FRUNKenstein’s ‘75 914 2.0

[FRUNKenstein]

I'd paint those wheels matching blue with polished accents. They almost disappear with the blacked out treatment. Looks like the 914's levitating.

I get the huge bumpers, too, I have a 1978 Datsun Z with huge bumpers. But since I've had it for 35 years I am used to it now and it looks "right". At least the Z bumpers are chrome.

Agree that the blacked out wheels just don’t look quite right. The blue wheels is an interesting idea. I may play around with that concept a little. In the meantime, I’ll start with a more conventional approach of having the lips and highlights in polished silver.

The more I look at the ‘75 bumpers, the more I like the look. I was reading a book over the weekend “Porsche 914 - An Enthusiast’s Guide,” and apparently back in 1975, the bumper redesign was very well received. The California and Maryland versions got 2 big lumps on the front and rear, as did all of the ‘76 cars. I don’t like those. But, without the lumps, I think the ‘75 bumpers look clean and modern. It’s funny because the X1/9 has the exact same issue. The early cars had minimalist chrome bumpers versus bigger black bumpers for the later cars. I actually like the later bumpers on the X1/9 over the earlier versions.

[FRUNKenstein]

Got new tires mounted today: Goodyear Eagle Sport A/S 195/60R15. They replace the 12+ year old Nexen 195/45R15 the car came with. Noticeable improvement in ride from just the one mile trip from the tire shop to the office. Original factory tire size was 165/80R15, which was a much larger diameter tire. I did a speedometer error check on Saturday with the old tires. At 100 mph indicated, Google maps told me I was traveling at 75 mph. 90 mph indicated was 68 mph. These tires should put me a bit closer to actual speed, although I'll bet it will still be 10%+ off. At least these will be safer since they aren't 12+ years old, plus I think they fill out the wheel wells much better.

I think this is the first set of Goodyear tires I've ever bought. They were $90 each, and with mounting, balancing, disposal, taxes, etc, they were $493 out the door. But, Discounttire.com has 2 rebates on them currently, one for $75 and a second for $50, so actual cost all-in was $418. Not bad.

As for the rims, I was planning to have them refinished at Alloy Wheel Refinishing Specialists, so depending on the cost, I may look at new rims. One thing I like about these current ATS brand wheels is that although they are 4-lug wheels, they have a 5-spoke design. There was a factory 4-spoke Fuchs wheel that EMPI makes a replica of, but to me it just doesn't look quite right. It's not bad, but the 5-spoke Fuchs are just more natural looking. Here is a comparison:

1975_porsche_914_2-0_1566312027dff9f98764da1975-PORSCHE-914-TARGA-2.0-0908-e1567534938386.jpg (114.28 KiB) Viewed 1546 times

5-lug Fuchs.jpg (67.32 KiB) Viewed 1546 times

To go to the 5-spoke Fuchs, though, you have to convert to 5-lug - you can't really use wheel hub adapters on narrow fender cars because the adapters are 1" thick. Conversion involves new rotors all the way around, plus new front hubs, new wheel bearings and some other parts. Cheapest conversion kit I've found is $800, plus your time, plus the cost of the new rims (about $600).

A new set of the replica (EMPI) 4-spoke Fuchs with center caps and Porsche crests are $472 (first picture). It would require swapping the tires over to the new wheels (about $100). So, we'll see what the quote is for refinishing and reconditioning of the current ATS wheels, which will look like these when done:

ATS with Porsche logo.jpg (65.49 KiB) Viewed 1546 times

[gnat]

I like what you have (refinished like is shown in the 3rd pic), so save/replace them if you can manage it.

Going back to the bumper discussion, I don't like the chrome bit on the center/front, but I like the shortened bumper in that second pic. Anyway to do a shorter all black bumper that lops maybe 4" off? I think that would keep the look, but make it stand out less (kinda like tucking the metal bumpers on the e30 vs moving to the later painted bumpers).

[FRUNKenstein]

I like what you have (refinished like is shown in the 3rd pic), so save/replace them if you can manage it.

Going back to the bumper discussion, I don't like the chrome bit on the center/front, but I like the shortened bumper in that second pic. Anyway to do a shorter all black bumper that lops maybe 4" off? I think that would keep the look, but make it stand out less (kinda like tucking the metal bumpers on the e30 vs moving to the later painted bumpers).

Ironically, that chrome piece was an additional cost option (on the appearance package). The standard bumper on the earlier cars had basically what you are describing, and I agree that I like them better:

1972_porsche_914_1542416922d565ef66e7dff9fP1090286-4.jpg (169.14 KiB) Viewed 1542 times

The top pic on my previous post is of a 1976 car (the last year), and it has the 2 extra bumps on both the front and rear bumpers. At least the '75 models (other than CA & MD) didn't have those. See below (first photo is this morning with the new Goodyears in 195/60R15):

20200723_203402.jpg (358.4 KiB) Viewed 1541 times

[gnat]

Looks like you could add some patio furniture to that rear bumper

Yeah I'd definitely swap for the earlier bumpers if it were mine. Much more streamlined look.

Though you might ask again after you deal with the wheels. I think the solid black of the tires/wheels takes a lot away from that color blue. Some chrome highlights on the wheels may make a world of difference all by itself.

[32wildbilly]

I like what you have (refinished like is shown in the 3rd pic), so save/replace them if you can manage it.

Going back to the bumper discussion, I don't like the chrome bit on the center/front, but I like the shortened bumper in that second pic. Anyway to do a shorter all black bumper that lops maybe 4" off? I think that would keep the look, but make it stand out less (kinda like tucking the metal bumpers on the e30 vs moving to the later painted bumpers).

Ironically, that chrome piece was an additional cost option (on the appearance package). The standard bumper on the earlier cars had basically what you are describing, and I agree that I like them better:


1972_porsche_914_1542416922d565ef66e7dff9fP1090286-4.jpg

The top pic on my previous post is of a 1976 car (the last year), and it has the 2 extra bumps on both the front and rear bumpers. At least the '75 models (other than CA & MD) didn't have those. See below (first photo is this morning with the new Goodyears in 195/60R15):


2020-7-28 New tires 195-60-15.jpg



20200723_154020.jpg

20200723_203402.jpg

I agree with gnat on the wheels. If they can save the wheels do the bright finish on the wheel rim and the edges of the "spokes" like in the one pic. Would make a big difference in the appearance. Your call on the bumpers, of course, but I would go to the earlier versions before the gubberment got involved.

[32wildbilly]

Ironically, that chrome piece was an additional cost option (on the appearance package). The standard bumper on the earlier cars had basically what you are describing, and I agree that I like them better:

The top pic on my previous post is of a 1976 car (the last year), and it has the 2 extra bumps on both the front and rear bumpers. At least the '75 models (other than CA & MD) didn't have those. See below (first photo is this morning with the new Goodyears in 195/60R15):

A couple of things: have you read Pano this month. Seems like every other article is about 914's. I also read some specs on them. Those cars weigh nothing! Even with lower horsepower combined with the sitting on the ground feeling and the super low weight it must be fun to drive!

[FRUNKenstein]

Looks like you could add some patio furniture to that rear bumper

Yeah I'd definitely swap for the earlier bumpers if it were mine. Much more streamlined look.

Though you might ask again after you deal with the wheels. I think the solid black of the tires/wheels takes a lot away from that color blue. Some chrome highlights on the wheels may make a world of difference all by itself.

I don't know if an earlier bumper swap is possible or not, but certainly something I can look into. I think the structure under the bumpers is different. I'm sure it can be done, the question is "at what cost?"

I agree with gnat on the wheels. If they can save the wheels do the bright finish on the wheel rim and the edges of the "spokes" like in the one pic. Would make a big difference in the appearance. Your call on the bumpers, of course, but I would go to the earlier versions before the gubberment got involved.

Well, I just got a rough estimate from Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists on the cost to rehab & go 2-tone on the current wheels - roughly $250 per wheel. Not horrible, but I was hoping for more like $150 per wheel. It would actually be considerably cheaper to just go with the 4 spoke Fuchs replicas with the Porsche crest center caps, plus I could maybe even sell the set of ATS wheels. Plus, the ATS wheels are missing 2 center caps. Hmm, what to do, what to do? It's a good thing I'm in no rush - the wheel repair shop was all in a panic today when I called because they just had a case of Covid-19 among their staff and are probably going to shut down for a couple of weeks.

A couple of things: have you read Pano this month. Seems like every other article is about 914's. I also read some specs on them. Those cars weigh nothing! Even with lower horsepower combined with the sitting on the ground feeling and the super low weight it must be fun to drive!

I did read Pano. If the 914 can enjoy a return from exile, can the 996 be far behind? They are fun cars to drive. If you haven't driven one, I would suggest going out for a test drive next time one pops up for sale in your area. It really is a unique driving experience. It's actually quite a bit different than driving the X1/9 even, which really surprises me because on paper they are such similar cars. The X1/9 seems easy to drive in comparison. The 914 demands your full attention. Maybe it's just the different shift pattern. But, when I'm in the X1/9, it's like "hey, I'm out for a nice drive in this neat little car and I can do the polite parade wave to passersby." The 914 channels my inner Masten Gregory competing at Lemans in 1965. I might look stupid doing it, but I could totally see wearing a leather driving helmet and goggles and gloves every time I jump in the 914. (correction, I would look stupid doing it)

[Cuda911]

You need to drive a 914 with the same mind set as driving a motorcycle. Assume that no one sees you. Often, they don't.

[5chn3ll]

I drive with one thumb on the horn button in both the 996 and the Corvette...