Pricing today's 356 cars

[356er]

Hello Everyone,

As you know 356 condition and models vary. Right now, I have the opportunity to purchase a 1960 356 S90 in need of restoration. Seller is asking "guess" and the good thing the floors, battery box, closing panels, and longs have been replaced. 100% complete with matching numbers engine. The engine will need a full rebuild, plus brakes. Interior will need to be new since they are tattered. Body is good with few dents and some minor rust repair.

Hopefully I can take this baby home and work on removing surface rust and body repair. Good project to return to stock.

[dsrtfox]

If the car is as you describe, and without seeing it myself. I would jump on it. A numbers matching S-90 car is worth a lot more than that. Buy it fast and if you don't like it sell it at a profit. Remember I'm going by your description...

[onassis 356 restorations]

I would jump on it too.

You would need to spend in either way money to get it back on track, when welding things are already done good (please note that the discription of good may vary, especially in 356er restorations) the most expensive part is finished. One thing points out clear: good cars are not cheap.

Will you keep it stock or do you mind going the outlaw route?

Best, Tom - Onassis 356 Restorations

[356er]

[dsrtfox]

BUY THE CAR....................

[356er]

Taken I can purchase new engine parts and send parts where I can salvage the old engine parts to have recondition. Would 8K be reasonable estimate to rebuild the engine? Semi DIY. Still need to purchase new bearings, distributer plugs, gaskets, nuts, and tons of other bits and pieces to have it run right. I think it would be a 15K total cost engine rebuild.

Might as well purchase a turn key engine on ebay for 9K. Anybody have access to used 356 engines for 4K?

[Braukuche]

[356er]

[Braukuche]

[dsrtfox]

You can also put a VW engine in it and drive it around until you save up to rebuild the S-90...

[356er]

[356er]

[jjjjack]

That bottom pic must be before the metal repairs?
_________________
Jack Stenner
1959 Mango Westfalia SO-23
1953 Porsche 356 Coupe
IG:j.stenner

[356er]

[356er]

Anybody worked on DIY rusted body lead areas? I know your not supposed to sand lead around.

Pour some acid on the area and neutralize?

[ensys]

At the risk of being the Wet Blanket here, I would note that there are considerations yet unaddressed.

While the evidence is slim, it seems plain that the PO was not, shall we say, particularly meticulous.

I would say that its safe to assume that you will have to check everything about the welding work already done, including some time on a frame table making sure everything is square.

Then there is addressing the existing rust issues, both apparent and hidden, mindful of the fact that any tub so badly rusted that all the bottoms must be replaced, has many other such issues that the PO didn't bother to deal with.

The engine re-build will be in the neighborhoods you mentioned, tho possibly higher because some S90-specific items are pricy and hard to source. Add a couple thou if you are a novice.

And you forgot to mention the gearbox, which should be opened for careful (knowledgeable) inspection with the likelihood of repair to the synchros and maybe the 6-bolt ring/dif case.

Full interiors are not inexpensive, particularly if the chairs/seats are involved.

New glass and fittings/fitment will run four figures.

Then there are the bits and pieces that will nickle and dime you to death.

If everything is farmed out, it doesn't take an expert to see that the car is at least thirty grand away from roadworthy, tho I would guess it will probably take more.

Good luck.
_________________
Keep 'em flying...

S.J.Szabo

[roy mawbey]

I have to agree with the comments by Mr Szabo. Looking at the photo's I bet there is a lot of work to do and that takes a lot of cash even if you try to do it yourself.

The problem is, a person looking for a Super 90 will not only expect to have original crankcases but a correct car throughout body and underneath included. Tbe area's above the floor repairs? look very odd to me.

If you take in what you will have to do, then its going to take you by yourself a long time.

Of course if you just want to make it a runner then its somewhat easier but that is what it will remain. There are good and bad runners as well, and people will pick your car apart if you end up wanting to sell it.

Look on the restorations on www.abcgt.com and you will see what Mr Szabo means about hidden chassis rust, it gets everywhere!

Please don't take the comments the wrong way, I remember in the mid sixties seeing 356 cars with completely flat sheet steel floors welded to god knows what. The cars were rusty after six years if not looked after.

If you like the 356 shape you could buy a speedster repro and have some fun driving it and probably not lose a lot of money.

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[savaden]

There is nothing so dispiriting as re-doing poorly done chassis repairs on a 356. From the looks of it, this project will require a comprehensive approach (hows that for diplomatic). It could be the basis of a solid car, but I think even professionals with all of the skills and tools available would have to carefully consider the costs.

You have asked a number of questions about the engine rebuild process. I would say that is still the least (although not inconsequential) concern. Engine rebuilds are generally straight forward and there are numerous resources for obtaining the necessary parts and machine work. Probably $8K if you do the assembly work is reasonable. You could do it, they are not complicated, but you will have to study and measure.

The rusty areas forward of the doors are of concern, and will require metal replacement, and this process is not foreign to the experts, but the questions you have asked suggest you are inexperienced with this fix. There are likely many other areas with this car that will require similar expertise, and this can be overwhelming unless you can envision the steps required and take a methodical approach.

Make no mistake, this is a big project, and the engine work will be the easiest and least expensive part.

SV

[lawn ninja]

Try accutrack in Manhattan Beach. My buddy Dan runs the shop and the owner is a 356 guy.
_________________
Jason

My 64 1500 S Notchback project here
My 58 sedan project here
My 63 Ghia here

[saddlesore1]

I bought my car 15 plus years ago in same condition. It took 5 plus years to get it finished. Short of paint and body and leather I did everything my self. It is not hard and this formum is a wealth of knowledge. 15 years ago it did not exist but living in the LA area help. There are several friendly 356's that can help with information. The most cridical thing to think about is: what is missing. Many parts are super expensive or do not exist. for example, does this car have a single mount front transmission. Good luck getting a replacement. You will have to convert to dual (welding). The 60 model is a strange beast with many anomolies different than 59 and 61. Just be carful.
As for the motor. Does it turn over or is it frozen. You would be amazed at how strong and bullet proof these motors are. I took mine out. (not hard) put it on a bench cleaned and replaced some parts and ran it for 5 years befor a rebuild. That way I could "shake the bugs out". Like I said my car was very siimilar to the pictures you showed.
The tranni is another thing. Pulling that out is a total pain in the ass. Rebuild that for sure and inspect the hocky puck. I would recommend getting a strengthend one from vic skirmmets (sp). Then run it and injoy it.

Shawn
60 T5B Super