I'm a watercooled 996tt owner, but we are a Porsche family. My aunt had a 356C which is now in the care of my brother, my dad's first Porsche is a 73 914 2.0 and we also have boxster and cayman in the group. My father is 85 and purchased the 914 new. He "sold" it to my younger brother when he was in college, but dad took possession when my brother bought a miata.

Now, dad has offered the car up to the boys if anyone wants it. I have so many fun memories of it, from boy scout camping trips to skiing up at Kirkwood. The car is in no way rough, but it should probably have a full work through. The engine was rebuilt about 20 years ago with new pistons and cylinders. It has been kept in a garage or hanger for the past 20+ years.

So my question to the group is how much work to go through the car? I'm not saying I want to undertake a fully rotisserie restoration, but I think the suspension, brakes and engine need to come out. Probably the fuel system and lines need replacing as well. Just trying to calculate in my head if this is worth it. I have a two post lift at the house and I think I am a fairly competent mechanic. I can do engine rebuilds, weld and most other jobs. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

It's definitely worth it. The prices of clean, unmolested 914's has been on the rise for a while and they're a real hoot to drive. Does the car still retain the stock fuel injection?

 

We are in a similiar Porsche family, starting with my uncle's '69 912 my cousin picked up at the factory when in the service in Germany... if there is sentimental attachment to the car, it would be a fun project especially if you just take your time and have the space.
Have done something similiar with both my 914's- they are worth keeping!!

 

Thanks Guys. Yes it still has the factory fuel injection. It is basically stock, un molested, but been involved in some minor fender benders over the years. I don't think there is any rust, but I haven't looked at it in detail. Might have the battery tray issue. I drove it a bunch years ago and yeah, it's really fun. I think the engine rebuild brought it to about 120 hp.

I do have some sentimental attachment to it. I know prices are on the rise. I really appreciate the input.

Don't really have the space, but I could probably manage. Only have a two car garage and would have to negotiate with the wife about putting her car outside.

And SKl, funny you have an Austin Healy 100-4 in your future, that's what dad replaced when he got his 914.

 

If you know where that 100-4 is, let me know

 

skl, Sorry, that was like 1972. I remember Dad came home during a pouring rain storm about an hour late and said the Austin Healy just died on the drive home. He was able to push it to the side of the road and caught a ride home with a friend. This was in San Francisco and he always wore a suit to work. I imagine he had to pony up at Brooks Brothers the next day. He said that it broke a crank shaft (doubtful, but that's what he said) and it was terminal. Apparently he sold it to the tow company for $200.00 and was done. He then bought a ford pinto for $1919 and we drove it for a year or so while he waited to find the right 914. And that's how the story goes.

 

Hi RangerDick - I wish someone in my family had a 1 owner '73 2.0 to pass along to me. That is the other 914 I want as I had bought one new in '73. I would love to see it if it is on the Peninsula.
Best,
Michael

 

It's worth it to go through the car thoroughly, if you can fund it and have the time/space. These are great driving cars that are appreciating assets; it's hard to get underwater financially if you're starting with a good original car. The fact that it's been in your family all these years makes it a no-brainer in my mind!

 

My Dad had one back in the 60's. It was blue-ish Silver. It's long gone.

 

My 73 2.0 is currently being painted; it is the last stage of a nice restoration mechanically and cosmetically. I kind of did what you are contemplating for your 73 2.0. I'm fired up about getting it finished and being able to drive it! Let us know what you end up doing with your 73.

 

Hi All, Thanks for all the great support and advice. I just looked over the car tonight. No rust, no battery tray/hell hole issues. Minor chips in the paint. I'm going to go for it. Will probably pick it up in the next few weeks. Cairo94507, yes it's on the peninsula. I'll pm you when I get it if you want to look at it. I think I'll rebuild the brakes, suspension bushings, wheel bearings and pull the motor. The interior is in very good condition. It's a center console model and the only modifications is the original radio is missing. One small hole in the driver's side seat bolster. I think I can bring it back with a comprehensive detail and work through. Will pull the fuel tank and replace the lines. This should be a really fun project.

 

Heck yeah - let me know. I would love to see it. Michael

 

If the car still has original paint, I would CERTAINLY not repaint it, worth more in its original condition. Best to send detailed pics to a specialist and let him analyze the car and suggest what you should do to bring it back to a higher level

 

Hey, we are waiting for the pictures...

 

Yes, it's the original paint. I don't plan on doing anything to the body, but perhaps a cutting of the paint and detail. Apparently the clutch tube is broken, so I gotta weld it back. Most other things have been done apparently, brakes, hell hole, trunk hinge mounting point. Car has zero rust now. Will probably do suspension bushings, wheel bearings, pull the fuel tank, etc.

I have a vacation coming up so I will get it next week. Pics to follow.