Where do 914's rust?

[Dunebubby]

I am considering a 914 right now. It is a 1972 and has been sitting garaged in the PNW for around 20 years. I am told it is original in and out. It does need some work though. I will not be able to inspect it in person before I make a deal but could likely get some decent pictures before I make my decision.

My question is, where should I be looking for rust in a 72 914 as that is my biggest repair concern? Thanks!
_________________
"We buy things we don't need,..with money we don't have,...to impress people we don't even like".

[damesandhotrods]

Pretty much all 914s have some rust, that’s the sad truth. You have to start under the battery, the hell hole, the frame rail, and suspension mount. That is pretty much one general area, if there is enough rust there the car can break in two. Another common spot is the longs, the main structure which contain the jack points. Unless you can afford to be wrong and are prepared to cut and weld, by all means pay somebody to do a pre-purchase inspection. A car that looks ok to the camera might not hold up to a finger or a screw driver. I would head over to 914World and see if there is someone that can look at it for you. A 914 that has been let go can be expensive to bring back, depending on the work the car needs it might be cheaper in the long run to buy one that is still running.

[Dunebubby]

Thanks for the response. After poking around a bit I found some great info on Pelican parts. Do you currently have a 914? Your in my "hood" and I wouldn't mind hooking up with other 914 guys around here if I get this one.
_________________
"We buy things we don't need,..with money we don't have,...to impress people we don't even like".

[damesandhotrods]

I have a ’73 2.0 Liter in Marathon Blue. Its fun little economy car that has a roof that comes off, until you get her on to Highway 9 or 35.

[Dunebubby]

Pix of your car????! I'm in La Selva.............
_________________
"We buy things we don't need,..with money we don't have,...to impress people we don't even like".

[bandi]

I used to work at a 914 restoration shop full time, and to answer your question of where 914s rust: The metal pieces.


All of them.

That being said, I don't know if there's a more enjoyable car to drive out there for the money.
_________________
'60 Canadian Standard, '64 Bug, '66 Bug, '66 Bus, '69 Sunroof Bug, '71 Super, '72 Super, '73 Canadian Custom, '73 Super, '74 Love Bug, '83 Mexi Bug, '94 Mexi Bug, '99 New Beetle, '02 New Beetle Turbo S. And some Fieros.

[MUZIKMAN]

I have just started driving my barn find 1974 but it cam with a rolling 72 that is straight two eng a 2000 and 1800 and a big big over sized foot locker full of parts and tin but short one tranz anyone have one or maybe want a 72. I thinks one is more then enof to keep running

[Dunebubby]

[gordon maltby]

Dunebubby,

If you're looking at a car to buy, you MUST take off the rocker panels. Dirt accumulates around the jack point even on desert cars, and will act like a sponge over time. Don't take anyone's word about what's under there, and if the car has aftermarket rockers, be especially suspicious. Other ares you can see (more or less) clearly, like the battery tray, rear trunk, door post areas and suspension parts. Also check to see if the hinge springs have been repaired, and if so, if the welding is good. You gotta get dirty to see it all.

Gordon

[Bleyseng]

Check out 914World.com as there are a lot of 914 guys in the Seattle area. I am parting out a 72 so I have lots of parts available.
_________________
70 Ghia Black convert-9/69 build date-stock w/133k 1600 SP-barn find now with a rebuilt tranny and engine
77 Westy 2.0L w/Ljet, Camper Special engine-95hp and with LSD!(sold)
76 Porsche 914 2.1L L20c, 120hp Djet (sold)
87 Syncro Westy Titan Red 2.1L 2 knob 100k miles