Early 1970 914 original barn find..., Going to see it Friday, owner finally wants to sell it... Options

[oakdalecurtis]

Ok Brain Trust! I am going with another 914 owner to Sonora, Ca this Friday to look at a 1970 barn find. This 2nd owner said the car has been in his barn for 20 years, that it ran when went in, and has been rolled about but never started over the years. VIN # is 4702902635, which I believe would make it the 2,635th 914 built in the first year of production, 1970. The odometer says a little over 60K miles. We will check the engine number, but have no reason to believe it is not all original. He says that other than the obvious cosmetic issues outside, there is no bondo that he could find (magnet checked) and no chassis rust (I know, we've all heard that before. We'll look Friday as best we can, hell hole, trunks, etc, but won't be able to remove the rockers).
Question: IF we can roll the car, AND the brakes are not seized, AND the engine rotates in gear, AND I bring a battery and fire extinguisher, would it be ok to hook up the battery, turn the ignition just to the "on" position and see if the gauges come to life? IF they do and that checks out positively, what about trying to start it? I know the fuel is probably crap, and the fuel lines COULD leak, but if it all seems good up to that point, what about a test start up?
I will try to find the engine number on the top of the engine. Besides lots of photos and checking the obvious areas for rust, what else might we want to know about?
It looks like it has the original standard VW steelie wheels and caps, correct for these early 914's.
Shouldn't it have a 1.7 label on the back along with the 914 label?
I will ask him for all records that he has also.
I convinced the owner to let the car go to someone who wants a project car. I told him I would be willing to post all photos and info that I get there on this site and see if any members here would like to BAT and get his project car. My GUESS at this point, with this info, is I would recommend a price around $3500.
Any further thoughts or comments before my Friday visit? Think I'm close on a price recommendation, with what we know so far?

[ClayPerrine]

Check the numbers on the steering wheel. Lots of 70 914s have the one that is the same as the 911 RSR wheel, and those go for big money.

If it is cheap enough, I would buy it and get it running again.

Clay

[oakdalecurtis]

Check the numbers on the steering wheel. Lots of 70 914s have the one that is the same as the 911 RSR wheel, and those go for big money.

If it is cheap enough, I would buy it and get it running again.

Clay

Clay and/or Mep, where are the numbers to be found on the steering wheel??? And I presume that when you refer to a "flat porsche hub" that you are referring to the center of the steering wheel?

[mepstein]

Check the numbers on the steering wheel. Lots of 70 914s have the one that is the same as the 911 RSR wheel, and those go for big money.

If it is cheap enough, I would buy it and get it running again.

Clay

Clay and/or Mep, where are the numbers to be found on the steering wheel??? And I presume that when you refer to a "flat porsche hub" that you are referring to the center of the steering wheel?

Numbers and dates are on the front of the hub. Behind the horn pad.
An early four would be:
914.347.804.10 - hard rubber wheel
914.347.805.10 - leather covered wheel

‘72 on went to a VW dimension hub and end in “11”. Same spline count but use a different rear plastic hub spacer and aren’t a perfect fit if you switch early for late or late for early. However the fit is acceptable.