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After visiting the 356 abcgt Forum as a guest for a while, I decided to register. I am also on the 356 Registry as I know some of you are. You may recognize me, Mike Wilson from Lomita, CA.
I'm an "ORG" Old Retired Guy, trying to learn all I can about the 356.
My car: a 1963 Karmann coupe.; slate gray, black interior. This is my second 356. My first was a 1958 coupe that I bought in 1970 between my stint in Viet Nam and my next assignment in Colorado. It was a mild outlaw and I drove the heck out of it. It was sold around 1975 as part down payment on my first house. Fast forward to 1999, when my daughter graduated from college, I found I had money again so the hunt for a 356 began. I found my car locally. It had a "spray and squirt" paint job but not having the budget for a full restoration, I started by first addressing the mechanical issues, then upholstery and chrome. Engine was rebuilt to 1720 cc's. The transaxle was rebuilt with a tall 4th gear. When the heads developed cracks, the engine was rebuilt to 1883 cc's. Fast forward again to the point where I had the budget for a bare metal restoration. The engine has some detonation issues that are being addressed at the same time and, a spare engine is also being rebuilt to 1720 cc's using all good stuff: SCAT crank, J & E pistons, Nickies, chrome moly push rods, etc., etc.
Currently the car is in restoration. So far, both lower door skins, longitudinals, rocker panels and sills have been replaced, the closing panels previously patched have been repaired, some rust in the hood cut out and the engine tray replaced. You never know until the paint is off, right? Looking forward to being able to enjoy driving it again but until then, continuing to learn as much as I can about the 356.
All the best!
Mike
I'm an "ORG" Old Retired Guy, trying to learn all I can about the 356.
My car: a 1963 Karmann coupe.; slate gray, black interior. This is my second 356. My first was a 1958 coupe that I bought in 1970 between my stint in Viet Nam and my next assignment in Colorado. It was a mild outlaw and I drove the heck out of it. It was sold around 1975 as part down payment on my first house. Fast forward to 1999, when my daughter graduated from college, I found I had money again so the hunt for a 356 began. I found my car locally. It had a "spray and squirt" paint job but not having the budget for a full restoration, I started by first addressing the mechanical issues, then upholstery and chrome. Engine was rebuilt to 1720 cc's. The transaxle was rebuilt with a tall 4th gear. When the heads developed cracks, the engine was rebuilt to 1883 cc's. Fast forward again to the point where I had the budget for a bare metal restoration. The engine has some detonation issues that are being addressed at the same time and, a spare engine is also being rebuilt to 1720 cc's using all good stuff: SCAT crank, J & E pistons, Nickies, chrome moly push rods, etc., etc.
Currently the car is in restoration. So far, both lower door skins, longitudinals, rocker panels and sills have been replaced, the closing panels previously patched have been repaired, some rust in the hood cut out and the engine tray replaced. You never know until the paint is off, right? Looking forward to being able to enjoy driving it again but until then, continuing to learn as much as I can about the 356.
All the best!
Mike
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