Possible new 914 owner + 700 mile drive home tips Options

[1973tii]

I'm strongly considering buying my uncle's 914. It's a green 1975 1.8L garaged California car in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition.

We're 700 miles apart and if I got it, I'd fly down and drive it home. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that this car, as lovingly maintained as it is, could demonstrate a gremlin or ten on a long, sustained drive in warm weather. The 914 is currently taken out very infrequently, for short drives.

As knowledgeable 914 owners, what sort of recommendations would you have for this trip (other than a AAA membership -- (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )? A reasonable amount of tools will be carried. Beyond that, should I have a few electro-mechanical switches "in stock", along with a belt, etc, etc...? Any notorious parts that should be carried? I'm competent with the diagnostics/wrenching, but have no experience with these cars and don't know what breaks.

Thanks!

[ArtechnikA]

Just to re-iterate, never did I say not go for it. I'm really only concerned about old tires, because a lot of guys on the 356 list go through exactly this scenario, 10-year-old tires look perfect, then one throws its steel belt and takes out a quarter panel.

If you're going to go for it, proper preparation is the key. Take survival supplies - gallon of water a person a day, and food. A way to stay warm, cool, and dry. Reflectors and light-up gizmos. You may be telling yourself you won't drive at night, but if you have a mishap or a delay you may be on the road at night despite your best planning and intentions.

Put AAA on speed-dial and as silly as this sounds - always keep a good idea of where you are - pay attention to the mile markers. More than once I've had to call AAA in the middle of freakin' nowhere talking to a dispatcher who has no idea of the area, trying to figure out where to send the truck.

Don't plan on using the 914's electrical system as your lifeline. A flat battery for any reason leaves you really stranded.

Do not overestimate how many miles you can do at a time - you will be feeling and hearing things you're not used to - it is stressful. Make friends with the shift pattern before you need to rely on it in traffic.

[swl]

I'm really only concerned about old tires,

And rightly so. If the date stamp is greater than 6 years get uncle to put on some fresh rubber and break them in for a while.

We joke about these things being NARP. fact is they are RVW. (real volkswagens) Damn simple car. If Uncle has been driving it regularly and maintaining it I say go for it. Take your time. Take a half day tooling around in the local area then take off the top and point that baby north! Take your time, do the scenic route, don't drive at night if you can avoid it. Treat her gently and watch your guages.

I did Victoria BC to LA round trip and the car didn't give me any problems at all! .... Mind you that was back in '77 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/howard.gif)

It'll be an adventure!