Frame Reforcing/Rebuilding
 

The rear of the longitudnals of my 914 are rusted out, right before they bend upwards. I plan on building the car up for club racing in the next few years. Any suggestions on how to repair this problem? I've heard of tubing the logitudnals, anyone tried it?
--Alex

I had a similar problem with my 71 914-4. I ended up sand blasting it, and using 1/4" plate to weld into place, then I added a chasis stiffening kit.

That was about 15 years ago.....

Now, I would find another 914, unless it is a factory 6, then I would cut the old inner rocker panel out, sandblast, epoxy prime after fixing any other rust, then weld the new panel and the stiffening panel on.

IMO - I would find a better body to build up for club racing. If the rear portion is rusted, there is more rust elsewere.... You could spend a small fortune in replacement sheet metal. The inner and outer rocker panels, the stiffening extension.

I would start with the "ice pick test" Take a pick, go into the rusted areas and push hard. If the pick goes thru... More rust to repair.

Also check the outer mount for the trailing arms, and the joint inside where the floor pan meets the longitudinals and rear bulkhead.

One word of wisdom if you choose to repair. Make sure that your jack stands are PERFECTLY LEVEL when you weld the parts in.

I've seen one that the stands were not level and the parts were welded in. Now, when you put the car on jack stands on a level surface, the car rocks 3/8"!

If the body is not square and straight, it will be very difficult to corner balance the car and will lead to some very evil handling.

Give this test a try, Take a block of wood and your floor jack. Place it below the original jack location and slowly raise the car up. Watch the gap between the body and the door. If the gap opens up, you've got problems.

I've seen some 914's, that when jacked up, you can't open the door.

I have heard of, but never seen a brace system for the 914's. I think Brad Mayer makes them.

Thats about the responce I was afraid of. Looks like I'll be trying to track down a descent roller. Should be easier now that I'll be down south though.
--Alex

I think when you put your roll cage in for *club racing* that you might solve some of the weakness issues. The roll cage bridges the front of the car to the back especially if you attach to the original shoulder belt bolt location and under/alongside of the dash and not just to the longitudinals.

sorry....but, does anyone have a picture of what a longitundal on a 914 looks like? Thanks

Look here-- http://www.mittelmotor.com/
Also check Pelican's catalogue-914 body

Thanks milt.