TheSamba.com :: View topic - Is a 74 412 Wagon automatic worth my time

Sat Jan 08, 2005 2:23 am

I can buy a 74 412 locally auto for around 350 dollars here in TX, The right side from the pictures needs some work and I have not went out to see it. I don't know if it will run or not. The owner does not have a key. It's red with a tan interior. I guess I'm facinated by it because my uncle had one when I was a kid.

Here's the link. Let me know what you think. I would prefer a 411 but slim chance of finding one here.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6060&item=4517872788&rd=1

Sat Jan 08, 2005 6:13 am

even if it is totally rusted out - pull the motor , rebuild it and use it in a project...

Sat Jan 08, 2005 1:01 pm

Interior's not too bad, that's a hard bit to find on these...how long has it been sitting up without being driven? More than 6 months or so, you'll have gas tank work (clean at least, maybe rust to deal with, tanks are hard to find depending on where you live), FI system cleaning (not too hard), maybe other stuff like engine/trans seals. If you can't determine for sure if the transaxle pinion seals have been replaced in the last few years, then count on pulling the engine and trans to re-seal the trans (the pinion seals keep the EP lube in the diff section from getting into the auto section and destroying the clutches and bands, when the seals go, it's usually catastrophic for the AT), and while it's out, might as well do the engine. Mike out the P&C's to see if they need to be replaced, evaluate the rod bearings to see if you suspect the cases need to be split for further work, check the alternator bearings (they sometimes go bad from sitting too long, like on my 412). If it's been sitting long, the brakes will need attention (front calipers especially, since they're cast iron, and the master cylinder). Last, but not least, the front suspension...ah, the T4 front suspension. Ray Greenwood on the Shoptalk Forums has some good posts on how to rebuild it, and from my recent experiences and what he's described, you'll probably need to replace most everything under the front end if it's not been done recently. I've got a '73 412 Variant that's been sitting up for 8 years or so, and have had to either evaluate doing or do most of the above on it. But it's worth it to me, there's nothing like a nice 412 Variant IMHO, the ride quality, the cargo space, THE T4POWER 8) , THE AIR CONDITIONING :D AND REAL HEATER :) it's such a unique ride. It's hard to say if that particular T4 is worth what they're asking, but take a look and see for yourself. A straight body without rust (LOOK CAREFULLY, especially under the carpets, in the front trunk, bottoms of the front fenders, etc.), no accident damage fillered-over, decent interior, the rest is just a matter of your labor and some $$$ for parts.

Here's a link to the STF 411/412 area...

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewforum.php?f=12&sid=4c6ba9ad5ba85c496e29da22575d329f

Browse this forum (thanks Keifernet!) and the STF 411/412 forum a bit, you'll get a feel for the common problems with T4's. And good luck, hope you find a T4 worthy of your $$$, I'd hate to see another one become a T1-T4 swap donor and get crushed...

Mon Jan 10, 2005 10:48 am

Looks like the bidding has ended, but if I was closer, I probably would have got it for myself. Once you buy one, you are married to it so make sure it is something you can live with for a while. The parts are a little challenging to find, and when something breaks you will curse yourself for every buying it, but once it's fixed again, all is well. No other VW has as comfortable a ride as these cars, and if you want to stand out in the crowd, this is the right car for you. I imagine parts will start to get easier to find over time so if you want in, nows the time. In a couple years, I suspect you won't be able to find one for this price.