up.

Cheers
Bugs

Congrats on successfully navigating the perils of the Oregon DMV. (My journey was much more difficult than yours, and I just brought in a car with a lost title from Washington...)

Thanks for the kind comments, much appreciated.

Went for a longer drive yesterday, covered about 40 miles which included going to the local petrol station which sells Ethanol free ''Gas'' . Had an interestesting discussion with the attendant who was amazed that the engine was in the back, with this in mind I asked if he would mind if I pumped the Gas, he didn't mind and 10 gallons later I was ready to roll.

I had set the MSD rev limiter to 3000 just to make sure I wasn't going to damage anything during these first few hundred miles. First thing I found was that the 3000 limit doesn't make make for a smooth change from 1st to 2nd, and the previously mentioned heavy clutch doesn't help either. Once rolling all was good and I managed to get all the way up to 4th :rolleyes: . The ride is firm but very direct compared to the 912, but I haven't got anywhere near to feeling the balance and poise...one step at a time!

I made some running adjustments to the pedals and got alittle better suited setup, and also shifted the seat runners back to get a better driving position (still needs to be lower).

But the best thing is the sound !! Got some pops on downshifts which sounded cool :)
It is loud inside and outside, and is another candidate for the Loud Pipes Save Lives campaign...people certainly hear me coming. For the next trip out I am definitely removing the rear tool box and window straps, also probably the passenger harness...there is so much going on that it is impossible to tell if something is loose or just vibrating. I may need to find a passenger to identify what is what.

Got back home and had alook around, nothing leaking and Oil level 3/4 on the dip stick and at 180 degrees. Then just had to listen to the Idle.....we are all geeks :)

VIDEO
https://vimeo.com/144687208

VIDEO
https://vimeo.com/144687207

Set at 3000 rev-limit


Same again today, if the weather holds up.

Chris

FWIW, I don't ascribe to the 3K rpm break in mantra. My 930 has about 600 miles on it, regularly see 5K rpm, and occasionally sees the 6.8k redline. Boost is still limited to .5 BAR though. I don't believe you should drive it like you hate it, but getting things spinning isn't the devil folks make it to be. 3 separate builds later, and tens of thousands of miles later, no regrets.

I work for Harley-Davidson (in a previous life !) and we used to recommend to the new owner to keep the RPM under 3000 for the first 50mi and then under 3500 until 500mi. But most importantly, HD recommend to vary and not to keep a steady RPM for extended period of time.

I hope I'm correct on this, but if I recall, their theory was that the piston's rings were setting in on a longer portion of the cylinder wall, because the ignition timing was changing depending on the RPM. The spark occurring when the ring is a slightly different place in the cylinder.

I think it made sense, but it's just my opinion and you are allowed to disagree !


Amazing build BTW Chris. Congrats !

FWIW, we used Gibbs BR break in oil. After doing the stationary camshaft break-in cycle, we ran the car at a 4K RPM limit for 25 miles, constantly varying the RPM. Once the drive was finished, we confirmed compression/leak had achieved the ideal for a fully broken in motor within that 25 miles. Not bad.

Sounds awesome! I do think a 3k rev limit may be a bit low - you don't want to lug that motor.

I had an opportunity to see this 911 in person today at PDX's Cars & Coffee meet. There isn't one frivolous piece of anything on this car; every component serves a distinct purpose. There is no end of elegant mechanical details to behold when studying this thing. If you ever get a chance to meet Chris and look at this car, take it.

Nice to meet you over the weekend Jim...I have just about regained feeling again in my hands and feet.....it was FFFFFFFFFLIPPING FREEZING !!! Look forward to the next meet up, it was a nice little Porsche gathering

Cheers
Chris

You could start an interesting debate about engine break-in techniques. I've rebuilt two small block chevy's. I was told on both to not hold a steady rpm and if I remember, low rpm for a 100 miles and then up to a higher rpm for another and that was about it.

When I built the 3.0L in my Porsche I built it to safely turn 8000 rpm but with max power at 7200. The race shop in Florida that helped me, put the engine on an engine dyno for break-in and tuning. In two days we did 32 pulls to 7500 rpm. When I asked Mike about break-in after I put the engine back in the car he laughed and said "no it's ready to go now"!

Will "up" it on the next run out...it certainly wants to Rev. If it breaks I'll fix it :)



New Years eve...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psgzywcrvz.jpg


New Years day...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psnygmpc2o.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pswp96cgcx.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psetac6pq2.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps6k1p0omn.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pstjifje5g.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psugwcibor.jpg


"Not here for a long time, just here for a good time"

Wow... just wow!

what a beautiful car.

I had to bump this to the top. This has been a wonderful book to read. Thanks Jury for the great times. I pm'd you.

I am curious if you did a full rewire of the vehicle. All of your wiring looks brand new. I am gutting my current car of all wiring and wondering if you started with a pre-made harness or build everything yourself.

Great read. Any updates?


MattR

So its been awhile...afew updates in no particular order ;)

Firstly, I love it ! Everything I hoped it would be...with so much more potential to come. However the main buzz currently is being able to drive it ( and the 912) year round, no salt, no winter tyre season etc etc.

Found afew nice routes and got acouple of all day runs in the planning.....along with some video planned.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psqg04vcoy.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps6i5cklp5.jpg


First round of updates:

I loved the look of the leather strap pulls for the window, door pull and catch release, but there are some problems. The leather has stretched abit, the window operation is a two handed job, but more alarmingly the door opens when the window is pulled up, and also when a passenger used it as a grab handle !! I thought I was being clever, by looping the window strap around the horizontal catch release to keep it from flapping around, but the pull-up action on the window ends up opening the door !!

I had found some great silicon/rubber strapping that I have been using in some jacket making (longer story). No stretch, matt black, and returns to its original shape.

The new design separates everything out, the catch release is a small loop just visible on the left. Whilst not as visually interesting as the leather (the window action is still a two handed job) it all works alot better...The bottom of the window strap is attached to the door frame to keep it in check and limit the window drop when opened.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pspgyi4kjt.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psvstttyfw.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psjerp758j.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psrwllwc5g.jpg


Next up, rear torsion bars and anti-roll bar

Mutters....."it will never really be finished"


Chris

Not exactly related to the car, but still important.

We got lucky finding a house (in the area we wanted to live) with a double Garage, but the drive is abit steep. I had been relying on some cut decking boards to make the transition from sidewalk to driveway. The boards work fine but I have to measure the placement every time I take the cars out, not a big deal but gets annoying, especially when the rain washes the chalk placement marks away.

So decided to make a semi-permanent solution. I drilled into the concrete and tapped in some lag shields, then screwed in some substantial lag screw hooks and sprayed in hi-vis fluro pink...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps1kwefubi.jpg


Next, took some drilled angle bar and attached to the existing Deck boards.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pszwt1ye4x.jpg


The Deck boards now hook onto the screw hooks, which allows them to be placed in the same place everytime.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps0eymextq.jpg


Back the car down the driveway, hook the boards off and place behind the garden wall until returning home.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psppabznv0.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psnqgq7dlz.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psytgpyyps.jpg


Next door has a nice four car garage (with four BMW M cars in there!!) but this will do for now :)

I don't mind admitting my mistakes, this is one of them :(

As I was putting the miles on the car, I was 'pushing' it abit as well. I have my 912 to compare to, but the characteristics of the two cars are very different. The Modrod is very light...860kg light...and is set up firmer them the 912, though not uncomfortably firm. However I have been feeling the sensation of "Bambi on ice" from the rear...so did some rethinking. I know the rear roll bar is 18mm...hmmmm maybe this is too big. Next up Torsion bars. I thought I had ordered 24mm solid Sway-A-Bars for the rear and 20 for the front...but this was in 2008 when I had distractions like newborn twins and moving to the UK :rolleyes:

I found the order confirmation email from Pelican Parts (still had it!). Turns out the rear Torsion bars were 28mm !!! and the fronts were on back order and never arrived. So the car is set up with:

Front torsion bar - 18mm
Front roll bar -13mm
Rear torsion bar - 28mm
Rear roll bar - 18mm

As I said it is 860kg...No wonder it feels abit light at the rear :eek:

Since being back in Portland, I have met back up with David Hanning who sold me the '68 shell back in 2008. I discussed the torsion bar issue with David and he said he might have some 23mm rear torsion bars, he did ! and also had a 15mm roll bar !! Afew beers later they were mine and cleaned up...

...But the best part is, is that David has a new workshop complete with a car lift.

The workshop is only 10mins away, so off I went and got to work.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pssnrn5mem.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psmu2iouvi.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pssizt70ze.jpg

Adjustable spring plates make torsion bar removal alot easier.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pskynjkfhp.jpg

Its a whopper :eek:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psrkmuob5a.jpg

23mm vs 28mm
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psk7ndm1el.jpg

Next, roll bar
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps3n6bbhxh.jpg

15mm vs 18mm
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psiooet1gy.jpg


It was getting late, and this included a visit from the local plod...all good though. Set it back down and looks good.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psaanezlax.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psn81ojvbz.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psk8oztnhl.jpg


And the result ? IT FEELS SOOOO MUCH BETTER !!

I only drove the short journey back home, but the feel from the rear is like night and day, it feels alot more sure footed. I will see how it settles over the next few days and tweak if needed.

It would be boring if you got it right first time ;)

On the few occasions I have driven the car in the dark it is noticeable that the lights are pretty woeful. Bulbs, Relays and outputs have been checked and are good, the only other possible reason was that I had painted the buckets Black (I wanted a look similar to the black scoops on a 904/906) and maybe the light wasn't reflecting around.....who knows :rolleyes:

So I got everything together and made a MOD.....I had previously done some research and worked out that early sealed beam units, later H4's and early Beetle headlight parts are all interchangeable.....well sort of, alittle massaging is needed.

I ordered some complete but cheap Beetle repro units from CIP1 in California, along with extra wiring pig tails and seals, whole lot came to $90. Then after bit of research I found a company making similar units to the LED Truck-lite units mentioned in the above thread...but at half the price.


Current setup...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psdy5tlu8r.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps3qw5txio.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psstbczwbx.jpg


Repro Beetle units...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps87ruuvv0.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psdwmchfae.jpg

LED units with H4 compatible connector. A transformer is also supplied should you experience any flicking (repro Beetle retaining ring shown) ...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pss8lgrdle.jpg


I had planned to use the already fitted buckets but even with some persuading the new LED units and retaining rings wouldn't fit. I ended up painting the Beetle buckets, and blanked off the running light hole. It is still bit visible and I may either go back to revise the blanking plate, or, refit the running light fitting and bulb...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psv7bzk1av.jpg

Everything put together:
-Beetle Bucket
-LED sealed beam unit
-Beetle retaining ring
-Porsche chrome ring
-Beetle glass

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps5kw9cscn.jpg


Ready to fit. The tabs on the retaining ring stick out little bit more vs the originals and the unit wouldn't fit ! This may be because the fiberglass wings have a substantially thicker Bowl compared to standard steel wings.....but, alittle bit of Dremel work and the new units slotted in.


Best thing is that the new LED units are black, this in combination with the black bowls and retaining rings gives look a lot closer to the 904/906 I was originally looking for...and the early glass is much more date appropriate for the car.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pss9pcfcpl.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psmhqzv0jz.jpg

And...they work !! Blimey they are bright, and the light is instant !


Dipped...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psswaor9ae.jpg

Full beam...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psehyo4dq6.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pszlhc4wnr.jpg


Need to level and adjust, but over all very pleased with the result

"It would be boring if you got it right first time "

So true man....

I have borrowed a few things from your build. I love your attention to small details on it.

I don't recall now, but did you do full plex rear window, or did you just do the straps for the race prep look?

Thanks

We have a saying: "Talent borrows, genius Steals" ;)

Borrow, steal, do what you have to...I am more than happy for people to take the ideas from it.

Rear glass is glass, I originally cut a plexiglass version but never fitted it. Straps are just for ''the look''.


Cheers

Did you purchase some kind of kit for the strap look? Or do you know roughly what page it is on that you talk about the install if you did?

Hopefully I won't need these now, but I couldn't resist fitting the Check 'Rabbit' Straps.....I do like the look of them

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps07ae72a5.jpg


Available from a Builders merchant near you

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps7618f125.jpg.

Just some galvanized pre-drilled bar that I bent into shape in the vice...They slot through the vents at the top of the window. I had previously removed the drip tray, the straps bolt through the roof.

Cheers

I wonder how far off this is from the real thing.... I've never seen a set in real life.

Kinda bringing it up to date...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psjeg9yqqt.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps3d5kftx6.jpg

So.....erm....car now has Fuchs on it.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psyx7wsrfu.jpg

Seriously though it feels so much better. I liked the look (and still do) of the space savers, but the car benefits a lot more running on 15x6 Fuchs. Currently fitted with a 195/60 Continentals, but after recently being a lovely 356 Speedster, I am after a set of Hoosier (barely street legal) speedsters !

Hoosier Speedster (DOT)Bob Woodman Tires



Back tracking afew months.....I had met up with a couple of Porsche guys at a local Cars and Coffee. They both worked at a shop afew miles south of Portland. They talked like they knew what they were on about so I arranged to drop the car off there to sort out afew issues. First up was to sort out why the car was averaging about 10 mpg :eek:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pso3qtksta.jpg

Car was dropped off at the shop and they went to work. It was found that the carbs were incorrectly jetted, I had bought them second hand and they suspected that they were originally setup to fit a 3.0 - 3.2 car. So Carbs off and rebuilt with new gaskets...next was why they weren't opening fully. I had afew days off work so went along and busied myself. Basically when the accelerator was fully pressed down the carbs were only 2/3rds open. I removed the linkages and made adjustments...finally we got the carbs opening fully. Valve adjustment, timing done and time for a drive. WOW !! Completely transformed.....and the NOISE !!!

Also noticed that the rear shock rubbers were not seated correctly...had been fitted upside down !!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psplmm9oov.png


Also fitted a new sump plate...beefy!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psanvrxxi0.jpg

RESULT, I thought that I had found a good reputable shop family close by......WRONG !!! Afew days later one of the guys called me to tell me that they had left as the owner had closed down, I don't know the full details but it didn't sound good !! Gutted for me, but more gutted for these two guys. However we have remained in contact and met up afew times, they may set up on their own. We are actually discussing removing the 912 engine and finally getting the many Oil leaks fixed...only been putting it off for 11 years :rolleyes: More to come :)


So it was a summer on getting to know the car.....and o'yes.....getting used to Coffee. I have reconnected with old friends I had here last time living in Portland, and met a lot of new car geek/nerds/like minded souls.

Founded a new club...aka the ODD SQUAD

originally formed with a:
Impala
Beetle
'32 ford
Mini
Modrod
240Z

but now comprising Sapphire Cosworths, 911's a plenty, 356's, Karmann Ghias and afew BMWs

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pscehfsix3.jpg

Only an official club if it has stickers...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pscz8ppbs8.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psnkt1hat7.jpg

Revisited afew areas...

Spending a lot of time on Airplanes lead to updating the spare tyre strap....Only problem was having to use the sewing machine in situ

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psqmqa2eq9.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pszwgyo6ly.jpg


Extra lightness added...and some heat management

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psjkjkpz84.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psrgwmobsx.jpg


Coffee and bagel runs need cup holders...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps2wynz4wg.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pstgwbvllg.jpg


Afew roadside repairs along the way...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...snsrle9fl.jpeg

Alot of weekend runs (and afew work commutes)...just over 1500 miles clocked up...not amazing I know but already planning 2017 !! There are so many nice roads and locations around here...'RUN TO THE COAST' 'RUN TO THE MOUNTAINS' 'RUN TO THE DESERT' have all been discussed.


Currently making do with 'RUN TO GERMANTOWN'.....seriously the area is called Germantown, seems too perfect.


Bagels are optional...

VIDEO https://vimeo.com/188577177

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pswmr0horx.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psbcd4p0nn.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psd4tkyhmy.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...pstoon9wbp.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps2lslvvgy.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psmrhvnhxg.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psdoyt4sxc.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psktzenasm.jpg

Probably missed alot out, but happy to report that the car is turning out to be everything that I had hoped.....Is it finished ? NO !! Still afew things to deal with and afew things already planned for winter:

-Front skid plate
-Lightweight Flywheel
-Tyres

It would be boring if it was finished.....but currently happy just to be rolling

VIDEO https://vimeo.com/179691588

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psd5levaxe.jpg

Cheers
Chris

Glad to see you're having fun and enjoying the car!

Great to see someone who puts "personality" in their car. I like it!
I also have a steep driveway but backing off at an angle seems to work except for one tail pipe.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1480957185.JPG

Really sweet car, I'm also a Portlander :)

I noticed your fuel filter. I would think about replacing it with the metal one. Just renewed mine.

I've heard of them failing and then you have pressurized fuel spraying all over the engine compartment.

I hear you Kent, that Plastic filter went along time ago...Fuel now goes through the Malpassi filter only.

I also re-fitted the fuel lines into the carbs, the original lines had kinked abit.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psorfjhonc.jpg


Cheers
Chris

Bumping this thread for others to enjoy.

It was good to see you yesterday Chris (even if briefly). Car still looks amazing!

I was reviewing another of my favorite build threads and thought of this one; bumping it up for others to enjoy. Looks like it hasn't been mentioned for over 4 years. Chris - If you're out there - I hope you're doing well and would enjoy any update you care to share.

Wow !! 8 years since the last post !

Happy to report the car is still going strong...many ups and downs. So in no particular order :

Because things are cooler in Japanese.....

.....but who is Chris July ? :lol:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psipxfxlbv.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps6i5432p7.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...psaeqnkpih.jpg