Originally Posted by Ron O, 1984/2010 IM, B.C. Canada:
I wonder if Black Sheila will ever meet Black Betty? 
Yeah! Hot air cooled girl on girl action...
Wait... what?! Sorry. Got carried away.
LOL
Very nice work Manny, do you intend to put the hand brake under the dash ? It will be a another nice upgrade for Black Sheila.
Benoit,
Yes! I will be fitting a under dash original Porsche 356 E-brake.
Finally had the opportunity to see my speedster after one year.
The past weekend I met with my mechanic who has been doing an awesome job with my speedster.
The engine is almost complete just needs a bit of plumbing, carb clean up and some polishing of some of the parts. I also temporarily fitted the pulley that I had machined also fitted the Porsche heat risers.
The floor pan is complete and I am really pleased with the new floor pan.
The next step is some mods to the fiberglass body nothing major just a few changes to the kick panels, pedal wall and the spare wheel compartment.
I also tried out my luggage rack with an automotive suitcase that is from the late 50's early 60's, the luggage straps that I sourced SMC works well with luggage rack, I am very content with the outcome.
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Looking real nice, Manny !
Looking extremely nice, Manny! What's with the billboard for a license plate holder?
Rich,
LOL...that is our South African standard plastic license plate holder, I have already manufactured and alternative License plate holder going for chrome plating tomorrow, gonna look much prettier...
Love your engine Manny, that's a beautiful piece of work. Just my opinion, but if you like it that is all that matters, but I would suggest a smaller suitcase.
Excellent progress on your Speedster, Manny! Looks great~ 
Troy wrote: " Just my opinion, but if you like it that is all that matters, but I would suggest a smaller suitcase."
I suppose that would have to depend on whether you are traveling alone, or bringing along your wife or wife-equivalent. They always need more space......
MUSBJIM did a video about this.
April 2015 Update
Latest update on the Black Sheila engine, the CNC pulley insert is now flush with VW pulley, the original Porsche heat risers that I sourced from the USA is now securely fitted with a dummy Flap cross bar, once again great work from my mechanic.
The engine is basically complete except for the plating of the generator, generator stand and crank pulley with insert.
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Again I say: you have gone beyond the extra mile to work up an authentic replica. I am sympathetic to this branch of the Speedster madness, and you have taken it to a new level. Good on ya!! Would love to see it. The next time I'm in So Africa . . .
Yeah, looking good, Manny!
Update April 2015
A lot has happened the past week, the front Pedal board has been modified to accommodate a fuel Petcock Valve, the fuse block and fuel rod also the under-dash E-Brake have also been temporarily fitted to replicate an original.
Fuel tank straps have also been securely fitted.
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And a speedster correct dipstick! 
Your attention to detail is to be commended.
-Art 
Probably the most accurate Speedster Replica in the world...
Yeah, those under-dash fuel shut-off/reserve petcocks were always a joy to try to maneuver by leaning way over or trying with one's foot right after the first couple of tell-tale coughs when you're running out of gas. THAT's when you find that you've not turned it in a great while and the valve is frozen in place and you're screwed and will have to walk a bunch of miles for gas, anyway....... But it sure looks like the real thing!!!!!!
Where'd you get the early gas tank with that HUGE opening?? That whole under-hood area is terrific!
Lovely progress there, Manny!
Very nice work, great car.
Larry
Thank you guys,
Gordon,
The fuel tank is an original 356 tank which I sourced from the USA a year or two ago, Will ask my mechanic to confirm the date stamp.
Very impressive Manny!
Gordon, I never had a problem with having the valve stick. Here is how it too often went: You reach down to twist the lever to get to the gas in the lower portion of the tank (the "reserve") only to discover that you did just that a couple of days ago, and then forgot to go buy some more gas. THAT's when you start walking to the nearest gas station. You do not have to ask me how I know this.
Manny, how are you going to deal with the pedals? Work up something as per original, or use the VW cluster? Everything here is so well done. What an amazing build.
El Frazoo,
All our speedster's in SA and are based on a VW floor-pan it is also RHD thus the Clutch is bordering the tunnel not allowing much movement it could be different for a LHD.
I had a look at fitting a 356 pedal cluster which I have unfortunately it fowls against the front cross member (Napoleons Hat) I also did not want to chop the front cross member for safety reasons then there would also be an issue with the brake master cylinder being a RHD. I then decided to keep the stock VW pedal cluster, the idea was to fit a floor board replicating a 356 front floor, that gave me the idea the modify the VW pedals to resemble a 356 pedals, the fact that 356 pedals protrude the floor board this would allow me to hide the VW pedal cluster behind the floor board. The accelerator pedal is a original 356 pedal attached with heim joints that connect with the stock beetle accelerator rod. The modification required fabrication of two split bushes, the pedal arms had to be cut and rotated backwards a few degrees. I also had dummy pedals made up as the stalks have to be shortened I was not going to chop an original pedal ( I personally don't like destroying original parts).
Below is the results due to the front cross member space limitations the pedals are now about an inch backwards compared to a the stock VW pedals position.
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With such a beautiful car and attention to detail....I haven't got the heart to tell Manny his Mechanic put the pedals on the wrong side 
Manny, I am bowled over every time I get a peek at what all you are doing here. Apparently, there is nothing here too difficult for you and your mates. If we don't have it and can't buy it, well, by damn, we'll make it. How the new pedal structure will integrate w/ a proper Porsche-like floor board -- which really was a board, which is to say plywood -- remains to be seen.
Rave on!!
Originally Posted by El Frazoo:
Manny, I am bowled over every time I get a peek at what all you are doing here. Apparently, there is nothing here too difficult for you and your mates. If we don't have it and can't buy it, well, by damn, we'll make it. How the new pedal structure will integrate w/ a proper Porsche-like floor board -- which really was a board, which is to say plywood -- remains to be seen.
Rave on!!
El,
I will be using plywood as what they used on the originals, it wont be an exact match as an original for obvious reasons, although I am confident it will look like one. the work done by my mate creating clearance for the Fuel Petcock valve will allow me with the position of the pedals to place a board at a angle replicating the original floor.
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A-Pillar modification
A while back when I per-fitted the carpet the A-pillar with the square tubing did not sit well and this was discussed with my mate, so to further enhance the look the front floor my mate cut out a piece of the A-pillar and substituted it with a curved piece of steel and welded it all up. thus once again closely replicating a original A-pillar.
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Keep it coming Manny! Love the special touches!
Originally Posted by DannyP:
Keep it coming Manny! Love the special touches!
I must give credit to my buddy Armand (mechanic) he has done an outstanding job and has exceeded all my expectations. Even though I am thousands of miles away from his workshop we chat via e-mail we will discuss an item and next he comes up with these fantastic results as seen. I am truly fortunate to have him as my Mechanic/Fabricator.
Just wait 'til he sends you the bill!! 
Originally Posted by Gordon Nichols - Massachusetts 1993 CMC:
Yeah, those under-dash fuel shut-off/reserve petcocks were always a joy to try to maneuver by leaning way over or trying with one's foot right after the first couple of tell-tale coughs when you're running out of gas. THAT's when you find that you've not turned it in a great while and the valve is frozen in place and you're screwed and will have to walk a bunch of miles for gas, anyway....... But it sure looks like the real thing!!!!!!
Where'd you get the early gas tank with that HUGE opening?? That whole under-hood area is terrific!
Lovely progress there, Manny!
Gordon,
The fuel tank is dated 2 62. (February 1962)