1st day with my 356

[Terry Gaudet]

This morning I wake up a changed man. You see, I accomplished a life long dream yesterday of buying a 356. I had been courting the previous owner for some time now and very politely waiting until he was ready to sell. That day came and I became the car's new caretaker.

From what I can gather here are the numbers. I will be getting the COA but would like to narrow down as much info as I can with your help.

Car is registered as a 1965 SC. Serial number is #131427. Engine is P813177. Trans is 83229. Do these numbers seem to be inline and matching with the era? The PO says they are all original. Just need to find out for sure.

Oh, and it was Ruby red with black interior. Comes with many new parts he acquired along the years.

I feel blessed to now own this car. My son, brother and cousin all came along to help with the recovery and transport. Thank you all for your help.

Here's a pic of me on the right and the previous owner on the left. He was sad to see the car go (joking about it) and I seem happy to be the new owner.....lol

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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[roy mawbey]

Terry,

I looked at some records I have and to me the chassis number 131427 seems to confirm its a 1964 356C ( chassis 128105 - 131927 ) The engine 813177 also seems to fit into the 1964 range for the 95hp SC ( engines 811002 - 813562 )

Probably? the chassis number range 128105 - 131927 for 1964 includes the C and SC chassis styles.

Maybe it was not first registered until 1965 but was a 64 model ???

The 1965 356C chassis numbers ran from 131928- 131930

Karmann bodied coupes were also built in those years.

Probably others on here can be more definitive than me records can be confusing sometimes!

Either way, nice for you to have the 356 it doesn't matter if its a 64 or 65 built car.

Enjoy!

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[tom coughlin]

Here's what the Reg. database says.
1965 model made in 1964

coupe Reutter 130513.0 131927.0
Engine Production Information
This vehicle would have come with an engine from the following types and number ranges:
Internal name Common name First serial number Last serial number
616/15 1600 C 714422 716804 1965 1964
616/15 1600 C 732272 733027 1965 1964
616/16 1600 SC 812508 813562 1965 1964

More important, how are the floors and the front fenders between the wheel opening and the front edge of the doors? Tom

[Terry Gaudet]

Thanks for providing your comparative numbers Roy. You are a great help.

Tom, that info is encouraging. I will need to get COA done asap to confirm. Body was redone by a shop that did not do a good job. They replaced rockers rear panel and did some work on the front fenders. I am going to have my body man look at it to provide some guidance.

I might just have the bodywork finished, give the car a quick shot of primer, reassemble and drive to work out all issues before doing a full resto.

The PO is in his 70's and asked if I could give him a ride in the car. My goal is to make that happen asap.

Enjoy your Sunday everyone.
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[Exaktaphile]

lol Your picture conveys everything perfectly!

[Terry Gaudet]

Any idea if the transmission in my car is original. #83229 is what I'm getting from underneath.
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[tom coughlin]

Yes-my records show that numbers 70931 (Aug. 1963) to 86517 (March 1965) were listed in an 356 Reg. article by trans expert Vic Skirmants.

[MMW]

I have heard it was common for prior year cars that did not get sold to be sold has current year cars. ie - a 64' car being sold as a 65'. At this point it really does not matter as you own a 356, congrats!

As long as it is solid I agree with your plan to drive it now & restore it later. Be forewarned though, you may not want to take it apart again as you will be enjoying it to much.

Best of luck whichever route you decide.
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Mic
1959 356 coupe
Missing the original engine 72488
Update - third pc. found!
Now just need the case halves.
1965 fenderless beetle

[Terry Gaudet]

Update......the car was originally Champagne Yellow. Code 6405. The paint code plate is below serial number on door jam plate. The research continues.....;0)
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[tom coughlin]

Jerry: Is there other proof as to the color such as COA, and/or evidence of the original color in out of the way places? I say this because the paint code plate can be (and I've seen this done) bought blank and re-stamped to conform to a color change. So, double check before you make any hard plans based on the number on the code plate. Tom

[Terry Gaudet]

Here's a pic of the plates. Looks original to me. Any comments?

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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[tom coughlin]

Probably original but only the COA will tell you for sure. Is there any color underneath them? If it is bare underneath they have been removed and reattached.
I also see that this was built in the old Reutter plant after Porsche had bought them out and changed the body maker's name to Porsche. Reutter kept the seat business and modified the brand name to Recaro.

[roy mawbey]

Terry,

Tom might be correct in saying get further checks on the colour. Porsche took over the Reutter plant in 1963 as I understand and the plate looks original with the correct type rivets and the stamping punches used.

The colour plate though has what looks like the correct rivets but the stamping of the numbers looks a bit odd to me. The number ' 4 ' on the chassis plate looks correct but the colour plate shows a different 4 or it looks that way to me??. Also the stamping is uneven in stamp sizing. Bit odd for the factory to do that??

It could just be a previous owner did that if he replaced the actual plate which as Tom says you can purchase blank. Who knows the original could have been badly scratched for example.
Try looking in places to see if any original paint still exists.

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[Terry Gaudet]

Thanks for the feedback Roy & Tom. I have looked over the car and there is yellow all over the inside of the car and ceiling. Also, there are signs of yellow showing inside the doors. I have applied for the COA last week and hope it will clear up this color search. I also hope the COA confirms that the engine/trans are original. I will post the results when I get it.
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[Jon Schmid]

When I bought my 1964 C coupe some years ago I took a chance because the paint code tag read 6206 and had a bit of silver paint on it. The price was right and it was all numbers matching, chrome 4 1/2" wheels, foglights (that didn't work but they're there) and all. Finally got the COA and it was all ordered that way including the silver metallic paint, which of course was not a factory offering in 1964 and had to be special ordered. The car needs a restoration but at least my car is one of the few silver painted body and chrome wheeled late 356's out there that came from the factory that way. So you never know.

[Terry Gaudet]

Great story Jon. Glad it worked out for you. I am still on the lookout for a body shop to finish the work and get it in primer so I can do pre-assembly before final paint. Living in eastern Canada sure limits my options. Anyone know of a competent shop in my area, please let me know.
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[Terry Gaudet]

Well boys and girls, it's official. I received the COA and Cardex and my car was originally Champagne Yellow. Also, all the numbers match. Oh, and the best part is on the Cardex, it indicates that original importer of this car is Volkswagen Canada and also lists the cars first owner who lived in Montreal at the time. I should look him up. Still looking for a competent body shop to carry out the body/paint work. Will be going with original colour and will re-install the interior. Only new part will be headliner and perhaps carpet. Wheels are off to the powder coating shop. Engine and trans are ready to go in. Brakes and suspension just need cleaning and fresh paint. My goal is to have this car on the road in 2017. Let's see how that works out.....lol
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[roy mawbey]

Well done Terry, its great to have history you know to be correct,

Bet you are a happy man!

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[MMW]

You mention a "competent body shop". Make sure whomever you pick is well versed in 356 metal work. Although there is no "magic" someone with no experience can mess it up in a hurry.

If you are just looking for a driver that is fine & not as critical when doing body & paint.
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Mic
1959 356 coupe
Missing the original engine 72488
Update - third pc. found!
Now just need the case halves.
1965 fenderless beetle

[Terry Gaudet]

Thanks for the advice Mic. I did get a visit from a bodyman who was refered by a friend. He has done some work on other cars and I have seen it with my own eyes. I am looking to see if I can get my car into his shop by early summer and pick it up in the fall so re-assembly can begin and I can drive it in 2017.

I am looking to finish it as a driver. No need to go nutz on a full 100 point restoration and let it sit under a cover. I drive my cars so I can enjoy them.
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Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab