Should I or Shouldn't I, 914 conversion Options

[thetaxca]

Hello forum! new member here!

I recently purchased a 1973 914 2.0 all original (except for modified dual exhaust and requisite back bumper) with zero rust that has 128K miles. Paint code L30 Light ivory (but is pretty white).
It has original paint which is desperate need of being redone.

I have always wanted a 914 and this car as more than met my fantasy, however at 60 years old, it is becoming more and more difficult to get in and out of so I am thinking of selling.

I have 3 options that I am seeking advice on wanting to maximize my investment:

1) sell as is. I paid $15K
2) repaint (engine & glass out) and sell ($8K quote)
3) I have been offered a 3.0l rebuilt flat six with a 915 transmission (all working perfectly) for $12K that my Indy mechanic says he make work in the 914 for about $8K.

Looking for some advice from the experts out there.

Thanks

[Montreal914]

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Yes, 914s are low cars which can make it challenging getting in and out of.

From this basic picture, this seems like a nice car, and 15K$ is appealing if it is a solid original 2.0 car. Right from the start though, there are signs that its originality has been altered: Aftermarket wheels, lack of black vinyl on the sail panels and lower sail trim removed and filled holes (i,e, repaint of that area). Also the sail panel rear edge trim shouldn't be black.

But all of this aside, back to your question, I think the prices you are being quoted for the work and the engine/trans combo are low. There is a lot of parts needed ($) to make a six conversion right.

Where are you in Canada? If you are in Ontario, I would contact Mark Henry (member here) and have a chat with him. If you are in the Montreal area, I would be interested in seeing the car as I will travel there for Christmas.

Last, I hate to deliverer the sad news, but there is no such thing as a rust free 914 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif).

Edit: just saw you wanted advice from experts here. I am far from being one, just an enthusiast. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

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From this basic picture, this seems like a nice car, and 15K$ is appealing if it is a solid original 2.0 car. Right from the start though, there are signs that its originality has been altered: Aftermarket wheels, lack of black vinyl on the sail panels and lower sail trim removed and filled holes (i,e, repaint of that area). Also the sail panel rear edge trim shouldn't be black.

Not necessarily true, my friend. I also have a ‘73 2.0 that does not have vinyl on sails (never did) and has black trim instead of chrome (black bumpers instead of chrome, too). Dr. 914 (George) confirmed this to be original and rare (part of a “Sport” package in ‘73): it also has sway bars and the appearance package (center console, Fuchs, etc.). Mine is Ravenna green.

[KELTY360]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

From this basic picture, this seems like a nice car, and 15K$ is appealing if it is a solid original 2.0 car. Right from the start though, there are signs that its originality has been altered: Aftermarket wheels, lack of black vinyl on the sail panels and lower sail trim removed and filled holes (i,e, repaint of that area). Also the sail panel rear edge trim shouldn't be black.

Not necessarily true, my friend. I also have a ‘73 2.0 that does not have vinyl on sails (never did) and has black trim instead of chrome (black bumpers instead of chrome, too). Dr. 914 (George) confirmed this to be original and rare (part of a “Sport” package in ‘73): it also has sway bars and the appearance package (center console, Fuchs, etc.). Mine is Ravenna green.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I believe @bbrock has this same package.

[bbrock]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

From this basic picture, this seems like a nice car, and 15K$ is appealing if it is a solid original 2.0 car. Right from the start though, there are signs that its originality has been altered: Aftermarket wheels, lack of black vinyl on the sail panels and lower sail trim removed and filled holes (i,e, repaint of that area). Also the sail panel rear edge trim shouldn't be black.

Not necessarily true, my friend. I also have a ‘73 2.0 that does not have vinyl on sails (never did) and has black trim instead of chrome (black bumpers instead of chrome, too). Dr. 914 (George) confirmed this to be original and rare (part of a “Sport” package in ‘73): it also has sway bars and the appearance package (center console, Fuchs, etc.). Mine is Ravenna green.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I believe @bbrock has this same package.

Correct. Looks like the OP's car has the "sport package" which came with Fuchs, sway bars, center console, black bumpers and targa trim, but no fog lights or sail vinyl. The wheels on this car are obviously not stock, but the rest fits.