Page 1 of 1
Tips on buying a 356
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:04 pm
by atomman
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
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:53 pm
by Burma-Shave
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

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:36 pm
by 40 scout
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.
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:37 am
by Hendrik Moulds
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!
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:45 am
by Hendrik Moulds
If there's something in particular about the car that concerns you then please ask!

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:39 am
by Rustbucket
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..........
Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:28 pm
by louis356
T6 B ?