Buying help with a 73 2.0, Need some "914 World" advice on buying this car Options

[RhodyRanger]

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ntid=444657]Hey gang, 1ST time post for me here, so my apologies if I am not following the "local" vernacular, LoL. I've learned much about these cars from all of you over the years and now I need some help from all you experts out there. My fault is that I am a bit of a purist when it comes to my cars. I do appreciate all modifications, but really enjoy the heritage, history and the preservation of both for my kids and their's for years to come. Anyway, I am looking at a 73 914 2.0 with Appearance Group option. I am attaching some photos for a visual representation. The five things I find to be different than what Johnson's 914 book - Spotters Guide starting on page 84 - claims to be original are the radio, three extra gages to the right of the shifter, battery moved to the front compartment, an extra after market horn to the left of the steering wheel, and rear valence being updated with the plastic fasca type. The 2nd owner of this car says it has 72k miles and with an engine rebuild at 56k. I withhold the price for this post until later, just to ask what you guys think I should offer for this car. The seller is a long time PCA Member and reputable member of their community. I have lots other photos, if you need to see something more closely. I send my thanks in advance for any pointers you all might point out.

[Johny Blackstain]

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The bumpers & the vinyl on the sail panels are correct for the 73 appearance group package. Not sure about the wheels. Lower rocker panels are aftermarket. Front turn signals are Euro, not US. Front lower spoiler is aftermarket & I'm not convinced that is the correct lower rear valance. The addition of those extra gauges in the center console, movement of the battery to the front, rear reflector installation should mean addition of an electric lock release & that giant horn button makes me wonder about the electrical system in this car. This car was originally fuel injected & has had the injection system replaced w/ carburetors, again making me wonder about the electrical system. The hell hole needs further inspection, as well as the longitudinal member directly underneath it. Also, the crest on the hood was added & did not come from the factory that way. Looks like the car might have been all or partially repainted. Overall the car looks OK from the photos you've provided, but more photos would be most helpful in getting a better estimate of what to offer.

[Pat Garvey]

OK, let's take this car apart.
Number one - the wheels are bogus - not Fuchs
Number two - carbs. Fuel injection should be ther.
Number three - drivers door does not even come close to the painnt of tthe rest of the car.
Numer four - battery in wrong place!
Number five - agree with Blackstain criticisms.
Lots of tother problems here.
Walk away!

[dlkawashima]

Lots of tother problems here.

Yes, there just seems to be a lot of things that aren't factory original

1. The dash appears to be capped
2. Speedometer should be a silver button model
3. Temp Gauge appears to be from a '74-'76
4. Window Cranks should be thinner
5. Steering Wheel should be wrapped
6. The dash knob to the left of the horn button is not original
7. The shape of the center cushion does not appear to be original
8. Are the windshield washer nozzles black?
9. Wheel center caps are aftermarket

As for value, really a hard call. Rust will make a huge difference. It "feels" like a car in the $5K-$8K range, but again, really hard to say.

[Johny Blackstain]

Yes, there just seems to be a lot of things that aren't factory original

1. The dash appears to be capped
2. Speedometer should be a silver button model
3. Temp Gauge appears to be from a '74-'76
4. Window Cranks should be thinner
5. Steering Wheel should be wrapped
6. The dash knob to the left of the horn button is not original
7. The shape of the center cushion does not appear to be original
8. Are the windshield washer nozzles black?
9. Wheel center caps are aftermarket

As for value, really a hard call. Rust will make a huge difference. It "feels" like a car in the $5K-$8K range, but again, really hard to say.

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[orthobiz]

Agree something odd about the center cushion, like it might not be hinged and the gauges were all added later because of the steering wheel not being wrapped. Wonder if it has a monotone horn? Should be two tone if appearance group from the factory.

Also, Euro turn signals were not original.

Lots of little things to nitpick, I agree. For me the "originality" deal breakers are the carbs, the center Porsche reflector (leaves lots of holes), moving the battery to the front and the extra holes in the dash. Would take a bit of work to "undo" those things. You can always buy another set of wheels and the lookalikes have some value.

This thread might have had a little more action in the Garage section of this website. As it stands, you did get an "earful!"

Paul

[orthobiz]

Also, it looks like there's a third brake light. I'd be interested in a closeup of it...

Paul

[RhodyRanger]

Thx for all the feedback. I hoped you could all "school" me and yes I feel schooled. I am going to upload the rest of the photos for your review, but I think I am going to pass especially since the seller wants 12k I think would buy it for 7k and make the easy period correct updates myself. thx for everything - rltw

[RhodyRanger]

here is the first of several more photos for my continued "schooling". Thx in advance guys.

[RhodyRanger]

more photos

[RhodyRanger]

and even more photos

[RhodyRanger]

and even more again?

[RhodyRanger]

more more

[RhodyRanger]

more #6

[Johny Blackstain]

Ya, I'd pass as well... $12k? No way. Best I'd offer is at the most 1/2 of that. Also suspicious of the trunks being painted black w/ that thick stuff.

[RhodyRanger]

I think I would offer 8k tops. Obviously not sight unseen or without a local mechanics inspection for compression etc. thx for the feedback so far.

[rhodyguy]

accessing the spare will be a pita. even just to check to see if it holds air. a bit more care could have been used when the front trunk was bombed. the pass side hellhole is weaker than it looks. ignition wiring is a mess. what function does the piece of flat steel in the lower left of the picture in #12 serve? visible fuel lines need to be rethought, at a minimum. you should look underneath the car. among other areas, the connection point where the lower rear fire wall meets the floor. if you go back for another look take an ice pick with you and invest 30 minutes probing for rust. @ $12k i would want to see the longitudinals behind the rocker covers. don't be blinded by shinny paint.

[bdstone914]

Two things I see that do not look right.
The engine compartment has the resister for a 1.8l Fi engine that was not available until 74. The gas tank has a plastic expansion tank and it should be steel with a charcoal canister filter on the drivers side. Did you check the engine code? Not a bad looking car but not highly original.
Bruce

[mepstein]

To me, it's a $5-6K car. Check for rust or it will be an expensive car no matter what you get it for. The spray bombed trunks would turn me off. If it has carbs, chances are the engine will have issues or not be quite "right".

[orthobiz]

I agree with mepstein.
Too many odd things done. 5 or 6 K tops.
Wonder if it's a member's car? Perhaps a rationale for
some of the changes...

Paul