59 RHD Coupe almost finished

[drew01356]

Hi Guys
Here is my 1959 RHD 356A Coupe when I bought her.

And here she is today over six years later, I must admit that this one was a real nightmare to restore but we are almost there.
Six coats of Ruby Red Cellulose applied several weeks ago and now ready to polish.
I have another couple of months of assembly before she is ready for sale, I will post her in the classifieds when she's done.

Regards
Drew
Epsom, Surrey

[210bhp]

Is it matching numbers?

Regards
Mike

[drew01356]

Hi Mike
Yes it is fully matching numbers here are the details per Porsche certificate of authenticity:

Chassis No. 107156 (Original data plate and stamped in trunk)
Original Engine No. 73785
Original Gearbox No. 27099
Front hood stamped 156
Doors stamped 56
Engine lid stamped 156
Original Colour Ruby Red / 5702

If you need any more info just let me know.
Regards
Drew
Epsom, Surrey

[Bootsy]

The quickest resto thread ever!

Looks great

[IanM]

Why was it a real nightmare to restore?

GLWS.

[drew01356]

Hi Bootsy
It may be a quick resto thread on here but if you want to see the full story and have a couple of hours to spare then take a look at this link to Justin's great ABCGT forum:

https://forum.abcgt.com/forum/main-foru ... post114098

Hi Ian
I bought this 356 and two others from an old guy in North Wales who was, let's say, 'creative' with his restoration techniques, patches, plates, rivets, self tapping screws and even expanding aluminium mesh. So yes it was a real challenge, take a look at the link above and you will see what I mean.

Cheers
Drew
Epsom, Surrey

[drew01356]

Hi Guys
We are getting closer to the finish line...
All doors and lids on and the gaps are looking good.
Side widow glass and frames in and all the little details which make a 356 look like a 356.

Should be in the Market place soon, happy for anyone interested to come round and look at the metalwork before carpets go in.
Regards
Drew

[hashman]

Just read the resto again on abcgt Drew....fab work.
I must make an effort to finish my engine so I can come and visit you.

Karl

[drew01356]

Karl
Thanks for the kind words.
You are always welcome to pop down in any mode of transport.

So onto the headlights and dash...

I have been collecting Blaupunkt radios over the years and this one is the best I have. It's a 1960 Frankfurt Tr which is a part valve, part transistor radio.
It was top of the range in it's day and works beautifully with a really mellow valve sound.
I forgot to re-chrome the faceplate so that has gone off for plating.

Dash is coming along with knobs and switches going in, from the start of this restoration I decided to keep the original wiring harness and I'm glad I have as the new harnesses are all LHD and not quite right for a RHD car.
Just one little problem, the glove box lock wont unlatch so if anyone knows how to solve this issue please let me know otherwise I will have to source another one.

More to come soon.
Drew

[drew01356]

Hi Guys
OK all the instruments are in and in the correct positions for a RHD car (it took two attempts after stupidly following the LHD layout in my owners manual).
Restored steering wheel and original horn button is now in place so we can now call the dash finished except fitting the radio and sourcing a new glove box lock.

Moving onto fitting a new headliner next (which I'm not looking forward to) and then the main glass can go in.
More soon.
Drew