Welcome to Abcgt Forum

[admin]

Hi,
I'm Rolando Saldana, a new member from San Diego, CA. Became aware of this site from Alex Mestas, a site member and 356 owner/enthusiast. Been a 356 admirer since I was a 9 year old growing up in Puerto Rico (in the late 60's) and saw a topless, Black Porsche 356 driving down my street. Thinking back, it may have been a Speedster. Hope to someday own a 356, preferably a 356A. Looking forward to learning more about 356's from this site.

Currently have a couple of classic Porsches, a Light Ivory 1970 911 and a Silver 1972 911T.
Rolando

[Pat]

Welcome Rolando! This is a great site and "very comfortable" for old Porsche lovers. Like your early 911s!

Pat Daily

[213532]

Wecome aboard!

Mike

[bobforman]

Rolando, Careful. When you say "topless" it makes us old guys overly excited.

[JTR70]

Welcome Rolando and thanks for joining us. My thanks to Alex as well for putting out the good word! Beautiful pair of early 911's you have!
Justin

[356 coupe]

Welcome Rolando! It's a great site.

[bbspdstr]

Rolando, Alex is a great guy and he hasn't steered you wrong. Welcome! Great 900-series cars you have already, my favorite vintage.....while I only have a 356 now, I miss badly my '69 911S and my '72 Targa. You'll hopefully enjoy this site Justin has been developing and pass it along to other fanatics!

-Bruce Baker

[356JAGER]

Welcome Rolando, Justin has established the best site for those interested in early P cars, all the peripheral subjects and other areas of common interest.
A really great place for those of us with the 'disease'.
Cheers,
Joel

[admin]

Hello All,

Bruce Baker recommended me to abcGT.com. I am a 356 newbie currently in the market for my first 356. Always been fascinate with the 356 during my teenage years. Been saving a little money here and there over the last few years. Finally getting around in educating myself through the 356 registry, books, the internet and oh course now abcGT. Looking forward to reading the articles on this site and potentially meeting someone 356ers in the future. I am located in North Cali.

Have a great day and thanks for taking the time to read my post. Your advice and experiences will be greatly appreciated!!

Cheers,

Harvey

[356 coupe]

Welcome Harvey:
You have reached the best forum with the most knowledgable folks.
Enjoy.

Alex Mestas

[RT]

Welcome Harvey,

Primary is the body; you want the best, most original body you can find that you can afford.

Secondary are the pieces that are unique to your particular body. Note that some parts are common to various VWs - the earliest 356es have quite a bit in common with the Beetle, and later ones with the Karmann Ghia. The things NOT common with either (or any other vehicle) are more important.

Tertiary are running gear / mechanical issues.

If you have a choice of a near perfect interior that's original with ALL other trim pieces (glass, chrome bits, etc) in good condition vs accident damage, you might well go with the good interior and accident damage rather than no accident damage but no or poor interior. But then, that accident damage would have to be very localized.

Rust is a whole 'nother kettle of fish and I'd say each car is unique in how serious any rust issues may be. I've seen cars which had terrible rust where the paint was scratched which were NOT rusted in the typical places. And, watch out for rust trapped behind failed undercoating which make it LOOK solid when it isn't. Obviously avoid rust if you can, but virtually NO unrestored car is also not rusted. (No such thing as a rust-free tub, only where you can't FIND the rust - talking about UNRESTORED here.) However, all rust is not equal as light surface rust will media blast off without trouble, while rotting through is a real issue.

Mechanical components are all available and while you can spend a bit of money, for the most part you can find everything except perhaps for some very early cars or special options, such as 4 cam.

Don't be afraid to bring in a second opinion from someone knowledgeable.

Good luck hunting, and feel free to call me if you'd like. I'm in Oakland, 510-717-6942, Richard@356Coachworks.com.

Regards,
Richard

[JTR70]

Welcome Harvey, and thank you for joining with us here as well! Best of luck on the search for your first 356. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have and it looks like you're already getting some sound advice from Richard. Welcome once again!
Justin

Thank you Bruce!

Thank you Alex!

[roy mawbey]

Harvey,

You will get good advice here on any 356 subject, hope you manage to find a nice one or a good project.

Roy

[Vane]

It's a 1963 356B T6, VIN 212167 restored in "outlaw" style and has no interior yet, only 2 seats.
The guy who restored the car planned to go racing with it, but it was so nice so he scrapped this
idea. I will add interior and plan to use the car.
I find it odd that the path of this car and myself has crossed so many times. I bought the car on Saturday and a buyer from Italy wanted to buy the car next Sunday. So this time I was able to buy
this car in front of someone. After several years I have finally been able to get a 356.

Sorry for my English and rambling.

Juha
Finland

[merbesfield]

Welcome Juha. Looks like a cool car. I like the color.