Oddities 1974 914, Strange things about my 1974 914 Options

[SteveNMaine]

I recently started a restoration on a 1974 914 and I have found some oddities. First of all the ID numbers match, 4742920XXX, and the door jam ID plate shows the mfg date is 1974.

I believe it was originally a 1.8L however the engine code is W0016751 which indicates a 1.7L 1970-71 model year. And it has a side shifter transmission.

I am working on the parking brake at present, and it is the folding type which indicates an early model not a 1974. I know my 1973 did have a folding handle as well.

So my question is this, was there some mixing and matching of older model parts in later models?

[wonkipop]

I recently started a restoration on a 1974 914 and I have found some oddities. First of all the ID numbers match, 4742920XXX, and the door jam ID plate shows the mfg date is 1974.

I believe it was originally a 1.8L however the engine code is W0016751 which indicates a 1.7L 1970-71 model year. And it has a side shifter transmission.

I am working on the parking brake at present, and it is the folding type which indicates an early model not a 1974. I know my 1973 did have a folding handle as well.

So my question is this, was there some mixing and matching of older model parts in later models?

absolutely not - from factory.
for one - emissions regulations which progressively stepped up would kybosh any fitment of anything other than a 1.8 L jet or emissions upgraded 2.0 D jet to a 74 model. WO engines cease in USA market cars in 72. replaced by the EA engine (1.7). then EA and EB in 73 1.7) and EC in 74 (1.8)

as to handbrake folding or not. would not be folding in 74 nor old parts fitted.
i think maybe an early 73 is a possibility but i only say that because knowing what we now do about 74 1.8s the upgrades in the 74s do not happen all in one hit at start of model year but are done progressively at different points in 74 MY. so maybe that happened with 73 MY cars. but i don't know that to be a fact, just speculating on basis of what i know about the 74 cars. but a 74 is long after the event when it comes to folding handbrake.

maybe somone totalled a 1.7 or had a rusty 1.7. found a good 74 in terms of body and transferred mechanicals across back in the mists of time. the cars are 50years old + after all.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[mepstein]

I recently started a restoration on a 1974 914 and I have found some oddities. First of all the ID numbers match, 4742920XXX, and the door jam ID plate shows the mfg date is 1974.

I believe it was originally a 1.8L however the engine code is W0016751 which indicates a 1.7L 1970-71 model year. And it has a side shifter transmission.

I am working on the parking brake at present, and it is the folding type which indicates an early model not a 1974. I know my 1973 did have a folding handle as well.

So my question is this, was there some mixing and matching of older model parts in later models?

absolutely not - from factory.
for one - emissions regulations which progressively stepped up would kybosh any fitment of anything other than a 1.8 L jet or emissions upgraded 2.0 D jet to a 74 model. WO engines cease in USA market cars in 72. replaced by the EA engine (1.7). then EA and EB in 73 1.7) and EC in 74 (1.8)

as to handbrake folding or not. would not be folding in 74 nor old parts fitted.
i think maybe an early 73 is a possibility but i only say that because knowing what we now do about 74 1.8s the upgrades in the 74s do not happen all in one hit at start of model year but are done progressively at different points in 74 MY. so maybe that happened with 73 MY cars. but i don't know that to be a fact, just speculating on basis of what i know about the 74 cars. but a 74 is long after the event when it comes to folding handbrake.

maybe somone totalled a 1.7 or had a rusty 1.7. found a good 74 in terms of body and transferred mechanicals across back in the mists of time. the cars are 50years old + after all.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
Lots of things can happen in 50 years. Engines, targa tops, doors, brake calipers, struts, etc. some people did it to upgrade, some just became that’s what the mechanic had available. There was a bit of crossover at the end of each model year but early 70-72 parts didn’t appear in 74 cars.

[SteveNMaine]

I recently started a restoration on a 1974 914 and I have found some oddities. First of all the ID numbers match, 4742920XXX, and the door jam ID plate shows the mfg date is 1974.

I believe it was originally a 1.8L however the engine code is W0016751 which indicates a 1.7L 1970-71 model year. And it has a side shifter transmission.

I am working on the parking brake at present, and it is the folding type which indicates an early model not a 1974. I know my 1973 did have a folding handle as well.

So my question is this, was there some mixing and matching of older model parts in later models?

absolutely not - from factory.
for one - emissions regulations which progressively stepped up would kybosh any fitment of anything other than a 1.8 L jet or emissions upgraded 2.0 D jet to a 74 model. WO engines cease in USA market cars in 72. replaced by the EA engine (1.7). then EA and EB in 73 1.7) and EC in 74 (1.8)

as to handbrake folding or not. would not be folding in 74 nor old parts fitted.
i think maybe an early 73 is a possibility but i only say that because knowing what we now do about 74 1.8s the upgrades in the 74s do not happen all in one hit at start of model year but are done progressively at different points in 74 MY. so maybe that happened with 73 MY cars. but i don't know that to be a fact, just speculating on basis of what i know about the 74 cars. but a 74 is long after the event when it comes to folding handbrake.

maybe somone totalled a 1.7 or had a rusty 1.7. found a good 74 in terms of body and transferred mechanicals across back in the mists of time. the cars are 50years old + after all.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
Lots of things can happen in 50 years. Engines, targa tops, doors, brake calipers, struts, etc. some people did it to upgrade, some just became that’s what the mechanic had available. There was a bit of crossover at the end of each model year but early 70-72 parts didn’t appear in 74 cars.

Thanks for the perspective, I appreciate it.

[davep]

I recently started a restoration on a 1974 914 and I have found some oddities. First of all the ID numbers match, 4742920XXX, and the door jam ID plate shows the mfg date is 1974.

It would really help if you added this car to your profile so that we can assist you better. Also, the VIN, Karmann #, paint code, and Compliance decal date would assist me and others as to how your car fits the production pattern. With your high VIN the Karmann chassis tag should be in the front trunk on the right wheelwell.
Dave

[davep]

There are three tells for the 1.8 engine. The badge on the rear trunk, the engine compliance decal above the relay panel in engine compartment, and the tire decal on the gas tank ( SR tire for 1.8 and HR tire for 2.0).
Definitely, with 50 years after production a lot can happen to one of these cars. An engine swap is common. Other changes such as the parking brake lever are less common, but not surprising.
I have the means to determine the original configuration.