How much plastic is too much plastic?, at least there's no worry about rust Options

[mistro]

Still searching for my 914. Last week I think I found one in Chicago and have a club member check it out (Thanks Sherry!). While the report is not complete yet, and no pictures yet, Sherry and Scott find out that both front fenders have been replaced with fiberglass (never mentioned in my conversation with the owner). Do I care? I intend for this car to be a weekend kind of toy, not concourse for sure but how bad is it to have stock fenders replaced with fiberglass ones? This is not a GT or other kind of kit, just a replacement. Otherwise at least early indications is that it's a well sorted out and maintained 74 2.0 with original FI restoration about 40K ago, and very little other rust. Asking price is just shy of $7K. I'll post pix when available.

[dmenche914]

i'd avoid that car for $7k like the the plague. $7k ought to by a cherry low milage 914 with almost no rust, nor rust repair. Also 1976 is not the most sought after car, due to the smog stuff on it, the engine is less output than the 73 or 74 of same displacement. The rubber bumpers are a matter of taste, some like them, some do not. They are safer, but do wiegh considerably more.


The fact that the jack points are gone, and that the frame has been stiffened, indicates to me it had serius rust at one time. Often rust comes back, so beware of that. Glass fenders, if they are not flares likely means rust or accident in the past. If not done right (and even when done "right" ) the glass can crack at the metal joint. Aagain, I would avoid that car.

This car seems to have to much going aginst it.

1. possible collision damage or rust in front with the funky "stock" glass fenders.

2. Known prior rust in the chassis. (did they really get all the rust out?)

3. missing jack points.

4. later car that weighs more, and has less power than early cars.

5. $7k is on the upper end of price for a top quality car. This car from your discripition is likely "poor" quality at best.

All and all, keep looking, there are a lot of cars out there, you could do much better than this one.

Your part of the country with the weather and all means more likelyhold of rust. You might want to look for a recent sunbelt transplant car. High Performance House in Calif might be able to set you up with a better car, and still be less money even with one way air fare to get out here.

Nice 914's without collision or serius rust can be had out here in the $4-5K range. Ones as you descibe might fetch $1-2K out here, and only to someone that wants to invest a lot of time fixxing it. (and thats assuming it is ok mechanically)

I hate to tell you to avoid this car without seeing it, but from your discription, it just ain't worth it in my opinion.

dave