DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I am about to purchase my 2nd 914 (last one was 15years ago) and want to give this one more of the future life it deserves.
I plan to eventually strip and produce the elusive rust free 914 (alright - almost rust free). I am contemplating getting the chassis hot-dip galvanised and was wondering if anyone had gone down this route before.
I am concerned about the additional weight it may add to the car but for the sake of a small weight gain it may be worth it.

Anyone done this before so I can remove the crazy thoughts from my brain…

I think it is shell distortion you will have to worry about, not extra weight!

There was a discussion about hot dip versus other protective measures on the site - I am sure you can find it using the 'search' option.

Bob

As Bob says, this is something that's cropped up before. I think the conclusion was to avoid it because the process did so much damage to the shell. (Ironic really ).

Recently things moved to E-Coating shells, but this again led to lots of stories of distorted shells as well . Currently a common consensus seems to be one of 'wait and see', as there is another process that's being investigated by a couple of the early Porsche specialists.

The problem with the E-coating and the galvanising processes, is that they appear to be being carried out by 'non-car' type people, who (whom?) have not always treated the shells with the respect that they deserve.

I would keep an eye on the forum and see what pans out. Of course, if you should find a decent 914, you could get it cavity wax protected, put wheel-arch liners in and buy a de-humidifier (assuming that the car was to be garaged). This whole lot would probably cost less than £600, and
would probably be just as effective at rust-resistance, with nil-risks to your pocket or the car .

Thanks for the feedback - I think I will be aquiring a sand blaster and spending several cold evenings in the shed over the next couple of months.
The distortion issue is something I did not think would be a factor but obviously is, I am not prepared to replace the roof.
Will send in some pics before and after once I get started.

A warm welcome to a fellow 914 owner. Barry will know more but I'm sure there are dangers with sandblasting panels that can lead to distortion. Are you going to strip off all the old paint, underseal etc?
I don't quite understand your comment about replacing the roof?

Hi and welcome!

autohausdolby recently had his 914 ecoated, might be worth speaking to him. Try the link below to see his lovely clean shell on its return from the coaters.

http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewto ... ht=#114886

Thanks for the e-coat link - the company (found at http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/) looks interesting and is certainly a consideration. I will take on your concerns with sandblasting, plan to be very gentle!

My comment on the replacing of the roof was my reaction to the other comments on galvanising.
http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4770

It appears the sunroof will not stand up well to galvanising and if a 911 roof had to be replaced after the work I can bet a 914's will too.

Thanks for the tips - should be picking up the car tomorrow evening (hope it makes the trip home), the seller wants cash so if you see a fellow moving quickly though the streets of North London with a large duffel bag, please say hello.

If you want to go the media blasting route, I recommend Cleaning Consultants in West Sussex. They do lots of work for me and use different media depending on the job and do not damage panels; I have had bonnets wings and doors done with no problems.

rmennell wrote:should be picking up the car tomorrow evening (hope it makes the trip home), the seller wants cash so if you see a fellow moving quickly though the streets of North London with a large duffel bag, please say hello.

Be sure to post up some pics when you can!, what year is it?

rmennell wrote:
It appears the sunroof will not stand up well to galvanising and if a 911 roof had to be replaced after the work I can bet a 914's will too.

Didn't realise you could galvanise fibreglass

Didn't realise you could galvanise fibreglass

How else would you stop it rusting?

Looking forward to seeing some pics .

nick-moss wrote:I recommend Cleaning Consultants in West Sussex. They do lots of work for me and use different media depending on the job and do not damage panels; I have had bonnets wings and doors done with no problems.

My experience with them was somewhat different - they damaged both rear wings on the 356 - lifting it from the rear using a wagon strap lashed across the wings can do that Also wanted 50% more than the price they quoted when it came to paying the bill

Not saying don't use them, but dont assume that because they do lots of Porsche stuff that everyone has the same experience as Nick has

rmennell wrote:Thanks for the e-coat link - the company (found at http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/) looks interesting and is certainly a consideration. I will take on your concerns with sandblasting, plan to be very gentle!


Thanks for the tips - should be picking up the car tomorrow evening (hope it makes the trip home), the seller wants cash so if you see a fellow moving quickly though the streets of North London with a large duffel bag, please say hello.

Hi, I have been lurking on here for a while and just seen this thread.

I have just collected my car from SP and have to say I am very impressed.

Heres my Bug:

Before


After


There were at least 6 other Porkers there when I was collectring along with a Porsche specialist dropping off a 1978 Martini 911. They do alot of cars for Export56, Gant Speed and other companys I have forgotten the names of!

Prodrive is one of their biggest customers and they had a new Impretsa shell in to be done, when I collected on Wed they are now booking for September!

I have the car home now, if anyone wants more pics I can mail them over. If your interested in having it done go over there and have a look about. If you do, let me know how this Aston came out!

Hello there.

As has been said, SP are currently the only show in town..

But there is no dispute that at least some of the cars come back severely distorted, so much so that all their "regular ustomers now fit stiff bracing inside, and sometimes outside the shell.

the reason for this disputed, but there is information to suggest that the temeprature control is set for speed rather than safety..so some cars might catch fire, and if this happens it suggested they are doused!

All unattributable info, so make of it what you will.

A DDK-er has done a massive amount of work on developing an alternative process, and I'm reporting what I know thus far..

The "new process" being tried out now seems to have so far avoided any detectable l distorsion and there has certainly been no fire..

the key is temperature control..a much much slower process with limited throughput..

And excellent results have also been obtained from the "new" E-coaters work too..

What is still undeveloped as an alternative to SP is the chemical part of the process..a large capital investment is needed to install big enough tanks for a 911 shell.

Anyone care to invest?

But, to be frank, there is still debate as to whether acid pickling (which is what is done) can be fully removed before e-coating..

Once down to a tub, media bl;asting does an excellent job of derusting any areas not removed by the pyrolysis..and with care is safe from distorsion risks..

Kind regards
david