My Replica Speedster "The Black Sheila"

[JTR70]

Congratulations on getting those two mated back together, nice job! I can appreciate all the effort that has gone into adding the original 356 touches. Really like the looks of the drumskin/tire and wheel combo.
Keep up the great work!
Justin

[Black Sheila]

The steering column painted and fitted, my old Nardi steering wheel temporary fitted, will fit the new steering wheel at a later stage of the build. The seats is also currently being fitted.

[Black Sheila]

Seats and fuse block fitted

[Black Sheila]

A lot has happened since the last update, the Black Sheila is slowly coming all together, The new wiring is now all completed, recovered the dash.

[Black Sheila]

Some more pics of the dash covering

[JTR70]

Dash pad/cover turned out really nice Manny! I see that you took the cover all the way to the corners instead of stopping short of them as is the hallmark of most replica dashes I have been. I like your wheel and the steering column and clamp as well. You're really nailing the details, keep up the great work on her!
Justin

[Black Sheila]

It been a while since I have updated progress on the Black Sheila.

Progress has been slow very little has happened in the last few months, Both Armand and I have been preoccupied with other things.
Armand has done some very nice mods to the engine bay which will definitely compliment the replica 356 Engine. With the rear seat upgrade and other additions the engine bay was out of place, Armand decided it was best to clad the engine bay with new steel cladding, the old Stainless steel cladding and fiberglass was removed a frame was constructed to support the external oil cooler and fire suppression kit this frame will also support the original 356 steel bumpers, paper templates were cut out and fabrication commenced. The steel cladding will be painted stone chip black to replicate the early 356 engine bay. Progress thus far .....

[Black Sheila]

Additional Pictures

[JTR70]

A ton of work and time invested in there Manny. The subframe and applied sheet metal skin turns the trick for appearance but fact that it performs several "real" jobs at once really appeals to me. I like it! You have a great resource in Armand. Nicely done you guys!
Justin

[Black Sheila]

Time for a update, all the clading is now complete and secured in the Speedster.
The rear engine lid catch also installed. The rear deck modified to closely replicate the original with bigger air vents.

[JTR70]

Looking good Manny, That lower shroud really cleaned things up in there! I see you've got your luggage rack mounted as well. Any clean shots of that addition? Keep up the great work!
Justin

[Black Sheila]

Thanks Justin,
Credit must go my pal Armand.

Luggage rack pics attached I still need to modify the mounting points

[JTR70]

That turned out great Manny;road trip ready with style! As I've said before you've got a great resource there in Armand. What's next for this project?
Justin

[Black Sheila]

I agree Armand has been a huge blessing, especially with my work situation as an expat which I am seldom home.

I spoke to Armand yesterday he is going to bench run the 356 replicas Type 1 engine, tune the carbs and all the other adjustments valves , timing etc. if all is well fit the engine in the speedster.



Next he will be doing some mods to the front spare wheel compartment, addding some steel structure to support the original 356 steel bumpers and provide space for the sparewheel.

Armand and I have been chatting an item I would like address is to do some costmentic improvements:

The rocker panel is from a pre-A and thus curved the T2 which is the base model of my Speedster had the straight rocker panel I would like to have that fitted and most important get te hood , doors and decklid gaps even if I am not mistaken the gaps is 3mm . Once this is done I think we can work on the scissor roof, then final paint ( forth spray job) then finally the upholstery which the major work will be the carpets, the seat covers, dash and door panels was sourced from Autosint as a kit and surprisingly it fits pretty well in my replica.

[JTR70]

Looks like an old 356 motor to me, Nice work! Didn't notice it has Pre-a style rockers. I'm sure Armand will work the same magic up front as he did in the engine compartment. Yes, Gaps about 3mm or about a standard wooden paint stick thickness. Looking good Manny!