I wonder who died and made Steve Judge and Jury?

I can't believe that One poor soul comes along and is proud of his project and then someone arrives in time to pour cold water on him.
Cheez! ! !

One mans rock pile is another mans mountain, it just depends on how you view it.

Norm

Hey Rafik

Car is looking good, cant remember if you car is the one that used to have all the signatures from past owners. that was cool also.

Good luck in your proyect & let me know if I can help you.

Saludos

Omar

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I agree with Norm. And Rafik, for what it's worth I'd love to see an ongoing thread on the restoration of your car, with photos of course.

Good luck and have fun.

-Greg

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What can I say about Steve Bergen's comment? Hmmm, probably best left ignored
I am simply sharing with the group what the car looked like after blasting which I am sure a lot are enjoying seeing the pics. I would
Omar, yep that is the same car with all the comments on it. I really wanted to preserve the paint and the signatures on it but after much thinking I couldn't a see a way of doing it. But I took lots of pics before blasting. Here are some
The last pictures was at the 2008 356 Parade. It attracted more attention and lookers than some of the restored cars

Some progress on the Speedster over the last couple of days
The panel shop started straightening the previous ugly repairs at the front. Some before and after pix below. Once the front is sorted out, the rest is very manageable

I'll tell you what, if you have new floors there, I'd put them in as opposed to "just fixing the thin areas" of the original.

.......and I'll tell you another thing; the only source I am aware of for almost correct "pre-A" floor halves is Zim's Danish version .........here's the required caveat; "no affiliation, just a satisfied installer."

There is less front-to-rear connection on open 356s than Coupes and the floor is a structural component. On a true unibody car, EVERY panel is important to be as designed. Inner and outer longitudinals, rockers, tunnel sides, bulkheads.....extremely important.

New definition: "Rust-free" can mean original metal that lost some of it's structural integrity to oxygen degradation may be replaced by new steel to remain "rust free." Sort of like substitute players on a sports team ...in the end, the TEAM wins...regardless of who starts the game, it's how it finishes that matters.

I have been thinking about the need to change the name of some restorations to "Body by Trevor" with a new flank badge......there is more of his handiwork (and that of other vendors) in some than that of Reutter, Karmann or D'Ieteren.

BUT, they are 'rust free' ..... even if not completely 'original.' They are at least STEEL (and sometimes aluminum) "kit cars." How elitist and hypocritical to apply a double standard to those who use fiberglass. It's down to saying ..."Well, MY 356 has a real...uh... VIN..."

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Some progress pictures from yesterday

The front and hang-on panels blastes and underside is getting there

Looks like she is coming together well keep the updates coming

Front panels straightened and the front clip spot welded in place. Next is to get the front gaps right then welded the clip on

Starting to look pretty nice.

Hi, Rafik,

I have been following your thread with great interest and I want to wish you the best of luck in your restoration. I thought that I'd chime in here with another compliment because I love reading stories like this. After all, this is what this Forum is all about.

Besides, Rusty Wiley has been quiet for a while and Pat Schulte hasn't made a post for the last two days, and I need some quality 356 reading to accompany my morning cup of java.

In short - Go for it! You have a lot of fans up here in the States!

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Thanks Carl, need all the encouragement I can get
Will be posting few more pix soon. The plan is to have the panel work completed by mid Nov

We hit a bit of a snag, the right front guard openning is quite different from the left one. See the template below. Looks like the bottom half of the right guard was replaced at some stage. No a big deal, just extra time and $$s

Rafik,

This snag has reared it's ugly head before.

Which side is correct is the question though I would guess the left.

Is the wire still rolled in the rt. fender?

Best wishes.

Norm