Black Sheila December Update

Very nice progress, Manny. If you're inclined, now'd be a good time to install an extended length clutch release shaft lever. It makes the clutch engage smoother and less foot pressure. 

If you're not married completely to an aircooled engine ( and I understand fully if you are ) , there's some pretty easy ways to convert to Subaru power for very few extra $$ invested. Easy cooling and heat too.

Hi David,

Thanks, still got a way to go my mechanic is doing a awesome job.

As for the extended clutch lever excellent tip unfortunately time does not permit this upgrade at this present moment I will consider this upgrade when I install the new motor.

Yep! I am a air-cooled guy not only that the look I am trying to achieve  with the engine is closely replicate a 356 engine , completed engine photos will soon follow. Progress thus far.

VERY NICE work you're doing there, Manny! Would very much like to watch your progress and finished product! 

When I was younger, I restored an MG-TD from the frame up; a 1966 MGB; and a 1973 TR-6 that had been in a roll over.

These days, I'm satisfied to watch someone else do all the work on a restoration, and to compliment them on a job well done.  I know only too well how many hours goes into work such as this.

Beautiful work!

Looks great, really nicely detailed!

Manny, looking awesome!

So, that carb linkage is . . .?

.........356 style, bolted to the back of the fan shroud.

Manny, that engine looks NICE!

Yeah, and if you're going for the "Authenticity" award, I think you're gonna win!

So that 356 style linkage...it is a thing people can buy and bolt up to a type 1 engine?

I ask because it makes such a difference in the look of the engine bay. It makes the motor look absolutely Porsche-like. So if that linkage is available at retail and works worth a damn, I'm wondering why all y'alls ain't running it.

But originals didn't have have degreed crankshaft pulleys did they?...

Nice work Manny!  Details on the carb linkage?

Manny, you have an absolutely awesome eye for detail and obvious wrenching skills.  I am hard pressed to think of a nicer looking and well executed car.  can't wit to see it all come together.  I've had a couple of 356s back in the day and I think your engine layout would fool anyone.  looks very much as it should.

and the Soobie thing David mentions is a way-cool addition, and would present a lot of zip, and other stuff.  But ya know, these cars are air-cooled.  and so it must be.  and it is not just the look either, but the sound.  It has to be there.

Power to ya, my good man.  I love it so far.  Keep us posted.

PS: Does your fan housing have the VW heater hose holes?  That might be a give-away clue.  Also, if you are REALLY looking to have it right, maybe you can find some de-icing horns and install those.  These were hooked into the cylinder head shrouds and had a flapper valve that would allow warm air from the heads to be directed up toward the carbs.  Supposed to limit icing in the carbs, although I was never to sure about how well they actually worked.  If you could find these anywhere, I bet they would be mega $$.  Others in the SOC have gone this same route in the engine bay, and I bet there are some threads in the archives that could show what others have done.  I assume the oil filter can is not functional, as you will have opted for a full-flow oil filter, which is what most do these days.  I recall another authentic engine bay treatment that used the old by-pass oil filter housing as a storage container for his shop rag and a wrench.  Just sayin' . . .

356 engines (and probably 912 too?) have pieces for the linkage welded on the back side of the shroud, so it would take some fabrication to duplicate it on a VW shroud. It does clean up the engine bay somewhat. As far as I know, no one makes a kit for the VW shroud. If anyone should find one, let me know. Al

Manny- Did you buy that front sway bar, or is it something you had made up? Very interesting design!

Firstly I need to clarify this 356 replica engine build is phase 1, I currently have dual Kadron Carbs which I have used an Okrasa 36Hp carb linkage which closley represents the original solex linkage, with the engine upgrade in June this will be phase 2,  I will be upgrading to a dual 40 IDF Weber carbs and the linkage will be mounted on the rear as per original Porsche which I have a concept design complete and will be building a prototype in due time.

Sadly if you have a Doghouse fan shroud this setup will not work, I specifically went with a SCAT 36HP upright non doghouse fan shroud with a remote oil cooler.

The original Porsche crank pulley had no degreed markings.

ISP West have a very neat reproduction OT pulley sadly they don't have stock at the moment ,temporarily we have modified a stock beetle pulley to replicate a Porsche pulley until such time that they have stock that will have to do, alternatively if time permits I will CNC machine my own pulley.

My Fan shroud has no heater hose, as for the icing horns I have an original set and will be installing it to give it the look, it will be a dummy installation.

The oil canister to be a dummy setup.

The dip Stick has also been modified to resemble a Porsche dip stick.

The distributor which is a Pertronix III had rings machined and a Bosch makers plate fitted to give it that vintage look.

My mechanic has already completed  a mockup of the engine and will be stripping everything down and preparing for paint... it is starting to look the part

Hi ALB,

The front sway bar was entirely made up by my mechanic he used an old beetle sway bar, had it bent maintaining the hardness and spring ratio.

Manny,

Pictures are awesome -- txs for including.  You are taking this replica thing to a whole different level.  Good on ya.

Such attention to detail! The friggin' dipstick, even!

I love that!

We need a guy like you on the TD side of this hobby. Aching to see someone re-configure a '78 Chevette engine or a 2.3 Ford OHC to look just like a 1250 CC XPAG. 

Hell, even installing a couple SU's to feed it--or any kind of side-draft carbs--would at least say "we're trying." No one hardly tries with MG replicas. 

You keep doing what you're doing, Manny. Brilliant work.

It says here that Manny is in So Africa.  That's too bad, 'cause I'd really like to see his car when finished, and his location is sorta out of my way.  So, we are going to have to rely on the pictures, which so far have been outstanding.

Ed, don't be too worked up about the dip stick.  Just get a hammer a whack that VW one a bit, and there you are.

frazerk: I'm with you. Manny has the madness.....squared.

Manny,

I really do not think you need this, but what the hell.  All that remains in my possession of my old '56 356A is: the passenger seat, one headlight bucket, the fuel line that crosses over between the carbs, and the Owners Manual.  Inside the latter is the following picture, which might help you out, complete w/ the deicer horns, previously mentioned.  FWIW.

I used highest resolution I have for the scan, so you can blow it up some, I guess.

Cheers!!

frazerk,

Thanks for the attachment, really appreciate it

In all honesty I must give credit to my mechanic this is all his handy work.

Additional photos of the engine the one with grey shroud is an original note the hump this was to clear the exhaust manifold, the one below is my engine and has a similar feature.

The rubber seal is very much like a Porsche setup.

Just noticed the 022 badge on the Pertronix (with the grooved machining)- nice touch! While making it as Porsche like as possible is not my thing, I have to say you're doing it right. Al

PS- The piece of metal welded to the over-the-exhaust sheetmetal that's holding the rubber seal (last 2 pics)- did you guys make that up?

ALB: Looks to me like they can do anything, and probably did that bit of tinwork.  Dream it up, lay it out, make it happen.  Just need the right tools, the right lads, a good shop, clear vision, a good attitude, and of course, a bit of scratch ($$).  Looks like Manny and his lads have it all.

Kelly

It certainly looks like Manny has surrounded himself with a talented bunch...

"Dream it up, lay it out, make it happen" You hit the nail on the head.

I forgot to mention "The Madness"

ALB,

The piece of metal welded to the over-the-exhaust sheet metal that's holding the rubber seal - this was bought from a local supplier in South Africa, where they source it from I am not quite sure. But it should be quite easy to manufacture.

Update on the engine, the engine tins was painted the weekend, still awaiting a few parts from plating, decals to be fitted hopefully today.

Before Paint

Engine tins Painted

Pertronix III modified to give it the classic look

That metal extrusion looks like a part you can buy at a Marine or Recreational Vehicle (RV) Repair & Supply store. It looks like the piece that is attached to the edges of a table (or exterior trim), then a rubber molding is inserted for a more finished appearance.   

Thanks for the info guys! 

Very nice!

Where can one get that rubber?

You can get rubbers at any pharmacy. Ba Dum TSS!! 

...Pharmacy LOL

Here is South Africa the auto rubber extrusions suppliers has those rubbers extrusions categorized as the BEETLE DUST SEAL EARLY

I wonder if Black Sheila will ever meet Black Betty?