My speedster which was in gray epoxy primer in the lobby at the ECH is now back at home, painted, and waiting for me to put her back together. So far I have the new wiring harness in, bought from Y and Z. Directions are easy and what a snap putting in a new unmolested harness, with nothing in the way. Color is Ivory which is original, carpet is going to be oatmeal with red vynil interior which is also original color. Much more work ahead.

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Mdejonge
Restoration Design Inc.
61 roadster
57 speedster
63 turbo 356
65 VW transporter
05 997

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Tim Herman #2197
www.carreramotorsport.com

That color looks fabulous. Now the nerve-wracking part (at least for me)--getting it back together while keeping it looking so good.

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Mike
Congrats, they are fun when they are this far along.
Here is a pic of mine.
John

Mike, Your bare Speedster looks great, a blank slate just waiting for all the correct attachments. Mine is also ivory with photos in the member’s gallery. Try to avoid getting in a hurry since for me that‘s when I made my mistakes. Let us know if you have any specific questions about reassembly. Are you adding the usual upgrades, e.g., relays, electric fuel pump? What factory accessories did you find on the COA? You should experience feelings of great joy when it is all back together and running well. KTF, Bill

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Bill Tate
When your 356 is on the road all the days are Good.

The COA does not reveal anything special. There is however an ashtray in the car. I inspected the dash carefully to see if someone had cut the hole in the dash for the ashtray but it appears to have been stamped out. I have seen 2 speedsters with ashtrays and their owners state it was original, so I guess they could have been ordered. I will try to keep the Speedster as original as possible

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Mdejonge
Restoration Design Inc.
61 roadster
57 speedster
63 turbo 356
65 VW transporter
05 997

I don't know Mike, I kind of liked it better naked in the lobby, kind of like a Vegas show girl!

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Mike, never underestimate the value of green tape. It's far less expensive than assembly scratches! It's obviously a great carpet protector, too.
Adam's pictures triggered a flashback to '93 when I towed Brett Johnson's '55 sunroof Coupe to Crystal Lake, Texas for the Gulf Coast Holiday where it was placed in the hotel's ballroom for "assembly participation" by "noted guests." Brett then towed it back to Indy to REALLY get it finished, but it was a creative on-going 'tech session' during that event.

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Nice car Mike! Before you painted it, I hope you wiped off my DNA from my drooling on it at the ECH. I wasn't alone.
Cliff

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Cliff Murray

 

'55 Cabriolet Racer

'57 Speedster

'59 Sunroof

'63 Coupe Pushrod GS 2133

'67 911 S

Mike,
The car looks great and everyone really appreciated the display at the East Coast Holiday. There was no better way to show the quality of the panels your company offers. Keep up the good work and KTF.

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I was thinking green tape, but the paint is still too fresh for that. I have been doing some work on the underside and routing the wiring harness. the painter told me to wait at least a month before I start putting on a lot of green tape. I have also heard about a water soluble coating that I could spray on the car, and leave on it for the duration of the assembly and then wash off with plain water. Has anybody had any experience with that type of product?

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Mdejonge
Restoration Design Inc.
61 roadster
57 speedster
63 turbo 356
65 VW transporter
05 997

When I took my body shop classes we used what was called (if I remember) Protective Tape. It was thick, almost like cardboard with a sticky back that didn't leave any residue. I wish I'd used some on my door edges and the door openings. But you're right, not on fresh paint.

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Great color! : ) Enjoy the journey!

Cheers

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