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I am about to buy this 914. it has a little rust but nothing i cant handle. Both the lower rocker tins are rusted out and there is a spot on the threshold where the rocker meets the door striker panel. Needs a battery tray and maybe bracket. some surface rust along the back trunk but should clean up easily. no rust in the front compartment. It is supposed to have a slipping clutch, probably oil soaked from a leak. all in all a really straight car. I did get it started for about 30 seconds by bypassing the fuel pump and using another pump and running fuel direct from a gas can and it sounded just fine. It appears to have 106k. if i purchase this i plan to tear it to the ground and repaint it completely. and make any needed repairs. I don't want to overpay for it and then be buried in it. From what i have stated can any of you give me a good starting purchase price and possible end value. any knowledge form you guys would be greatly appreciated!!

$1-1.5K
You will find a lot more rust.
Good luck.

The end value is going to depend on the model year and engine size.
I'm assuming that's a '72 1.7 based on the lack of bumperettes and what appears to be a moveable passenger seat. The 70-72 1.7's are still probably the least valued in the 914 market. A competently restored early 1.7 will probably bring ~$15k give or take a couple thousand depending on the quality of the resto. Has anyone here seen a stock restored early car break $20k on the private market (non-dealer sale)?
That car looks like it's going to need literally everything overhauled. I don't know that there's money to be made there unless you're doing most or all of the metal and paintwork yourself. If it were a 73 or 74 2.0, that would be a different story.

If you do restore it, replace the wheels with literally almost anything that'll fit. Those Rivieras are about the least desirable wheel for a 914. Fog lights and chrome bumpers are a plus for value.

But if you're restoring it for yourself, go for it! If you haven't driven one of these before, spend a couple months with one. You'll be hooked.

What Mark said.
You are on the Left coast. Unless the car is basically free (under $1000) I'd find someone who knows 914s to evaluate the rust situation before you buy it.

On the west coast you can probably find nicer ones. But if you know how to weld, everything is fixable.

Zach

Spend two thousand and don't tear it all apart until it's all running and rust repairs done . If you take it all down you will spend years and 15 grand just to go down the street for a 6 pack

He has agreed to $850 but i am putting it up on the hoist to verify any other rust that i can find.. but its looking really clean..

yes its a 72. I used to own my own body shop so i am fully able to do sheet metal repair and replacement plus all body work and paint. I am going to dig deeper tomorrow night and see what else i can find. I have my fingers crossed. thank you for your knowledge. I dont know anything about the 914 but i cant wait to drive it!!

I’m in Seattle, maybe not far from you?

For what it’s worth, the previous owners of the last two cars I bought (a 1991 Miata and 1970 914) lost thousands of dollars, and I would lose thousands of dollars if I were to sell either of them.

In the 1980s I had a 1975 with the same (now undesirable) Riviera wheels, and a 1973 with Fuch’s wheels I liked a lot more.

He said he would take 850 for it which i though wasnt that bad but i told him if i find more rust after i inspect it will we have to meet in the middle somewhere.

Im over in Yakima. The good thing is i can do all the needed repairs myself. I am making up a list of parts for a worst case senario. I feel i can keep it under 5k and the rest is my labor..

I bet five 100 dollar bills will get the deal done even if you don’t find more rust.
Worst case scenario it would make a good parts car.

Good luck

Save it and have fun with it. Don't change that color, ever!!!! Olympic blue is a great color.

I had a beater that I made into a good drivable car, I kind of cut my teeth (as far as 914s) on it.

It looks cool, and $500-850 ain't bad.

They are really fun cars!!!

And........................

fwiw, i am no longer a fan of the "buy a good west roller mentality". i have repaired worse. if you have the courage to undertake a resto, go for it, at $850.00 you wont get hurt even if you abandon it.they are worth restoring for their driving pleasure alone. non rusted survivors are few and far between, these are not for the feighnt of heart but are worth the effort

i feel no matter what it will be fun get running and drive. I feel confident since i have a lot of body experiance. i used to do Rebuilds and have learned how to properly remove sheet metal and if need be make the piece if needed. plus i know body work and i can lay down the paint. even if it has a couple our of sight rust spots its going to be a heck of a good looking car when i'm done with it!

the orginal color was yellow and someone did the blue. i also like the blue, but might be persuaded to go for a orange/tangerine flavor. I cant wait to get it back on the road!

The price is right! Get it running and enjoy it.

If the car has lived in WA most of its life your rust hunt will expand. Be prepared for the worst. $5k might be a bit short. Depends on how deep you have to go.

Is a 914 worth it? Undoubtedly YES. The most fun to drive car I've ever been in.

Is THAT 914 worth it? Maybe. Get it up on a lift and send us some pictures. Its a great price, but rust can get to where it compromises the safety of the car.



Konrad

I'm having a hard time seeing how this car is NOT worth it. Looks like a great project. Of course, you need to get behind those rockers and underneath to look at the nasty bits. But my car was in WAY worse shape before I started rustoration. To provide reference, I'm winding up major repairs that included major repair of inner longs and replacement of outer longs on both sides, replacing both door jambs, replacing almost everything in the hell hole, and a complete floor replacement. Price of parts that were mostly RD new with a few salvage parts mixed in was ~3K. The rest was welding/grinding supplies and lots of my time. Unless that car is bent, I think you are gold given your skillset. Worst case, you could get that kind of money back out in parts. Dibs on those rocker covers if you do!

well i finally got the deal done with the owner and i got it for $600.
It will need minor rust repair, mostly surface rust. will need to replace the jack tube on one side of the frame rail. The Hell Hole below the battery tray has surface rust but it is not rusted through nor is the opposite side either. all in all it appears to be a great car.

well i ended up buying the car for $600 dollars. Dont think i can loose for that price!

I do have one question, on the drivers door upper hinge on the door itself. The hinge is a little loose and there appears to be a small crack possible in the door shell. I dont see that hinge being available. is it rivited to the door? any help would be greatly appreciated.

I think I'd be all over this if I had the time and the skills.

If the door handles and bumpers are perfect. You are dollars ahead.

just to touch base with you.. i purchased the car for $600. I'm very happy with the purchase. Getting ready to pull the motor and trans out in the next few days. already started on the body work.

You did great on this baby.

Take pictures and share. The guys her will be so much help to you. Buy Georges Tech Tips 700
He knows his stuff. You can get the Porsche repair manual on line for cheep. Back 10 years ago they where $600. Used. Fun reading.

Get Use the search eng in Google to ask questions first, as our search in 914world is not as good and then you will be directed back here for thread on what you are looking for.
Tons of info here. Huge help.

Enjoy your car. You got a great deal. Just look how much a bumper costs. You are way ahead of the money if you where to part it out.

Ask and you should receive.

Bob B

Bumpers are ridiculous price wise..

For 600 you did well I think.

Its usually cheaper to buy one that has had the work done, but damned if I've ever actually done that....

Zach

We all try....but $600?! Ya, anyone here would jump if they had the room and skills. Cant wait to see your rebuild thread.

I wanted it for $850. He's as close to Port Angeles as I am to The Keys.

440gordy,

We need pictures, pictures, pictures !!!!

We want to see your progress.

Dave