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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ 914 project help needed

Posted by: type11969 Dec 2 2003, 08:00 AM

My 69 Beetle is basically done and I am thinking about taking on another project. I've always wanted a 914, but they are pretty tough to come by in the rusty Northeast. I found a 74 1.8 for 1k that needs some work, and I was wondering if all of you in the know could shed some light on whether or not this car is worth it or not.

The owner says the car runs, but the tank is full of crap from sitting for a awhile so the fuel pump is shot, none of this bothers me because I have a rebuilt 1.8L engine along with an aftermarket FI fuel pump and regulator so I can throw that all in there is need be. The car still has the stock fuel injection. I don't know about the condition of the trans, I have a tail shifter sitting around, but the tranny's themselves are different, not just the linkage, right? Or if the side-shifter is shot, can I swap linkages and make the tail shifter a side shifter?

The car has some rust. The pans are solid, both trunks are solid, the firewall is solid, under the pedals is solid. Both jacking points are rusted out along with the rear most part of both of the rockers (left isn't bad, right is). Can part of the rocker be cut out and welded in, or does it all need to be done? There is a hole under the battery tray (tray itself has been replaced), and there is some rust underneath the tray, but the suspension mounting points are fine. It has been hit in the rear, but it has been repaired. There are some rust bubbles up from under the paint (crappy last paint job).

Basically what I want out of the car is a driver that doesn't have to be 100% correct for its age or 100% complete. I have time to work on it also, and I have alternate transportation. So I guess the basic question is, can the rust (as I have described it) be repaired? How skilled does one have to be to do it? And how much is this car worth considering it is in the Northeast?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sorry about the length.

Thanks,

Chris

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 2 2003, 08:13 AM

Don't woory about long winded posts. Specially if it's 914 related. This is the place to ask. See if you can get a couple of pictures and post them on this thread. Check the door gaps for sag. And the right rear suspension consule under the battery area. The tail shift trans can be changed over to a side shft by switching the rear covers I think. The biggest thing is the rust repair. Do you have a heated garage and a welder?

Posted by: JerryP Dec 2 2003, 08:52 AM

I'm in the northeast and have gone through 2 cars with rusted out jack points. One I parted out and one I basicly just gave away (with a running engine) because I lost my storage and the cost to fix it properly, even using all my labor, exceeded the cost of the solid car I found to replace it. I guess it all depends on what you mean by "rusted out". I, personally, think you come out ahead by paying more for a solid CA or otherwise low-rust car or roller along with shipping before paying 1k for a questionable 1.8 that sags. Hope that helps.

Posted by: Bleyseng Dec 2 2003, 09:35 AM

Glad you made it over from the STF BBS, welcome.
One thing you could do is weld in Brad Mayer clamshell repair kit. That would fix the problem you have but I guess there are other rusty areas that need attention.
I am not a big fan of the 1.8 motors as they don't have much hp compared to a 2.0l car.
Try to get the price down if you are going to get this car as it is going to cost some money and time to get it road worthy.

Geoff

Posted by: trojanhorsepower Dec 2 2003, 04:49 PM

Chris,

I went the cheep rout and bought a 914 project that some one chickened out of. I have
learned a few things. The welding can be done, but much of it requires more complex
disassembly than you would think, also it will be much worse than you imagine. I am
the last person to try and talk you out of a project, but be aware, look at some of the other
posts dealing with welding repairs. If I had it to do over I would have spent more money up front (I assure you, you are not saving any money buy starting low) and got a better car. I think it is bowsly that has a very nice LE (rare) for sale, check it out then think about what you really want to do, drive or work. If you can do the work and you want to then it is great to save another one. If you want to drive, keep looking.
Don’t be afraid to keep looking.

-Pete

Posted by: URY914 Dec 2 2003, 06:20 PM

Welcome to the Brotherhood,
A grand is a pretty good price for a car with an engine that runs. But you really need to post some pictures of it if possible. We can help you with it and Racer Chris can't be too far from you. He has a shop in Ct and knows his way around a 'teener.

Paul