The Phoenix project is nearing completion

Ron said: "Some of the parts are from my old engine (heads, Pauter rockers, crank, rods, custom merged header and heater boxes). Still, I've spent over $7000 CAN on the engine. The total cost will be higher, because I'm having Henry install and set up the fuel injection. He's building a compartment underneath the 'rear seat' for the F.I. computer. Total cost will probably be $9,000+ (insert shocked icon here)."

I know how you feel friend. I could've bought a pretty decent used Boxster for what I've got in my Type 1(!) for that money, I should've gone Type 4- for sure, uh huh.

Stan, whenever you're ready for that trade, you just let me know.

Ron, you're a tad overdue on some update photos. Whad'dya say?
We're chomping at the bit out here in "Waiting on Ron for Pictures-land."

Stan, I know what you mean. Doing these engines right is not cheap, and you're right, used Boxsters are cheap. The only problem is an Boxster's engine rebuild is worth more than the car itself.

Here's a photo Henry sent me last week. Gives you a good idea how the interior works with the paint.

That's beautiful. Something tells me it'll only look better as it ages.

That color combo is beautiful!

Is that one of them kitcars?

I love those storage/flappy things.

Good lord Henry does beautiful work. Fit and finish looks factory.

Yes, he does. Henry has been having some engine fitting problems with a new car, so mine has been put on hold for at least a week. Damn!

Some updated photos of the dash and compartment for the electronics. The seats, roll bar, and engine go in next week.

Ron,
She's going to be a beauty!

It's hard for me to believe that's the same car.
Beautiful.

Incredible makeover! Make sure that you show it to the previous owner when it's finished. He'll be dumbfounded.

I wish I still had her email address. Here's a comparison-old and new

Ron... do you have to removed 914 gauges available? ~Alan

Believe it or not, the gauges in the new dash are from the old car (Palo Alto Speedometer refurbish).

Looking GREAT! RonO!
I wonder if Henry is getting sort of a nostalgic kick outta redoing an older pan based IM?

~WB

Wow. Seriously sensational!

Hard to believe how far this car has come. I purchased her from the insurance company for $1000 and I figured I could double my money by parting her out. After I cut the burned fiberglass way I put her in storage for almost two years. During those two years I constantly flipped back and forth from selling off the parts to rebuilding her. When I decided to rebuild her, I vowed to spend as little as possible to get her into roadworthy trim. That didn't last long. It became clear to me, early in the project, that I wanted this rebuild to be done right. That led me back to Henry and his outstanding crew of craftsmen.
It's no coincidence that the two most memorable drives of my life have been in this car. Logic be damned, this car needed to be rebuilt. Okay, I got a little carried away (sound familiar), and spent WAY more than I wanted to, but I don't regret it for a moment.
I sold her once. I won't make that mistake again.

With that being said, it will be worth every penny!

I think the new colors are perfect. Yep Henry's cars cost a bunch but they are truly works of art and a blast to drive.

Here's a couple more of the interior with the seats, roll bar, and seat belts installed.
Getting close now.

Oh sweet hummana hummana, I'm in lust!

Hey Ron,

I am curious how the headrest is attached to the speedster seat, that is cool

Eddy

Look at the right side photo. It looks like the headrest shafts go through the top part of the seat and are somehow bolted to the seat backs. This is the set-up Henry installs in IMs going to Japan, where headrest are mandatory.

Ron,

could you talk a little about the gauges? is that the 914 setup with new face plates and chrome bezels? i am loving what this car was and what its become.

Yes, it's hard to believe they are my old 914 gauges. I had them refurbished on Henry's recommendation. Send them to Palo Alto Speedometer.

I dream of the day i will have a working tachometer. and there is nothing worse than those silver painted discs in the center of the gauge staring back at you. the chinese repros look really cheap. man, that ride is lookin' so damn sharp!

Paul, have you contacted Carey Hines about a set of the gauges Beck uses. I believe they are Brazilian VDOs, which might help your problem.

I have not, but will. I have a couple other questions for him anyway. Thanks for the advice Lane.

Here's some photos of the new engine in the car and the exhaust system. Henry had to trim off a bit of the rear lower valance to clear the custom header and pipe. I considered ditching my old exhaust system and going with a new sidewinder system, but the sidewinder wouldn't match up to my custom made 1 5/8" heater boxes, and besides, that old system cost me $1500, so I wanted to reuse it.

She's getting close now. The Airkewld drop spindles have to go. The front end is too low and I don't want to lower the rear (big Gene Berg sump means limited clearance). I have to replace the Airkewld drop spindles with drum brake spindles (disc brake spindles won't fit) and go back to the standard height. The other option is to take the beam out and have adjusters installed, which is something I don't want to do.
Here's a couple of things Henry has discovered:
1. My very expensive CSP oil filter breather box does NOT clear the engine hood. The hood and breather box had to me modified. This will probably end up being the most expensive breather box in the history of air cooled motoring.
2. The stock CB fuel injection air cleaners WILL NOT clear the hood. Not even close on one side. This could be interesting.
3. My new engine is blowing a little blue smoke. Hopefully, this will stop when the rings get broken in.

Ron-

To your points:

1) Mine is more expensive. I guarantee it. There are guys with cheaper engines than what I've got in my breather set-up.
2) Bummer on the air cleaners. You'll figure something out.
3) The smoke will clear up- give the rings a chance to seat.

Henry's back from Italy?

good to know about the CSP breather, ive had my eye on one for for the better part of this year.

Getting VERY close now. I'm driving into Vancouver on Saturday for a look and short test drive.
Here's a few more photos. Shot near sunset, so they're a bit on the dark side.

She's gorgeous, Ron.

Ron - That car is awesome, and the Fuchs put it over the top!!

Stunning!
That is one beautiful roadster, Ron.

WoW! Beautiful!

~WB