First Post: Advise for purchase of 914 Options

[FREQUENCY 24.7]

This is my first post. I have come across a 914 and was wondering what you all thought about it. I had a 78 924 when I was younger and have always wanted another Porsche. Its a 74 1.8 914 and the body is straight and clean, the original paint looks very good with very minor blemishes. Interior is fully intact with driver seat side bolster tears, but all else is really good, just dirty. Headlight motors work great, very minimal rust under the bonnets. The hell hole is great and very minimal rust. Exhaust and heat exchange is intact and engine will even run... well, idol. It was fitted with webber carbs instead of the injection system and when gassed it dies... main jets? Anyway, original steel wheels, tranny shifts fine, clutch is good, brakes are fair, tires are decent enough for now and the suspension is tight. Clean title, asking price is $1500. Any thoughts, fears, suggestions, things to ask or take into consideration?

[Root_Werks]

I agree with Steve, if this isn't a parts car, it's a take-engine-out and start cutting out the rusted areas. Looks like a pretty big repair job.

[rwilner]

how long has it been parked on the grass like that? Parking over the naked ground is a great way to rust the entire underside of the car.

if possible and the owner will allow, jack the car up under one of the donuts (as if you were going to do an oil change) and check the door gap -- it should be uniform.

Another test of the chassis flex --
1. take targa top off,
2 open door,
3 get in car and sit (this works great if you're a bit....heavy)
4 roll window down,
5 close door,
6 roll window up,
7 try to open door.

If the door opens and the window doesn't stick at the top that's a very good sign. If it does stick at the top...
glass half empty = chassis flex due to rusty long.
glass half full = window just needs adjusting.