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.

[MikeM]

Check Jeff Bowlsby's website,he details all the different things the LE's came with.
Example, the headlight motor covers are grey, not black.
Mike

[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?

[KELTY360]

Also, on your first walkaround, look at all body gaps at the trunks and doors. When you open the front trunk, look at the brace below the headlight buckets and the inner wheel arch for deformations. It can tip you off if it's had front end damage.

Be sure to have a good flashlight with fresh batteries.

[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.

[Elliot Cannon]

Your 914 tool kit. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I would want to see under the rocker panels. At least one side. If you remove the screws underneath, you can pull the panels out a bit and get a peak underneath. Maybe get a bit of a look at the jack posts.

[somd914]

A few other things to keep in mind:

1) As the old saying goes, you can only see 10% of the rust, i.e. it is always more extensive than you think. Hopefully you'll be OK.

2) Been sitting for three years, so brakes are possibly locked up.

3) As advertised, the engine is not running. That is always a questionable proposition, especially with rebuilds running north of $6k. Keep that in mind when negotiating.

4) I imagine the battery will be dead. Put a battery in and power the car up, then check all the electrical systems including all the lights (don't forget brake and turn signals), fresh and heat fans, and windshield wipers. Also check to see that the engine will crank.

5) Take a floor jack and jack stands, then take a good look underneath for rust, oil leaks, etc. if the owner will allow it.

6) Pull the carpets and inspect the floor pan - pedal box area wrapping up to the master cylinder has a tendency to collect moisture and rust as it is a recessed area. Replacement panels are not available for this area, which means custom fabrication or donor vehicle. For me, the floor pan has never been touched except for this area.

7) Take lots of photos to refresh your memory...

[Shadowfax]

I used this guide when I first looked at mine: Pelican 914 buyers guide. Also brought a pick - a screwdriver will work too - to poke around the weak areas.
Good luck with your search. Oh yeah sorry if I missed it but (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Edit: Saw that you joined in 2009. Welcome anyway (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Larmo63]

From the photos you posted, it looks like a pretty nice car but looks can be deceiving. I wish you all the best luck in buying this car and that it is a solid car for you!

If you DO end up buying it, officially….. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) For reals!!!!!!!!!!

[Cairo94507]

Don't forget a good flashlight. If you have a small light weight floor jack I would take that with you in addition to a scribe or screw driver to poke around under the car to check for rust. Re4member, if your phone takes good photos you can always slip it into tough to see spots and take some pictures. Good luck.

[KELTY360]

Your 914 tool kit. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I would want to see under the rocker panels. At least one side. If you remove the screws underneath, you can pull the panels out a bit and get a peak underneath. Maybe get a bit of a look at the jack posts.

That tool kit needs a credit card too.

[iankarr]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

AAA card, cellphone and CC. As the fever deepens you'll become great friends with your fedex/ups/postman as the daily boxes start to arrive.

Another few things to check:

– In the passenger side of the rear trunk, just in front of the taillight area, look for VIN numbers stamped in the sheet metal. If it's missing, it could be a sign of a previous hit...or restoration. Look closely or maybe take a tracing as rust and paint can fill the numbers in.

– Also in the rear trunk, check the seam where the trunk floor meets the vertical piece in the back. Shine a powerful flashlight from the outside and see if any light gets through.

Great that you joined AAA. They saved my butt several times. And the platinum level gets you towed up to 200 miles I believe. You also get a boatload of great discounts on everything from restaurants to hotel rooms as a member.

[iwanta914-6]

It appears that Jeff Bowlsby put together a 914 assessment form. This might come in handy.

http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/zTN_Gen_914CAF.pdf

[Cal]

Looks like a nice car.....please take lots of photos and post them.

[Jason74914]

Looks like a nice car.....please take lots of photos and post them.

You guys talking about AAA, need to get Hagerty classic car insurance. It is super cheap if you're car is not a daily driver, offers stated value replacement if stolen, and comes with free flatbed towing. Been using them for years and they are great.

[iwanta914-6]

Well, after all of that, this one is not coming home with me. The last 3 or so years since it was parked have not been good to it. While it maybe was stored inside for the majority of the 31 years she owned it, it's been outside since it was parked.

Because I knew right away when I saw it that this one was not for me, I did not fully inspect it. With the flat tires and sinking into the dirt, I didn't even bother to try to get a look underneath, I have a feeling it was not good. The VIN was far too early to be a Bumblebee and she mentioned that she bought the wheels to replace the steel wheels/hubcaps that it had. It does have the center console but it seems at some point someone tried to mimic the LE style.

It was a leaking fuel line that forced her to park it. She wants someone to put the car back on the road and enjoy it, she won't let someone part it out. I feel like I should try to help her sell it, but it's not something I have experience with. She doesn't know how to post ads on Craigslist and she's nervous about random people coming to her home to look at it.

This car can be saved, but it's going to take more time and money than I have. The car didn't even have a battery but it did in fact still had the original FI. She said it ran well prior to parking it, but whoever buys it will probably have to expect the worst.

Oh well, it was at least a good experience and the seller was a really nice lady. I could tell she loved the car and it will be emotional for her to let it go when that time comes.

The biggest challenge for me will be finding one locally that is solid and within my price range.

So, the search continues...