'65

[inaglasshouse]

Because, it seems, I do not learn... it's time for another resto.

This one departed for Envirostrip earlier this week. Let's see what comes back.

[Bootsy]

Excellent - looking forward to the thread

[Gary71]

The masochist is strong in this one

Best of luck, hope it doesn’t dissolve!

[Lightweight_911]

.



Looking forward to seeing how this one unfolds Richard - hopefully not literally !

A 'feature' on life with your 356 would be good too ...

.

[yoda]

Excellent. I really like your hands on approach and the warts an all reportage. What is the plan for the resto, back to original or built to your spec?

[one-two]

Good effort Richard - looking forward to hearing all about it!

[PMNorris]

Good luck, I'm sure this one will be quite a journey.

Paul

[inaglasshouse]

Thanks all.
What's the plan? That's an excellent question. I vacillate between completely original and far from it.
Perhaps a little background might help you to help me decide.

[inaglasshouse]

So, what is it, and how did it end up with me?
Or, as they say on the tiktok: ** record scratch ** freeze frame ** Yup, that's me. I expect you're wondering how I ended up in this situation....

Well, let's rewind a bit to Los Angeles, pre-COVID. I went to the LA Literature etc show, and some of the associated events. It was fun. Along the way, at the Anaheim swap meet, this caught my eye:



The associated Kardex said Bali Blue, April '65 (so before the summer break, so a "proper 65", with various features of the early cars present and correct). Also California first two owners, and no particular reason to believe it had departed the nice dry roads of S California (it did, in fairness, appear not especially rusty).

So, on paper, quite a few plus points. The car to which the documentation was attached was, however, rather less charming.

[stretch]

Good to see this under way Richard. I remember the seller, what a character.
Best regards
Dave

[inaglasshouse]

I remember the seller, what a character.

Oh yes, without a doubt!
Hope all is well with you, Dave.

[inaglasshouse]

So this '65 car caught my eye in Southern California.
The good points seemed to be as stated in the ad - matching numbers, nice original colour, not as rusty as some. Specifically the rust seemed confined to the front suspension pan, probably from the inside out due to standing water down there. The scuttle drip tray was missing, and presumably had been for years, and I guess it has to rain sometimes.

In the rust respect it reminded me of Jamie's 912, which I remember had the same afflictions but was basically very sound.

A few pics give the idea:









Some original paint, and even the odd chassis number stamp to indicate original external panels (some at least). Wiring and instruments looked as if they had never been out.

[inaglasshouse]

So far so good.

But the somewhat haphazard yellow respray (much paint in places that paint should not be) and fake Fuchs were not doing it any favours...

[inaglasshouse]

Also, if you are a stickler for originality, you might be able to detect one or two questionable cosmetic modifications in the engine bay. It's all gone a bit chrome in there. The sticker on the fan housing says "beware of rocket blast"...
Aside from the visual crimes, I noticed that it's on Webers (should be Solexes).



And that was that. Home I went from a very pleasant trip, with a few parts in the suitcase, giving the '65 car no more thought.

[Bootsy]

Excellent project