914 question.....

[442nd986s]

I have an opportunity in picking up a '74 2.0 914.
I've always had a soft spot for these cars, but don't know much about them.
I'm planing on checking it out this weekend and would like some advise. What things should I look for? How can I tell if its the original engine and tranny?
As its describe, the car has doesnt turn and needs some body work, but it has potential. I would like to pick it up as a restoration project.
Thks

[tonycarreon]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/How_to_buy_a_914.htm

[vitaminC]

Rust will eat those cars alive! :ah:

Some good reading here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php

When I have my car barn it will contain a nice 914 2.0

[stateofidleness]

1. Check for rust
2. Check for rust
3. Check for rust
4. A 2.0L should have a "GA" engine code (found right behind the oil fill cap)
5. Check for rust
6. Ask about the "hell hole". every 914 owner knows what that is! (but just in case, it's the area underneath the battery, if the battery tray is still there at all)
7. Should probably check for rust
8. Condition of all the seals (doors, windshield, targa top front and rear, bottom edge of back windshield)
9. Get underneath the car and check the jack points for rust/mangling
10. Ask to see the "longs", the pair of "running board panels" along each side of the car. If they are riveted on (confirmed by opening door and checking top edge), then they are probably original and have never been removed, this may indicate loads of rust/debris behind them (they are removable)
11. headlights work? do they have the 2 knobs that allow manual raising of the headlamps?
12. Check for rust
13. Speedometer work? Fuel gauge work?
14. Condition of dash pad (although cosmetic) could be looked at (they're unobtainium)
15. Check for rust

That should get you started. Once you've knocked out the list, be sure to check for rust. If you're able to, post the VIN number and it might reveal more information (original color, options, "bumblebee" or "creamsicle"!) and post over on 914world.com!

[Dave928]

as said, rust is a huge problem on these cars.

the battery box, frame under the box and the jack points on the rockers are the biggies.

a lot of people buy 914s with rust thinking that it'll be an easy fix, but it always turns into big $$$.

[442nd986s]

So I went this weekend to check out the 914......

If you close your eyes for a bit......... you cant tell that it's rusty.
As for exterior and rocker panels, its in pretty good rust free shape.
Rear trunk doesnt lock
Some rust in the engine bay and fire wall, no rust on the "hell hole"/battery area
ALL seals need to be replaced: doors, windows, back glass.
Inside footboards have rust. No carpet. Seats ok, but need redone
Dash board and center console in great shape. All knobs and guages in good shape.
As for the the front truck, there's rust inside front lower portion of it.
Both bumpers are starting to rust, but fixable.
Since the car doesn't have a battery, I couldnt check the electronics. Seller claims that the 1.7 carb engines doesnt turn, but he hasn't spent anytime troubleshooting it.

So I'm looking for some advise.
Should I walk away or go for the challenge. I don't mind a small challenge/project but I don't want to turn into a money pit. We've agreed on $750 as is with a spare 2.0 lt engine and tranny. Ive done a little research and it turns out the injectors for the 1.7 and 2.0 are no longer available. So what I would like to know is; Can a 1.7 lt carb system bolt on to a 2.0 system.

[Dave928]

Originally Posted by 442nd986s

Can a 1.7 lt carb system bolt on to a 2.0 system.

IIRC, the head ports are different sizes on the 1.7 and the 2.0, so the old carb/intake most likely won't fit.

you'd be better off with a new aftermarket Dellorto carb setup.