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CB, what size is your engine?
Sounds like fun!
Good for you!!!
Excellent plan, CB! 
It will all only ADD to the enjoyment of your new ride! Would like to see 'After' pics of that bad boy! 
Thanks guys, so excited! Will, my mech. is trying to figure it out but he thinks it's a 1760cc? Great news, he found the chassis is an original Porsche. Anyone have an idea of how that affects the value? Should have new pics within 2 weeks. YIPEE !!!
1776 cc would be stock crank with 90.5 mm pistons. No real way to tell without a tear down - taking the heads off.
"he found the chassis is an original Porsche" - not sure what he is getting at there. The 356 was a uni-body car so it would be near impossible to remove the body and have a chassis that would support a fiberglass kit car. Looks like it's a VS (by dash) so it most likely has a swing axle transaxle which could be mistaken to what was on a 356 (from 30 feet maybe). Seriously doubt you'll find a 356 chassis under there. Post some close up pictures.
If true it will increase you bill!
Zanks Wolfie !! You da man. I love people that know this stuff. Let me ask you, mech. suggested resealing the engine, it's in good cond., just needs to keep the fluids in tight. My question is, he quoted, like $1100 for this and there's a shop in LA, selling total rebuilds for $1200. Which way would you go?
CB,
From your posts above, you should seriously consider getting a second opinion on your car. If you let folks know your location, someone can recommend an experienced mechanic in your area.
All air cooled VW's leak some oil. We jokingly call it making their territory! Many oil leaks can easily be fixed without tearing engine down or even removing it. I'm not convinced you found a good air cooled mechanic in Will. You are better off finding a mechanic from someone here or a local VW club. Post pictures of engine and closeup of the rest of the car and we can help. Leaks often come from over filling (yup!), push rod tubes or their seals, valve cover gaskets, or oil cooler. All are external components that can be addressed without tearing engine down. If it runs well - I would not spend $1100 to "re-seal" it. $1200 won't get you much of even a 1600 cc stock engine any more - plus they'll want you old one in exchange.
Start by ensuring oil is not over filled (difficult if you have add on sump or remote oil cooler) then use a couple cans of engine degreaser to remove crude - careful to protect electrics like distributor, alternator/generator and carb(s). Then let it warm up and start looking for leaks.
Jim Kelly posted:CB,
From your posts above, you should seriously consider getting a second opinion on your car. If you let folks know your location, someone can recommend an experienced mechanic in your area.
Five times what Jim said above. Amigo....try to slow down and get educated a bit before you get $$$ bit. There's plenty of good air cooled guys near Vegas. Sounds like you're ready to throw all kinds of add on's into the car without really knowing what you have in the first place.
A few years ago I had work done at the Beetle Barn on Arville Street in Vegas. Straight shooters, no BS and right on point. Good luck.
I should have pointed out that a stock VW uses only 2.5 quarts of oil - most new cars now take 4-5 quarts so guess that is why they frequently get overfilled. (If you have an extended sump or remote cooler or filter - it will take more than the 2.5). Overfilling results in foamed oil, oil seals leaking and "blow by" forcing oil out of engine. A great stater book is How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Complete Idiot by John Muir.
...total rebuilds for $1200?
Run!
...in the other direction!
Thanks, everyone. This club is GREAT. I unknowingly joined a 356 club in England, not much member response. This is SOOO helpful !!
C B posted:Great news, he found the chassis is an original Porsche.
Red flag... mechanic is now questionable!
Yeah to all that.
Hmmm... I never would have thought I'd like wide whites on an outlaw, but it's kinda cool in a "I gotta be me!" way.
