1957 Sandblasted Coupe

[ukinusa]

Happy holidays etc... so slow work too. Anyway made good progress on the front section. Ready to start welding this all up, but decided to sleep on it first as much as I want to throw some welds down Getting everything to align for the butt weld and have good gap was a pain, much off and on again.






I don't have a spot welder and was thinking of getting a Harbor Freight one maybe Monday - the 110V Vs 220v are the same price - any thoughts on either of those ?

[911quest]

I bought the 110 version and have had good luck with it.

[ukinusa]

I was hoping that would be the case, easier to find an outlet to be sure, as my welder and space heater fight for the one 220 outlet !

I brought the 110v, I must be getting old as it was too dam heavy for me and awkward to use in tight spaces so took it back

[merbesfield]

Happy holidays etc... so slow work too. Anyway made good progress on the front section. Ready to start welding this all up, but ....
I don't have a spot welder and was thinking of getting a Harbor Freight one maybe Monday - the 110V Vs 220v are the same price - any thoughts on either of those ?

I have the 220 version. A total POS but for the money worth it. Be prepared for the weight tho, it will kick your butt. As for wedding it all home, be sure your pan fits that toe section. Mine required a good bit of spooning to marry the two parts.

Edit: The other thing to check before welding is the pedal cluster and MC. The holes in my new piece where way off from my stock holes. Fortunately that section of mine was excellent and did not require replacing. But I compared the two and they were quite off. So check!

[ukinusa]

Good reminder on the pedal cluster, I have seen that mentioned before. I did measure as best I could but was careful to save that part of the metal bulkhead so I can offer it up again; it seemed close but I think some work will be needed.
As to the floor fitting - I still have the old one in - I think that is something I will have to deal with (or wrestle with ) once I get all the edge "ledges" sorted. In fact I haven't even brought a new floor yet - was thinking of buying the Restoration Design 'kit' at $300 ... unless ????

[merbesfield]

Good reminder on the pedal cluster, I have seen that mentioned before. I did measure as best I could but was careful to save that part of the metal bulkhead so I can offer it up again; it seemed close but I think some work will be needed.
As to the floor fitting - I still have the old one in - I think that is something I will have to deal with (or wrestle with ) once I get all the edge "ledges" sorted. In fact I haven't even brought a new floor yet - was thinking of buying the Restoration Design 'kit' at $300 ... unless ????

I think it depends on the details(stampings) you need for your particular year as to who offers the closest? RD metal is nice to work with. I had to get my pans from Stoddard bc they offered the closest pattern to mine. I made the mistake of buying the toe part from RD and it was very different. Lots of wrestling required.

[ukinusa]

OK Mark - heading you advice looked at RD and Stoddard - pics below, can't see any real difference but I guess the devil is in the details close up ? Maybe the Stoddard has a more pronounced step at the front that would reflect the front pedal bulkhead replacement "corner shape" better ? and the rear support tube where it overlaps appears reversed (if that makes sense...)
Stoddard

RD

[merbesfield]

OK Mark - heading you advice looked at RD and Stoddard - pics below, can't see any real difference but I guess the devil is in the details close up ? Maybe the Stoddard has a more pronounced step at the front that would reflect the front pedal bulkhead replacement "corner shape" better ? and the rear support tube where it overlaps appears reversed (if that makes sense...)
Stoddard

RD

Look at the rear half. I also see differences in the two front halves you posted. Details details. Look closely my friend

[ukinusa]

OK Mark I will play !! Reminds me of those kids drawings, "spot the difference". Did I miss any ?

[JTR70]

here are Simonsen's A-floor stampings:

[merbesfield]

OK Mark I will play !! Reminds me of those kids drawings, "spot the difference". Did I miss any ?

Good eye. I am no expert. That would be Justin. But I like a good game. I think the main difference is you have a pan shown in your pics for B or C cars vs the A pan you need. If I'm not mistaken, I think there are even differences between "early" A and "late" A. I have an early A. I think the Simonson pans are spot on. If you can get those they are the probably the best, but I'm sure they are more $. If I recall, I think the most noticeable differences were the rear tunnel rib and the depression at the toe well were off.

[bbspdstr]

Details?

It's good that what was once sold as a "one size fits all" floor set is now identified as a T-6 B/C floor with the later mounts (un-circled in the screen shots as a 'detail').

The later trans shifting demanded a rounded-down rear entrance whereas the early shifting allowed a straight rear bulkhead mating to the floor, other than the pitch from outer longitudinals to the lower tunnel flanges. That alone means more work for installation in an A.

If one does not care about the dreaded 'originality' of strengthening depressions, it's all the same forward from the rear bulkhead. Yes, there is a pre-A floor and an A floor, but those differences are more subtle than from A to B, continuing into a few details of a T-6, mainly for the seat 'pods.'

I still contend that if one is doing all this work, the parts used should reflect the intent of the definition of "restoration" .....making the 356 as close to it was when made by Porsche, at least in appearance. That includes the floor and all things underneath. It counts in the ultimate value of the car more than, way more than, the slight cost differences of various parts.

[ukinusa]

Ok a floor order will be made for the "best" panels, all the points you make are spot on.

EDIT
Called Zims none to be had and none expected anytime soon, he suggested RD and Stoddard as he thought they had some, at some point. Called them anb again no luck just domestic.

Zims said that Simonsen has retired and sold the company ...So I have an email back to the person in Germany asking what's going on !
To Be Continued......

[ukinusa]

OK back on task while I hunt for floor panels.
Got the front toe board and inner side rails welded on and started to smooth down.
Got my Harbor Freight spot welder (damm that's heavy!) and will try to get the outer ribs attached and will see if the pedal hole is anywhere close !

[John Pierce]

Looks good.

Simonsen was sold to another gentleman last year, but I don't know the status the manufacturing of new parts. I believe the company is in Denmark. They really have nice floor panels.

John