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Wed Mar 05, 2025 9:15 am

There is a 412 for sale in my area in pretty rough shape, the back hatch window was smashed and open to the elements.

I was wondering if for that money, it's worth trying to salvage parts off it for resale, or if the Type IV engine can be repurposed for a Baja, if the engine block is particularly strong, same for the transmission, etc, if the disc brakes can be put on a Baja.

What are the thoughts on this? I tried rebuilding a Type 3 years ago, and found it was just too hard to get items for at my level. However I've read a lot that the 412 engine is similar to the porsche 914, or that it has a stronger case.

Wed Mar 05, 2025 11:53 am

[email protected] wrote: There is a 412 for sale in my area in pretty rough shape, the back hatch window was smashed and open to the elements.

I was wondering if for that money, it's worth trying to salvage parts off it for resale, or if the Type IV engine can be repurposed for a Baja, if the engine block is particularly strong, same for the transmission, etc, if the disc brakes can be put on a Baja.

What are the thoughts on this? I tried rebuilding a Type 3 years ago, and found it was just too hard to get items for at my level. However I've read a lot that the 412 engine is similar to the porsche 914, or that it has a stronger case.

Welcome to 411/412!

Post some pictures. Unless the missing rear window and rain coming in has caused serrious rust, it may not be a big issue. How is the rest of the car?

The disc brakes are not likely useful on anything type 1 based because of the difference in mounts and spindles. However, depedning on the year they fit type 3.

The type 4 engines in 411/412 cars are 100% identical to their same displacement counterparts in the Porche 914 (meaning the 2.0L 914 is strictly 914). The only different parts in the 1.7L and 1.8L that are in 914 are mainly teh exhaust manifolds and a few pieces of sheet metal.

If the car is fixable....it would be better to fix it and drive it. The transmission would be either a 003 automatic which will drop right into any type 3 car that is auto (same transmission) ...or if its a manual tarnsmission 412 (that would be a 004) those are rare and really only fit in 411/4112. While I have seen one in a sand rail many years ago, its not really smart. Its a rare transmission with a hydraculic clutch, very high gearing comoared to other types and has virtually any parts available for it.

They drive very well and for a long time but not when punished. Ray

Wed Mar 05, 2025 1:22 pm

Ok. I'll pass then, I think. I am really more interested in building a Baja than restoring a type 4.

You can look at the pics on the Barre, VT craigslist if you want. I was just curious if the Type 4 engine had any characteristics that made it desirable over a standard Type 1.

Wed Mar 05, 2025 2:11 pm

[email protected] wrote: Ok. I'll pass then, I think. I am really more interested in building a Baja than restoring a type 4.

You can look at the pics on the Barre, VT craigslist if you want. I was just curious if the Type 4 engine had any characteristics that made it desirable over a standard Type 1.

Oh yes! The basic type 4 in many ways is superior to the basic type 1. Aluminum case, more cooling fins on the heads, larger displacement in the first place, spin on oil filter. Sure. The engine would be great in any vw.
However, they are a bit more expensive parts wise. Ray

Fri Mar 07, 2025 8:51 am

[email protected] wrote: Ok. I'll pass then, I think. I am really more interested in building a Baja than restoring a type 4.

You can look at the pics on the Barre, VT craigslist if you want. I was just curious if the Type 4 engine had any characteristics that made it desirable over a standard Type 1.
$1800 is a lot of $$, for a type 4 in that condition here in New England. Would make a great parts car for someone. John Hamill, should buy it, and part it out.

Fri Mar 07, 2025 8:29 pm

Im guessing its this one , it doesnt look horrible to be honest ,

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2734201

Fri Mar 07, 2025 8:34 pm

vw81jetta wrote: Im guessing its this one , it doesnt look horrible to be honest ,

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2734201

Go look at it, in person.

Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:58 pm

APPLEGREENVW wrote: vw81jetta wrote: Im guessing its this one , it doesnt look horrible to be honest ,

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2734201

Go look at it, in person.

If i lived closer to Vermont i would