Potential 914 buyer Options

[JackVrooder]

I apologize for asking a question that has most likely been asked and answered many times. I am seriously looking at buyingone of these classics. I have a 944 that I am selling ( too complicated of a car for me). Any thoughts or things to watch out for when i go shopping for a 914? I have owned Fiats most of my adult life so i know little about the 914 except I like the looks.
thanks
Jack

[SirAndy]

Any thoughts or things to watch out for when i go shopping for a 914?

Rust, Rust and then some more Rust. Hands down the biggest problem on a 914.

There are a few areas that are prone to Rust, mainly the "Hell Hole" and surrounding areas as well as the floor pans, the rear trunk floor and the jack posts.

The Hell Hole is the part under the battery tray (if it hasn't rusted away yet). Battery acid drips down on top of the passanger frame rail and eats through it. This can also effect the engine shelf on that side and the suspension console(!).
If the top of the framerail has rust or was "repaired", make sure to remove the rocker panel on the pass. side and inspect the area just behind the jack post closely. More often than not, rust has made it's way all the way down there through the frame.

The floor pans usually rust right in front of the rear firewall from a leaking rear window (very common). Looks can be deceiving as the pans are coated with a thick layer of tar, which will hide the rust. Do the "crunch" test by pressing firmly on the tar. If you hear crunching, you got rust.

The rear trunk floor is prone to rust because of leaking taillight seals.

The jack posts accumulate dirt and debris from the rear tires that gets wedged inbetween the body and the rocker panels. You will have to remove the rocker panels to check.

You can also do the "big butt" check. Remove the targa top and with *both* doors open, stand on the pass. side frame in the door opening. if the car "sags", you got rust in the frame.

The '73 2.0L seems to be the most desireable of the bunch as it has the most power (no later model smog equipment) and least weight (less impact protection and lighter bumpers).


As a rule of thumb, buy the best car you can afford for your money! Rust repairs are time consuming and costly ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) Andy


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