A Free 914-4!!!
12-30-2004, 05:53 PM
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A Free 914-4!!!
I thought that would get your attention!
Anyhoo...I have the opportunity to acquire a free 914. Before you flame me and call me an idiot for asking any questions before getting it, I need to tell you that it doesn't have a motor, tranny, front windsheild, roof or front bumper and it's been sitting in a field for a long time. Right now there is a wooden fence on top of it. Lots of rust. Nothing of any salvagable value to speak of, but here's the kicker...it has a clear title.
This is a project that may just be well over my head, but instead of restoring it, I could fix it up to race it...that may be a little easier to swallow. My real question is this: Is this something that might pay off in the future? I have a 944 project going right now and I probably won't get around to the 914 for a while. What options do I have? Body kits? Engines? Replacement sheet metal panels? Pretty much everything...
Anyhoo...I have the opportunity to acquire a free 914. Before you flame me and call me an idiot for asking any questions before getting it, I need to tell you that it doesn't have a motor, tranny, front windsheild, roof or front bumper and it's been sitting in a field for a long time. Right now there is a wooden fence on top of it. Lots of rust. Nothing of any salvagable value to speak of, but here's the kicker...it has a clear title.
This is a project that may just be well over my head, but instead of restoring it, I could fix it up to race it...that may be a little easier to swallow. My real question is this: Is this something that might pay off in the future? I have a 944 project going right now and I probably won't get around to the 914 for a while. What options do I have? Body kits? Engines? Replacement sheet metal panels? Pretty much everything...
12-30-2004, 06:28 PM
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If it's a rust bucket, the clear title isn't going to do much good.
Rust is a killer in 914's. You will have alot of repair (costly as well) if there is rust in:
-battery box area
-doors & sills
-shock mounts
-DOOR JAMS (these cars will split in half due this rust spot)
-tail light area
to name a few. Some repairs are easy and cheap. The deeper the rust and if it is in the jams, can add up fast.
Engine and tranny options - anything you want to fit in can work. Alot of folks go with Chevy 6/8's, Subaru, Mazda, etc. (of course P-car engines).
I have access to a bunch of parts - Interior, roofs, seats, windshield (I think I still have one) Suspension, etc. About 2 cars worth of stuff.
You may want to buy a 914 already done for the track. it will be a lot cheeper than fixing this one up if it seems to be in the condition you describe.
Good luck with this one.
Rust is a killer in 914's. You will have alot of repair (costly as well) if there is rust in:
-battery box area
-doors & sills
-shock mounts
-DOOR JAMS (these cars will split in half due this rust spot)
-tail light area
to name a few. Some repairs are easy and cheap. The deeper the rust and if it is in the jams, can add up fast.
Engine and tranny options - anything you want to fit in can work. Alot of folks go with Chevy 6/8's, Subaru, Mazda, etc. (of course P-car engines).
I have access to a bunch of parts - Interior, roofs, seats, windshield (I think I still have one) Suspension, etc. About 2 cars worth of stuff.
You may want to buy a 914 already done for the track. it will be a lot cheeper than fixing this one up if it seems to be in the condition you describe.
Good luck with this one.
12-30-2004, 08:08 PM
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It is literally in a field. The doors are in a shed and they have been "reworked" as the owner says. He originally got the car to fix up for his daughter, but apparently that never panned out. It would be a HUGE job to fix this thing...
12-31-2004, 12:22 PM
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Post pics if you can..let's see the rust in the troublesome areas, which are:
1. longitudinals (see if you can get a picture of what is behind the "decorative" rockers
2. hell hole...area down below the battery tray
Any other pics (trunks, floor pan etc..) could also help. There are good places for replacement panels if you are good at welding and if the car isn't really too bad off (one persons view of alot of rust might not be the same as us east coasters who live with salt/snow etc.).
Go to http://www.restoration-design.com/index.html to get a feel for one place that manufactures alot of the replacement panels that 914 shops sell.
1. longitudinals (see if you can get a picture of what is behind the "decorative" rockers
2. hell hole...area down below the battery tray
Any other pics (trunks, floor pan etc..) could also help. There are good places for replacement panels if you are good at welding and if the car isn't really too bad off (one persons view of alot of rust might not be the same as us east coasters who live with salt/snow etc.).
Go to http://www.restoration-design.com/index.html to get a feel for one place that manufactures alot of the replacement panels that 914 shops sell.
12-31-2004, 02:34 PM
#6
Racer
Don't bother. For less than $5,000, you can pick up a super clean 914-4. Unless of course you have $20K burning a hole in your pocket to buy this "project" so two years from now you can be driving a super clean 914-4 worth $5,000.
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01-01-2005, 11:59 AM
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I would go for it. Like has been said what some call bad others don't. If you get it home and change your mind your out what maby an afternoon for geting it home? Then still have free stuff for swap meets.
01-02-2005, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by SandyI
Don't bother. For less than $5,000, you can pick up a super clean 914-4. Unless of course you have $20K burning a hole in your pocket to buy this "project" so two years from now you can be driving a super clean 914-4 worth $5,000.
Originally Posted by C4S/914-6
Sounds like the perfect front yard planter. I suggest red geraniums, they go well with rust. 
01-03-2005, 05:30 PM
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If you need parts, I can get them off, but I'm not sure what is usable and what's not. The doors have supposedly been "reworked" and complete with glass. I doubt the door panels are still there. There are a few things of value, but I mean very few.
If you need something, I can inquire about them. Let me know...
If you need something, I can inquire about them. Let me know...
01-07-2005, 04:28 PM
#15
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Run, dont walk away. That small spot of rust leads to a cancer you wont be able to cure without big $$$. As far as restoration project, a year1975 car isnt worth salvaging from that state.