1965 Porsche 356C Couple Transformed into Oulaw

[balkowitsch]

Bill and I are both going on a small vacation for a week, but he was kind enough to mock up the Spyder light housing for the rear end and the GT mirror as well. Very happy with the decision to paint the GT mirror the same color as the stripe. Bill was not convinced until he saw the idea in person and now it has grown on him. Posititioning the mirror was the key so that it is not just sitting out there on the fender but it is functional and I can use it as well.

Mick, one of Bill's team was kind enough to sit in the car with the old wheel in place giving me perspective. Mick and I are about the same size 5'8" tall so it gives me a good idea. He wanted to give the photograph a racers edge, so he put on his welding glasses so he looked like he was racing down the street. I have to tell you, never met Bill and his team but we are just having a great time together putting this little Porsche back together. I know I have said it before, but I cannot say enough nice things about what he is doing down in Texas with these beloved 356 cars. The spirit and care that is going into my car is truly appreciated.














So I hope you all enjoy the new photographs, I am off with the family to Disneyland for a few days, we are awaiting interior from Autos International and it should be arriving soon. I will give you an update when I return next week. In the meantime, thanks for following and everyone be safe driving your 356 cars.

Thanks again,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Just a couple more photographs before the weekend. We have decided to paint the brake calipers in Porsche 911 Brake Caliper red. You will be able to see them through the MiniLite wheels we have purchased for the car.




Thanks for following. Custom interior is arriving from Autos International next week, can't wait to see it installed, have a great weekend.

Thanks,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Well I have great news, the interior has arrived from Autos International. Augustine has gone over the top with the all leather custom interior, it is beautiful and the thick white stitching accents make it my own, let me know what you think. Bill says the pictures do not do the quality and craftmanship justice. You will also notice a matching stick shift boot also accented with the thick white stitch, I am so excited.









Thanks for following,
Shane

[Helen]

wow. it is looking fantastic. i love coloured stitching

[balkowitsch]

The interior should be completely installed this week, a couple of photographs of the white headliner, no crayons for the kids in the back seat I would guess. Ha Ha.



From what I understand the stock headliner would have been an off white. Autos International was kind enough to do a custom color Pure White headliner so that it better matched the white dash. Can't wait to see the rest.

Thanks for following,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

I am just being flooded with pictures now of the car as assembly continues, below are some more to take in. The race tow hook is very nice and gives the car that race theme, Rennline has a real quality product. I have been holding my breath for my Dean Jeffries inspired Iron Cross torsion bar covers and they look amazing. My first thought was to have the cross painted all black, but now that I see the outline look it really has some nice subtle details. Having the the race stripe, GT mirror and torsion bar covers in the same has turned out pretty cool. You guys let me know what you think.







Thanks again for following,
Shane

[cubist]

Tidy little towing eye there, will there be any problem with the wing flexing at this point?

[balkowitsch]

Tidy little towing eye there, will there be any problem with the wing flexing at this point?

These tow hooks are of exceptional quality, Rennline makes them for the 911, but since they saw my application on a 356 they may start promoting them to the 356 market. The housing was also provided by them and the hook just screws into place, no worries.

Thanks,
Shane

[mycar]

Reading back over your excellent thread, I note from your first post that you..

have never driven in a 356 before,

I`m worried that when the car is finished you may not like it at all.

If this is the case please contact me immediately to arrange to testdrive my Volvo which is a really smooth ride and I would be willing to trade.

Mike.

[Disco]

Shane,

If Calsberg made 356's they'd probably make yours - !

Fantastic, fantastic car. - I love all thngs 356 and looking at yours I'm kinda wishing I went for one rather than a 911. ( only a bit )

Keep posting !

Disco

[balkowitsch]

I am so excited about the new pictures I just received. Bill has installed the rail system and the Speedster seats and they look great. I just love the way the thick white stitch accents the entire interior. We are trying to decide on position for the fire extinguisher. Between the seats or in front of the shifter is the question of the day. This H3R race fire extinguisher has an optional billet mounting brace with a quick pin release that I purchased for it, really small little guy. Lets hope I never need to use it. Since the Speedster seats are narrower than the stock seats it does fit between the seats but not sure that it is not too cramped, I like the look up front of the shifter but not sure if it does not stand out too much up there. If anyone has an opinion or pictures of where they mounted a fire extinguisher in their 356, I would love to see them. Hope you enjoy the photographs.








Thanks for following, as always I welcome any input. One step closer to the dream coming true.

Thanks,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Just got a couple of photographs of the Nickie Cylinders (1883cc 90mm) and a JE Pistons, Bill is getting very artistic these days with his photographs, I keep teasing him that photography is in his blood. They sure do look pretty. But as we all know pretty does not matter when it comes to performance. I have no doubts they will live up to their reputation.



Thanks for continuing to follow,
Shane

PS: Maybe pictures of MiniLites and seats installed later today?

[balkowitsch]

I am please to share with you pictures of my car down on her permenant legs, a set of MiniLites. I could not be happier with the look.







Thanks for continuing to follow. I have also purchased some white Porsche brake caliper logos that we may or may not put on the red brake calipers. Thanks for following,

Shane

[balkowitsch]

I am very excited to report that we HAVE GLASS! The 45 year old front glass was broken in many places so it has been completely replaced. Bill has also installed the customer leather dash with the heavy white stitch. I am really happy how the white dash really pops with that black leather and the stitch. Looks as new as it did in 1965.



We were contemplating not having the chrome around the windows to give it a less flashy look and more of a race car feel, but I am very happy we decided to keep the chrome trim around the windows. Thanks for continuing to follow, every day we are moving one step closer.

Sincerely,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

I was pleasantly surprised with some new photographs from Bill. So happy to share some more progress with everyone.





We have chromed the rear double grilles and I am pleased with that decision, really matches the trim around the windows nicely. I contemplated no window chrome but that would have been a mistake now seeing the new chrome around the windows. We have also painted the area below the headlights the same Porsche white as the race stripe. The aluminum race pedals will pop a little more once the black floor set is in place. The fire extinguisher is just sitting there temporarily and I think I want it between the seats out of the way, less obvious. Not sure yet. I really like the rock guards, I fell in love with that look very early on when I was doing my research.

Thanks again for following, I am so happy I have something new to show everyone, the cherry on the top is going to be the Wood Derrington steering wheel that I purchased from Classico and we may get that put on next week. Take care and have a great weekend everyone!

Sincerely,
Shane