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Edwin Schweitzer wrote restoration articles known by many Porsche 356 owners as Resto Strips. These comic book type articles were published in the 356 Registry magazine and included his know-how, expertise, and most importantly his humor on restoration projects for the Porsche 356. Being able to drive the cars was only part of the fun for him. The most important aspect of owning a 356 was the journey in the restoration process. The way that he restored his cars and parts can only be accurately described by his own Resto Strips.

This high resolution PDF gallery of Edwin's Resto Strips is shared with members of the 356 Registry through the generous contribution and collaboration of Joris Schweitzer, in the memory of his father. Sadly, Edwin left us in 2017 in his mid 50s. 

The restoration journey continues with his son Joris, who offers 356 services in the Netherlands. His website is located at this link: Resto Lab. Joris produced a beautiful hard copy book of the Resto Strips, which is sold out online. The last 10 copies will be offered for sale at the 2024 LA Literature meet. He is also continuing the tradition of creating his own Resto Strips which are available for free download, by clicking the link.




To read the Resto Strips, click on the image to open a full sized version in your browser. 

You'll note we have followed the factory workshop manual group ["Gruppe"] categorization that was used in the printed version of the Resto Strip book.


GRUPPE M: MOTOR UND KUPPLUNG

The oil pump for a matching numbers engine is carefully rebuilt to original tolerances.

356 valve springs are carefully optimized to be not just within specs, but exactly right.



Singlel flapper heater boxes are rebuilt to look and function as new, with authentic details. 


 

S-Pipes for a 356A engine are fabricated to be indistinguishable from originals.

 

Knecht air filters are innovatively cleaned and repainted to original appearance.

 

Edwin Schweitzer designs and builds what may be the ultimate test stand.


GRUPPE K: KRAFTSTOFFANLAGE


 Restoration of the fuel level sensor in appearance and function.



 

Edwin builds a carburetor setup tool during restoration of his Zeniths.


 

A full restoration of Zenith carburetors includes replacement of the butterflies.  


 

A full restoration of Solex carburetors includes replacement of the butterflies.  




GRUPPE V: VORDERACHSE UND LENKUNG

Restoration of a T2 VDM steering wheel and horn ring that was "molested by a turkey".



Restoring 356 steel wheels. Installing new clips, tires, and revealing the story of "the red dot".

Recreation of a highly authentic appearing Speedster spare tire strap.


GRUPPE T:
TECHNISCHE DATEN

 

A review of various fasteners of the 356 and restoration tips for original appearance.
 


GRUPPE B:
BREMSEN, RÄDER UND REIFEN

 

Restoring brake drums to ensure precise operation including lug and shoe refurbishment. 

GRUPPE B:
BREMSEN, RÄDER UND REIFEN

 

Backing plate restoration and installation of brake cylinders, lines, and shoes. 


GRUPPE A: AUFBAU

 

Recreating authentic wooden frames for Speedster seats, including detailed parts drawings.

 

Recreating a small detail for Pre A interiors: an aluminum carpet protector.


 

Restoring the fresh air valves of the T2 to authentic appearance and operation.


Restoring the heating system components for a 356A with techniques applicable to all models.


Restoring the T1-T2 era "pickle fork" windshield wiper arms.
 

Reversing a period teardrop tail light modification back to the correct beehive lights.


A 3-part Resto Strip on gutting a 1953 356 that has never been disassembled.
 


Stripping the 1953 356: Edwin rated it "R" due to the amount of bare skin exposed.


Restoring the Speedster top mechanism for precision operation.


GRUPPE E: ELEKTRISCHE ANLAGE

 

Is it possible to take a headlight relay restoration too far? Edwin responds.
 


 

Restoration of the Bosch horn to ensure that distinctive 356 sound.


 

Bringing a pair of SWF tail lights back to new function and appearance.
 


 

Restoration of the T1/T2 vintage SWF turn signal switch.
 





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