Back from PR Services...

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:45 pm

Got the 356A back this week - been up there for MOT/ service and a few bits and bobs. All running sweet again but the best bit of all - I finally got round to switching over to Konis....!

Not sure about other peoples experiences, but the car just feels much better tied together on the Konis - maybe my old suspension was just shot to pieces, but the car had always felt a bit "floaty" - especially at the front. Now all sits very nicely and rides more smoothly. If you have not switched to Konis then I'd recommend it highly.

I resisted the temptation to fit a thicker anti-roll bar at this time - more so I can see what difference the Konis make first, and also as I now more inclined to keep the car looking standard.

Next job on the list: restore the original seats so they actually let me sit upright as opposed to almost lying on my back due to lack of padding!

hot66 · Post by **hot66** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:39 pm

we need pictures

Can't remember last time we saw a photo of your A

I have a bit of a thing for A's too

roy mawbey · Post by **roy mawbey** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 6:04 pm

Simon,
Pleased the car is running well. Pleased you decided to also to keep it at the same height! Yes, Koni's are very good. I still have my front originals to possibly get restored as I changed to Spax on the front some years ago. The original rear Koni's are still okay. ( The Spax versions have worked okay though)

There is a good chance I will go to the breakfast meeting this Sunday. Its a Maserati theme. Hope it works out for me.

Roy

Helen · Post by **Helen** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:18 pm

fantastic news.

i've just had Konis (still sound like guinee pigs to me) fitted on my 356c, we also kept the ride height the same the diffrence to quality/feel of the ride is huge.
i'm very pleased with it/them.

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:29 pm

Hi Roy - yep, well, as you know, I did ask for people's views on ride height and you among others were keen advocates of staying stock, so thought I better go with that or risk being kicked out the club!

I have now made the decision to keep the car lookng totally standard (*) and not doing the GT look etc which I had always planned. I still intend/ dream of getting the engine re-built and taking it up to more like Super 90 spec just to get a bit more oomph from it, but want the car to remain standard to look at now. I'm waiting to see how much it will cost to restore my original seats as the car is not too comfy really. Had considered 'speedster' seats in the past, but off course want to stay original now...

I have seen some 356s which have headrests on the seats - forgive my ignorance, but was that an option on A's does anyone know? I like the look of those seats and could be interested...

I'm looking very good for Goodwood tomorrow. I had a Maserati coupe a couple of years back and I love the marque. Sadly I sold the Mazza, so will be there in the family Discovery instead...

(*) I may of course deny I ever said this and change my mind again

roy mawbey · Post by **roy mawbey** » Sun Oct 04, 2009 7:34 pm

Simon,

I went to Goodwood and wondered if you also made it there? ( didn't see any others like Paul either although my car was a little hidden away. The headrests were factory options ( not standard equipement ) for the 356A. I have several photo's I can send you of the factory one and the aftermarket one. It seems that they are cosmetic accessories really and would not help much in an accident ( from what I read ) the strap fitting goes onto the back of the seat and some have welded captive nuts to the rear steel support to strengthen them. The originals seem to use screws instead of bolts.

If you look on the excellent "Charlie Whites" site in the USA he details them to. Give me a PM with your mail address if you need the photo's I have.

I reckon you have made the right choice in what you are going to do with your super looking "A" ( But I would say thay wouldn't I !!) The engine with 90 bhp would also be very nice. Would make a great of difference to the 60 version.

Met as guy today from around 15 miles away from where I live who owns a 56 RHD!!! speedster the same Meissen blue colour as mine. Told him about DDK. I hope I eventually at some time see his car which was at the revival meeting he told me.

Had a good weekend on Saturday did a photoshoot with "GT Porsche" very interesting few hours with the "A". Hope they do decide to make a feature of it.

Roy

Roy

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:31 pm

Hi Roy - I did make it, and I found your A - looks superb!!! I hung around for a bit in case you were in the area. I thought it was another good show down there today - glad I made the effort. Saw some lovely cars, and Goodwood always seems to come up trumps with some rare beauties. A good morning indeed.

Amazing to meet someone so local with a speedster!! A couple of weeks back I let someone out of a side road near me - driving a white RHD A coupe, number plate was something like MOL 357, or 357 MOL?!? Anyone know who this is?

Anyway, like I say - good turn out today and I'll post some pics in a couple of days. Did you see the lovely old Bedford pick up truck - loved it!!!

Anyway - your car looks superb Roy - very tidy.

Hendrik Moulds · Post by **Hendrik Moulds** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:09 am

I think 357MOL is Michael Velasco's car, I don't think he is on here though.
I see him at the Internationals, Heddingham etc....