My son wants a 914 for his DD

[1979-930]

Is he crazy? My oldest brother had a couple 914's over the years. None were a daily.
He's 16 and driving my old Mustang and wants a 914 now. I don't know much about them. I've heard about the Hell Hole. What is it? Where is it?
He was asking about AC. I laughed and told him to remove the Targa and melt. Is AC possible with a 1. whatever engine?
It has to be a pre 75 because we are in CA.
What do you all recommend and what should I look for?

I would love to find someone in NorCal that would let him take one around the block just to see.
I'll let you drive the 930 or 07GT3RS in trade.

[PCA7GGR]

By "old" Mustang - how old?

Keep in mind that a 914 is gonna be 45+ years old. So, its gonna depend on how well taken care of the 914 you plan to get for the kid is. A lot of things, including thing you don't usually think of (i.e rubber steering couplers) wear out and need replacing.

My son's first car was a "well taken care of" '75 1.8 that hadn't seen the road in 10 year. Everything in the fuel system was suspect and, over time was replaced. Along with the fluids, some electrical connections, cables.....

He's now 40, so this was over 20 years ago with the 914 was not as old as they are today.

Just some food for thought.

[racer]

In california, anything is possible!

Hell hole - the battery tray and what supports the battery tray are where the hell hole begins. Why? battery acid leaks down and eats away at the metal. Below all that is the rear suspension pick up point. Longitudinals (around the jack port) are another rust area. Then the base of the passenger floor where it meets the firewall.

Back in the 1980s I daily drove my 914. No AC in mine (it was a dealer installed / aftermarket option). So windows down or roof off.. Sticking to Vinyl seats is a strong possiblity. I presume it would be ok to do so today, but you need to consider the need for more frequent maintenance than if you were driving a Honda. Frequent oil changes and valve adjustments. If it has carbs, maybe some seasonal tweaks depending on altitude. If injection, FI trigger points and distributor points will wear.

And if others in the house are worried, almost no active "safety".. ie, large energy absorbing crumple zones (only 2000-2200lb), no abs, no airbags etc. and sits low enough to not be seen by the larger SUV's and Pickups of today.

[biosurfer1]

Personally, while I would love if my son wanted to DD a 914, I would rather have a father/son project for us to work on and he can drive, but have him drive a more reliable appliance most of the time.

I know it's easy to say he should have two cars, but it also helps you out a bit by not getting as many "Dad, the 914 won't start and I'm 30 minutes away from you" calls. It also lets him learn more about cars while not being dependent on it. If I get frustrated with my 968 or it breaks, I can take a break from it, take my time learning how to fix it, etc and not get more pissed off or feel rushed because I have nothing to drive to work the next day.

[Emo993]

Not for a DD. No safety features, air bags etc.

[Nostril Cheese]

It was incredibly difficult to DD a 914 25 years ago when I was in high school (SoCal) and trying to put the car back together. Parts were hard to find even then. Thankfully I also had a Honda CB550F to ride when the car was broken.

The lack of modern safety stuff is a big no in my book. Frankly, I wonder how i didnt kill myself on 165 tires.

AC is possible, but will kill the power on any stock engine and also be a lot of work/$$$.

These are OLD cars now.

[Bigtoe32067]

By him an old Honda Civic with AC and a manual trans as a dd and a 914 as a father son project that he can drive occasionally when it’s driveable. Much more practical than going to rescue him several times a week.
As a dd he would learn to hate it it I would think. Unless it was just a perfectly restored one and those are hard to find and expensive.
Tony

[1979-930]

Thanks for the responses.

He just wants a 914 to drive and thinks they are cool. I'm not over concerned with the safety part.
I'm more concerned with the reliability and more work for me.
We already have a 74 911 to 911R tribute project.
I doubt he will help that much on either car. He's the typical Driver. He's been racing Karts since age 10. He just tells the crew (Me) what needs adjusting or fixed

[racer]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

Thanks for the responses.

He just wants a 914 to drive and thinks they are cool. I'm not over concerned with the safety part.
I'm more concerned with the reliability and more work for me.
We already have a 74 911 to 911R tribute project.
I doubt he will help that much on either car. He's the typical Driver. He's been racing Karts since age 10. He just tells the crew (Me) what needs adjusting or fixed

Sounds like he might enjoy it.. The challenge would be.. "dad, this car only has 75-95hp" and is so dang slow and loud.

I would try to find someone local willing to give you a test ride/drive to see if it makes sense first.

And yes, "you" will have more frequent maintenance, simply because its a near 50 year old car. Some parts wont be at the autozone down the street, or on pelican so the car could be laid up on occasion.


Sadly, I would likely gravitate towards a 924S/944 or even an early boxster as they all occupy the same low spot/ price point / project car world. The 944 would have AC and more cabin room for a friend or two.. The boxster would still be 20 years old (986) but drive and feel much more modern, plus safety nannies

[Coondog]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

Thanks for the responses.

He just wants a 914 to drive and thinks they are cool. I'm not over concerned with the safety part.

Sorry to hear you say that Dad. Safety for your family should be your number one concern. Go talk with Holleran's Performance, they are pretty close to you and can give you great advice on 914s and added safety enhancements that they can install. I drive my 914 the same as if I was on a motorcycle..........meaning no one sees me. I doubt most 16 year olds have that same mindset.

[-Levi-]

I wanted a 914 for my first car 16 years ago. For the concerns mentioned I ended up with a 92 Toyota mr2. That said after college I bought a 911 sc.
the good news is the 914 Is fairly under powered and it can only fit two people. I say go for it

[stownsen914]

I've owned 914s for decades, love 'em. In order to own one, a person should plan to work on it a lot or have deep pockets for someone else to do so.

My first car was a 914 that my dad and I rebuilt. Not sure if that's a plan you have in mind with your son, but it was a great experience for me and for my dad too.

[1979-930]

Originally Posted by Coondog

Sorry to hear you say that Dad. Safety for your family should be your number one concern. Go talk with Holleran's Performance, they are pretty close to you and can give you great advice on 914s and added safety enhancements that they can install. I drive my 914 the same as if I was on a motorcycle..........meaning no one sees me. I doubt most 16 year olds have that same mindset.

I've been to John's shop a few times about the 3.2SS for my 74. I forgot he's into 914's. He's got a sweet red 914 project with a 3.6 that's almost done.

And I hope you are the only person that understood my statement as "I don't care about my family".
We don't need another debate on my kids abilities, mentality or "It's the other driver you need to worry about".
If I was worried he wouldn't be driving a 440hp Mustang with Griggs Racing suspension daily. The 914 is probably safer. He drives like an old lady on the street. I get reports from people around town.
Side note; He'll be getting his SCCA license in November. He's a better driver than I am. I exhibit acts of douchebaggary from time to time.

[brcacti]

Originally Posted by Bigtoe32067

By him an old Honda Civic with AC and a manual trans as a dd and a 914 as a father son project that he can drive occasionally when it’s driveable. Much more practical than going to rescue him several times a week.
As a dd he would learn to hate it it I would think. Unless it was just a perfectly restored one and those are hard to find and expensive.
Tony

I agree with this, the Honda for DD

[Nostril Cheese]

Good to hear he knows karts.

I still think it would be more of a hassle to a kid these days to have the 914.

What about the Honda Del Sol? Pretty fun car with the VTEC engine.

Saab NG900/93 turbos are dirt cheap, laughably easy to mod and safe

Mk1 Toyota MR2. The 4AGE is a great little engine. used in Formula Atlantic.

[mepstein]

I daily drove my 914 when I was in high school and college. Lots of push starts or parking on a hill and pop the clutch since the charging system didn’t work well. Also wouldn’t start for an hour or 2 after a heavy rain. It wasn’t dependable but it was fun. My dad didn’t know cars so I didn’t have any help in that department.

Both my kids have newer Honda’s.

[1979-930]

Originally Posted by mepstein

I daily drove my 914 when I was in high school and college. Lots of push starts or parking on a hill and pop the clutch since the charging system didn’t work well. Also wouldn’t start for an hour or 2 after a heavy rain. It wasn’t dependable but it was fun. My dad don’t know cars so I didn’t have any help in that department.

Both my kids have newer Honda’s.

That's what I'm afraid of. The 60's and 70's cars were not that reliable new. 40+ years later I think it will be a nightmare.

[Ed_Turbo]

Hes 16 and wants a 914 with AC? What spoiled brat.


914’s are not good daily drivers.


-Ed


Sent from my iPad Air 2 using Tapatalk

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The 914 actually has more crumple zones than most cars from 1970. The front and rear trunks are both fairly large energy-absorbing structures. They offer pretty much zero protection from the sides--especially for the 70-72 (and very early 73) cars without the door beams. Even with the beams, they won't offer much protection.

Plus our cars are small enough that they are hard to see. Especially by people who aren't paying attention.

They are not overly reliable. They're generally better on that front than a number of other pre-1972 cars, but they don't tolerate a lack of maintenance like some of the huge American lumps of that era can. Plus parts tend to be pretty expensive, even though "it's just a VW".

Long ago, I wrote "If I could only have one car, I'd pick the 914--but I'd move closer to work so I could bike there on days when the car wouldn't run."

If you and your kid are fine with the potential risks, and the potential lack of reliability, then go for it. It'll be a fun ride, and there'll only be room for one other person (usually) so less idiot friends along for the ride.

--DD