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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ 356 "Field" Find
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:27 PM
Hey guys! My dad just went to pick up a 914 today, and when he was there he spotted a 356 out in the field. It was a 1958 cabriolet with a hardtop (I thought that was a really rare option). It was complete with the original engine (not in car, but complete). The car needs floor pans and rockers, but is otherwise solid. The guy only wanted $1800 for it...which I thought was cheap, but wanted to ask you guys first. Let me know. Thanks! 
Posted by: type47 Aug 8 2006, 07:33 PM
with your sportomatic project i'd say skip it or you'll be stretched too thin. ever wonder about the price of the restoration of a 356? enough to get your mom a boxster-tip instead of a 914-sporto.
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:39 PM
I'm not going to send it to someone to do the resto! I'm going to do it myself... Repair panles dont cost too much on RD.... Anyway, you could make a profit restoring one of these things. Put $20,000 into it (yeah, like thats going to happen) and you could easily resell it for $40,000-$50,000.
Posted by: swl Aug 8 2006, 07:41 PM
I have a real soft spot for the 356. It it is for real and solid somebody should get it the heck out of that field! For me that is a car really worth restoring.
Posted by: Pat Garvey Aug 8 2006, 07:41 PM
Hey guys! My dad just went to pick up a 914 today, and when he was there he spotted a 356 out in the field. It was a 1958 cabriolet with a hardtop (I thought that was a really rare option). It was complete with the original engine (not in car, but complete). The car needs floor pans and rockers, but is otherwise solid. The guy only wanted $1800 for it...which I thought was cheap, but wanted to ask you guys first. Let me know. Thanks!
Wow, before you even ponder it get a 356 expert to look it over! Horror tales abound about 356's that were initial bargains but turned out to have the wrong nose or tail, etc. Plus, no matter how cheap you go on a restoration, you'll be in a lot deeper than on a 914 (stock).
How come no one else has found this car? I'd pass if you're doing another car right now. In fact, I'd save money & buy one that someone else has had to spend the bucks on. Unless it's rare (& this one isn't so rare) it's a loosing proposition. Now, if you want to hang on to it for 20 years or so,,,,,,,,,
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:45 PM
It's a loosing proposition at $1800?? Parts cars are going for $5000 on ebay...
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:46 PM
BTW, the car will have to wait a few years to start anyway, so I'm not going to try and fund two projects at the same time.... So it will be in a storage garage until we thin out the projects a little.
Posted by: anthony Aug 8 2006, 07:47 PM
I'd go down and give them the $1800 cash asap and sort out the details later. Worst case scenario, you part it out.
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:48 PM
Thats what I thought...I REALLY dont want to part it out, because I am absolutly in love with 356's but never could afford one..and this is probably the only chance we will get.
Posted by: mikez Aug 8 2006, 07:51 PM
Never restore one of those things unless you own a shop....buy it and flip it....
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:52 PM
Why not restore it??
Posted by: r_towle Aug 8 2006, 07:55 PM
Buy it, sell it to me for 3k, one day deal.
Ill ship it.
I will need about ten pics.
Rich
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 07:57 PM
LOL... I'll think about it Rich. I really want a 356 though.... Just obsessed with 914's....
Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Aug 8 2006, 08:04 PM
356 people want cars that have been done right. You're NOT gonna do it right, and you'll be in the crowd of 95% of the guys trying to make a buck on a floor pan job. We're getting ready to start on the mechanicals of a 59 coupe that's been away at the restorer just getting the body work done. A year and $15K later, the car is ready to have the finishing body work and paint done. There are probably less than a half dozen guys on the Pacific Coast that are capable of doing it right, and maybe twice that in the whole country, and they've all been doing this for years. What looked to the casual observer to be a "simple" floor pan job ended up being nearly everything 12-15" up from the actual floor. Had to be done on a fixture much like the Celette bench they put Andy's car on. There are hidden panels and bulkheads inside and behind everything you can see. Things big bux 356 purchasers know about, and will want verification of repairs and/or condition. It'll cost you $4-6K to do the motor right, and $2K + to do the tranny. The rubber isn't bad, but everything else is pricey, and any buyer even slightly in the know will look at it ALL. Buy it, pass it on for a profit, and walk away from it. BTW, the hard tops aren't all that rare. I have a '59 cab here at the shop that has NEVER had any rust and NEVER been in an accident. Once we do thje engine and brakes, the car might be worth $28-30K, but we'll have to find the right buyer at the right time, and the buyer will have to paint it. The Cap'n
Posted by: r_towle Aug 8 2006, 08:04 PM
pm coming.
Rich
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 08:11 PM
You're NOT gonna do it right, and you'll be in the crowd of 95% of the guys trying to make a buck on a floor pan job.
Thanks
Why wont I do it right? I am going to be working at a long time Porsche Restoration Shop next summer, and the guys has been doing this stuff for 30+ years. How hard is redoing the floors? Drill the Spotwelds, remove the old, clean up any rough spots, spot weld the new floors on like the factory, same with the rockers. Unless this is a lot more complicated.
Posted by: URY914 Aug 8 2006, 08:15 PM
This was on Pelican as selling for on eBay $8600 
Attached image(s)
Posted by: URY914 Aug 8 2006, 08:18 PM
Unless this is a lot more complicated.
Fixing the car pictured above is a LITTLE more complicated.
Posted by: Flat VW Aug 8 2006, 08:20 PM
Does it come with the 'trailer' too?
John
Posted by: brant Aug 8 2006, 08:22 PM
You're NOT gonna do it right, and you'll be in the crowd of 95% of the guys trying to make a buck on a floor pan job.
Thanks
Why wont I do it right? I am going to be working at a long time Porsche Restoration Shop next summer, and the guys has been doing this stuff for 30+ years. How hard is redoing the floors? Drill the Spotwelds, remove the old, clean up any rough spots, spot weld the new floors on like the factory, same with the rockers. Unless this is a lot more complicated.I've got to add..
if you compaired the way a typical 914 guy (myself included) does rust repair and welding....
compaired to the way a professional restoration shop would do a car like a 356..
there is a huge, HUGE, HUGE difference.
grasshopper, ever wonder why those guys that have been doing it for 30 years are called craftsman... thats right... they have 30 years of learning behind them to make it look factory. Sure, go to work at the shop. in 10 years you might be good enough to do it and have the equiptment (got a real spot welder, or just plan on using a mig?)
hey, I'll admit.. I'm just an average teener guy.
but thats what the captain is talking about.
its learned skill.
makes a difference
and makes a HUGE difference when it comes to the difference between an amateur driver car versus a pro restoration.
I'm all for amateur drivers, but don't throw around numbers that are typical of what pro restorations are selling for.
figure you cut about 2/3rds off of those numbers and you'll be close.
Heck... do it and keep it.
drive it and enjoy.
but don't do it planning to make 20K when you sell it
because you will have a rude awakening when you go to see how serious the 356 guys are about this stuff.
my 2 cents:
-yes its a good deal
no your not going to have a 40K car when your done...
(unless you invest 40K into it.... then you have a 40K car. ha...)
its similar to a teener.
"buy the best one you can afford if you want to ultimately spend less money"
"don't try and fix one up if your trying to save a buck"
brant
Posted by: URY914 Aug 8 2006, 08:26 PM
This one is close to me and has been on Samba for some time now. You could buy a fleet of 914's for what these will cost you to properly restore.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=306776
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 08:34 PM
Well.....I can see why. I guess you guys have talked me out of another one... 
First and last 356...
Posted by: mikez Aug 8 2006, 08:43 PM
Whoever thinks that 356 above is gonna be restored is nuttier than batshit. They bought a VIN #......
Posted by: bondo Aug 8 2006, 08:47 PM
I'd say if YOU really want a 356, buy it and fix it in whatever way YOU want. Enjoy having a 356, and don't ever worry about not having an english wheel. If your plan is to turn a profit, look it over carefully. If it'll stand up under its own weight, buy it, and get it out of the field and onto some good tires. Clean it up the best you can, but DO NOT fix it. Sell it at that point, and you'll probably get your best $ for your effort.
I've bought and sold many cars. The ones I made money on I sold shortly after getting cleaned up. The ones I lost money on are the ones I worked hardest on. Here's an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=200015065686&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT. I bought that car for $850. I got it running, but it had a high rpm rod knock. As a running and driving MGB, I probably could have doubled my money even with the rod knock. But no, I rebuilt the engine, replaced all the rubber, painted it, and now I can't get anywhere near what I have in it. I did get a good 7 years of use out of it, but was it really worth it? My mistake was that I went into it because I really wanted it, and never planned to sell it. I was building MY mgb. Then I got into 914s and changed my mind. 
So there you have it. I say look deep inside yourself, and make that choice... 356 later, or profit now. You can always buy it and postpone that decision, but don't forget to make that decision before you get too deep.
Posted by: SGB Aug 8 2006, 08:56 PM
wow Royce, what a beauty! Steel bumpers, wires, good top... Hold out fo a decent price. Someone who apppreciates it will come along. Steele bumper Bs are going up fast in price, following the path of the bug-eye. That car is only a few years away from major vaue.
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 8 2006, 09:15 PM
Well..I really need some money for the SIX, which now looks like it will have to be freshend up...E Cams, S Pistons...other stuff too...but I'm keeping that a secret. So I guess I will buy it, clean up the interior wash it, buy some tires, and resell the thing.... Thanks guys!
Posted by: bondo Aug 8 2006, 09:16 PM
wow Royce, what a beauty! Steel bumpers, wires, good top... Hold out fo a decent price. Someone who apppreciates it will come along. Steele bumper Bs are going up fast in price, following the path of the bug-eye. That car is only a few years away from major vaue.
I wish I could keep it forever. But I can only have so many cars. I've got to cash out now, financially it's my only option. Well not quite only... it's either give up the MG, or give up the V8 914 project.. what would you choose?
Posted by: George H. Aug 8 2006, 09:21 PM
Well..I really need some money for the SIX, which now looks like it will have to be freshend up...E Cams, S Pistons...other stuff too...but I'm keeping that a secret. So I guess I will buy it, clean up the interior wash it, buy some tires, and resell the thing.... Thanks guys!
good plan
Posted by: GWN7 Aug 8 2006, 09:30 PM
At $1,800 it sounds like a deal. If the car is fairly compleat as you say, I'd buy it and put it in the shed. If you decide that you need the $$ for the six you probably could double that if you cleaned it up and put it on Ebay....
Posted by: messix Aug 8 2006, 09:37 PM
go ahead and buy it!
all you nay say'ers back off and let this kid learn at the resto shop, he'll be learning skills and this car would be great for him to learn on. it's only metal for gods sake, if he screws something up on his first try it can always be redone later when he has mastered the skills.
don't shoot down a possable great craftsman earaly because he doesn't yet have the skills. his family is supportive in a way that is beyond compare.
Posted by: bondo Aug 8 2006, 09:49 PM
go ahead and buy it!
all you nay say'ers back off and let this kid learn at the resto shop, he'll be learning skills and this car would be great for him to learn on. it's only metal for gods sake, if he screws something up on his first try it can always be redone later when he has mastered the skills.
don't shoot down a possable great craftsman earaly because he doesn't yet have the skills. his family is supportive in a way that is beyond compare.
Oh, he's got skills. I started really working on cars probably about when he did (early teens). From what I've seen posted here, I'd say we're about even now. I'm 31... how old are you now grasshopper?
Keep up that pace and by the time you're my age you'll be building custom cars from scratch.
Posted by: Boojum Aug 8 2006, 09:54 PM
At $1,800 it sounds like a deal. If the car is fairly compleat as you say, I'd buy it and put it in the shed. If you decide that you need the $$ for the six you probably could double that if you cleaned it up and put it on Ebay....
No joke. At $1800 that's like free money. It's like buying a house off a 90 year old grandma for $100,000 because you know it'll go for $300,000 with a little sprucing up... And you don't even have to evict a nice grandma (a few mice on the other hand..)
Posted by: rick 918-S Aug 9 2006, 12:03 AM
I sold a 1958 sunroof for 7500.00 and it needed everthing. Buy it. If you decide to repair it, cool. If you decide to flip it, you'll make money. Don't start bringing people out there you'll spook the seller. I'm not telling you to steal it. The seller set the price. I'm telling you to take the deal and make some money.
Posted by: SirAndy Aug 9 2006, 12:06 AM
I'd go down and give them the $1800 cash asap and sort out the details later. Worst case scenario, you part it out.
Posted by: Jake Raby Aug 9 2006, 05:09 AM
I have been looking for a "Rough" 356 to use for mock up purposes for a Turbo system and maybe to make an "Outlaw" out of... If you don't want it let me know..
356s are about the most expensive car to restore. I have supplied engines for customers spending 40K+ on the resto, NOT including the engine!!
Posted by: davep Aug 9 2006, 05:30 AM
It MAY be a good deal at that price. You may be able to flip it for a profit.
To give you an idea about restoring a 356, try replacing a door. Find a good door of the proper style and restore it. Then mount the door on the body and align properly, some trimming of the door may be necessary. Lead the door to the body (as in body filler lead metal). Cut the door gap with a hot knife. Yep, the factory custom cut each door to the body, and no two doors are the same.
I remember cutting up a cab about 20 years ago using only a screwdriver. Had a bunch of coupes and a pair of Conv D's as well. I'm much happier with my 914's thanks. The 914 has but one hellhole, the 356 is a hellhole it seems. Good luck with the project.
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 9 2006, 06:28 AM
Dang it! Now I dont know what to do...Yeah, I know "buy it!" but what then....I think I'll just leave it in a storage garage for about ten years. 
Posted by: boboli914@att.net Aug 9 2006, 06:43 AM
I say buy it! Sit on it awhile and see if it feels right. If not sell it and put a few dollars into your pocket. It is a simple decision,unless you are taking food off your table to pay for it.
Posted by: drewvw Aug 9 2006, 07:12 AM
even if its only semi solid you should definitely buy it, its worth it. You have a compound(s) to stash it so you can take your time on it or sell it later on.
when I was 20, i came across a "free" 356 that some guy had and I was all jacked up to get it and restore it myself. It was trashed but I had stars in my eyes. I quickly learned that even if you do all the work its still going to cost a fortune, esp if it doesnt have an engine (does it...might have missed that part)
get us some pics!!!
I do know a guy thats sitting on a 64 356...he refuses to sell it to me, tries to pawn off some crappy TR-7s to change the subject. time to ask him again
Posted by: URY914 Aug 9 2006, 07:19 AM
A "barn" find is better than a "field" find.
And when the barn is climate controlled and dust free, al the better.
Posted by: double-a Aug 9 2006, 09:11 AM
if you have the $$ handy and don't mind parting with it, go for it! what's the worst that could happen? resell it for more money? that's not a bad deal.
and pics would be nice 
~a
Posted by: Joe Sharp Aug 9 2006, 09:20 AM
[quote]Thanks Why wont I do it right? [quote]
Barry: For the first time I'm going aginst The Capt.
You are in your youth and no one can tell you what to do with your life. I belive in you Barry and I have seen your skills grow. You will be a 914 GURU. You will learn all of the skills you need to do the job correctly. When I was your age my father tried to get me to work metal and what I learned then I still use today.
Linda has done several 356 and she is good source of info. Her and her-ex did three and put a sunroof on a coupe, I think. He took the car when he left and Linda only got the shaft. Maybe she will chime in.
:PERMAGRIN: Joe
Posted by: brer Aug 9 2006, 09:28 AM
I built a 356 when I was 15 and everyone said the same thing to me.
do want you want man.
dont listen to the purists who have bookmarked this thread hoping for the opportunity to score a cab. from a kid.
fix the rust, paint it black with a white iron cross on each door,
throw a type 4 motor in it and have fun.
Posted by: boxstr Aug 9 2006, 09:46 AM
Grassopper Buy it put it in the barn or garage and sit on it for a few years. When the time comes either resore it or sell it, you will have fun and make a little $$ doing it.
CCLINGOFORIT
Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 9 2006, 09:47 AM
Barry,
Buy it and wait to see how you feel. No need to hurry, these things will only appreciate and you have storage
Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Aug 9 2006, 10:04 AM
[quote name='Joe Sharp' date='Aug 9 2006, 08:20 AM' post='748382']
[quote]Thanks Why wont I do it right? [quote]
Barry: For the first time I'm going aginst The Capt.
You are in your youth and no one can tell you what to do with your life. I belive in you Barry and I have seen your skills grow. You will be a 914 GURU. You will learn all of the skills you need to do the job correctly. When I was your age my father tried to get me to work metal and what I learned then I still use today.
Linda has done several 356 and she is good source of info. Her and her-ex did three and put a sunroof on a coupe, I think. He took the car when he left and Linda only got the shaft. Maybe she will chime in.
:PERMAGRIN: Joe
[/quote]
That's OK, Joe. You're certainly entitled to your opinion. However, I hope you'll accept part of the blame when his anticipated $20-30K profit turns into a loss. I see 356 basket cases often, and have close friends in the business (or avocation) of bringing them back to life. I think they're gonna side with my point of view. He REALLY hasn't a clue what he's getting into. If he chooses to roll it for some good bucks, fine. If he hopes to restore it (and I mean RESTORE it), then he's in for a dream shattering eye-opening rude awakening. As for lead work, as somebody mentioned earlier, why don't we see very many lead men who aren't senior citizens? Because it's HARD! Doing these cars right is a challenge most people are not equipped, mentally, physically, and financially. Easier, not to mention cheaper, to pick one up from someone who's already gone off the deep end and needs to be rescued from his passion.
This guy comes home from his first visit to the Pomona swapmeet. He's got an old rusty hubcap in his hand, and he's so excited he can hardly stand still. His wife calms him down enough to talk, and asks him what he's got there. "It's a hubcap", he says, "from a 72 914!" "What ever are you gonna do with THAT?", she asks. "You don't HAVE a 914." "I'm gonna restore the car!", he replies.
The Cap'n
Posted by: cooltimes Aug 9 2006, 10:05 AM
My $.02 is worth nothing really but here is the way I see it.
The best way to make money is have something a lot of other people would like to have. Seems that has happened with your barn find. Go for the money.
Did I not read it right? Rich said $3000 and he'll ship. That is $1200 profit.
Then on the other hand, maybe Raby will up the offer because he must feel there is potential to be interested and as we all know, he knows about these things. Maybe you can do some Grasshopper/Raby trading. Varoom....
Honestly though, I can't imagine anyone wanting to buy anything automobile related as this is without seeing some sort of photo.
MikeCool
Posted by: grasshopperSR Aug 9 2006, 10:17 AM
Ok guys, this is Barry SR, a lurker. You know, the old fart that works all the time and pays for this stuff. The car is all complete with a screwed on sheet metal floor pan. Nothing fits right obviously. Even to trailer it I will need to support the center since the top is the strongest part of the car. It is not beat all up like the ones I see here though. No, neither Barry Jr. or I have the skills to do a purist job. It would never be a $40k exotic car sale for the purist.
Right now I'm thinking the car will cost Jr. at least one "A" and no "C" this quarter, plus the grass stays cut, and the computer goes off by 10pm. Now, Is that a good deal or bad deal?
Posted by: jasons Aug 9 2006, 10:18 AM
First thing you need to do is see what the status of the title and ownership is. If the car doesn't have a title or it is somehow F'd.... Then you are talking about a whole new situation.
Posted by: boboli914@att.net Aug 9 2006, 10:22 AM
Ok guys, this is Barry SR, a lurker. You know, the old fart that works all the time and pays for this stuff. The car is all complete with a screwed on sheet metal floor pan. Nothing fits right obviously. Even to trailer it I will need to support the center since the top is the strongest part of the car. It is not beat all up like the ones I see here though. No, neither Barry Jr. or I have the skills to do a purist job. It would never be a $40k exotic car sale for the purist. Right now I'm thinking the car will cost Jr. at least one "A" and no "C" this quarter, plus the grass stays cut, and the computer goes off by 10pm. Now, Is that a good deal or bad deal?
Thats depends, What does Mrs. Grasshopper say?
Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Aug 9 2006, 10:24 AM
I suggest you front him the bux, if you can, and work with him to turn a quick and modest profit. Let him keep as much as the profit as he earns after he pays you reasonable interest. My dad did that for me, I've done it for my kids. Set a reasonable time limit and let him run with it. The more work he does, the more he makes. If you end up doing all the work, you get to keep the profits. The Cap'n
Posted by: Jake Raby Aug 9 2006, 10:24 AM
Not in Georgia..
The Nazis haven't screwed our system up like other states...
I go to the tag office, show them a bill of sale and insurance card and they'll register anything as long as it's 13 years or older with NO title needed!
I have registered cars that had been off the road for 30 years and not registered- no questions asked..
Posted by: jasons Aug 9 2006, 10:30 AM
Not in Georgia..
The Nazis haven't screwed our system up like other states...
I go to the tag office, show them a bill of sale and insurance card and they'll register anything as long as it's 13 years or older with NO title needed!
I have registered cars that had been off the road for 30 years and not registered- no questions asked..
Note to self... Don't buy any possible Katrina flood cars with clean GA titles.
I'm not sure if thats a good or bad policy, but it sure is convenient.
I say buy the car an throw her up on ebay. I wouldn't be surprised if the hardtop was worth $1800. One of my best friends has a Pre-A, and I can't believe what he pays for some stuff.
Posted by: bondo Aug 9 2006, 10:30 AM
If you do painstakingly restore it into a concours show car... Stay away from railroad tracks!!!
Posted by: Dominic Aug 9 2006, 11:34 AM
Hey guys! My dad just went to pick up a 914 today, and when he was there he spotted a 356 out in the field. It was a 1958 cabriolet with a hardtop (I thought that was a really rare option). It was complete with the original engine (not in car, but complete). The car needs floor pans and rockers, but is otherwise solid. The guy only wanted $1800 for it...which I thought was cheap, but wanted to ask you guys first. Let me know. Thanks!
If this was actually in a field for some time I'm sure that more than just the floors and rockers are gone......look real hard under the car, battery box up front, and in the engine compartment. Don't forget the leaded fender seams, yes they used lead before bondo was invented.
With that said it's still worth the $$. Buy it now! It will be worth a shit load of $$ in the future.
I just flipped a 68' 911S that I found and it was rusted to hell, yet someone over in the U.K. wanted to restore it. It seems that the early 911S is the next 356 when it comes to rare Porsches.
Good luck and show us some pics of this find.
Posted by: /L. Aug 9 2006, 11:39 AM
OH MY GOD!! 356's were my favorite car until they got out of my price range. I had a '65 sunroof 356. It was beautiful but my ex-boyfriend always told me "Do not love a car!" and he sold it with a few other cars and motorcycle and bought a house in Laguna Nigel ( a very uppedie place in SoCal) 
. But anyway $1800 for a 356 and ALL parts are there is a great deal. And only because you can fix it and sell it for ALOT mo money. A coverible with a hard top is worth lots. If I'm not mistaken they go for about $ 40k now. Done of course. Those cars are fun to drive but nothing like the 914 but a geat car. I hope you take an opportunity like this and make a nice little ride for yourself. OK it may take alot of money to restore but what doesn't? If anything sell it part by part and that would give you some bucks for your 914 to be finished. If you have any questions pm me, I'd be more than happy to talk with you again. I promise I'll keep it clean
Good Luck
Posted by: Joe Sharp Aug 9 2006, 11:47 AM
Just a reminder. Linda's car took best 4 at the WCC.
:PERMAGRI8N: Joe
Posted by: Lou W Aug 9 2006, 11:57 AM
[quote name='boxstr' date='Aug 9 2006, 08:46 AM' post='748397']
Grassopper Buy it put it in the barn or garage and sit on it for a few years. When the time comes either resore it or sell it, you will have fun and make a little $$ doing it.
CCLINGOFORIT
[/quote]
This guy comes home from his first visit to the Pomona swapmeet. He's got an old rusty hubcap in his hand, and he's so excited he can hardly stand still. His wife calms him down enough to talk, and asks him what he's got there. "It's a hubcap", he says, "from a 72 914!" "What ever are you gonna do with THAT?", she asks. "You don't HAVE a 914." "I'm gonna restore the car!", he replies.
The Cap'n
[/quote]
[quote name='grasshopperSR' date='Aug 9 2006, 09:17 AM' post='748416'] Ok guys, this is Barry SR, a lurker. You know, the old fart that works all the time and pays for this stuff. The car is all complete with a screwed on sheet metal floor pan. Nothing fits right obviously. Even to trailer it I will need to support the center since the top is the strongest part of the car. It is not beat all up like the ones I see here though. No, neither Barry Jr. or I have the skills to do a purist job. It would never be a $40k exotic car sale for the purist.
Right now I'm thinking the car will cost Jr. at least one "A" and no "C" this quarter, plus the grass stays cut, and the computer goes off by 10pm. Now, Is that a good deal or bad deal?
[/quote]
Watchout, dad's home.
I'd probably buy it, and stuff it in a garage, not spend any additional money on it for now. Hone my rebuilding skills first on the 914, after he starts his new job, he may have help from the shop to make it into a nice car.
I think back to some of the cars that "got away" and really wished I had just bought them and waited for the right time to do something with them.
I think it's great that Sr. Grasshopper is taking an interest in what Jr's doing, I have some very fond memories of me and my dad working on my first car.
Jr, you are very lucky.
Posted by: GWN7 Aug 9 2006, 12:01 PM
Ok guys, this is Barry SR, a lurker. You know, the old fart that works all the time and pays for this stuff. The car is all complete with a screwed on sheet metal floor pan. Nothing fits right obviously. Even to trailer it I will need to support the center since the top is the strongest part of the car. It is not beat all up like the ones I see here though. No, neither Barry Jr. or I have the skills to do a purist job. It would never be a $40k exotic car sale for the purist. Right now I'm thinking the car will cost Jr. at least one "A" and no "C" this quarter, plus the grass stays cut, and the computer goes off by 10pm. Now, Is that a good deal or bad deal?
Good deal....
Buy it , stick it in the garage and see what happens....worst case is a "B" and you will sell it and double your $$'s
Posted by: GTeener Aug 9 2006, 12:03 PM
Uncanny timing...
A co-worker just came to me this morning asking me if I knew anyone interested in a bunch of early model factory part books with exploded illustrations and part numbers for a bunch of Porsche models, 356's being amonst them. I think he said one was even still in plastic 
Anyone interested in buying these? He said he'd put them on EBay soon.
Contact Corey Rolin [RolinCD@snapon.com]
Posted by: GTeener Aug 9 2006, 12:05 PM
Was it Janis Joplin's hippy trippy 356?
Anyone ever done a hippy trippy 914?
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Posted by: drewvw Aug 9 2006, 12:29 PM
1 "A" and no "Cs" for a 356 restoration project....
Barry Sr I will make that deal with you no problem!
Posted by: markb Aug 9 2006, 12:30 PM
Buy it. Flip it. When you have your other ambitious projects done, if you still want a 356, I'm sure one will be there for you. Just my .02.
Posted by: Bleyseng Aug 9 2006, 12:38 PM
Just a reminder. Linda's car took best 4 at the WCC.
:PERMAGRI8N: Joe
She paid all of us to vote for her with
Posted by: /L. Aug 9 2006, 12:55 PM
Posted by: GTeener Aug 9 2006, 02:47 PM
FYI ya'll 
Rolin, Corey wrote:
Subject: RE: Porsche books
Gwen,
Here's the info on the Porsche 356 books I have. It's a set of hardcover Porsche 356B factory parts books. I say "set" because 3 books are supplements to the main 356B book and they all belong together. The coverage date matches the info below (Published beginning in 1960). The main book has hard cardboard covers, maroon borders, a sort of abstract design picture fascia with removable page fasteners and is about 3" thick. There is one 356B supplement, and two 356C supplements. One of the 356C supplements is still in the plastic with the part # sticker taping it closed. The supplements are about 1 1/4" thick hard covered vinyl books. They appear to be 100% complete, but a little dirty and may have a few fingerprints on the pages. These are Bumper to bumper factory parts coverage with exploded views and factory part numbers. Some of the books have had factory updates or revisions installed, but I don’t remember which of them. Here's a link I found describing the books from the 356 Registry website and I copied the info about the books that I have.
http://www.356registry.org/Tech/partsbooks.html
The 356-B 1960 Parts Book.
Next in the order of things comes the 356-B parts book published in January 1960. This 356-B was designated the T-5. The lineup of covered models changes somewhat to include: Coupes, Cabriolet Hardtops, Roadsters, and Hardtop 61's.
The engines covered include:
1600 Serial numbers beginning at P-606,800
1600-S Serial numbers beginning at P-700,000
1600 S-90 Serial numbers beginning at P-804,000
Now you guys with B T-5's can run out and see what engine is really in your car! The organization of the book is essentially the same as the 356-A book.
Interestingly, we have had the following Porsche 356 models: (1) coupes, (2) cabriolets. (3) cabriolet/hardtops, (4) America
Roadsters, (5) speedsters, (6) convertible D's, (7) roadsters, and (8) Hardtop 61's. This list omits the various Carrera models, the Spyders, and other racing models. I used to think there were only coupes, cabriolets, and speedsters!
The 356-B T-6 1961 Parts Book.
The T-6 356-B parts book first came out as a series of supplements to the 356-B T-5 parts book beginning in September 1961 (model year 62). Substantial changes were made in the T-6 compared to the T-5, most conspicuous among them was the gas tank filler on the passenger side front fender. In addition, the front trunk lid was more squared on the T-6 as compared to the T-5. To have a complete parts book for a 356-B T-6, it was necessary to have the original 356-B parts book along with the T-6 supplement set. In the supplements, only the new or changed parts were described.
The 356-C 1963 Parts Book.
The changes for the 356-C were handled in the same way, i.e. another set of supplements published in August 1963. This
"2nd supplement" to the Spare Parts Catalog 356-B for PORSCHE vehicles contains the spare parts which have been modified and/or newly developed for type 356-C." Various supplements were added from August 1963 well into 1965.
Conclusion
Original parts books are a real treasure, and they contain a lot of information that is useful no matter what level of work you do
on your car. They are great obviously for parts identification. More importantly, the exploded-views show how part assemblies
go together and in what order, and the relationship to other assemblies. For assembly/disassembly work and for restoration
projects, the parts books are an invaluable visual aid.
Here's another link I found with a lot more info regarding these books.
http://members.aol.com/Mistri4u/356PartsBooks.html
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Posted by: swl Aug 9 2006, 05:58 PM
Right now I'm thinking the car will cost Jr. at least one "A" and no "C" this quarter, plus the grass stays cut, and the computer goes off by 10pm. Now, Is that a good deal or bad deal?
Sir I love the way you think!
Now both of you - step away from the computer and go save that 356!
Posted by: 914rrr Aug 9 2006, 07:12 PM
If there is any way you can buy it and stash it, I'd go that route. Better than money in the bank. I keep thinking of that 1966 VW 21 window bus (with working gas heater and brand new whitewall tires) I bought for $200 in the 80's. I drove it till the tranny died and sold it to a buddy for $100. Shoulda, woulda coulda.... 
Posted by: bam914 Aug 9 2006, 07:21 PM
Barry Sr and Barry Jr ! Thanks for stopping by last week, nice to finally meet you both. Hope the parts work out OK. Buy the 356, get it on the road and see how Porsche got their reputation. There is nothing like driving a 356. A lot of us started out with them and now would give anything to have them back. My wife had a 1962 silver super cabrolet with red leather int when we were married. I've had probably 20 Porsches since then ( married 40 yrs) but still would love to have it back. Al
Posted by: bam914 Aug 9 2006, 07:24 PM
Barry's, My son must have been using my computer , thats why it is signed in as BAM914...not Al Meredith
Posted by: fiid Aug 9 2006, 10:01 PM
Sometime, someday, someone needs to put a Subie WRX motor in a 356. Having a radiator upfront would probably improve the weight distibution too
Posted by: grasshopper Aug 9 2006, 10:10 PM
Cool, you could help. Just dont give me DIRECTIONS on how to do it...lol
Posted by: krazykonrad Aug 9 2006, 10:42 PM
When you think about it, the days of finding old 356's like that are fast disapearing. They are'nt getting any un-rustier. For the price, unless its an absolute giant hunk of rust like in the previous pictures, go for it. It would be way cooler to take your futute kids or grandkids in a spin in a 356 rather than saying, one time I saw one for cheap and now its rusted away in some field. THe price is right, go forth and do it!
Konrad 72/4
Posted by: dwillouby Aug 10 2006, 06:42 AM
Barry, Id say buy it and keep it. Years later you will be glad you did. I remember one of my biggest mistakes was when I was 17. I decided not to buy a non running real GT 40. It was owned by an ex racer sitting buried in the back of his shop. I thought 3500.00 was to high.
David
Posted by: GTeener Aug 10 2006, 11:55 AM
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