Need some pointers...looking at a 914 tomorrow
 

My dad and I are going to look at a 74 914 1.8 tomorrow. I talked to the guy and he said the interior was in great condition and the exterior is good too. The odometer stopped at 60,000 miles and he swears there are not that many more miles on it. It sat in a garage for over 15 years. There is some rust in the truck. He says the engine runs great but it has trouble starting. My dad and I are going to do a total rebuild.

What are some other things my dad and I need to look for?

Thanks
JP

Another 914

I wouldn't trust that story, or the author.

M

Check out number 8 in DD's 914 FAQs http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_Darling_FAQ/914_Darling_FAQ.htm . Also, check out the rust repair pics at http://www.restoration-design.com for a better idea of the rust problem areas.

rust bad

Chech the side longs. under the rocker panels. Also under the battery, above the door strike and rear of the front fender. Bring a small magnet to check those areas for body filler. If you can get it for the right price that can be fixed but be careful with a rusty car. Also check behind the pass. and drivers seat to make sure the hinges are in good working order. Of course look under the car for rust.
As Shorty said "RUST BAD"

If it has trouble starting be careful. My car had that problem and the ignition switch wire overheated and melted and now I need a new harness. My car has been in the shop for the past 10 weeks waiting to get fixed.

Another article on buying a 914:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/How_to_buy_a_914.htm

--DD

Don't forget the "Big Butt" test!

Things to look for when buying a fixer-upper 914.

Take a good look at the $ in your bank account. It will soon be gone

But that is the fun :D

Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never buy a 914 without taking off the removable rocker covers for a look. It doesn't matter how nice looking the car is. Good Luck and don't let excitement overcome you. Pete

Well, my dad and I went to go look at it yesterday. We really like it. Here are some pictures of it.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287828653

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287828653

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287828653

The rest of the pictures we took are on this site. Imagestation

Tell me what you think and what you think the car is worth. It will not start, but the starter does turn over fine. He is asking $1500 for it.

Thanks
JP

Sorry I tried to post the images but I really don't know how to. Just click on one of the links and you can see the pictures.

Thanks
JP

Jack it up using the factory hole, and watch the door gap for any jamming, and look for any sagging of the rockers. Do both sides. It's usually less expensive in the long run to buy one in already restored or partially restored condition.

.

We just made the deal. $1000. My dad picks the car up tomorrow at 5 pm. Thanks for all of the imput guys. I will be using the board awhole lot more know with my restoratioin questions.

Thanks
JP

Congrats!!! You will love it, hate it, feel smug, feel stupid, regret it, pat yourself on the back, have dreams about it, have nightmares about it, praise it, curse it.....owning a 914 is rollercoaster ride........just enjoy all the loops and curves and free falls. Welcome to the club!!

What if you dont have a big butt? :D

My dad and I weigth about 450 lbs. combined so we could do the big butt test.

JP~
I just told you in your PM on Volvospeed to come over here and join, guess you beat me to it!!

Above all else keep us up to date and post pics! WE LOVE PICS!! :-)

~Eric

I will post plenty of pictures. My dad and I are going to do alot of work9 (get the engine started and work on the brakes and get new tires) this weekend so I will take lots of pictures and post them.

JP