JPigg34

My dad and I are going to look at a 74 914 1.8 tomorrow. I talked to the guy and he said the interior was in great condition and the exterior is good too. The odometer stopped at 60,000 miles and he swears there are not that many more miles on it. It sat in a garage for over 15 years. There is some rust in the truck. He says the engine runs great but it has trouble starting. My dad and I are going to do a total rebuild.

What are some other things my dad and I need to look for?

Thanks
JP

Matt Romanowski

JP,

Look for rust! Check in the engine compartment, especially under the battery tray. Also on the passenger side, check everywhere the suspension mounts. Check for rust under the front trunk gasket. Check the floors. Essentially everywhere.

Almost everything else can be dealt with.

Matt

Jay Gratton

Being Matt's business partner I agree with what he said. Also, a simple test that Matt and I use a lot is called the "FAT MAN'S TEST!" Take the top off, then try and open and close the doors. If the doors rub or don't close with ease the car is sagging and has more problems then you'll want to deal with. Best wishes - Jay Gratton
PS - My 914 came from Knoxville, TN!

JPigg34

Jay,

What color and year is your car? When did you buy it?

PS. My dad and I bought the car and the restoration begins this weekend.

lilredpo

I had one that was sooo bad, how bad was it? You could not open both doors at the same time.

Was great for dates because you always had to open the door. Who says chivalry is dead!

zois

Rust under the carpets, under the pedal cluster, in the wheel wells under the battery tray and the suspesnion console underneath.

A 1.8 should have L-Jet fuel injection, if it has carbs....it is obviously not stock. Don't listen to any bull**** about it being a performance upgrade unless the engine has been rebuil with a cam that is designed for carbs.

If it has a single carb....run away.