Hey,

I'd be very appreciative of anyone who could go take a look at a '74 track car for me. Here: http://www.camp914.com/projectcars.html (the white one with the rollcage). I know there's rust, but I just want to know how it rides and if the rust is repairable, or something is wrong with it, etc. because I most likely will not be flying to Oregon to look at a car - just not in the budget at this juncture. If anyone could do this for me it'd be great. Even if you can't do a PPi, your opinion on it would be great too.

Thanks a lot,

Corey

Camp914 is our own Craig (boxtr) Laughlin. I think you can trust that what he states the car to be like is how the car is. His reputation is impeccable.

Craig is a stand-up guy; you can take what he says to the bank - plus, he knows more than the normal PPI person you would find !

I have to agree, Craig is one of the most knowing people here on these cars, I would trust his word on the car, if he says it is a certain way, it will be that way.

the car is a sharp runner. i ran with craig and jim at the a-x in portland on the 3rd. a bit cosmeticly challanged, but a good starting platform. the ad at the camp914 website is an accurate discription of the car.

k

Wow...3 for 3...hmmm.

Well...I still kind of feel weary about just purchasing a car over the internet...but it sounds like Craig knows his stuff. My dad is going to talk to him tomorrow, so we'll see what happens (he's the one who doesn't want to go to Oregon for a car for his son...if it was a '27 Ford, then it'd be a different story ). Still, if you guys could at least tell me what YOU think about the car, that'd be cool.

-Corey

i'll ask you this. have YOU read the ppi buyers guide at pelicanparts? read it, and print it so YOU know the right questions to ask. become an informed buyer.

k

Another vouch for the Craig man... He will do right by you.

CCLINCRAIGROCKS

Another vouch for Craig. I recently asked Craig for his input on a 914 that I am purchasing since I knew he had already inquired about it.

QUOTE (brokenmoped @ Jul 10 2005, 08:17 PM)

Wow...3 for 3...hmmm. Well...I still kind of feel weary about just purchasing a car over the internet...but it sounds like Craig knows his stuff. My dad is going to talk to him tomorrow, so we'll see what happens (he's the one who doesn't want to go to Oregon for a car for his son...if it was a '27 Ford, then it'd be a different story ). Still, if you guys could at least tell me what YOU think about the car, that'd be cool. -Corey

4 for 4.

CCLINNEEDSNOVOUCHER

QUOTE

i'll ask you this. have YOU read the ppi buyers guide at pelicanparts? read it, and print it so YOU know the right questions to ask. become an informed buyer.

Yes, I have read that several times and how do you know that I am not an informed buyer? How do you know I haven't already asked Craig every question on there? I'm asking for the opinions of others which is something everyone should do when making any purchase. I'm sure I'm not as informed as you, but I'm at least asking people questions to gain further knowledge.

So far everyone has just said how reliable and great a guy Craig is, that's awesome and does help a lot, but I really want to know what they themselves think of this particular car, not neccessarily the person selling it. Don't get me wrong, thanks for backing up this guy and convincing me on how great a guy he is, but what do you think of this car?

Thanks,

Corey

It depends on what YOU want to do with the car you buy. AX? DE? Different things mean different cars. All we're saying is the car will be as Craig advertizes it. If it's what YOU want in a 914, go for it. Just my .02

markb - You're right, I didn't say what the car is intended for. I'm looking for a car that can be both my daily driver and a car I can take out for track days.

I guess I'm really just second guessing myself on making a hefty purchase. I'm so anxious to get behind the wheel of one of these go-carts that I'm loosing sight of my own opinion (know what I mean?).

The car seems right for me - I don't know about the price - but I could be wrong. I'll just have to see what my dad thinks about the whole situation of buying a car without being near it (take in consideration that he's never bought ANYTHING over the internet before). I guess I'll find out tomorrow. Thanks for the help guys.


-Corey

From the ad, it sounds like a fair price.

It's got minmal rust, a 2.0L engine, Fuchs, Koni's all around, and the interior looks like it's in good condition. In addition, it already has a rollbar and an oil cooler installed. If you buy a cheaper/lesser car that doesn't have any or all of that, you are going to spend a lot of time and money just to get it to this point.

It sounds like the only thing it would need for the track is to install the front sway bar. Some of the more experienced AX'ers would say to remove the rear sway bar, too. You might also want to find out if the front suspension and/or brakes have been upgraded. That would be a big bonus.

Sounds like you've already spoken to Craig. Any additional info you can give us about the car?

If you are buying something from craig's "Project" section, expect just that. Craig is a stand-up guy, and I don't think he'd do anything to tarnish his reputation here.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a car from him sight-unseen and have it shipped from him in Oregon to me in Cleveland, OH.

QUOTE (brokenmoped @ Jul 11 2005, 01:33 AM)

how do you know that I am not an informed buyer? How do you know I haven't already asked Craig every question on there?

calm down - it was just general advice. you'd be surprisd how many people don't take that advice. you have - cool.

okay - my take on THE CAR...

add up what's included and it sounds like a killer deal to me. front cooler - installed, along with the GT bumper and valance (no hack job or halfway measures). it doesn't have, and isn't represented as having, a cage; it has an Autopower (a good, reliable, sanctioning-body recognised, knowledgeable maker) roll bar with a Petty bar (that diagonal that extends from the crossbeam into the passengre footwell. most of those are removable, which is a nice feature (IMO) for a street car. i'd ask Craig about that, just so you know. i'd probably spring for the RH seat - it's already installed and worth the $300.

i think it speaks volumes that Craig is willing to show the trunk and battery tray. looks like surface rust ("they all do that" ...) that can be addressed with time, a wire brush, and some POR-15.

as stated in the description, it is a project car that will require some finishing, and there is no question that it looks a bit ratty on the outside. if you are the kind of person that can't live with that, this may not be the car for you. (some people can deal with a sound but ratty car, and some can't, and that's not a value judgement, but it's important to know which group you're in.)

the work remaining seems to me to be in the "low payoff" category - a bit labor intensive, necessary, doesn't bump the value much, which is why Craig is willing to offer it as a project car and not a $7500 "done" car.

-i- would drive cross-country for a car that Craig represents. i understand your generalised reluctance to accept the word of a seller, but Craig would rather have a happy customer in the community than make a quick buck. he gets a LOT of repeat business.

like rich said. the front sway bar is no big deal to install either. a stock unit can be sourced rather inexspensively. remove the fuel tank, a hole saw, a little grinding, one of engman's backing plate kits, weld the kit, some new bushings, and you're in business. i think al blose and i did his in about couple of hours, start to finnish at a leisurely pace. that included new fuel lines while the tank was out. sooner a good running chassis with minimal rust, than a pretty paint job with a horror story of rust hiding beneath.

k

I have bought 5 different vehicles via ebay. All but ONE of them was as represented. I did not have the confidence of a 914club to back the seller's integrity. At the end of the day it came down to trust, developed after telephone conversations.

I don't know Craig, but I know his rep. Like e'one else says, if this is the TYPE car you're looking for (and you have the word of a club memeber that it runs great) go for it.

I'll vouch for Craig too... stand-up guy, has really helped me find some hard-to find stuff and sold it to me at VERY REASONABLE prices... he's grade-a!

I have had a few dealings with Craig for parts, cars and work. He is an honest Man. I have no problems taking his word as gold.

I think that is a fair price for that car.

I was looking at that car and if I had the extra $$ that car would be on the way to my place to be a dedicated AX & DE car. Looks to be a good start and the cosmetics are not really an issue (for me anyway). Car has alot of things most (not all) 914er's look for (2.0L, Fuchs, Konis, Euro P &C's) solid with just minor rust issues, no crash history plus it is being sold by Craig.

the previously mentioned renegade seat, r.b., add the harness bar, and 4 point. price those items + shipping, that's a cool grand. minimum.

k

Well thank you Gentlemen, and you to Kevin . A couple of things that I will add are that the lids are fiberglass as are the front and rear bumpers.
And that the Engman sway bar kit can be delayed until you find time to install. As can the sway bar.
All in all this is a great starting point for what Corey wants to do. If anyone buying a car from CAMP 914 would be more comfortable having an independent shop look at the car no problem. I will be happy to arrange that for you.
Corey I have a couple of Fords your dad might want to come up and look at.
CCLINCAMPCOUNSELOR

bite me dad.

your loving son,

k, this time

QUOTE

but I just want to know how it rides and if the rust is repairable, or something is wrong with it, etc.

have you driven in a 914 yet??

each one is totally different due to the size of the tires, the shocks (most Koni shocks are adjustable, the ride on "soft" is nice) and how the rest of the suspension is such as rubber bushings or plastic bushings and if those had been installed correctly.

If you have not driven a 914 yet, you should drive a few so that you can get a feel for what they are really like.

Almost any rust damage can be repaired, it comes down to money, time and talent, do you have one or all 3??

With no front bar installed, make sure you disconnect the rear swaybar before driving it hard otherwise the chances of spinning it are greatly increased...

Here is a little more to add. Plus Corey if you and your father want to come to CAMP and pickup the car you can flat tow it back home. It is equipped with tow eyes on the front and a tow bar.

Fresh 2.0 fuel injected engine. Complete rebuild with new Euro high compression pistons and cylinders, new valves and guides, cam, lifters, main, rod and cam bearings, lightened flywheel. Work done in June of 2001 by Ken’s Sportech, Campbell CA, at 41882 on odo. Detailed invoice available. Remote oil cooler behind front gt style bumper, Troutman thermostat. Bursch exhaust.

Other recent work: new front brake pads and hoses 5/05, all 4 brake discs replaced 6/00 (41116 miles).

Car has koni red externally adjustable shocks (4), external oil cooler and “tuna can” sump, enlarged throttle body, momo steering wheel, short shift, 2 five-point belts (1 about a year old), Autopower roll bar. Factory rear sway bar, 22mm Weltmeister front sway bar with new bushings included but not installed. Needs reinforcements installed (included). All gauges including those in center console are operable.

Car has fiberglass front hood, rear hood , gt valance and front bumper, rear bumper (cost new for the fiberglass panels is about $1000). Interior very good but could use carpet kit. No structural rust apparent except rear trunk floor. Needs exterior repair.
CCLINEASYRIDER

Sounds like a lot of bang for the buck. A fresh rebuilt 2.0L alone can run $4,000. I know that Ken's Sportech is a good shop. Corey, I'd still make sure you have a couple grand in reserve for a project like this. Old cars like money and any track/autocross project will suck even more dollars from your wallet if you want to go fast.

I'm about ready to buy it myself...

I too would buy a 914 from Craig on his discription alone. Wouldn't hesitate. But I understand your desire to have a impartial party besides the seller who has a vested interest have a look at it for you.

Anybody step up to look at the car? Have you already decided to purchase? How about an update.

I can do a PPI on it on the 29th...........

Go Bruce.

I, for one, don't truct Craig!

How can you trust a guy who has 15 RUNNING 914s?


M

I asked Miles to fly out in the CAMP 914 Gulfstream to do the PPI, which he so graciously accepted. PPI done and car is SOLD.
CCLIN16914SONTHEWALL

Was a great time Craig! I had no idea you could land a G5 on a yacht!

Tell your buddy I'll take him up on the deal, I have no use for this soul anyhow.


M

The Navy called it an Aircraft Carrier. Good seeing you.
CCLING5AT20000FEET

You actually made Kevin say 'sharp runner'..


M

Car is sold to me. Thanks everyone for the help, opinions, critisims, etc. SoCal guys, expect me to show up to any future events. Thanks again, Craig.

-Corey

After speaking to Coreys father, Malcom, I could tell that he was definetly looking out for his son and I respect that. I didn't want Corey to buy something that was going to be a POS, and neither did his father.
I think they will be a good team to have added to the growing list here at the 914club.
Car should be in SoCal @ July 25th. Congrats Corey you bought a good car.
Malcom if you ever get up this way stop in at CAMP and we can talk hot rods.
CCLINKEWLRIDE