Tips on buying a 356

atomman · Post by **atomman** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:04 pm

hello

found a 'b' that im thinking of getting,

needs floors as these are kippered but i dont mind a bit of welding

Has anyone done a buyers guide of what to look out for on a 356 or can anyone give me some pointers so i dont buy a lost cause

many thanks

Gary

Burma-Shave · Post by **Burma-Shave** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:53 pm

This was my bible when I was looking. It isnt ultra detailed but its enough, and has engine numbers paint codes etc. too. Bargain price too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buying-Driving- ... im_b_img_2

A great read, just ignore the 2001 USA prices

40 scout · Post by **40 scout** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:36 pm

To me THE most important thing is to know how much welding its gonna need - can you get it up in the air to have a very good look underneath and inside the wheel wells - its an expensive game getting that sorted - can you take anyone with you who knows the usual rust areas?

Steve

I'd be happy to look one over for rust, if its in my neck of the woods.

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:37 am

Depends what the rest of the body is like. The body is the most expensive and difficult part to restore on these cars.
Is the nose OK? Especially around the headlight buckets. Or the battery box? You can buy these panels new but it is a lot of work (as well as cost) to get them fitted well. How do the bonnet and doors fit? If they are not flush with the rest of the body and have approx. 3mm gap, then it has been messed with and could lead to more horrors under the paint (trust me I know all about this).
Check the sills and the gap behind the front of the door as well. If that gap is bad then it is a lot of work to get right again!
There is other stuff to look at but this will give you an idea of the condition of the car.
Not trying to put you off the car, it's just that there are a lot of horror stories out there, and it can easily turn out to be more expensive than buying one that has been restored. Then again if the car is cheap enough and complete it could be worth the effort, especially if the car is RHD!

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:45 am

If there's something in particular about the car that concerns you then please ask!

Rustbucket · Post by **Rustbucket** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:39 am

All of the above-
But dont be too worried about 'superficial cosmetic' rust.
The 356 I bought was turned away by about 5 viewers it was so bad- BUT they neglected to realise that (touch wood so far) all the structural points were good- esp around torsion bars etc.
Putting in floor pans sounds major but it is a standard thing on any car resto... dont get put off just 'cos its a Porsche.
Doing the work yourself? It'll take a good while.....sorry.
A complete car is a godsend- until I start the rebuild, I still dont know what I am missing

my resto is on
www.themodelmaker.co.uk

I am almost 50% in Redoxide primer stage now !!!

Its Mainly
Time V Money..........

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:28 pm

T6 B ?