black944 turbo

Hey guys I have been asked to restore a 57 Speedster for a friend and was wondering where I could get some detailed photos of some original speedsters as well as some help finding out what engine was originally in the car. Does anyone know where I could find a set of original speedster seats. Thanks in advance.

black944 turbo

Do you guys know if all the speedsters had break cooling ducts?

Steve Jensen

I'd get on the Registry's listserv - 356talk . Also, there are 2 new books out, one with tons of details on the speedsters and another on restoring 356s.

sharky47

Haha, I too am restoring a tub for a friend. His is a 1960 356B T-5. I'll watch this thread closely, and black944 turbo, PM me - we might be able to collaborate.

RJT

Hey Daniel....

The 356 Registry's Gulf Coast Holiday will be in your neck of the woods in April.
It's going to be held in Boerne on April 7th thru the 10th. The People's Choice Concours is on Saturday Morning at the Tapatio Springs Resort. You should try to make it down for that to kick some tires and pick some brains. So far I've been told that there are 95 cars registered. That is not bad at all for a Holiday in the center of the country. The West and East Coast Holiday's draw over 250 cars. Try to make it! It would be fun to finally meet you.... Adrienne is coming down too, from Austin!

JoAnne

PS: Sorry no advice on restoring a '57 Speedster. We haven't owned one of those.... yet!!

black944 turbo

Thanks guys, I can't wait to start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

don356

Never heard of brake ducts on a street 356 Speedster. The cars are so light brakes were never an issue. The only question as to the engine is whether it was a 1600 or a 1600S. You can get the answer by buying a Certificate of Authenticity from PCNA. Much more information from the 356 Registry (356registry.org) and go on 356Talk to ask questions. There is a new Speedster book out (ask for Block's Books - Bill Block sells them) which is apparently very good, and a Speedster Book by Thirier. Also there are a couple of Authenticity books by Brett Johnston and a book by Henry Elfrink (probably Ebay) which is a goldmine of technical information. Original Speedster seats are very rare/expensive because the steel shells have rusted out over the years. Best bet by far are excellent repros from Russ Rodriguez at FiberSteel (http://www.fibersteel.com/) which you cannot tell from the original.

Daniel Fisher. You need to get in touch with Alan Bambina who has built a place somewhere near you and has restored a number of 356s including a car that was displayed at Pebble Beach for Porsche's 50th in 1998. Maverick region PCA or Zims can help find him, or try bina@cyberramp.net Maybe RJT993 can give you the contact from the Tub Club list.

Pssst: Hi JoAnne!

black944 turbo

Thanks Don, that will help out a ton.

RJT

Don R. Is that you?????? You don't have a 356 at all now???? Never thought you of all people would be without a 356. That's more of a surprise to me than your owning a Caddie... that is, if you're the Don that I'm thinking of. The 356 Club Don right? The one that moved to Californai from Texas??

Wow........

Dan... I can get you contact info for Alan if you'd like...

Black944turbo.... I don't know if there's a local 356 group in the Carolina's but I can check for you if you'd like.

JoAnne

black944 turbo

Deffinetely, that would be great. Thanks for the help.

don356

JoAnne,

You got it! Not only that but the one with a peel & stick tile floor in the garage, compliments of yourselves, a floor that has been widely admired, and copied.

Guess I got lazy and after a couple of 100+ degree days in Los Angeles traffic, and an offer for the SC Cab that was pretty appealing, well .....

Now I can go from 0 to sheer terror in 6 seconds!

don356

oh yeah, and the Caddie has a 320 HP Northstar and an active suspension!

Don

sharky47

Hey guys, I REALLY appreciate all the contace info, I spoke with Al Bambina today - helluva nice guy. Anyways he built a weekend house in the next town over from me that he does not take his tub to because of the 5mile dusty road, I don't blame him. He gave me a number for a Gentleman named Don, didn't get a last name that live near me - phone # is (830) 995-5018, ring any bells?

I will be ALL OVER that event in Boerne, I live 50min from there and have a place to stay since I used to live there and am still welcome at my old roomate's place. I'll see if I can get in touch with the owner of the 356 I am restoring and see if he wants to drive is other 356 up there and hang out. Do I need to register/buy tickets in advance or anything?

As always thanks alot for all the info!!!

RJT

Daniel..
I wouldn't think that you'd have to register if you are just going to be there for the Concours. If you want to go to tech sessions, the goodie store and stuff like that, then you'd have to register.

Web Site for the Gulf Coast Holiday is: www.356.cc

Don in Texas?? Hmmmm ?? It would help if you had a last name....

JoAnne

sharky47

Rock on!!!!

Thank you so very much for looking out for me, I would have never known about this thing. I am printing the registration form now and will most definatly be attending ALL days and events. I have plenty of vac. time so this will be a paid adventure! Thanks again!!