Porsche 914 How to Restore 73-76 Doors, Glass, Handles, Fuzzies and Seals [Bumblebee Build Ep 20]

914 doors have more components than you'd think! In this episode I restore the 50 year old, water spotted glass to like-new, install re-keyed door handles, the squeegee track, window regulator, fuzzies and door seals. Buckle up! Note: this is for "late" cars (73-76 using the scissor mechanism), but the general principles are similar for early cars. Here are the items used in this video:
Late window kit:
914rubber.com/...
Early window kit:
914rubber.com/...
Door Actuator:
914rubber.com/...
Re-Keying of Locks
Curt Curtis
www.facebook.c...
Griot's Glass Polishing Kit:
www.amazon.com...

[@TheRealJONNYBLAZE]

Ian- You're a hero to the 914 community.

[@IanKarr]

Thanks so much for the kind words. If I'm a hero, 914s are my kryptonite tho ;)

[@user-qp4ik9xb8s]

GREAT VIDEO!!! I'm replacing a broken regulator and this video helps me out immensely.

[@IanKarr]

Glad it helped!

[@pnewman1002]

Thanks for Posting Ian! Great reference.

[@IanKarr]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@grantlingley1385]

Thanks again Ian. Really helpful video. I need to call914 Rubber for some new fuzzies, that one at the bottom in particular!

[@IanKarr]

Glad to help!

[@fiveflix1]

Thanks SO much! One could say your saving lives!!!

[@IanKarr]

Happy to help!

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

This video would have been super helpful 35 years ago when I was a teenager and couldn’t get my drivers side window to work properly. I had no idea there were adjustments to the window but then again I was a dingus teenager. Thanks for the video!

[@travisdeason4147]

Thanks so much for the videos Ian! I am currently restoring a 1973 914 that my dad and I did a V8 swap in when I was in high school. We both kind of gave up on the project and it has sat in storage for close to 11 years. Now that I’m married with 2 kids, I’ve decided that now is the time to embark on a full restore, haha! I really appreciate all the content you’ve shared, I have honestly learned a lot. I just wanted to let you know that your videos have inspired me to carry on with what my dad and I started over a decade ago. Thanks!

[@IanKarr]

Thanks, Travis! What an awesome story. Keep at it and you'll have a car full of memories that you can be proud of. Please subscribe if you haven't already...lots more to come!

[@brenttaylor7300]

Ian thank you so much, I’ve basically been following every one of your videos and restoring my own car alongside you, although mine isn’t painted yet

[@IanKarr]

Glad to help!

[@jerryhill6074]

Thanks Ian, your videos are the best.

[@IanKarr]

Glad you like them! Please subscribe for more...

[@cybersurfer2010]

This will help my 914 build!

[@IanKarr]

Great! Please subscribe for more...

[@klauskahlert9709]

Super Video. Dankeschön.

[@IanKarr]

Danke, Klaus!

[@charlesrowan6963]

Great Job!, My 914 will soon be done, too.

[@IanKarr]

Thanks and congrats! Please subscribe for more...

[@graemelliott3942]

Nice Detailed video Ian! I didn’t know about the tilt adjustment for the triangle window frame! Thank you!

[@IanKarr]

Happy to help!

[@tgottwalt]

Thanks, Ian! Another great video. I just ordered the full gasket set (late model) from 914 Rubber so I really appreciate these videos to help guide me as I begin replacing every bit of rubber.

[@IanKarr]

Great to hear!

[@krismurphy9670]

Thanks for another great video, Ian. I used it almost to a T for restoring the doors on my '73 2.0 Ravenna Green 914 (build date of 12/72). The main difference for me on my '73 vs. your '74 was the triangle windows. The 914 Rubber triangle window seals I bought would not work on my door components because the metal triangle window support brace has a fin on it that goes up through the seal and there's another support fin that goes up through the other end of that seal as well (my understanding is that this setup was used '70 - '73. I even tried cut slots in the 914 Rubber triangle window seals to get them to work, but the fit was so bad - it had gaps that would have allowed water to penetrate. This was very disappointing because the 914 Rubber site says their seal will work on any year 914. Complete BS (unless you make significant modifications to the rubber or metal door parts). The only solution for me was to buy Genuine Porsche triangle window seals (from Automobile Atlanta but available elsewhere, too). Thus, I recommend to anybody with a '73 or earlier to buy Genuine Porsche triangle window seals right out of the gate so you don't end up like me having to learn an unnecessarily expensive lesson. Otherwise, thanks to your video, Ian, the doors were not terribly difficult to restore. It's so nice having working roll up windows again (and super clear thanks to buffing with clay) and seals on my doors and windows that are water tight.

[@IanKarr]

I hear ya. You should let 914rubber know.

[@davedarling4316]

A couple of thoughts that come to mind: - The rubber seals can shrink with time and exposure to light and ozone. (I think?) Sometimes it is a good idea to leave the seal a little long and stuff more of it into the channel where it goes. I have not figured out how much extra is good, nor do I have the best idea of where, but the outer seal on the door window always seems to show a good bit of shrinkage over the years. - Use a plastic spudger/bodywork tool or a popsicle stick to push the rubber instead of a flat-head screwdriver. You're much less likely to scratch your new paint or tear the rubber that way. - When you put the door panel on, be sure to mention that the window crank screw is a different length than the inner door handle cup screw, and what happens when you switch them. (A female friend of mine called it "enforced gentleman" mode, because I had to let her out of the car from the outside.)

[@IanKarr]

Thanks Dave. Great insight as usual!

[@JF-4444]

Dave is right about the outer seal shrinkage. I try to compress as much into the track lengthwise as I can and leave an extra half inch at each end. After a few months it is usually about right and it can be stretched a little bit unbunching it if needed.

[@davedarling4316]

BTW, most of these fall into the "Don't ask me how I know this" category. ;)

[@CrispysProjects]

Great to see the 914 windows come up brilliantly, your right to leave all the fine tuning of the gaps till 'everything' is fitted. I've not been happy with how windows sit on the one on my channel, luckily it's spent winter covered up 😉

[@IanKarr]

Thanks!

[@TINKERGINEERING]

Okay totally on my to do list

[@IanKarr]

Congrats on the Panamera article!

[@johnglennon5018]

Great video...thanks Ian.

[@IanKarr]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@truecrimejungle]

COOL!

[@IanKarr]

Thanks Stevey!

[@billcunningham8485]

With projects like this, like when i replaced the faulty automatic lock in my wife’s Audi Q5 my wife asks how it went hours after i start. I always tell her i would be SO fired if I worked on the factory floor. It gets done but it takes time and generally dozens of swear words uttered.

[@IanKarr]

Ha!

[@shrunkenheadfilms]

Hi there, another great video. Doors and windows are not as sexy as engine and bodywork, but very important of course.

[@IanKarr]

Thanks man. Yeah I was kind of dreading this part but it all worked out!

[@fredriethmiller757]

Ian, Great video but I could have used this when I did my doors. I had to figure out a lot of what you so simply explained in 20 minutes. BTW, you CAN push the vent track too far and leave a mark on the bottom of your door. ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!

[@IanKarr]

Ha. Glad you enjoyed the video. Please subscribe for more!

[@r.arabian3056]

Great video Ian. You didn't happen to do one on how to install the triangles? I am really fighting with the 914 Rubber and getting them in...

[@IanKarr]

Hey Rob...not sure what you mean. The triangle window install is the first part of this video. Or do you mean the angled caps on top?

[@r.arabian3056]

@@IanKarr I re-watched it Ian. I don't know how I missed it. Very helpful. Now I am struggling with the outer wiping moulding and that aluminum channel. I'll get it!!

[@Level_Up_Nation]

Me looking at this door and other parts makes me wodner how much of it I can 3D scan and and print, just got a 74 914 tegra top, someone stuck a Honda carburetor 6cly in it at some point and never finished the project, so, should be interesting to see if that swap works or not.

[@IanKarr]

Sounds cool!

[@Karolilalu]

Ian, I really, really appreciate you posting these videos. I bought my 914 as a naked shell so I have no references. I'm almost done with my little slightly modified 914/LS3 project. Check out Roger's Hot Rod Garage. Again, thanks for all your videos.

[@IanKarr]

So glad you find them helpful! Good luck with your build!

[@914midengine]

Curious when you did the window regulator reinstallation why you didn't lubricate the gear mechanism and slides? Unless Porsche didn't lubricate it from the factory.

[@IanKarr]

I lubricated a bit before installation. And put a few dabs of grease on the pinion after install. Cleaner that way.

[@michaelpoe6531]

Hey, Ian. Fabulous channel. What about the window scraper seals? BTW, back in the 80s GM recommended BonAmi for removing window "gunk", it worked for me without tools. May still have a container of it GM branded, (Wiper squeak issues- clean windshield with BonAmi, clean inserts with alcohol.) Currently working on a 914, any help would be appreciated.

[@IanKarr]

Thanks, Michael. Yep. I just shot the install of the window scrapers. The trick is to roll the window all the way down. You'll see that the seal lies almost flat across the window channel opening. Press into the aluminum channel and then use a plastic spatula to get the seal even. Video coming soon!

[@jeffsipley3154]

I've seen about every video, but have not seen one with door stay replacement. Am I missing one?

[@IanKarr]

I didn't need to replace my door stays...but they're pretty straightforward

[@krismurphy9670]

Hi Ian. In this vid you mentioned another video of yours for the restoring the door handles. However, I can't seem to find that on your KZbin channel. Would you mind sharing that link here?

[@IanKarr]

I was planning on doing one, but there was an issue with the handle and i couldn't shoot it. Unfortunately, youtube won't let you go and revise an existing video. What exactly is your question?

[@krismurphy9670]

How to repair or replace the many pieces that break on a 914 handle (mounting stud, plastic clip, flapper, etc.).@@IanKarr

[@Piratelifebbq]

I see people having trouble with the 914rubber seals due to having to cut a piece out, does that only affect the early models?

[@IanKarr]

Yes, the early models have an extra metal piece on the frame. I've heard you can cut the frame...or the rubber. Or see if Porsche makes an original part for the early windows.

[@Piratelifebbq]

@@IanKarr ok mine is a 74 so should be good to go!

[@moreglistrefine1432]

Do you have a video on the Chrome sail installation

[@IanKarr]

Not yet. Coming soon!

[@smann3d399]

Hey Ian, Great Video. Do you have a link for your video on installing the door cam actuator? I can't seem to find it.... thanks !

[@IanKarr]

Hi there. Thanks for watching. The door cam actuator was installed by the body shop, so I wasn't able to shoot it. It's pretty straightforward, though. Just a few bolts. If the door card is installed, you'll need to remove it, which involves unscrewing the window crank (pull the plastic cover to the side) and the door handle trim (open the handle and you'll see the screw next to the pivot. You'll also need to remove the handle / pocket setup, which is pretty obvious. Then just gently pop the door card off the door with a trim tool or putty knife. Please subscribe if you haven't already!

[@smann3d399]

@@IanKarr ah thanks.. I've since learned its not the actuator, but something is disconnected with the cam/latch that locks onto the body. it spins freely.. but the door handles(out/in) both engage the plate that is supposed to drive it... I think I just have to pull it apart and see what's going on in there.. :) Maybe its all part of the same thing. thanks again ..

[@IanKarr]

@@smann3d399 Ah...sorry...I thought you meant the door stay hardware. Yes, I did shoot replacing the plastic bit that opens the latch. Coming soon!

[@jeffhammond8969]

Great work as usual Ian. I would add one item about the 3M weatherstrip adhesive. Best adhesion is achieved by one coat each side until tacky as you said but then add one additional thin coat to one side only and then fit together. Did you polish the chromed channels? Thought I saw some scratches?

[@IanKarr]

Great tip, Jeff. Thanks! Yes, I did polish them, but there are a few scratches. I have a personal goal of getting this car off of the lift and on the road in #2 condition in less than a year. As you know, restoration is a deep, deep rabbit hole and I've been trying to limit how far I'm going into it! So I'm spending a bit more attention on things that will make it fun to drive.

[@danmehall8173]

ian, where did you get the interior door handle reconditioned?

[@IanKarr]

I bought a good one ;)

[@carlosugarte359]

Do you recommend someone to do ?

[@IanKarr]

When it comes to this stuff, I'm a DIY guy. Most of the pros who do this work are booked years out.