TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:18 pm

Hi Gang,
Just had to show the test fitting of the new floor panels on the
Flintstones 1961 356B
lots of rust hit the floor getting to this stage

I sure like working on the rotissere
hank

Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:32 am

Whats the plan for your flinstone project?

Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:42 am

Driving it would be good
It is more of a cool winter project
maybe vintage racer-daily driver
you can never have too many cool cars
hank

Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:59 am

nice rack! not naysaying but hopefully you checked the frame on a frame check jig or at the very least get the tape measure out and make sure the frame is within specs.
the 356s are flimsy little bastards when rusty...even if they just stand still,everyone ive seen shows some "flex" on the inner panel that the beam goes thru. They distort this panel over the yrs even on nonrusty cars and it needs to be addressed (cut out and replaced while properly jigged) if you expect the car to have its original strength.

not doing anything in this area will affect roadhandling/geometry. it is worth noting that most 356 restorations dont address this area,but then they havent been properly restored. i also highly recommend "opening" up the longitudinals and the rear seat side members,dont be afraid,just open it up treat or fix the rust and paste it back together.

best of luck on the project,looks fun????

Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:35 pm

good points hugheseum

All new longitudinals and most of what is under them
just about everything has been opened up and new sections welded in.
I'm fitting all the parts then weld them back up and leave a couple of small holes so that we can blow in some POR 15 after the welding is done. Then cover the small holes with seam sealer.

I'd like to know what others have done about the "heater muffler" in the longitudinals ?

Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:57 am

I have only done one side, but the muffler pipe broke in two near one of the ends. I planned to use duct tape to repair it as i dont think these are available.
Have you seen this site loads of great pics on there.
http://www.brown-house.net/356project/