how bad is this rust?

[vitaminC]

I am in the hunt for a nice 914 for weekend cruising and occasional AX. Yesterday I drove a '73 2.0 that had a lot of things going for it (nice interior, good maint history, etc), however like most 914s it did have some rust spots. Since I'm new to these cars, I'm wondering if the rust pictured below is a deal breaker, especially considering I have no welding skills and don't plan to learn. The hell hole, trunks, and floors looked clean, but the area around the windshield and especially the driver's side long looked somewhat concerning.

Sorry for the lousy pics, but this was using my cell phone and just setting it under the car and hoping for the best...

Any rough estimates on how much it would cost to repair the rust in the longs? Would probably put in a reinforcement kit while in there.

Thoughts? I'm trying to decide if it's worth having a PPI done or if I should move on to the next one. Asking price is ~$7k. Thanks for any input!

[esses62]

remove the rocker cover (the black cover under the door sill) and inspect the longs. That jack post looks real crusty an indication that the longs are toast. If the long is rusted then be prepared to replace the main structural element of the car or run away don't walk!

[Cairo94507]

Just a glimpse I realize but what I see scares me. I personally would not pay $7K for that; try $4500.

[Rrrockhound]

I agree; you can do much better than that for 7K. I would also bet the hellhole isn't as clean as you think it is.

[Pete000]

I have seen that car in person, looks great but it has some rust. I also think it has AC which leaves a big hole in the front trunk. I would for sure pull the rockers off to see the rust.

[vitaminC]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, I cannot easily look at the car again, as I live 500 mi away. Just happened to be in the same town this weekend.

Sounds like it will need more work/$ to make it whole than I want to commit right now. That was my thinking, just wanted to get some more opinions.

[joejoe1]

Where are you located vitamin? I have a '73 2.0 I might let go. It would be a bit more than 7k though. p.m. if interested.

[racer]

Keep looking.. Not sure even $4K isn't too high. Lots of nice ones located in the suthwest/cali area. Depending on where you live, you may not find a nice "local" one easily.

[vitaminC]

I am still looking

I'm located near SF. I'm actually surprised that there aren't more nice cars nearby. Could just be that folks are waiting for spring before putting them on the market.

[Mike Bellis]

Call High Performance House in Redwood City. He always has 914's for sale. He also has more 914 parts than you can imagine in his 3 story warehouse.

[vitaminC]

Originally Posted by kg6dxn

Call High Performance House in Redwood City. He always has 914's for sale. He also has more 914 parts than you can imagine in his 3 story warehouse.

Already stopped by! The cars he has for sale right now are all cosmetically challenged. And he seems to want a premium for them. Still, it's nice to have that resource nearby.

[Mike Bellis]

My next suggestion is the classifieds at 914world. Don't forget Craigs List

[Arizona_928]

Run!!!!!!