I recently purchased a 1970 914 along with a 74 2.0 parts car. I am going to install the 2.0 in the 1970 car but saw alot of rust where the battery was and underneath the battery, however, the jack point in that area looks and seems like its firm. My question is: does the rust in the battery area significantly weaken the car structurally?

My answer is: YES

it's also called "The Hell Hole" ...
that rusted part under the remains of your Battery Tray is the top of your pass. side Frame-Rail !!
if it has rust holes on the top, that means the battery acid has dripped *inside* the frame rail and has started to eat away your longitudenal.

here's a thread about the needed rapair, take a deep breath, sit down, then read:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act...=ST&f=2&t=16748

Andy

Andy is correct.. but, TAKE HOPE if caught early, this is *not* fatal. Be glad you caught it now... then get informed. Invite (read: lure with beer) some Club folks to your house, and get second/third/10th opinions.

In fact, like colon cancer, early detection can prevent all kinds of unpleasant things happening to your ass.

-Rusty