 Possible new 914 owner + 700 mile drive home tips |
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| 1973tii |
 Jul 14 2011, 01:20 AM
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#1
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Newbie  Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 14-July 11 From: Portland, OR Member No.: 13,317 Region Association: None  |
I'm strongly considering buying my uncle's 914. It's a green 1975 1.8L garaged California car in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition.
We're 700 miles apart and if I got it, I'd fly down and drive it home. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that this car, as lovingly maintained as it is, could demonstrate a gremlin or ten on a long, sustained drive in warm weather. The 914 is currently taken out very infrequently, for short drives. As knowledgeable 914 owners, what sort of recommendations would you have for this trip (other than a AAA membership -- (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )? A reasonable amount of tools will be carried. Beyond that, should I have a few electro-mechanical switches "in stock", along with a belt, etc, etc...? Any notorious parts that should be carried? I'm competent with the diagnostics/wrenching, but have no experience with these cars and don't know what breaks. Thanks! |
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| carr914 |
Jul 14 2011, 04:15 AM
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#2
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Racer from Birth Group: Members Posts: 122,545 Joined: 2-February 04 From: Tampa,FL Member No.: 1,623 Region Association: South East States  |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
If I were you, I would rent a Uhaul Trailer to get it home. Just too many variables on a car that has not been maintained by yourself |
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| hot_shoe914 |
Jul 14 2011, 04:48 AM
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#3
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on ramp passer Group: Members Posts: 3,806 Joined: 20-November 07 From: Earle, Ar. Member No.: 8,354 Region Association: None |
Belt, clutch cable, accelerator cable, plugs, points, tools, manual and (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) that bitch home! Oh yeah, a fuel filter too.
Shoe |
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| reharvey |
Jul 14 2011, 05:38 AM
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#4
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 573 Joined: 16-July 08 From: N. E. Ohio Member No.: 9,308 Region Association: North East States |
How old are the tires? When was the last time it was driven more then 20 miles? Lots of things can go wrong on a car the sits in a garage for years no matter how good it looks. Fly there and give the car an inspection then drive it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) around for a few days before heading home.. Good luck! Ray
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| Haudiosolutions |
Jul 14 2011, 06:27 AM
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#5
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Member Group: Members Posts: 215 Joined: 19-October 10 From: Sevierville, TN Member No.: 12,284 Region Association: South East States |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Drive it around and look, feel, listen , and smell for issues once it's warmed up. It's what I did for my four hour journey from Nashville. But the weather was cooler then.... Good luck! it'll be a fun drive
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| Razorbobsr |
Jul 14 2011, 06:33 AM
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#6
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Member Group: Members Posts: 282 Joined: 6-June 10 From: Terre Haute Ind Member No.: 11,813 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
QUOTE(1973tii @ Jul 14 2011, 03:20 AM)  I'm strongly considering buying my uncle's 914. It's a green 1975 1.8L garaged California car in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. We're 700 miles apart and if I got it, I'd fly down and drive it home. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that this car, as lovingly maintained as it is, could demonstrate a gremlin or ten on a long, sustained drive in warm weather. The 914 is currently taken out very infrequently, for short drives. As knowledgeable 914 owners, what sort of recommendations would you have for this trip (other than a AAA membership -- (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )? A reasonable amount of tools will be carried. Beyond that, should I have a few electro-mechanical switches "in stock", along with a belt, etc, etc...? Any notorious parts that should be carried? I'm competent with the diagnostics/wrenching, but have no experience with these cars and don't know what breaks. Thanks! Drive it for a few days around town, and highways, 100 miles! No probs? Drive it home! Bob |
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| Cairo94507 |
Jul 14 2011, 06:35 AM
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#7
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Michael Group: Members Posts: 10,130 Joined: 1-November 08 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 9,712 Region Association: Northern California 
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What they all said or take it to a 914 familiar shop and get a PPI/service done first. Short of that, I would flatbed it home to be safe. Brakes, fuel lines, tires, etc.
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| jim_hoyland |
Jul 14 2011, 07:06 AM
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#8
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Get that VIN ? Group: Members Posts: 9,557 Joined: 1-May 03 From: Sunset Beach, CA Member No.: 643 Region Association: Southern California
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Where in So Cal is the car now ? If the '75 is still an L Jet FI, I would check the vac lines, wiring to the dual relay, and wiring to the resistors first. If the cars starts quickly and idles well after the AAR closes, then those items should be OK.
If the car is near Huntington Beach, I have a good mechanic that is services two '75 914s, PM me if you need more info Good luck with the car. |
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| PeeGreen 914 |
Jul 14 2011, 11:08 AM
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#9
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Just when you think you're done...wait, there is more..lol Group: Members Posts: 10,219 Joined: 21-September 06 From: Seattle, WA... actually Everett Member No.: 6,884 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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Give me your 73 Tii and I'll do the trip for you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
First step I would make is get the premium AAA. They just upgraded their service to include 200 miles towing. Second step I would make is get a list of someone on this board every 100 or 200 miles on your trip. If you have an issue you can be sure there will be someone close that will help. Third step I would make is go down and lok at the car. Drive it around and make any needed repair before you head out. Then drive that thing home (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) |
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| KELTY360 |
Jul 14 2011, 12:07 PM
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#10
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914 Neferati Group: Members Posts: 5,096 Joined: 31-December 05 From: Pt. Townsend, WA Member No.: 5,344 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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Find someone on this board who is close to the car to take a look and evaluate it with a long drive in mind. There is lots of assistance available along your route, regardless of whether you're doing I-5 or a coastal route.
I drove my car from Buena Park, CA to Seattle when I bought it 5 years ago. It was a great experience getting acquainted with the car. Sure, there are a lot of things that could go wrong, but you'll not likely face catastrophic failures if you've had it checked out in advance. Be sure you have a spare fuel pump relay; it's the round one. |
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| 1973tii |
Jul 14 2011, 12:08 PM
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#11
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 14-July 11 From: Portland, OR Member No.: 13,317 Region Association: None |
Thanks guys. After browsing the forum here for a while, I knew there would be some excellent advice.
So, I'm just barely holding on to my youth enough that I want to drive this 914 home and would embrace any mishaps as part of the adventure (I say that now, safely at home). That said, I'll probably coax my uncle into doing some longer drives before picking it up, and ask him to take it to his longtime mechanic for a checkout. Will also upgrade the AAA. Hmmmm, I guess I'm taking enough precautions to tell me that I actually am old. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Excited to get the car. I know the 75' 1.8L may be one of least desirable 914s, but the originality and condition of this one offset that for me. He's also the original owner. |
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| KELTY360 |
Jul 14 2011, 12:25 PM
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#12
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914 Neferati Group: Members Posts: 5,096 Joined: 31-December 05 From: Pt. Townsend, WA Member No.: 5,344 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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QUOTE(1973tii @ Jul 14 2011, 11:08 AM) So, I'm just barely holding on to my youth enough that I want to drive this 914 home and would embrace any mishaps as part of the adventure (I say that now, safely at home). I know what you mean, I flew out on my 57th b'day to get mine and it's definitely made me younger, in spite of the gray hairs it's added. |
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| skaufmann |
Jul 14 2011, 12:31 PM
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#13
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Blissfully Ignorant Group: Members Posts: 103 Joined: 26-May 11 From: San Diego - College Area Member No.: 13,123 Region Association: Southern California |
Don't forget you have the Grapevine to climb over just north of LA. Water-cooled cars litter the turnouts every time I drive it.
If you do make the drive, take 99 instead of I-5. You have a bunch more towns to drive through in case you need help. I got stranded on I-5 years ago and was towed to a little town off of 99. The highway is 3+ lanes a lot of the way too so its easier to navigate the semis. |
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| skaufmann |
Jul 14 2011, 12:37 PM
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#14
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Blissfully Ignorant Group: Members Posts: 103 Joined: 26-May 11 From: San Diego - College Area Member No.: 13,123 Region Association: Southern California |
After further thought, drive it and if something happens tow it to a uhaul and trailer it the rest of the way!
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| 1973tii |
Jul 14 2011, 12:47 PM
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#15
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 14-July 11 From: Portland, OR Member No.: 13,317 Region Association: None |
QUOTE(skaufmann @ Jul 14 2011, 11:31 AM) Don't forget you have the Grapevine to climb over just north of LA. Water-cooled cars litter the turnouts every time I drive it. If you do make the drive, take 99 instead of I-5. You have a bunch more towns to drive through in case you need help. I got stranded on I-5 years ago and was towed to a little town off of 99. The highway is 3+ lanes a lot of the way too so its easier to navigate the semis. I should have mentioned, the drive would be from The Bay Area to Portland. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) |
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| Spoke |
Jul 14 2011, 02:27 PM
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#16
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Jerry Group: Members Posts: 7,104 Joined: 29-October 04 From: Allentown, PA Member No.: 3,031 Region Association: None
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If you know you're going to buy it from your Uncle, just have it shipped.
If you start driving it and have a mechanical breakdown, you'll still need to have it shipped and you'll need a ride home. |
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| rick 918-S |
Jul 14 2011, 02:33 PM
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#17
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Hey nice rack! -Celette Group: Members Posts: 20,825 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Now in Superior WI Member No.: 43 Region Association: Northstar Region
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What a bunch of chickens! Where's the fun in having the car shipped or getting a trailer. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif) If the car runs and drives I always ask the owner if the car will make to it's next oil change. Grow some, get in it and enjoy the thrill! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)
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| KELTY360 |
Jul 14 2011, 02:33 PM
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#18
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914 Neferati Group: Members Posts: 5,096 Joined: 31-December 05 From: Pt. Townsend, WA Member No.: 5,344 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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QUOTE(1973tii @ Jul 14 2011, 11:47 AM) QUOTE(skaufmann @ Jul 14 2011, 11:31 AM) Don't forget you have the Grapevine to climb over just north of LA. Water-cooled cars litter the turnouts every time I drive it. If you do make the drive, take 99 instead of I-5. You have a bunch more towns to drive through in case you need help. I got stranded on I-5 years ago and was towed to a little town off of 99. The highway is 3+ lanes a lot of the way too so its easier to navigate the semis. I should have mentioned, the drive would be from The Bay Area to Portland. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Drive it over the GG bridge to McMark @ Original Customs on the way out out town. He can check it out and make sure you're good to go. That way you'll be on 101 which is the scenic route. It will be a great adventure. |
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| ArtechnikA |
Jul 14 2011, 02:41 PM
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#19
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rich herzog Group: Members Posts: 7,390 Joined: 4-April 03 From: Salted Roads, PA Member No.: 513 Region Association: None |
Check the DOT date stamps on the tires. If they're more than 6-7 years old, no matter what they look like, get new ones - include the spare - get 5. Carry a new alternator belt, although a broken belt in a T-IV isn't the panic it is in an earlier VW engine or a /6.
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| Ian Stott |
Jul 14 2011, 02:43 PM
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#20
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 907 Joined: 28-January 08 From: Moncton/Canada Member No.: 8,635 Region Association: Canada |
I would never say it is less desireable because it is a 75, it is most likely a well maintained one owner 914 that many people would love to have, get her checked out by a knowledgeable 914 mechanic and drive it home!
Ian Stott Moncton Canada |
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