Sorry, but I disagree with some of the above.
As I understand the colors for shocks/struts for the 70's era:
1 - Boges were grey or black (see The few, the rare...." in Originality Forum Sahara Beige 73 2L as from factory) - NOT orange as far as I've ever heard.
> see post #49 here:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...01921&st=402 - Factory Bilsteins were Green (new ones are yellow).
3 - Konis of the period were red (but it could look orange-ish if faded or paint partially removed & in certain lighting).
I've seen some off-brand orange ones advertised on evil-bay, which may or may not be any good.
Do NOT use a wire brush on them, as you'll puck up the painted finish. That's like using a cannon for bird hunting!
Spray them with WD40 & let soak a few minutes - then wipe off the crud with a soft rag, repeat as necessary.
I did that on mine & here's a pic of one partially cleaned (installed early 80's) & shows the Koni logo from then -
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachmentAside from the Bilsteins which give a great variable ride sport-to-cruising & last forever it seems - these Koni HD "Special D's" were awesome handling on my 2.0 - especially after I lowered the front end with the Koni inserts up front!
If those on it are Konis & still in good shape, then put them on your drivingest 914, & get some Koni inserts up front (if your front strut tubes are black, then they're Boge & you'll need the Koni inserts for Boge struts). Otherwise budget & pick either Koni or Bilstein new for all 4 corners, after you've driven some other 914s with each to know which you prefer personally. Either way, you won't be disappointed. IMHO the KYB's suck & Boges are just okay, but that's for me!
Hope this helps!