How long are 914s supposed to last?, Sorting through the myths |
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How long are 914s supposed to last?, Sorting through the myths |
JeffBowlsby |
May 6 2021, 08:13 PM
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#1
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914 Wiring Harnesses Group: Members Posts: 8,527 Joined: 7-January 03 From: San Ramon CA Member No.: 104 Region Association: None |
We like these old cars for our own reasons, but we often hear:
"...remember, these cars [or their parts] were not built to last more than ___ years, they are commodities with a limited useful life." "we live in a throw-away society"...but our cars are not generally disposables with a short time line or priced as such. I recently saw a Model A with 20K original miles, original paint. At 90-some years old it was a great car for its time and for what it is today. I think the draw is more than just nostalgia, its respect for good design, engineering and an owners regular maintenance. Todays cars are generally not made from water soluble materials or short life span elements (other than disposable maintenance items) - they have steel not wood chassis, glass not plastic windows, durable leather/fabric not paper seats, etc. With exceptions, generally capable of lasting more than a few years and they cost enough to justify the durability. Todays manufacturers give warranties of X years, Y miles. All that seems to mean is that they won't pay for maintenance or service after that limited time is up which is just a limitation of liability for those costs, not that the car is only expected to function that long. Not an unreasonable condition of sale, and most cars won't explode when the warranty expires. Seems counter to the disposable argument that 50-ish years later the original manufacturer still supports these old cars with many factory OEM new parts (albeit of limited selection) and many 914s are still thriving. If it were true that they were only intended to last a certain short period of time, then the mfr. would not be obligated to continue to support them. But they do. |
Montreal914 |
May 7 2021, 09:47 AM
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#2
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,574 Joined: 8-August 10 From: Claremont, CA Member No.: 12,023 Region Association: Southern California |
Climate is the key! Body rust is the killer in my book, having lived in a very aggressive environment. 10 years out of a car, was definitely good. Body and structure would let go before mechanics.
Now, compare this to SoCal, our fleet is up to 19 years old with piles of miles and every body and chassis panel is pristine steel with original paint. Mechanical components are available and can be relatively easily replaced. With pick a part, FLAPS, and web, these could easily run forever with a set of wrenches, which are typically available and used by regular folks. Bodywork, sheetmetal welding, etc. requires a different set of tools and skills that are not as easily accessible/known. Why do most 914s get parted out? Typically because of the rust cancer, not so much because of engine failure... |
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