advice on 914 restoration |
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advice on 914 restoration |
JayKoit |
Jun 5 2011, 12:57 AM
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#1
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 4-June 11 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 13,158 Region Association: Southern California |
Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum, but I'm a long time Porsche enthusiast, and I'm looking for some advice. I'd like to purchase and restore an old Porsche 914, or possibly a 912. I did a '73 Super Beetle restoration about 12 years ago and loved it, and I'm hoping some of what I learned in that process will translate over to a 914/912 restoration, at least in the powertrain dept. Not sure if anyone on this forum has 912 restoration experience, but my main question is: if i'm on a budget, and my only experience is restoring a beetle, which one would be a better fit for my wallet & experience level, or are they about the same? Also, is there a notable difference in insurance premiums between the two? Finally, if I find a good, mostly rust free roller without engine or tranny, what would a ground up restoration cost on a 914 if I just went with standard engine, tranny, suspension, etc?I love both models equally, just wondering if anyone would be willing to give me feedback on this. Thanks! |
Tom_T |
Jun 5 2011, 01:16 AM
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#2
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TMI.... Group: Members Posts: 8,318 Joined: 19-March 09 From: Orange, CA Member No.: 10,181 Region Association: Southern California |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
Well being that this is a 914 website, you might expect a slight slant towards 914s as the preference! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) IMHO the 914 will always out handle the 912/912E due to the superior mid-engine layout & better weight balance (close to 50:50). (14-6's are the top dog to collectors but pricey, 73 & 74 2.0 4's are the 2nd best (& the 74 LE/CanAm's are among them), with the 75 & 76 2.0 4's next most popular - the 2.0's for the better power, but a strong 70-72 1.7 is close in power to the later 75-76 2.0's. However, in CA you'll want to stick with the pre-76 914's to avoid semi-annual smog checks & the expense of keeping them in compliance, since 75 & earlier are smog exempt with DMV (same for all autos). Find the best & most complete & most rust-free example you can find to start with, then the sources on here & those that members can lead you to will provide what you'll need for the resto project. Also, think of going to Medford OR for a 914 long weekend at the end of June (see topic in the Garage forum), and the G&R 914 parts swap & BBQ this Oct.+/- (last one was 5/1 :-( ), etc. to get to know folks on here better in person. There is some good info on 914s in the link at the top: 914 info - as well as at the following sites: http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/ http://www.bowlsby.net/914/CanAm/ p914.com So (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) & read up, then onward with your quest! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) Tom /////// |
carr914 |
Jun 5 2011, 04:33 AM
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#3
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Racer from Birth Group: Members Posts: 118,774 Joined: 2-February 04 From: Tampa,FL Member No.: 1,623 Region Association: South East States |
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rick 918-S |
Jun 5 2011, 06:31 AM
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#4
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Hey nice rack! -Celette Group: Members Posts: 20,464 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Now in Superior WI Member No.: 43 Region Association: Northstar Region |
What they said. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) With one addition. I doubt you will find a better support group with any other type vehicle than you will find here. Check the classified here. There are always some great cars for sale.
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EdwardBlume |
Jun 5 2011, 06:52 AM
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#5
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914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 12,338 Joined: 2-January 03 From: SLO Member No.: 81 Region Association: Central California |
What they said. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) With one addition. I doubt you will find a better support group with any other type vehicle than you will find here. Check the classified here. There are always some great cars for sale. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) Restoring a SB and a 914 are in the same genre. Buy as much as you can and buy it right. Bring your wallet and have fun! |
Cairo94507 |
Jun 5 2011, 07:03 AM
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#6
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Michael Group: Members Posts: 9,783 Joined: 1-November 08 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 9,712 Region Association: Northern California |
Welcome by all means to the madness. This is a seriously great group of 914 fanatics. The depth of information about these cars here is crazy. Of course I think you are better off restoring a 914....but that was obvious.
Good luck in your quest to find the right car for you and may you have a ton of fun restoring it to one you will be proud to drive. |
TJB/914 |
Jun 5 2011, 08:07 AM
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#7
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Mid-Engn. Group: Members Posts: 4,330 Joined: 24-February 03 From: Plymouth & Petoskey, MI Member No.: 346 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
BTW: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
The only thing I suggest, spend $8K to $10K up front for a running rust free 914 and you will spend less money in the end. If you buy a low buck rust bucket you will spend more in the final restoration along with a 5-10 year project (really). Parts are getting scarce and expensive. I understand everyone's budget is different, but if you have it spend it up front. I completely restored my 914 about 10-years ago on a rust free CA car and spent about $12K in parts with a lot of horse trading to bring my total restoration cost in at about $20K. I believe today's replacement parts will be in the $20K range, not including motor work for a CW type restoration plus labor costs, paint & misc services. Cost can be reduced if your a do it yourself guy. Make a plan before you start. Do you want a daily driver or CW restoration or ??? Everything depends on your up front $-budget?? This site is the best in 914 land. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) We are here to help!!! Tom |
VaccaRabite |
Jun 5 2011, 08:39 AM
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#8
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En Garde! Group: Admin Posts: 13,446 Joined: 15-December 03 From: Dallastown, PA Member No.: 1,435 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Agree about paying more now to pay less later. But often the only way to get the far I want is to buy a fixer and then slowly pay out.
A lot Of the skills you learned with the beetle will help with a 914 or 912. They are built similarly. A 912 will probably have a much more expensive engine unless you get the 912E. A TIV engine is a little more expensive to build then a TI, but they are just as easy. Rust will be an issue just as it probably was for the bug. Good luck and we will be interested in whatever you get! |
76-914 |
Jun 5 2011, 08:56 AM
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#9
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Repeat Offender & Resident Subaru Antagonist Group: Members Posts: 13,505 Joined: 23-January 09 From: Temecula, CA Member No.: 9,964 Region Association: Southern California |
Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, but I'm a long time Porsche enthusiast, and I'm looking for some advice. I'd like to purchase and restore an old Porsche 914, or possibly a 912. I did a '73 Super Beetle restoration about 12 years ago and loved it, and I'm hoping some of what I learned in that process will translate over to a 914/912 restoration, at least in the powertrain dept. Not sure if anyone on this forum has 912 restoration experience, but my main question is: if i'm on a budget, and my only experience is restoring a beetle, which one would be a better fit for my wallet & experience level, or are they about the same? Also, is there a notable difference in insurance premiums between the two? Finally, if I find a good, mostly rust free roller without engine or tranny, what would a ground up restoration cost on a 914 if I just went with standard engine, tranny, suspension, etc?I love both models equally, just wondering if anyone would be willing to give me feedback on this. Thanks! If you buy a roller w/o engine and tranny you will drop about 900 - 9000. There is/was a 1.7 running engine advertised here for 350 this week. Or you can buy one of Jakes creations for 7000 and up. Best buy = McMarks (one of our members) 2056cc. Good tranny's 200 and up. Suspension/brakes can be what you want it to be; 50 - 1200 stock configuration. Interior; I'd buy one mostly complete. It's a PITA trying to have a seat/windshield shipped. Be patient and wait for a min rust (the only remaining rust free model belongs to the tooth fairy) 73+ model that is running. If it runs you can check out the brakes, suspension and tranny and eliminate the guess work. BTW, you'll want a side shift tranny which would be std eqp on 73+ models. Depending upon the degree of head work and if your crank is good expect 1000-1500 to rebuild it yourself less P&C's. |
IronHillRestorations |
Jun 5 2011, 11:42 AM
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#10
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I. I. R. C. Group: Members Posts: 6,720 Joined: 18-March 03 From: West TN Member No.: 439 Region Association: None |
Typically, the more you spend on the front end, the less you'll spend in the long run. Always be patient and get the best car you can afford.
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jzdu |
Jun 5 2011, 05:56 PM
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#11
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Member Group: Members Posts: 69 Joined: 7-July 08 From: Medford, Or Member No.: 9,268 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
I started with a $2300 1973 that looked like someone painted it with a roller. Almost four years later, I've got around 14k invested. I've only driven my car once, the day I bought it. I expect to be driving it any day though!
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JayKoit |
Jun 5 2011, 08:36 PM
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#12
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 4-June 11 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 13,158 Region Association: Southern California |
Wow! Thanks so much for the warm welcome and all the great advice. I can tell this group will be very friendly and helpful throughout my quest. I really appreciate all the great feedback.
...oh, and I think the 914 is definitely the way to go! Cheers, Jason |
Surferdean |
Jul 6 2022, 08:26 AM
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#13
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 1 Joined: 5-July 22 From: New Jersey Member No.: 26,675 Region Association: North East States |
Hello my name is Dean and nrw to the group
Recently purchased my first 914 and looking to restore I’m on Long Island NY , and looking for a place that would do Resturation Any help would be appreciated |
914_7T3 |
Jul 6 2022, 10:01 AM
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#14
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Please forgive me, I'm new to all of this! Group: Members Posts: 1,853 Joined: 3-April 17 From: Los Angeles, CA Member No.: 20,991 Region Association: Southern California |
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infraredcalvin |
Jul 6 2022, 06:36 PM
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#15
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Distracted Member Group: Members Posts: 1,520 Joined: 25-August 08 From: Ladera Ranch, CA Member No.: 9,463 Region Association: Southern California |
Hello my name is Dean and nrw to the group Recently purchased my first 914 and looking to restore I’m on Long Island NY , and looking for a place that would do Resturation Any help would be appreciated Hello Dean, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) . I’d suggest you start a clean, new thread, people tend to skim through these threads, the last guy didn’t even notice he was responding to a 11 year old thread… Sorry I have no help for you, but a lot of good people on here who can point you in the right direction! |
bkrantz |
Jul 6 2022, 08:45 PM
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#16
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,772 Joined: 3-August 19 From: SW Colorado Member No.: 23,343 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
Support for 914s is strong, with vendors like 914 Rubber, Restoration Design, and Auto Atlanta (plus lots of other vendors and used part sources), and with moral support and advice from the people on this website.
I can't speak directly about 912s. I suspect similar sources exist, especially with overlap with 911s. I also suspect that might be pricier. |
930cabman |
Jul 7 2022, 04:58 AM
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#17
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,081 Joined: 12-November 20 From: Buffalo Member No.: 24,877 Region Association: North East States |
Typically, the more you spend on the front end, the less you'll spend in the long run. Always be patient and get the best car you can afford. A word from the wise. In my many years of fooling with old cheap junk, I have learned the hard way to take your time and find something decent to start with. BTW: Welcome aboard to the 914 Ward |
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