914 inspection

[synthesis]

Any tips on checking for rust on a 914? I have read the faq's and searched forums but any other tips would be appreciated.

Also, Is it worthwhile taking some base measurements from the chassis to see if they jibe with the specs for the car? This might help flag a car that is not straight.

thanks
sdv

[Bleyseng]

1., look under the battery tray. Is there a battery tray?
2. Look in the dark hole down behind the battery under the firewall. Look/ poke for rust and solid metal.
3. Look at the same area on the drivers side.
4. Look under the car under the battery at the suspension looking for rust, repairs of rust. Heck, is there solid looking parts.
5. Shine a flashlight so you can look down the behind the rocker panels. Look at the jack points. Look in the jack points after removing the rubber covers if present.
6. Does the passenger door open and close without catching? (window down).
7. With the door open, stand and try to flex the door sill. Feel any movement.
8. Take off the roof and repeat the above.
9. Push forward the passenger seat and pull the carpet piece. Look for rust or repairs. Look unneath looking for rust, repairs, or prefectly fine floor pans.
10. Do the same on the drivers side.
11. Pull out the carpet and look under the petal assembly, looking for, you guessed it, rust! The MC sometimes leaks and then the floorpan rust under the petals.
Geoff

[914GT]

Here's a few more places you can look for rust:

12. Bottom rear panel of rear trunk. Look for evidence of fiberglass or something else covering it up.
13. Poke around the bottom of doors right below the hinge where it curves. There's a door cavity due to a reinforcing member that traps dirt/water which can rust out from inside.
14. If possible check under/around the front hood weatherstripping to see if part of the channel is rusted away.

Guy
74 914 2.0L

[Zeke]

More: The rear trunk lid itself at the rear edge.
Base of windshield.
Front A-arm mounting points under spare tire.
Lower rear outside portion of front wheel well, this is the front of the longitudinal.
Underside right rear jack point (little donut).
Base of sail panels and around door jamb air duct.

[Joe Bob]

Take a magnet and and run it over the passenger side fenders....they are the ones that get creamed the most. If it falls off....BONDO underneath.