912 restoration progress

[MichaelB]

With the help of this forum I am progressing with my '67 SWB project.

Here is a quick run down of my focus.

I have known this car since nearly new. It became an abandoned project of a friend of mine who grew interested in completing his BMW 2002 Vs this 912.

The car reportedly was ordered with nearly every option available back in the day. Five Speed, Fuch wheels, leather, electric sunroof, optional tangerine color, wood wheel, stereo, fog lights etc. It was driven for many years as a commuter by an acquaintance of mine, then the engine was refreshed due to oil leaks & built to a 1720 with Webers. It remained a dutiful car but for pleasure use for many more years after that. Then was sold with a for-sale sign in the window on the side of the road to yet another acquaintance of mine. He drove it for quite some time as is as it deteriorated lightly from use. Then he took it off the road for a hobby restoration.

He ordered many-many parts from Pelican & warehoused them in the car. He accumulated 6 ring binder pages (single spaced) of new & used inventoried parts for the car over the years. He had new floors put in (from Stoddard), new seat upholstery, etc, and tinkered with every conceivable part. Then did not touch it for a few years.

That is when I came back into the cars picture.



So I towed this "garage find" over to my place & looked over what I have.





It was really not bad! But when he reassembled the suspension he did not get that ride height quite right. So I set it where I liked it.



I tinkered with the engine for a bit & it fired to life. The carbs needed cleaning & fuel lines replaced but now it runs as we would all expect it to. I may have to adjust the shift linkage but all ease seems well.

I pulled off the panels to get a better look.



I assessed all of the spare (and to be used) body parts - & off to the media blaster I went.



Once that was done I epoxy primed the lot & found the panels I wanted to use.





Next I will metal finish the panels & then off to the body shop for fresh paint by X-Mas. Over the rest of the winter I will assemble the interior for a spring 2013 drive.

If you dont mind I will take you along for the ride. Enjoy!

[nvr2mny]

Michael, Looking forward to your progress. Our 68 softie is in the middle of its teardown in our garage as we speak. Your updates will keep fuel to the fire for us!

[MichaelB]

You do the same my man! I need as much motivation as the next guy.

I have two going on right now (groan)... One for speed the other for style.

[JT912]

Michael,
Thanks for sharing your project. Certainly a special car. If you haven't visitted, the folks at www.912bbs.org would also be interested in following it.

[MichaelB]

Hey cool. Can do John.

[Jerry1]

Hi Michael
I will go along for the ride. My ride has be going for about 6 years and just getting paint. These are great little cars you will have a lot of fun.

[MichaelB]

Six years! Oh my. Jerry some would think that we must be crazy. But I look forward to every step.

[MichaelB]

Found this neat little detail while I was dismantling the sunroof...



I will keep that intact.

[MichaelB]

Out came the dash, knee pad & gauges today. It all looked pretty good before (and functioned well) but I want to pretty it all up too.

[MichaelB]

Had to bolt it back together & check all the gaps before the patch welding starts.

[JT912]

Two steps forward, one step back. Looks like progress is being made. Thanks for the update.

[MichaelB]

Yes thanks. I am just waiting for cool stuff to start arriving to keep me motivated. My wood steering wheel is at Bruce Crawfords, the gauges are at North Hollywood, the interior at the leather guys... Tough to just look at old metal that needs work.

[MichaelB]

Long time no update, but lots of progress.

Gauges back from North Hollywood speedo. They are gorgeous. Steering wheel renewal done by Bruce Crawford & in transit. Reportedly perfect. Interior leather work going along smoothly too...

So... I had bought a left front fender from a Cali Porsche shop off eBay. I paid full retail from this "reputable shop" - it was a h u g e ship hassle as he could not get shipping done, so I dispatched a pick up service myself, and then he could not even manage to get it ready for pick up. Then when it showed up it was not in the condition as described, then I cleaned it up (media blasted) & found additionally that it had been poorly repaired sometime in its life & had to be corrected, then to add insult to injury it was NOT for a SWB... The fender lip was the indicator. And once I had it all lined up it became obvious.

I have about a cool thousand bux in it - and it wont work on my project.

So I threw in the towel & bought two new Porsche fenders from Porsche this week. At a total of over $3100. Now I have to fit them to the car & re-gap it all...

But w o w are they nice fenders



If anyone would like to make me an offer on two repaired front fenders please drop me a note.

Right front is a 65-68. Left front is a 69-73. Nice & solid and I will make shipping easy (FedEx will take these ground in the US for anyone who needs to know).

[MichaelB]

Yumm!

[MichaelB]

[Jcslocum]

Looking very nice!!!!!!!

Do you still have the LWB fender???

Michael,

That's a lot of progress during the past year. Looks great! Take care with the fresh color coat. Leave it for some weeks before reassembling the body.

Thanks for sharing,

Otto

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by Jcslocum

Looking very nice!!!!!!!

Do you still have the LWB fender???

Yes - I kept the fender (who knows why - after a few offers). I think I am going to part with it though. Its strong, nice, solid & original Porsche. Feel free to message me.

Originally Posted by Otto H. Wegkamp

Michael,

That's a lot of progress during the past year. Looks great! Take care with the fresh color coat. Leave it for some weeks before reassembling the body.

Thanks for sharing,

Otto

Otto thank you so very much. I feel behind schedule (wanted to make Parade this year in Mich) but the well wishes are appreciated.

I will most certainly heed your advice and allow proper drying time.

[MichaelB]

Two weeks later... Good drying time.





Taking it home tomorrow

[MichaelB]

assembly