In addtion to the sheet metal work more of the surrounding paint was removed. This will provide a good surface for the panel adhesive and filler.  

Today I worked on the sheet metal that will support the right fender flare. The original fender opening was cut to provide a 4 inch foundation for the fiberglass flare. The sheet metal was then formed (at least in part) to match the underneath of the flare as closely as possible. The rear portion is getting close, within a quarter inch, and there is still a good amount of work to do at the front for the fit. The goal is to have the flare fit right on the steel creating a smooth transition and stable form fo the panel adhesive. Work like this makes you truly appreciate those that are good at it. 

Project Management

Now I know what it takes to manage a proper project, a plan and budget. This project started out with a pretty simple plan and a minimal budget but has spiraled out of control becoming victims to the “while you’re at it” gremlin. The problem is there are just too many good ideas out there. Especially if you spend any time looking at the popular forums like the one Pelican Parts hosts. I also have to give some credit to my father-in-law Warren who is without doubt great at coming up with “while you’re at it” ideas.

This project started out as preparation for a paint job and has become a darn near complete tear down. The RUF bumpers and fender flares were my idea, I have to admit. Warren planted the seed for replacing the antiquated Porsche fuse block. But pulling out the wiring harness I have to credit the PP guys. It just seemed like a good idea. What the hell, the wires were all disconnected anyway.

Now I’m thinking it looks like an opportune time to get into the rear suspension, rebuild the transaxle, do some engine work …

Time to focus, get the body work done and the car into the paint booth. Once that is done the project will go from being one of taking apart to putting back together. That should be fun and a whole new set of challenges (like remembering where all the pieces go).

Under the front bonnet pretty much everything has been removed. I just need a large enough container to empty the fuel tank (a little poor planning on my part). The mass of the front harness has been removed and we're about as close to a rolling chasis as I care to get. 

It would sure be easy to get into those rear suspension components with the engine and transaxle out. I could replace the bushings, do some powder coating ... no, I need to focus on the current job before my wife has the tub towed out of my garage at to the junk yard while I'm at the office one day. 

Look ma, no transaxle. Pulling the unit was pretty simple once I got the drive axles off. Having had the speed cable loose at the front of the car made the job much easier. 

The 1974 Porsche 911 chasis harness darn near in tact. Only lost one connector on the way out, not too bad given how the thing is run through the tunnel and twisted up and over the rear torsion tubes. This photo is a good example of a project gone awry, having been overcome by the "while I'm at it" approach. 

The transaxle is filthy, pretty much covered in oil from top to bottom. It's going to take a good steam cleaning to get the crud off. I'm not planning on tear-down this go-round but at some point I'm going to have to get into it and replace the gaskets. It seems like the bulk of the oil is coming from the front, maybe from the shift rod or speedo drive? All I know is it's a filthy little pig.