Indeed. Red, blue, and deep forest green are lovely interior colors. Often overlooked in favor of Black and Tan.
If that’s a Karmann Coupe it’s a 356B made in 1961, the first Karmann year. That is the only year they used the T5 body style (rounded hood). It would be 1 of 600 or so, and with that blue/red color, probably 1 of a handful. Very rare.
I resisted the red pull, too much cafeine, and stayed conservative with one that shows less aging. "taupe colour"
For those wondering about the difference in a 356A and a 356B T5 shown in dlearl476 images above, look at the raised and streamlined bumper and large bumper guards, raised headlights, wide hood handle and changed horn grilles/lights. If the hood has a squared bottom it is a T6. T6’s also have two grilles on the deck lid and a larger back window.
Another interesting tidbit is specific to the Karmann coupes was the T5's were Reutter Convertibles with a steel hardtop welded on. When they made the T6, the notchback hardtop was stamped in. 63< Karmann-built coupes were just like all the other bodies.
Latest and greatest from young Mr. Hines.
Attachments
Images (5)
Look'n great!
Love the color
Stunning !!
> On Jun 5, 2020, at 7:22 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@crowdstack.com> wrote:
>
Stunning !!
> On Jun 5, 2020, at 7:22 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@crowdstack.com> wrote:
>
OMG, Lane...
It has a glove box.
Now you’re gonna have to get some gloves and then you’ll have to decide;
German, or Italian?
With, or without complementing scarf?
And what about....... Driving shoes?
Have you thought all this out?
(BTW, the car looks fantastic.)
Hmmm... Gordon, you know you're right. Looks like I have work to do.
Nice!
see marty for driving apparel do's and dont's
Hi Lane, the car looks amazing. Do you have an ETA for completion? It looks like it's getting close? I assume that is a mock engine in place? I noticed the rusty crank pully. I am envious as heck.
It appears to be a 356C (the Beck Envemo molds?). Are you going with all the 356C features? 356B/C bumpers, twin engine grilles, twin license plate lights on the rear bumper, etc. I like the Carrera style rear valence on these (below):
Attachments
Images (1)
It's looking stunning, Lane!
@Jimmy V. posted:Hi Lane, the car looks amazing. Do you have an ETA for completion? It looks like it's getting close? I assume that is a mock engine in place? I noticed the rusty crank pully. I am envious as heck.
ETA is sometime before Carlisle, but I know Charlie Victor (COVID-19) threw a wrench into Carey's schedule. We both still think it'll be ready, but I am trying to be realistic. Yes, that engine is a mock-up.
@Chris Howard - This started as a mold splashed off of one of Carey's real 356s, I believe. Chuck then lengthened the wheelbase and widened the rear track by 2" each. You cannot tell unless it's parked right next to a real one, and it's tough even then. Chuck is a magician.
No bumpers on mine as I'm doing a mild outlaw. Carey doesn't yet offer a version of the valence as an option, but I'm sure somebody will a$k him to do some at some point.
I like the look of no bumpers but driving one in Dallas without them, a rear bumper at least, would scare the hell out of me. Our insurance rates are high for a reason 😩. Of course with all the yeehaw lifted pickups and giant SUVs here, it’s your back glass they’re going to contact first.
@Chris Howard posted:I like the look of no bumpers but driving one in Dallas without them, a rear bumper at least, would scare the hell out of me. Our insurance rates are high for a reason 😩. Of course with all the yeehaw lifted pickups and giant SUVs here, it’s your back glass they’re going to contact first.
The "bumpers" on most replicas aren't going to do much in a rear-end collision. They're made of fiberglass with no reenforcement.
They're 4 wheeled motorcycles, and we'd all do well to remember.
Nice to know Stan. I assumed the bumpers were elements of the body that were steel. I have noticed the attachment points do look like pretty weak steel on most kits. I guess there is nothing stopping someone from using actual 356 OEM or reproduction bumpers and beefing up the frame attachments as well.
Back when I was a Beetle owner I always thought their bumpers were a little flimsy. So, I always installed a rear trailer hitch to help protect them. I think the only time I actually did any towing was to haul a load of railroad ties out of a field.
@Stan Galat posted:They're 4 wheeled motorcycles, and we'd all do well to remember.
My sentiments exactly.
Carey tells me that he has been unable to locate the highly recommended Sportrac 5 tires for my Coupe, and I recalled that some of you were considering a group buy at one time. That may be the only way to get them, so I am bringing this up in a last ditch effort to see if we can get some. Anyone interested? Got any connections?
Any alternative choices you'd recommend? The Sprint Classics I had on the Speedster were ok, but not really modern in design or performance, and finding other 15" performance tires has been difficult.
Lane, Below is a copy of my convo with NapaPAul. The man you need is in Florida and the contact info is all there. Go get 'em!- Michael
He told me to give you all his contact info and you can deal directly with him re. your order. So, here it is: Michael Gromadski (?) cell: (561) 260-7020 michael@305tires.com 305TIRES.com European High Performance Tires 1960 NE 153rd St. No. Miami Beach, FL 33162
Go for it...and enjoy your new Speedie! Feel free to contact me any time about the tires and/or our Vintage "toy-cars."
Regards,
Paul
wow, pricey
Attachments
Images (1)
@barncobob posted:wow, pricey
Marty loves those tires, but for $1100/set, they better stick like glue, wear like iron, and cook me dinner every night. They're also brutally ugly, so there's that.
You first.
I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, but someone on this forum has them on their car and they look awesome. They win most comparison test too. They have a great vintage profile. Maybe it's the tread pattern that is turning you off.
Attachments
Images (1)
@Marty Grzynkowicz posted:Maybe it's the tread pattern that is turning you off.
The tread pattern is definitely a turn off. As is the price.
I'd probably try them if the Sportracs didn't exist... but they do (for 1/4- 1/3 the money). Having a variety of sizes and a normal looking tread pattern is just icing on the cake.
Maybe Achilles has something that will work.
at: achillestire.com
I had a hard time finding tires 155/70/13
for my 59 Sebring Sprite. Just got them and really like them.
Pete
@Marty Grzynkowicz posted:I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, but someone on this forum has them on their car and they look awesome. They win most comparison test too. They have a great vintage profile. Maybe it's the tread pattern that is turning you off.
Most definitely. Having grown up in the 60s-70s with foreign cars, CN36s are in my top five. XZX, Sprint, Dunlop SP, Cinturatos. Wish they weren't so darned expensive.
@barncobob posted:wow, pricey
You ain't a' woofin'! I think I'd stick with Sprint Classics for half the cost. meanwhile I'll keep on the hunt for SporTracs
@JMM (Michael) posted:Lane, Below is a copy of my convo with NapaPAul. The man you need is in Florida and the contact info is all there. Go get 'em!- Michael
He told me to give you all his contact info and you can deal directly with him re. your order. So, here it is: Michael Gromadski (?) cell: (561) 260-7020 michael@305tires.com 305TIRES.com European High Performance Tires 1960 NE 153rd St. No. Miami Beach, FL 33162
Go for it...and enjoy your new Speedie! Feel free to contact me any time about the tires and/or our Vintage "toy-cars."
Regards,
Paul
@chines1: See above.
I use CN36's all the time and love them. GREAT tire and I am a huge fan of the tread pattern.
Ok, if the source that JMM (Michael) provided doesn't pan out we can discuss the Pirellis versus Sprint Classics. SporTracs are still my first choice.
Left him a message and sent a follow up e-mail.
FYI looks like his website does not exist anymore...
Yeah, I tried to get to it without success.
@Lane Anderson posted:Yeah, I tried to get to it without success.
I wasn't able to access it last year, either. But a call & email did the trick. Now if we could just finish the car to put these under...
If you're even thinking about the Pirelli, you might consider the Michelin XAS from Coker, too.
These were OEM on 911's and BMW's in the 60s and early 70s. They were stock on my BMW 2002 and I drove them until they were no longer available. The first asymmetric performance tire and the hot setup in a street tire at the time. Grip was great, but the best thing was how predictable they were at the limit. Still pricey, but about $50 per tire less than the Pirellis, and I think they look better, too:
And while we're there, I'll put in my usual plug for Continental ContiPremiumContacts which are under $100 and available everywhere. They were OEM on my MINI Cooper and I've now put them on the Speedster, too. One of the few summer tires still available in that size.