Repainting a 914

[Larry Bud]

I have had a pretty much rust free 1972 914-4 (1.7) sitting in the garage for a number of years and as some of my other projects are winding down, I'm thinking it's next. The car has documented 60,000 original miles, engine runs (although the entire drive train, suspension and interior will be coming out) is straight and solid. I want to "bare metal" it so I trying to figure out what to do with the paint. I am planning that once stripped and any surprises are addressed to repaint the car the original Adriatic Blue (L50E) as it was repainted a variant of the Saturn Yellow sometime during its life. This brings me to a few questions that I have not been able to find answers to in my research. First, what classification was the original paint scheme, single stage or early dual stage paint? I was assuming it was a single stage but something caught my eye on two stage paint while reading and left me second guessing myself-kind of early for two stage paint in my mind. Second question is while the car will be stripped down to bare metal, I’m planning to use PPG paints, an etching primer, sealing primer and then final coat(s) of pigment/finish. There is a seal between the cowl and the fenders which I wanted to know, was it bare or painted over coming from the factory. The fenders will be off during the initial coach work and then remounted possibly prior to the final painting so I could go either way, just would like it correct. Finally, it is my understanding that 1972 and prior was not undercoated from the factory which this car is not. I’m wondering if I should paint the floor pan and wheel wells and what color? I saw something on a beige overspray was common at during its build time but that seems questionable. Any guidance or advise would be appreciated.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The original paint was single-stage. I think it may have been lacquer-based.

The seal between the cowl and fenders is a black plastic piece that is pressed into the seam. It was not painted. In some very early cars the seam was leaded and painted over, but in anything but those very early 1970 cars it had the seal in it. A couple of years ago, the seal was NLA. It may be available again; I am not certain at this point. A more generic part can be used, but that would likely have to be trimmed to fit and glued into place.

The fenders of the 914 are welded on. Unless you are replacing a fender or cutting out rot that is not accessible with the fender in place, it does not usually make sense to remove it when painting.

I personally think the fender wells look better in black, but everyone has their own opinion. I don't know what was original for 1972 model year, though.

--DD

[Larry Bud]

Dave, thanks for the insight, it is greatly appreciated. That fender seal was driving me nuts!!! Sometime, concourse restoring can make ya crazy. The plan is to do a full rotisserie and take everything down to bare metal, then go through a full new paint process. I fortunate to own a property with a semi-downdraft paint booth and have gotten a couple" car through the process. This is a point where this leaves the hobby status and ends up just past of full blown insanity. Not sure where I read the thing about 2 stage paint as all of my cars of this era are single stage or lacquer. I have an extensive library of car books and haven't been able to really get something that addresses the finer details of the 914"s and thats going to need to be resolved. I was out in the Southwest on business a few years ago (back when I had a real job) and bought three of these cars which are patiently waiting in my warehouse for their turn to be restored. That includes this 1972, an early 1970 and a 1973 2.0-I guess practice makes perfect so the '73 should be really nice by the time I finish it in 3 or 4 years Any suggestions for additions on the library? Kind of tired of reading about the Porsche-VW falling out, weak sales etc and really am lookig for technical guidance and improvements

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Brett Johnson has a "Restorer's Guide to Authenticity" ( Porsche 914 Books & Technical Documentation - Page 1 ) which has some information, but it's not enough to base a whole resto on.

There is an Originality and Authenticity section on the 914world BBS -- 914world.com -- though the site is down right now. That is likely to be a better resource.

--DD