Karmann build quality.
 

I've been looking at a lot of photos of 914s and I've noticed that some of them (like mine) have rather poor fitting trunks and others have trunks that fit almost perfectly. Why is that? My rear trunk doesn't fit flush with the fenders - do you think that if I bought a different one, it would fit better than the first? Would a body shop be able to make my rear trunk fit better?

Yes

When they were new, I didn't notice that much difference, but over the years I have.



M

Check the condition of the trunk catch. I replaced mine & the trunk suddenly starting closing flush. It turned out that the plastic catch/bushing was completely worn out.

p.s. be careful when unbolting the latch. My bolts snapped right off & I had to re-tap the holes for new screws.

Vern

The hinge-points tend to snap off too, making one side of the trunk sit lower than the other side. You might want to see if those need to be re-welded.

Aaron

Thirty year old cars get that way....BTW, they were hand built so some have different tolerances. Depends on how much Schnapps "Hans" had for lunch that day.....8^)

Keep in mind that not only Veedubs and P-cars were built in the Karmann factory there were Beemers and Im sure many other makes.
Im sure its age as these cars are all nearing thirties late twenties

trunk opening tweeks with age due to increased chassis flex. do a criss-cross measurement on your car

Karmann is building the new Chrysler Crossfire for DiamlerBenz. Many pre-release reviews state that the build quality is far above any other Chrysler product. I would imagine that when new the build quality of the 914 exceeded those of Fiat, MG, etc.

Just a thought.

I have read old articles saying that build quality was better than avrage

The fact that there are so many 914's still on the road after 30 years says something about the build quality!