Newbie needs purchase advice, Purchase advise Options

[Indyheel]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the 914 world and am looking at a '73. The car is from Colorado and was dry stored for 23 years. Car is relatively rust free with the exception of a small area by the drivers door sill. I've attached pics of the battery area. Would do you think?

[DickSteinkamp]

Looks like someone torched out the floor of the battery tray for some reason...probably rust. Replacements are available.

IMHO, rust is the biggest factor when evaluating a 914 (or any unibody car) for purchase. There are some that are geniuses here for finding and repairing rust on these cars, but it takes a rotisserie, removal of all paint and undercoating, exceptional MIG welding skills, and the ability to fabricate the replacement panels that aren't reproduced.

One of the biggest rust problems on these cars (and an indicator of rust in other areas) is the area under and in front of the battery tray....affectionally known as the "hell hole". The drain hole there gets plugged then water (and maybe some battery acid) accumulates there. Same is true on the driver's side of the car to a lesser extent.

It would be important to remove at least one rocker panel to examine the longitudinals.

Others can give more areas to look at for rust. Check them all. A little rust you can see means a lot of rust you can't see.

I hope you found a relatively rust free one.