74 2.0 Ravenna Green is here!, now...what have I got? undercarriage pics link added Options

[iankarr]

Hi Guys,

Just arrived. And the more I go over the car, the more pleasantly surprised I am (for once!). The engine fires right up, idles smooth and provides great power without any funny noises or smells. Sounds great and drives great. Transmission shifts perfectly with no grinding. It even easily and reliably goes into first at a stop.

Very little documentation came with the car, but what I got is interesting. Seems the car was bought in Tucson, AZ and spent its first 20 years there (score!). It was then purchased by a collector in Wisconsin, who stored it in a climate controlled garage. Must be right, cause there's no signs of Wisconsin winter anywhere. He kept it for 22 years and then sold it, along with 3 other 914s to the guy I bought it from in Indiana (who also stored it in a large collector garage for a year). He never titled or registered the car, so technically I'm the 4th owner, but officially only the 3rd.

The car has had a recent repaint in the same color (Ravenna Green L65K). Engine bay and area under windshield around airbox and fuel tank look to be original paint. Unfortunately they painted the bumpers and rocker covers a non-stock finish. No signs of body damage anywhere.

The Odo says 29K miles. I'd of course say that it must've gone around and is really 129K. But some things are giving me a sneaking suspicion that it may be...could possibly be... a 29K car. Probably wishful thinking, but my 73 2.0 has 97K verified miles and also came from AZ. It's in great shape, but some things on this 74 car look a whole lot younger. Would love the brain trust's assessment or clues on what to look for. Maybe the teener equivalent of measuring teeth or counting rings (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif). I'll try to get some DMV info.

Consider...

– The area around the ignition lock has no scratches or marks from use.
– The plating on the trunk latches and hardware is still the correct color.
– The dash top is original and not cracked.
– The seat handles are intact.
– The A/C actually works!
– The top has no chips or scratches.
– Door cards and handles look to be original and pristine.
– The roll bar pad is perfect on top and has only one small crack underneath.
– Sail trim is undamaged.

I'll get it up on the lift tomorrow, and that should tell me a bit more.

Would love to get your thoughts...

Couple other observations...It seems to be missing the charcoal canister. It's neither up front nor in the engine bay. Not sure how where the vapor lines go yet. I don't think those ugly fabric inserts are stock...but the way they fit the headrest looks so. And what is that exhaust????

EDIT: Pics of undercarriage
https://pix.sfly.com/cEddbQ

Video link of the car running:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bljTJSk1QAA

[IronHillRestorations]

Looks really nice! I'd get rid of the Monza "Shin Cutter" asap though

[iankarr]

shin cutter?

[doug_b_928]

Guessing that it means that the tailpipes are perfect for cutting shins as one is walking around the car...

Looks really nice! My car was original RG but I've never seen one (or even a VW) in this colour in person. Does the colour look even better in person? I want to take mine back to RG but it's a bit controversial with the boss.

[iankarr]

Thanks. looks awesome in person. And my boss made the color a condition of getting another one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif).

[74ravenna]

Wow, that is nice!
You scored big time, and no work ahead of you!

Steve

[KELTY360]

Looks like your search paid off. Not often you can choose your color on buying a 40+ year old car. I'm betting that 129k is the right number. The car was in AZ for the first 20 years and if we assume very little mileage after it got into the hands of collectors; 129000/20 = 6450 mi/yr. Pretty gentle useage. I think those ugly fabric inserts are a clue. The original owner wanted to drive it but couldn't stand the heat of the black vinyl seats so had it redone with something that wouldn't scorch his backside. With fabric seats and A/C it was a nice driver until something else came along as the owner got older. Obviously the original owner had the funds to take good care of it til he passed it on.

Now you get the benefit of it's pampered life. Besides driving it, the only suggestion I'd make is to paint those bumpers body color. IMHO that would really put an exclamation point on the Ravenna. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Tom_T]

Sweet! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

So keep it out of the NY winters & salty roads!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

You should consider getting a nice NOS Banana or the current Dansk OEM production 2.0 OE Banana muffler o save your shins.

You may also want to clean-up or restore those "Star" steel wheels a bit to match the level of the rest of the car.

FYI - I do not think the seat inserts are original material. See here for the original choices & corduroy ....

http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/PaintFabrics.htm

http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/zPF_74F1.jpg
> just basic Brown, Tan & Black Corduroy

If you're going to actually drive it, I'd suggest that you update the DPD AC to R134 with a new-age rotary compressor which will only sap 2-3 HP - vs. 5-10 with the original York unit.

BTW - the DPD is the better of the 2 dealer installed AC, since the far left vents actually hit the driver & the controls are centered & stacked under the vent/heat sliders (& center console on cars with it) - as well as the conical shroud in the front trunk allowing you to mount the spare face-up & not raising tot floor board & not losing storage space (as with the VPC AC).

If you don't mind sharing, your price paid would help everyone on here with comps for insurance & repair claims in the future!

Great Score! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
///////

[Cairo94507]

Love that car! I have to agree on the Monza exhaust - hated them back in the day and still do. But that is a beautiful car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[iankarr]

Thanks. And appreciate the suggestions. I'm not a fan of the monza either.

The COA says the seats originally had black corduroy inserts. Does Jeff Bowlsby sell those? someone else?

I'm also thinking about backdating the bumpers and going tit-less. Changing to fuchs. Maybe adding foglights...though I do dig keeping things as close to they were when they left the factory...

Tom – What else is involved with changing out the compressor? Is there some sort of flush that needs to happen when changing to R134? I've installed classic air systems, but I'm guessing that kind of changeover is job for a pro...?

I don't mind sharing the price. But first I'd love to hear guesses (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif).

[rgalla9146]

Mike,
Think you are right. It does appear to be a LE replacement spoiler. That does help. I can just paint this one to match for now.

Bdstone914,
The sail trim is indeed black. I can check the regulator cover when I get a chance.

Ian the car looks great !
Good luck, enjoy it !

[dlee6204]

Tom – What else is involved with changing out the compressor? Is there some sort of flush that needs to happen when changing to R134? I've installed classic air systems, but I'm guessing that kind of changeover is job for a pro...?

Your compressor has already been updated (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumb3d.gif)

[Spoke]

Awesome car. Very clean. Love the Ravenna green.

I had a '74 2L as well. Hated to sell it but the 930 needed a place to stay and the wife said 2 Porsches are ok, not 3. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[iankarr]

Is that an early style rear bumper? Or did some 74s come with those?

[mepstein]

I think it could be a 29k car. One of mine was purchased with 36k and it already had a color change and the hell hole and engine shelf are rotted out.
Look at the engine and trans. At 29k, they are probably still stock and never really touched. At 129k, there must have been work done, clutch, first gear and maybe even an engine overhaul. The tin is usually crusty at 129k unless it's been redone. Also the odometer gears usually give out before 100k.

Whether you state the price or not, it has nothing to do with comps or insurance unless you're going to post the bill of sale. A statement in an internet posting isn't a comp.

Great looking car! Enjoy.

[iwanta914-6]

I think it could be a 29k car. One of mine was purchased with 36k and it already had a color change and the hell hole and engine shelf are rotted out.
Look at the engine and trans. At 29k, they are probably still stock and never really touched. At 129k, there must have been work done, clutch, first gear and maybe even an engine overhaul. The tin is usually crusty at 129k unless it's been redone. Also the odometer gears usually give out before 100k.

Whether you state the price or not, it has nothing to do with comps or insurance unless you're going to post the bill of sale. A statement in an internet posting isn't a comp.

Great looking car! Enjoy.

Well, I know what the seller said he was going to list it for. That being said it was priced correctly. Not a "steal" but it was what the buyer was looking for and the seller knew exactly what he had.

[boxsterfan]

Did you search the VIN hear on 914world?

[iankarr]

Iwanta914-6 gave me the lead on this, so he can't play the guessing game (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif).

The owner was planning on redoing the interior, color sanding, etc and listing the car later this spring. Since I was willing to take the car as-is, he lowered his asking price by the estimated cost of that work.

Still...Iwanta is right. He knew what he had, and I knew what it was worth. In the end, I paid maybe 10% more than I wanted to. But now that it's in my driveway, I have no regrets.

[iankarr]

Did you search the VIN hear on 914world?

Yep. It wasn't in the database. It is now though...(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Cairo94507]

$15K?????