Looking at a '70 model - talk me into / out of it? Options

[Mike McGrath]

I'm thinking of trading over my BMW 2002 for a 1970 914. Very little rust, nothing in the bad areas. Needs the seats recovered and some other minor repairs, but mechanically it's all there.

Here's my Q = with the 1.7, am I immediately going to end up looking for a replacement engine? I'm not planning to go bigger, necessarily, but I am nervous about stuff breaking and having a lack of decent repair parts. Would it be better to hold out for a later year model with a 2.0 and the better shifter?

I'm trading one project for another, so I suppose I'm not really out any money (besides whatever I decide to put into the 914) and this will likely be more of a project and fun ride rather than a daily driver.

Excited to be getting my second P-car!

Thanks!

[Chris Pincetich]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif)
Most all the disadvantages of the early models can be dealt with, here are a few I can think of:
1) Tailshift -> sideshift conversion
2) Passenger seat backbad only -> weld in seat rails
3) 1.7-> 2.0 bolt in

I love the early models for the chrome bumpers and the bare-minimum feel. Parts for the early years are sometimes harder to come by, but if you aren't worried about a concourse resoration the other years do have some parts (interior, body) that work just fine.

I'm dealing with rustoration on my '72, and let me tell you a simple formula: square inches of rust penetration x 10 = $$$ x 100 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/sad.gif)

So check out every square inch possible for rust! Pull back the rugs, under the ebrake handle, under the pedals (bolt heads on gas pedal rusty?), trunks, under the spare tire, etc etc etc

Good luck (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beerchug.gif)