TheSamba.com :: View topic - help with 1974 412 wagon purchase decision

Mon Jun 06, 2011 12:49 pm

I have a lead on a 74 412 wagon with a parts car that was restored and used for VW shows. The tires are barely used and all the rubber in the windows has been replaced, etc, It is currently garaged. I want to use this as a daily driver and from what I have read a restored vehicle doesn't necessarily mean a daily driver. What questions should I ask? He is asking close to $3500 for it and that seems reasonable but I will not be able to immediately start work on the steering, etc. It is some distance from me so I will be in a situation where I will look at it and buy it if it meets expectations. What questions should I ask before I commit? What should I look for when I see it? Is it worth $3500 or should I haggle? Thanks in advance for your input.

Mon Jun 06, 2011 5:33 pm

That IS a nice-looking 412, at least from this one picture. I don't know about the wood paneling, but otherwise looks nice.
I have three Type-4s and have had five altogether over the course of the past 30 years. They are all daily drivers, but the real thing with them is simply love, a crazy love for a rare car. If you have that for this car then nothing else matters. Then the parts and repairs become a passion and/or a hobby. My cars draw stares and smiles wherever I go.
Find out as much as you can about the service history! And then - good luck!

Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:00 pm

I couldn't agree with Kirk any more. What he said is absolutely spot on. These are great, odd little cars and are a constant source of stares and head-turns wherever I go. Be aware that Type 4s are very poorly supported in the aftermarket. Unfortunately, America it seems didn't love this car as much as Europeans did. However, finding that certain "coveted" part becomes sort of an obsessive scavenger hunt, which only makes you appreciate it all the more when you finally do find it.

Wonderful cars in my opinion and I wholeheartedly support another passionate Type 4 owner/driver into our community. Let us know what you decide!

Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:06 am

But we are working on a part-source solution for you type 4 - lovers over there..... ;-)

Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:21 am

Let us know when you do, Daniel! You sure helped me out when I needed that stop plate :D

Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:45 am

well, you know now. ;-)
Oh, anyone care for a sealed-beam headlight? I have one here, NOS, don't know if left or right, I believe only this one, not a complete set.

Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:42 am

I got the number for the place that did the restoration and the car has been in the same family so it comes with all of the paper work. I will give the place a call today and find out more like what was done with the foam in the panels and if anything was done to the steering (the guy said the steering was ok, but from what I have read that doesn't really mean ok). Anything else I should ask about?

Wed Jun 08, 2011 2:01 am

Lovely looking car! I really like those wood panels too! I'd love to have something similar on my '72 411 Variant.
1974 has atleast one advantage compared to earlier models: it had the same strut bearngs as the late super beetle, so those are easy to find and replace. If nothing has been done for the front suspension you could start by adding grease nipples to the ball joints and replacing the original idler arm bushing with one that's made of bronze. Those jobs are very easy to do and if you are going to use this as a hobby car (not a daily driver/only car) could be the only work you'll need to do on the front suspension. Plus maybe converting the front shock absorbers to audi cartridges, which is again quite easy job.

Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:27 pm

I talked to the body shop that did the restoration and it sounds like all of the body work like removing the insulating foam that causes rust issues has been dealt with and according to them it is a good deal. It will be a few weeks before I can get it but it looks like I may be joining your ranks if all goes well. I already have the clymer and the peter russek repair guide coming. I have a 1982 vanagon so I am already familiar with L-jet, except I have electronic ignition, not points which makes me a little uncomfortable...electronic ignition will be one change I will consider.

Fri Jun 10, 2011 7:02 am

Welcome in advance!
:D

/Lars S