Vintage Porsche Style Project

46porsche · Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 7:34 pm Post subject: ALUMINUM BODY

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Time for an update. We have finished forming and welding the aluminum panels for the body. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are really happy that we got this far with the limited tools and resources we have.

Now we have to finish planishing and prepping the aluminum for painting, fixing the wheel arches, fitting the lights, and many other tasks that should take one to two more months.

I did a photoshop image of how the car should look with its numbers and class stripes!
_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

MMW · Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 6:16 am Post subject:

Juan, Very cool. It amazes me that you have the time & drive to do this. In the first pic I see lines on the body. Is that where you welded pieces together to make the complete panels?

You all should be proud of your work. Can't wait to see more.
_________________
Mic
1959 356 coupe
Missing the original engine 72488
Update - third pc. found!
Now just need the case halves.
1965 fenderless beetle

356JAEGER · Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 6:56 am Post subject:

Juan,
Absolutely amazing workmanship and commitment. Can't wait for the next update. You and your amigos should be very proud.
_________________
Regards,
Joel Jensen

When in doubt, think about it..
The outcome of a project is directly proportional to its preparation.

bbspdstr · Samba Member Joined: May 11, 2012 Posts: 494 Location: PA

No one knows how difficult this type of project is until they try it or at least watch it being done. No one can understand the frustrations that can get in the way, just on a technical level, a knowledge deficit when it's a first-time approach in building/forming a body like that......beyond even the basic design.

I just heard a few minutes ago that one of my 'heros' growing up, Harry Tidmarsh, had recently died. I had worked briefly with his old sidekick, Don Diehl, but I knew Harry from going to watch him work at his shop when I was a young man. Among bodies for BMW 507s and M-B 300SL Gullwings, Harry and Don used to make aluminum deep bas-relief full-size automotive prototypes for Alcoa to be used in trade shows and car shows of the '60s. Pretty heady stuff, impressive.

Fancy stuff that was hand-formed, planished and polished, not painted.

They were both fantastic metal fabricators, Harry better at gas welding aluminum, teamed up with Don, the better TIG welder of the two. I wanted to be just like them, but there are unteachable intangible aspects involved beyond "eye, artistic bent and feel" that may come from repetition IF one also gets "lucky." It is now, literally, a dying art.

Juan, to get this far is truly unbelievable. I am sincerely impressed. Keep it up, knowing you have a small group of fans here that are behind you 100%

(I also like the juxtaposition of the car posed against the graffiti'd wall.)

Best regards,
_________________
Bruce Baker
www.356restoration.com

malibubill · Posted: Fri May 24, 2013 8:13 am Post subject:

Juan:

As an artist they didn't permit me even to finger paint in school.

As a mechanic everyone attempts to keep sharp things away from me.

So, as are the pros here, I am awestruck by what you have achieved. And even my completely inartistic eye can appreciate the "Porsche" before the tagged wall.

Thanks for sharing
_________________
Bill Sampson
356 Registry Talk List Monitor 2004-2008
356 Registry Forum Moderator 2008
356 Registry Hall Monitor Award 2008

46porsche · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 6:42 pm Post subject: body is on

Thank you so much for all your comments. Honestly, my work is in a totally different league that those people you mention, they were experts on their craft. I am just a nostalgic dreamer with more will than skills.

We took the car out for a drive with the body on. It was just great. Still, at least another couple of months before its completely done. Thanks for all your support.

_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

mark tucker · Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 10:59 am Post subject:

thats sweet!!! keep on smiling & working on it.

Chris R · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 6:05 am Post subject:

Juan,

My name is Chris, the builder of the Frankfurt Flyer http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...p;start=80 I think you've done a wonderful job! We need to get our cars together someday and go DRIVE!

Do you have any more designs planned? I am working on the coupe version of mine.

KUDOS-

Chris

46porsche · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:23 pm Post subject:

Chris, great to have you here!

In short, if it wasn't for your beautiful Frankfurt Flyer my project would probably not exist. It was just a great inspiration to get started and to know that it could be done, I found it by chance on the web, and it came just in time. I also have to say that your fabrication skills are just amazing.

I have no new projects planned yet, since I still have my hands full with this one.

It will be great to know more about your new car.

Thanks again for your message and for the inspiration!
_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

foamcar · Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2013 10:24 am Post subject:

Chris, I too really enjoyed reading about the car you built. How did you do it so fast? It has taken me 12 years of plugging along to restore my 63 coupe and I am still not done.

Phil Planck

46porsche · Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 9:22 pm Post subject: 90% done

Dear friends, the car is now 90% done and I would like to share the latest picture with you.

_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

oliver365 · Samba Member Joined: June 21, 2012 Posts: 140 Location: uk

Awsome car & skills sir Applause

Bulli Klinik · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 5:42 am Post subject:

Primo!

Did you hand planish the car while it was together or did you wheel the panels?
_________________
I've never met a Bus I didn't like.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs

46porsche · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 7:05 am Post subject:

I wish i had access to an english wheel. The car ws planished and sanded after it ws put together. Everything by hand.
_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

356JAEGER · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 8:07 am Post subject:

Amazing workmanship Juan. Any plans for more ?
Regards,
Joel
_________________
Regards,
Joel Jensen

When in doubt, think about it..
The outcome of a project is directly proportional to its preparation.

46porsche · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:37 pm Post subject:

Thank you Joel.

A collector here in Bogota has shown interest in comissioning a car. But building one would be to costly. I am looking for two more buyers so I can build three at a time. That way I could pay rent for a better space. I built this car in my home´s one car garage. And I don't think i would like to do it that way again.
_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

bbspdstr · Samba Member Joined: May 11, 2012 Posts: 494 Location: PA

Juan, you are an inspiration ESPECIALLY to a 'professional.' (with a larger small shop, a small but usable English wheel and arthritic hands from metalwork for too many years "the old fashioned way"). I can no longer complain about much of anything if you can do what you have done with what you have. Congratulations to you and the handful of others around the world who have the vision, inspiration and dedication to achieve what you show and thank you very much for sharing that.
_________________
Bruce Baker
www.356restoration.com

46porsche · Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:49 pm Post subject:

Thank you so much Bruce, your words are too kind. I can see how this trade could take a toll on your health with the years. Its tough.. But I can also see how when there is a passion it cant be stoped. Wink

_________________
Juan Badel

http://480spyder.tumblr.com/

roy mawbey · Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 3:32 am Post subject:

Well done Juan, by hand that is really a great achievement.

Cheers

Roy
_________________
Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

Craig Richter · Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:51 am Post subject: Vintage Porsche-style project

Just had to pitch in here Juan, to congratulate you and your friends on your wonderful and creative project. You have done what most all of us here have dreamed about doing, but didn't, or couldn't. You should be very proud!
Craig


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

Vintage Porsche Style Project
Page: Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next

	Forum Index -> Porsche - 356	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next
Page 2 of 4