Getting Started, is the 914 the right car?, Lurker finally speaks and asks questions. Options

[scott_in_nh]

Thanks Flip, I had seen that post before pictures were added and assumed (maybe incorrectly) that it must be very rough at that price.

A PPI by somebody in the area would be a must for me as "no rust to speak of" may be a matter of how talkative you are instead of how much rust there is!
Looks good though - nice interior too.

Anybody near by who can take a look?

[Jeffs9146]

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Although I have been a member here since the begining I too was once a Mustang rat! I bought my 914 when my 67 Mustang Convertable wouldn't make it around what I thought was just an agressive corner! Even lowered with suspension and sway bars it plowed like a truck! After I wrecked it I was test driving a 914 with a 471 flare package and went around the corner twice as fast!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) Sold!!! It didn't matter how much the car cost I just had to have it!

I have owned at least 13 teens now and everyone of them has been a different experience! I still learn something every time I get another one! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Jump in and avoid the rust!! Everything else is fairly straight forward, replace, rebuild, clean & fabricate!

Ask Lennies914, he bought his first 914 just last year! Now I think he is on #4 or 5!

[rmousir]

Thanks very much for the tips and the warm welcome guys.

I love my mustang, but don't get me wrong I know its not a corner carver. I have tweaked the suspension so it does better than a stocker and I enjoy it for what it is. It has some power though.

So the 914 has some things going for it.

-Great forum
-style
-go cart like handling

It has some things not going for it
-to have any sort of power it looks like a engine swap or a costly rebuild.
-finding nice examples for what I think is a fair price is difficult (sorry but I am thrifty or 'cheap' according to one guy I know).

As for doing the work, I am looking forward to that for my next car. I have my current car ready for the road. I don't mind a car that needs stripped down and rebuilt. It sounds like I won't have a problem finding one that requires that, however I want a complete car that is pretty much all there so I have a good start.

I am also looking at some other cars to keep my options open. I haven't committed to one yet but if someone here has a car they want to drop off at my house with a clear title I would be happy to take the no charge car and give it a good home where it will be saved.

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[smontanaro]

Don't forget the Member Vendors forum!

S

[scott_in_nh]

-finding nice examples for what I think is a fair price is difficult (sorry but I am thrifty or 'cheap' according to one guy I know).

Bingo! I am not thrifty or cheap I am "resourceful and value oriented" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Jeffs9146]

FYI I have heard that the Ford 289 bolts directly to the transmission in the 914 without an adaptor! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[Eric_Shea]

(sorry but I am thrifty or 'cheap' according to one guy I know).

Well... you now have a new moniker and, sounds like you'll fit right in with the rest of the CSOB's here. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

1. What kind of costs would a 914 project take? What I mean is that I am used to the costs associated with a classic Mustang. This a Porsche after all and I can just imagine parts and items being 3x as much as I might be used. The associated costs of parts might very well make this a no go.

How thorough do you want to be? It can be as much as a Rustoleum roller job (search is your friend) and a bunch of free parts from the gang here or... it can be a full on ground up restoration with nothin but new or NOS parts. It really depends on you and what you start with. That said, I don't see 914 parts any more or less expensive than Mustang parts.

2. I really like the idea that these 914s can handle pretty well and even do double duty as a driver and a weekend racer. Although I don't have plans for that sort of thing, I like the idea that if I chose a 914 could easily do this. From what I have seen on this site many folks put in a different motor. Why is that? Is there something wrong with the stock motors to where one can not get power out of it?

Probably been answered a million times alread (didn't really read through the thread). It's difficult to get real power out of a T4 without spending real money. I think it's fairly easy to get 120 with bolt on stuff (P&C, Cams and Exhaust) but, when you want real power... it comes at a cost, both moniterily and reliability. There's an alure to bolting in the factory's answer or... some smokin modern Suby solution. It's a fairly easy car to bolt anything into.

3. Availability of parts. Nothing sucks more than being close to finishing something up and not being able to get a part. Is that the case with 914s?

I almost stated this in #1. Hang out in the classified section. You'll find everything from Mud Flaps to 3.6 engines. You'll be able to get a handle on these things fairly easily.

4. Are there any part supplier catalogs that I could order (free hopefully) to take a look and see what can and can't be gotten for these cars and the costs? This could be a big help with question 3.

Your best resource is "HERE". The knowledge of these people here far exceeds the need for a catalog. Both GPR and Pelican parts are some of the very best vendors out there. Honest as the day is long, 914 owners themselves and very FAIR pricing. There are those to stay away from but, I'll let you decide on that... all I'll add is "trust what others tell you here.

5. What are the basic restore/mod projects (sway bars is one I read about) for a 914 to bring it up to modern day par? You know the 'if you have one you should do this this and that first thing.

No. There are no "basic" mod/restore projects that accomplish this. There are things you can do (like sway bars) that were done back in 1970 that should have been done to all the cars. That's a great one BTW. Others include, get your brakes up to snuff, get excellent shocks and get some great tires. You'll be amazed at how your car can change with a suspension "spruce-up". Modern day par involves 3.2 or 3.6 engine, power this, power that... others have done it but, I don't see it ever fitting into the "basic" category.

The other project cars on my radar are: Miata (I know its not old), VW Super Beetle, Triumph TR-6, Datsun 510, Datsun 240z, and Alfa Spyder.

Based upon your criteria in your original post I think you can narrow it down to 3 or 4. 914 (my favorite of the group), Miata (Slits favorite... I hear Brant's fond of them also) the 240 and the Alfa. That said, from what I read, you have all of the qualifications of a 914Geek (I have a real fondness for the 914 and its unique looks. I like that it is both a coop and a convertible with the targa roof. I like the style and the unique look of the car. I love that you can't find one on every corner. It seems to be a very simple set up as far as working on it goes.)

Anything else I should know or be aware of if I decide to jump in to another project with a 914? I appreciate your time and all comments and suggestions.

Every one has rust. Welding skills can save you money. I've found welding is like playing guitar. A few can do it really well. A bunch are hacks and should probably put it down, and a bunch more just like to watch others do it. To do it right costs money. To do a Super Beetle right costs money. Do it because you love it, not because you expect to rake in a ton of dough someday when you decide to sell it. Use the board for any and every resource you can ask or think about. Someone here has done it already...

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[rmousir]

FYI I have heard that the Ford 289 bolts directly to the transmission in the 914 without an adaptor! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Now that is something that I have some back ground in. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I am pretty sure I would want more power. There isn't much that sounds better than a good old American V8! I bet that would be fun to hear it from a German car. Now I guess I have to do some more reading. If I go with the 914 I have to sweet talk the wife, she already said no about getting one.

I saw that someone mentioned welding skills. I have some. And I might add that for anyone who isn't a pro, that is what grinders are for. Every one has to start some where.

[abnrdo]

FYI I have heard that the Ford 289 bolts directly to the transmission in the 914 without an adaptor! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Now that is something that I have some back ground in. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I am pretty sure I would want more power. There isn't much that sounds better than a good old American V8! I bet that would be fun to hear it from a German car. Now I guess I have to do some more reading. If I go with the 914 I have to sweet talk the wife, she already said no about getting one.

I saw that someone mentioned welding skills. I have some. And I might add that for anyone who isn't a pro, that is what grinders are for. Every one has to start some where.

I would also agree on finding a relatively rust free body and then modifying it as you wish. It took me 7 years to find the right 914. I am still mulling engine options, but I really like the LS1/LS2 conversion. Seems the 3.2 is a bit expensive.
I must also say, that my wife purchased the car for me as a birthday gift.
Yay me!!
Hope you find the "one!"
-Jim

[Slick914]

I know it has already been said numerous times, but it can't be stressed enough. RUST is the main fault about the 914. I know when I first started looking and was warned about rust, I figured no big deal, any classic car has rust prone areas to watch for. The 914 is extremely terrible. I won't get into the specific areas, but some seaching will reveal horror stories.

Whenever a 914 is listed as rust free, don't believe it unless you see it with your own eyes. They usually mean no rust is visible on the exterior body of the car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[moparrob]

(In my best Clint Eastwood voice:)

"Well, you gotta ask yourself one question, do you like Jackstands punk? Well do ya?"

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[rmousir]

(In my best Clint Eastwood voice:)

"Well, you gotta ask yourself one question, do you like Jackstands punk? Well do ya?"

Jack stands are no problem but if I go this route I will do the rotissory. So I don't see any problems there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[porbmw]

Two comments

1) Be patient. There are nice clean examples of 14s out there, needing SOME work, but decent drivers with lots of potential for upgrades and cosmetics.

Find a decent example, and take it for a drive. See how it fits, and suits your needs/wants..... That may not be the best advice, cuz you may initially feel it is underpowered, and that you want more "go".


2) That leads to the next comment, and one of my favorite sayings.

"It is more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow".

May be poor grammar, but it says it all. There aren't that many times that we really get to let our cars stretch out and run....(at least if we don't have track time, or live somewhere where the constabulary aren't eager to slow us down...and that gets downright discouraging)

I have a 76 930. I have had it for about 20 years. It is a great car. It is a FAST car (not so fast anymore, given the new cars being produced, but still plenty fast).
It is fun to drive....but I have to take 30-60 minutes to get out of town, to "somewhere" where I hope I won't get nailed for doing ridiculous speeds, and lose the car to the authorities....

On the flip side, in many, many ways, the 14 is a way more fun car to drive. The seating position, the feeling of lightness and involvement, the engine noise right behind you, and...the "tossible" go cart handling.

The "other cars" you are considering (with the exception of the Miata) are all cool cars, but as rusty as the 14.

None of them have the Targa top, the mid engine....etc...

Buy a decent, driveable 14...buy the best you can, with the finances you are stuck with.....don't get caught up with bling factors offered with the sale...just get a good, honest car....live with it for a year...or two....then decide what upgrades are important to you.

That brings me back to "be patient". Before the internet, we had to rely on what was immediately available, or if you were lucky, a "friend knew a friend who was selling their cherry car...".

I bought a rust bucket back in 1981, not thinking a car would rust in 7 years. WRONG. I did what I could to make it look decent. It did, but I didn't have the skills or the time to do it absolutely right, and since I bought a good car about 5 years ago (on the internet...a good clean tired original 6), I cut the old one up for parts.

Just before buying my "current good car" I bought a clean 74 1.8 ...on ebay....in Washington State...turned out is was a Calif car, with a tired body, rust only in the battery tray area...had planned on doing a GT clone type tribute.

It was too clean to cut up (and I had by then learned that there are clean cars out there for those who are patient) so stored it for 5 years, to give to my daughter once she got out of High School. It is a blast to drive....(I get to borrow it while my 6 slowly is resurrected)

Yes, the Toyotas pass her/us...but they aren't having nearly as much fun...(of course, NOW it is in the shop getting a decent respray, and battery box...and out of commission)...

Odds are, if you buy one....you'll buy another....and another....

Would like to know how many owners are out there who own more than one...and I'd bet most have OWNED more than one. It's like crack, except perfectly legal, and I'm assuming a whole lot more fun.

BTW

You are way ahead of where I was in the hunt. You have already found this site....with owners who are passionate about their cars, and willing to help. They also sell their cars....and odds are theirs will be better cars than found elsewhere (I got lucky with my 2 ebay purchases) and odds are the owners will be more forthcoming re the condition of their cars...

Buy one (from them, or elsewhere), and you'll get a lot of support from this group...it's a good one.

Have fun

[flipb]

Odds are, if you buy one....you'll buy another....and another....

Would like to know how many owners are out there who own more than one...and I'd bet most have OWNED more than one. It's like crack, except perfectly legal, and I'm assuming a whole lot more fun.

Once upon a time, there was a Poll that asked how many 914s you currently own. I just spent way too long searching for it, but couldn't find it. In any case, I remember about 40% of the responses said "one" - so yes, you're right about owning multiple.

Speaking of polls, here's one I conducted that might be useful to a prospective owner.

[Cambo]

I was where you are about a year ago. I read just enough on here to know that you need to start out with as little rust as possible. I found a car from camp914.com He usually has a few cars for sale, sometimes he has ones that aren't on his website. Just one more place to look for your "rust free" starter car. My car was in pretty good shape except for the battery tray. I'm having that work done at the shop as I'm not much of a metal work guy.

[flipb]

Odds are, if you buy one....you'll buy another....and another....

Would like to know how many owners are out there who own more than one...and I'd bet most have OWNED more than one. It's like crack, except perfectly legal, and I'm assuming a whole lot more fun.

Once upon a time, there was a Poll that asked how many 914s you currently own. I just spent way too long searching for it, but couldn't find it. In any case, I remember about 40% of the responses said "one" - so yes, you're right about owning multiple.

Speaking of polls, here's one I conducted that might be useful to a prospective owner.

Just bumping this as a finally found the poll about how many 914's you own.

[Rand]

No offense George, but get one of your guys to show you how to use the qoute feature please.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I was thinking the same thing. Trying to figure out what George was adding to that post was more difficult than repairing a hell hole. And he owns a forum?

Sorry rmousir, sometimes things get a little off topic around here. But that's another great point... The 914 seems to bring together an amazing community, especially here on "World." Guys (and some gals) who love to enjoy the camaraderie as much as the car. And who often get together to help each other out.

As you've read, the most cost-effective route is to buy a car that doesn't need work.

On the other hand, a lot of us like to work on these things.

Personally, I would rather work on sheet metal than engines. So I'd rather do some rust repair, (cut, fab, weld) than rebuild a power plant.

Did you mention what your budget is? And if you like to work on car projects, what kind of work do you like and dislike? I'd say the answer to those will be important in deciding which car to buy.

[rmousir]

You are way ahead of where I was in the hunt. You have already found this site....with owners who are passionate about their cars, and willing to help. They also sell their cars....and odds are theirs will be better cars than found elsewhere (I got lucky with my 2 ebay purchases) and odds are the owners will be more forthcoming re the condition of their cars...

Buy one (from them, or elsewhere), and you'll get a lot of support from this group...it's a good one.

Have fun

A good forum is with as much as a tool box full of tools. It just helps out so much. I use many forums for my '66 mustang. From what I have seen this forum is great. I am going to be very patient and make sure that my next project car is the right car and that I get a good one.

Did you mention what your budget is? And if you like to work on car projects, what kind of work do you like and dislike? I'd say the answer to those will be important in deciding which car to buy.

Right now I haven't decided what I will spend to get started. That really depends on which car since they all seem to have their own market and availability in my area. I will travel to get a good example so I am not worried about distance. As for the kind of work I like to do believe it or not I really enjoy the work that it takes to do a old car like this. I think if I found the right deal and figured it was worth the work I would even save a rust bucket. It all depends on time, price, money, etc. The details.

With that in mind, are all the body panels available for all the repairs or do you guys sort of just make your own? I was able to get some free catalogs for the vw rides but still didn't find any for the 914s. I did look at a few sites thought.