Porsche 914 How to Restore Trailing Arms, Rear Bearings and Dash Switches [Project Bumblebee Ep. 15]

Hang with me while I restore a rare Porsche 914 LE ”Bumblebee” in my home garage. In episode 15, I replace the trailing arm pivots and wheel bearings. And while the parts are at the powder coater, I finally get to install the dash (restored in episode 4), route the harness and install the switches. The car is really coming along…and so are the episodes. Please subscribe now so you know when they go live!
Remember, I'm just an amateur wrencher and I made this video to show you how I did this project. No video can replace the experience of a professional. Please don't attempt this if you're not experienced. Thanks and be safe!
Parts used:
Pivots:
914rubber.com/...
Bushings:
914rubber.com/...
Switch tool (similar to mine):
vwparts.aircoo...

[@IanKarr]

If you like my videos and they've saved you money or time, why not become a patron? Join for monthly zoom calls, exclusive content and swag! www.patreon.com/iankarr

[@TINKERGINEERING]

Finished the trans axel rebuild. Now it’s time for a press and I also need to figure out how to remove the axel part out of the arm. I think you had a clip of that. Looking now! Thanks Ian😊

[@IanKarr]

Glad you're making good progress!

[@JoseGarcia-jb7xv]

Hi Ian!! Love all videos. The car is looking great!!! I live in Puerto Rico and very hard to find a good 914 here. I had a 72 when I was in High school (long time a go) and I sold it. I was a little ignorant at that time. But I learn a LOT with your videos!! Keep going and be safe!!

[@IanKarr]

Thanks, Jose. Hope you find a 914 on that beautiful island!

[@davedarling4316]

That's a cool tool for the escutcheon! I have used needle-nose pliers held partway open, which is awkward but mostly works. It's easy to slip and scratch up the escutcheon, but fortunately it's mostly hidden behind the knob.

[@IanKarr]

Been there with the needle-nose ;). I don't know where I got the mustang tool, but I put a link to a similar one in the description.

[@lelandjoseph216]

I wish I seen this video before summer. I spent 5 days of hard labour chipping away with a pick and a propane torch.

[@IanKarr]

Sounds like a harsh sentence. What crime did you commit? ;)

[@lelandjoseph216]

@@IanKarr kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpLWaHuijamdbK8 Monkey see, monkey do but mine took 5 days.

[@somoss0117]

Great video. Looks like some extra effort in production and editing: either way, looks good.

[@IanKarr]

Thanks, Sol!

[@markwhitesell9755]

Thank you Ian for doing these videos I'm in on the Patron account. Perhaps we should do a conference call on it on a subject your Patrons want to talk about? A+ as always, wanna come over and do Taylor's car?

[@IanKarr]

Great idea. I need to schedule the next patreon call. Thinking of it being this Sunday. Will call ya. And happy to come out anytime!

[@pnewman1002]

Ian, What fragrance of soap is recommended for the rear swing arms, is it a different scent for the scent for the front A-arms? Great video! Thanks for posting.

[@IanKarr]

haha. I used grapefruit on the front and sandalwood on the rear ;)

[@914_werke]

Are these replacement bushings ..Rubber? They look to be Delrin or some plastic?

[@IanKarr]

I'm not sure what they are. I think firm rubber.

[@graemelliott3942]

Would the OEM bar work with the 914 Rubber bushings?

[@IanKarr]

I don't see why not. The new ones are exactly the same size. The only thing is that the bushings are a bit taller, so if you're not using the lock washer you probably need to shave the tops down so the pivots contact the suspension ears directly.

[@Rocco101]

As always Ian great job. Have you ever used the gloss black pour15. I did my rear with it instead of powdercoat and man it looks good.😛

[@IanKarr]

Thanks Rocco! Yes, I've used it. When properly applied on well prepared surfaces it definitely works well. Self-levels to a nice gloss and is tough stuff. Two reasons why I don't use it anymore...1) I've had it peel off in sheets on parts I swear were prepped well. And 2)...this is the bigger one...it's potentially dangerous. There are stories of people inhaling vapors without a respirator for as little as a minute or two ending up in the hospital with lifelong lung injuries. Apparently the product is carried on vapors and when it ends up in the moist lungs, it does what it's designed to do and bonds hard. Nasty. Of course if all directions are followed, the surfaces are prepped right and a good respirator is used, it works well I've also used Rust Bullet and it seems to be a little more forgiving in the application. Anyway...apologies for the long response, but if even one person is saved from injury... forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/717334-warning-car-lovers-rust-repairs-por15.html

[@Mr10usdad]

Ian who sells that bearing press?

[@IanKarr]

Harbor Freight

[@waxingchandler3895]

Great video but what in the world scratched the hell out your hand? Cat?? =)

[@IanKarr]

HA! I was wondering if anyone would comment on that. Apparently my car didn't like what I was doing, so it retaliated. Was pulling on a screw when it suddenly released and scratched my hand on the way out. Just a flesh wound ;)

[@housepumpinpc3983]

Hated installing bushings. Difficult process.🤬🤬🤬

[@IanKarr]

I hear ya. Having a press makes it a lot easier.

[@housepumpinpc3983]

@@IanKarr I used a press. The bushings would deform. I soaked the bushings in hot water to make them softer. I used soap. With that being said, I did that at least 8 years ago.