First time looking at a 914 Options

[iwanta914-6]

As you may or may not have read in my thread about searching for a 914, I'll be looking at one tomorrow (Sunday).

This will be the first time I've actually put my eyes (and hands) on one. I'll obviously inspect critical areas like the hell hole and Longs (as best I can since the rockers will be on).

Any tips? I'm mostly concerned about rust. Even though I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to mechanical repairs, I think (with the help of 914world) I can work through most of that.

If anyone in the twin cities area that knows what to look for wants to assist me tomorrow afternoon, PM me. I would be glad to pay a small fee for your time. (seller is in Cottage Grove)

Here's what I know about the car from the seller:

1974 Porsche 914 2 liter. Black, less than 80,000
original miles, appearance group, Fuchs alloys, 5
speed, original fuel injection, pristine interior, collector
plates. Never in accident, never smoked in. Always
garaged. Same owner for 31 years.

Needs new fuel pump bracket and fuel lines, thus
not drivable at this time; radio also not working.
Been sitting for about 3 years so tires are flat, and
would need replacing about now anyway.

Now I know that the wheels are not Fuchs, they're mahles.

[SirAndy]

Black '74 with Mahle wheels? Color me intrigued. Look for yellow paint ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[iwanta914-6]

Black '74 with Mahle wheels? Color me intrigued. Look for yellow paint ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

I'm almost certain it could be a bumblebee. No sail vinyl, appears to have the LE front spoiler, painted bumpers with fogs.

There are a couple of photos in my other thread.

[KELTY360]

Black '74 with Mahle wheels? Color me intrigued. Look for yellow paint ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

I'm almost certain it could be a bumblebee. No sail vinyl, appears to have the LE front spoiler, painted bumpers with fogs.

There are a couple of photos in my other thread.

It also looked to have black trim on the targa bar which is a good sign.

Even with the rockers on you can feel up under there at the ends and along the length to get an idea if there is rot. Check the bottom corners of the windshield frame and the cowl. Check the 'foam' areas: top of rear fenders by taillights, top of fender at door latch. Check corners of door sills. Bubbles in any of those spots means more is hidden. Check trunk floor below the taillights. Check the firewall in the engine bay; is the insulation pad still there? any sign of rust or saturation with water? Is the rear window solidly in place?

If it's always been garaged for the last 31 years and has only 80k miles, it was probably a dry weather driver. Who knows what it's first 11 years were like. The evidence you have so far points to a pretty solid car, but you never know til you get eyes on it.

Have you got all you ducks in a row if it turns out to be what you're looking for?

[iwanta914-6]

Have you got all you ducks in a row if it turns out to be what you're looking for?

I didn't transfer funds into an account that I can draw from until yesterday afternoon so it won't be available until Monday. Since the car isn't advertised yet I think the seller will work with me on that. I still have to figure out transport. I may just look into how much a flatbed tow would cost since it's about 60 miles.

Thanks for all of the info!

[KELTY360]

I may just look into how much a flatbed tow would cost since it's about 60 miles.

If you're not a AAA member now, you'll want to be if you buy a 914. Buy the premium plus membership and it will cover your flatbed bill and still leave you with a rescue angel as you get the car sorted out.

[iwanta914-6]

I may just look into how much a flatbed tow would cost since it's about 60 miles.

If you're not a AAA member now, you'll want to be if you buy a 914. Buy the premium plus membership and it will cover your flatbed bill and still leave you with a rescue angel as you get the car sorted out.

Thanks, I just signed up. I figured even if I don't get the car, it doesn't hurt to have AAA for the next year.