And So...it finished (cont’d)

Steve Groh

In this last episode, we thankfully acknowledge the ever-patient souls who have dedicated their time and talents to keep our beloved 356’s on the road. As previously mentioned, as our 356’s age, so do the experts we have come to rely on, and, truth be told, the field of available craftsmen is shrinking. My recommendation is to not put off your restoration, as the current waitlist for reputable shops is already long and will only get longer. Recognizing this, you have a few options as to how to approach your 356 restoration. I have known a few owners who simply dropped off the car at a shop and said, “call me when it’s done.” Patience and an open checkbook are the necessary components in that plan, and the results can be very rewarding, given the right shop. I did not choose that path. I had the tools, space, and the time, and needed to make the most of my limited budget. In the end, however, I realized a lot about myself and the car. There have been quite a few references to cars having personalities and I must admit a feeling that this car wanted to be restored, so it felt like we were partners throughout the restoration. The 356 is not a complicated machine, so you can shorten the restoration timeframe by attacking the systems simultaneously – suspension, interior, brakes, wiring, engine, transaxle, glass, chrome, etc. A project management plan will be necessary (the pros do the same thing!) – plan to send parts out for restoration or source new parts well before installation so that no-one person or process is waiting. And since you won’t know everything, reach out to experts as many times as needed to feel confident that what you are rebuilding, restoring, or installing is being done correctly! Here is a condensed list of businesses, craftsmen, books, and reference material that have helped enormously. Some of these have since retired, but their counsel has nonetheless been invaluable: General Knowledge: 356 Registry (online and magazine – a must); Porsche Club of America; Books/Reference: Ron Roland’s “Restored by Hand”; Joe Leoni’s “356 Electrics”; Charlie White’s “Reproduction Factory Manuals” (get the entire set!!); Dr. Brett Johnson’s “A Restoration Guide to Authenticity”; Jim Kellogg’s “Guide

to Do-It-Yourself Restoration”; PCA “Panorama”

Facebook sites: Porsche 356; Porsche 356 Group (USA); Porsche 356 Build Questions & Answers; Aircooled Porsche Friends; Bring a Trailer (an invaluable photo reference for what to do and what not to do!)

General Knowledge & Parts: Stoddard Porsche Parts & NLA Authentic Parts (Maurice); Zim’s Autotechnik (Al Zim); Sierra Madre Collection; Unobtanium (Matt or Adam Wright); Auto Atlanta Specialty Craftsmen: Chassis: Lowell Sivey, (Mount Vernon Ohio); Engine: 50+ (Chuck Arnold); Transaxle: Eric Wills (Willswerks, VA); Overall Guru/Shaman: Lewis Hauser (Karosserie, VA); 23

And So (cont’d)

Wiring: YNZ Yesterdays Parts (CA); Instruments: North Hollywood Speedometer (CA); Interior: Autos International (Escondido, CA); Jim Quartermus (Classic German Interiors, Parkesburg, PA); Coco Mats; Steering Wheel: Bruce Crawford; Rubber: International Mercantile (OR); Generator/Regulator: ABS Partswerks; Brakes: PMB Performance; Tires: Tire Rack Of course, there are more craftsmen, parts suppliers, and knowledgeable folks out there besides this list. These are just a few that delivered on expectations and freely helped, when necessary, which was often. Good luck with your restoration, and I hope to see you next year where we can trade restoration tales!