My 1960 T5B Restoration

[Phil Parry]

Useful thread on the Registry: http://forum.porsche356registry.org/vie ... ng#p128893

[Phil Parry]

Phew. After all these years, I think we're weeks away from completion ...assuming my very busy mechanics keep me in their diary for the first week of September and aren't snagged by any missing parts. I 'might' just make Hedingham.

I ordered a new wiring loom from Paul Wocheslander in Germany and have been very impressed with it. Had to disconnect the wire (no.27 I think it was) from the brake switch to the turn signal and run a wire from brake switch to rear lights, but otherwise no problems at all. Thanks to my chum, also Phil, and the ever-talented Lionel, the last few weeks have seen screens fitted, doors properly aligned, rubbers fitted all round, brake lines, gearbox filled, wiper motor installed, loom, fusebox and relays installed, headlining in, interior lights fitted, quarter lights and door frames made up (grr..hmmph), tinware powder coated, metal strips at top of door panels fabricated, mazak parts sent for plating, last chrome bits plated, lights cleaned and fitted, fuel tank fitted (bit of petrol first to swell the cork gasket so it doesn't leak in situ) ...and so much more. All very exciting and all very impressive (on the part of Phil and Lionel). I got the credit card out a lot, polished a few bits, fitted the wipers and was kept well away from causing any damage!

Many many lessons learned about the correct order in which to do things and how to project manage a resto. The Pre A WILL be more organised and WILL take less time.

Anyway, off to Neil Tadman today for trimming. Seats and dash top already done, so it's all about the carpets. Very very exciting. Watching the car actually moving, albeit on a trailer, had the heart skipping the odd beat.

[Disco]

a really stunning car Phil.

[Dave Lane]

Looks really good Phil lovely details and great color.looking forward to final works.is the engine done yet .

[Phil Parry]

Thanks Dave. Nearly. Should be finished next month ...all going well!

[Phil Parry]

So, I finally finished the old girl this spring and I've now run her in for 500 miles. Several spark plug changes later (and having taken care to start and warm up properly, they're getting very black very quickly still ..assuming we're running too rich) and having re-fitted the gearstick a few times, it's oil change time next week, re-set valves, timing, etc and play with the carbs on a rolling road.

I've had an absolute blast driving 120 miles today including windy country roads, a pub lunch and my first proper 70mph drive (all still at max 3000rpm for running in) which was improved by being joined by another 356 for 10 miles or so. Great fun! Meanwhile, the 54's coming on a treat - that one won't take 5 years!

[marc500]

Just superb! T5's rock....

[Disco]

one word - WOW!

[aircool]

Apologies if already stated, but may i ask what the colour is? Not quite black it seems - Slate Grey?

Looking v nice.

Thanks in anticipation.....

[Andy J]

It looks absolutely stunning Phil, well done.

[Dave Lane]

Hi Phil, got to say it looks bloody perfect to me in every detail well done all round

[Phil Parry]

Thank you!

Yes, slate grey. It's a great chameleon colour - light grey, then black, then green, then dark grey.

I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I get most annoyed having to trundle in local traffic at 20mph! This was the car I used to cycle past as a teenager, so it's a real pleasure to have it back in its full glory, numbers matching, RHD and still in its home town.