TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:37 pm

I wanted to wait to show everyone the 56 I have been working on for 5 years, But I just can't wait any longer. There are still a few minor things I need to complete my ride, but it will be drivable this weekend. The Bug went from the first pic you see... seasoned metal and tremclad... to base clear in 15 days. The entire car is solid metal and everything is VERY straight. I did everything myself, except for any welding... the bodywork and paint was provided by "Whatshop".

You may notice a few incorrect items that I have used, but only until I aquire the correct ones. I just want to drive it! I haven't driven a VW for 5 years!

So take a look and let me know what you think.

Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:09 pm

its lookin good, you have more pictures from other angles?

Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:33 am

Sure I have more pics ... so many in fact. I have pictures of every step of the process. This was a total restoration, pan off etc. So if there is something specific you want to see let me know.
I will post a link to all my photos once I have them ready for the web. But until then....

Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:05 pm

Here is a link to some of the more photos and a loose documentary of the 56's pan off restoration for anyone interested.
Also a text link in there to the guys that did the bodywork and paint. Kudos to them.
http://24.87.130.150/fweem/

Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:15 am

Damn, that looks great. It looks like you have every reason to be proud. :)

Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:49 am

Lookin' good! My 57' Oval rag is about 98% done just a couple knick knacks left. Should be crusin' in a few days!

Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:51 am

Any particular reason you are rollin n 4 lugs??

Car looks great but you got to get rid of those 8 spokes. IMHO

Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:22 am

The only reason I am riding 4 lugs right now is because I had them available. Many moons ago I purchased a set of CB Cast drop spindles and disc brakes to stop my blueprinted 1776. The wide 5 disc were not available, or at least I couldn't find them back then. So I changed to a 4 bolt(also had the 8spokes kicking around) and put 4 lug rear brakes and backing plates from a 68 on my daily driver(a 63). Im having a hard time giving up my disc brakes and drop spindles, but am selling the front discs and spindles so I can pick up some new wide5 discs. The pan is swingaxle to it's an easy swap... I should have it on the road this weekend as is... back to my wide5's is next, and after that... an original interior.
Thanks for the comments.

Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:59 am

YAHOO... I washed my bug for the first time since paint ... and wheeled her outside for some photos. Thought I'd share.

Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:35 pm

I am driving! ya on the road!

Also I have finally had the time to restore and rebuild my original spindels and wide 5 drums and wheels. Here are a few recent pics. MUCH nicer to look at and a MUCH nicer ride... I actually prefer the ride with an adjustable beam, over the adj. beam and drop spindels. Steering is much more responsive too.

Next I'll post my engine with new dual 40s. I'll get some pics tomorrow.

Also I am about to have my interior redone in a classic two-tone, waiting for the door panels and seat covers to be delivered, but I have everything else. That will be started tomorrow. Stay tooned.

Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:04 pm

Great project.
The bullets look "off" for some reason...could just be the angle of the photos. Are those front fenders originals?
Please don't take this as nitpicking. Car looks great.

Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:48 am

Well now that your 5+ years of blood, sweat and finances have been poured into this labor of love it is now time to.........

SELL IT,.....................just kidding :lol: , it looks great, hope that now you will finally be able to enjoy the hard work that you have endured....good luck.

Tue Jul 18, 2006 9:25 am

what color is that?

Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:20 am

Skim wrote: what color is that?

I believe he said it was 56 Porsche 356 silver?

Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:26 pm

Thanks folks.
Major Woody... what do you mean the bullets look off? hmmm is your eye that good?
The fenders are not original... but they are the closest thing I have seen in a reproduction. The most obvious difference is slightly less body line around the buckets. The width of the fenders are identical to the original 56 fenders I have. I bullets were placed according to the original mounts. But the bullets are reproduction.

As far as color skim, nevadajh is correct. To me it seems a little lighter silver than I expected. But once the sun goes down just a little bit, it darkens up and starts to look as expected. I'm happy with how it turned out, and always get compliments on it by both vw enthusiasts and non vw sympathizers.

Here is an updated link to some pics both through the process and currenty.

http://fweem.electronic-neurosis.com/

Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:42 pm

Crank wrote: what do you mean the bullets look off?

I think they point just a little down

but I'm not knocking it
it's a beautiful ride

good job man

Sat Jul 29, 2006 4:48 am

nice job man looks great! :wink: