356 A or B ?

Dan Pedro · Samba Member Joined: March 29, 2004 Posts: 13

In need of some help identifying a 356 I purchased about a year ago...the problem is that it doesn't have the original vin (has a state issued vin number) and has probably been clipped at some point...it is titled as a 59, but looks exactly like a 60 B model so I just figured it was a B car built in 59...thats until I pulled the gauges and they are dated mid-1958...the engine is no help either because its a 912!! Are there any differences in the tub itself between an A and a B car? I'm starting to think that someone hung a B nose and doors on an A tub...

James Davies · Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:02 am Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

The original chassis number can be found in 3 places:

1) stamped into the chassis beneath the rubber mat behind the spare tire
2) on the Porsche chassis/model ID tag between the fender and gas tank on passenger side
3) stamped on an aluminum tag on the door hinge cover plate, driver's side

You can then look up this chassis ID here

http://356a.com/

And find out what year it is.

It is likely it is a 356A that was hit, and had 356B parts grafted on for repairs.

dg58innm · Samba Member Joined: July 01, 2012 Posts: 8

The rear frame members are different. Rear seat pans are different. The rear tunnel/floor/bulkhead intersection is diffferent. The tunnel itself is different. Top of door hinge pillars are different. The battery boxes are different. Plenty of other little details in the tub metal to differentiate between A and B. Post a few picures and it should be obvious.
DG

Jon Schmid · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 9:01 pm Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

Dan Pedro · Samba Member Joined: March 29, 2004 Posts: 13

Porsche has confirmed that the car started life as a '59 A but received a B replacement body from the factory at some point in its life...ugh. I am considering back dating the nose to an A...any thoughts for or against this "mod"?

Jon Schmid · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 6:54 pm Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

If you're going to switch back (good luck) I don't see where having an "A" nose and a "B" everything else would make sense. To me it's all or nothing and at this point if the car is straight I would lean toward nothing and leave it be. Just my $0.02. Best of luck either way you go.

tom coughlin · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 5:29 am Post subject: 356 B back to an A

If you prefer the A look go for it. If you go to show the car and somebody makes an issue, you can argue that you've just made it original. That's something that any old B that's been changed to an A look without the history of your car would be unable to argue.

dsrtfox · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 10:55 am Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

If the factory rebodied it and you have written proof I wouldn't touch it but it's your car...

MMW · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2016 4:42 pm Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

I second the position of "if you have documents from Porsche that show it was rebodied I would leave it".

That being said it's your car do as you wish.
_________________
Mic
1959 356 coupe
Missing the original engine 72488
Update - third pc. found!
Now just need the case halves.
1965 fenderless beetle

Jacks · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2016 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

What does the shifter/heater control look like?
_________________
Jack Staggs
Actual name

saddlesore1 · Samba Member Joined: November 20, 2006 Posts: 548

what is your serial number and does the number on the nose under the mat match the number on vin plate or doors.
I have a very early 1960 which has many anomalies when compared to a "True" B.

JulesD · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 9:33 pm Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

How can porsche verify if you have a state issued vin? What number did you give them to run? They go by old records so a state issued vin would not come up. I dont get it

Dan Pedro · Samba Member Joined: March 29, 2004 Posts: 13

Porsche kept record of vin when selling a replacement body. I supplied the replacement body number and they supplied me the correct vin. during a resto vins are removed but because this car was newish when this was done the original vin could not be transferred.

ensys · Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2016 11:44 pm Post subject: Re: 356 A or B ?

Just another opinion (w/the usual disclaimer about "your car"), but the Factory documented replacement body makes your car "original" as it stands, just like an authorized replacement engine would then be correct for a car.

Buggering around with the body to suit one's tastes is the owner's privilege of course, but be aware that it will cost you somewhat dearly in ultimate value.

If you can't stand Bs, sell it to someone who will respect it for what it is and buy yourself an A.

PS: Given the situation, I should think most states would, after inspection, re-register with the now-correct body no.

As a parallel situation, Calif. used to register by engine no., but with a little persistent effort, I had mine changed to the body no.
_________________
Keep 'em flying...

S.J.Szabo


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