What is a 1970 914?, Differences...how interchangeable are the parts Options

[computers4kids]

Seriously thinking about picking up a 1970 914. It is a 69 build date. Has a 1.8 with carbs and a sideshift that had been converted.

Besides the tailshifter, what are the major essential differences between the 73-74 models?

I know this is a dumb question, but are the major body parts like the hoods, bumpers, interior parts i.e door panels, backpad, and dash interchangeable with later years.

What are some of the drawbacks of this early model?

Appreciate the feedback,
Mark

[davep]

By and large, most parts are the same or similar. Lids are the same, roof is slightly different, complete doors are interchangeable, but are internally different. Passenger seat and backpad are entirely different, and the interior finishings (carpet & vinyl) are different types. Bumpers are pretty similar, but no tits, and the rear has a slightly different design where the plate goes.

I would like to research this car a bit. VIN, date code, body #, etc.

[computers4kids]

I would like to research this car a bit. VIN, date code, body #, etc.

Thanks all for all the info...I didn't realize there were so many differences. So the interior is different, but does anyone know if an interior from say a 74 would bolt in?

Also, the owner swears it's a 1.8, not a 1.7??? He says that's the way it came because of the 69 build date.

Dave, I will be glad to pass on any info on the car if I end-up going back for it...I don't know that info right now. The car is practically a give-away. I'm not to sure even why I would want it...probably just a great way to unload a ton of money in repair. Would be a fun car to autocross though...never done that.

Thanks,
Mark

[Dave_Darling]

So the interior is different, but does anyone know if an interior from say a 74 would bolt in?

Nope, it takes a little bit of welding. The brackets for the passenger's seat are different, so you can't just bolt on the moveable one. The firewall also does not have the recesses for the spring-loaded inertia-reel seat belts, so you have to do a little extra work to fit those if you don't want the slide-to-adjust type of belts.

The two-piece flop-down handbrake handle can easily be replaced with the later one-piece one.

I think you have to make some relatively major changes to the dash to put in the side vents from the later cars.

The window lift mechanisms that were used in 73+ cars are often regarded as a major improvement over the earlier ones. The later ones used a scissors-type lift, while the early ones used a cable lift mechanism.

--DD