Newbie from TX

Welcome to the Madness! It's good to have another Texan.    

Rafael used to occasionally offer Speedster parts - like a folding top assembly - on ebay.  I think back then (2011) it was $499 complete? Would be interested to see if you are going with that.  Would also like to see his interior kit.

Here's photo of Rafael's top frame (is that him fitting it?):

received_m_mid_1399338412278_e32538175ed2c9a162_0.jpeg

received_m_mid_1393972136195_7f6ac7f361430e9b45_0.jpeg

An inexpensive source of parts is http://vintagespeedsterparts.com/ - they have a great catalog with pictures at their web site.  S&H is a flat $15 on most items.  They have a sale now on rear license plate lights ($83) and head lamps ($22).  

Here's already shortened pan on SAMBA - '64 swing axel.  But NO TITLE for $350. Its not too far - Illinois.  With a bill of sale perhaps you could get TX title.  http://www.thesamba.com/vw/cla...etail.php?id=1941821

Same guy has unfinished Speedster for $8200. 

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/cla...etail.php?id=1930994

 Look forward to following your build!

Here are some pictures he sent me, you can see the frame and most of the interior.  Not my car. 

Yeah most likely going to be ordering from vintage they have the best prices around. I saw the pans on the samba but to far with no titles. Might get a running dune buggy and rob the pan. 

Often its easier to find a Super Beetle pan --- then the front piece has to be replaced so an earlier model beam can be affixed.  Super models often have the 3.88 R&P too.

my speedster is coming along. Should be ready for shipping next week. Here are the pictures i have up to today. Tomorrow he said it will be primed and ready for windshield install.

frame

It's been a few more than 3 weeks but it's coming along.  Good luck.

lol yeah i had some of the funds tied up in a 914 sale that took way to long. 

First coat of primer. 

So is now when they cut out the horn grill, turn signals and head lights? My CMC had headight buckets bonded in to prevent water from entering the back of the headlights.

Tear drops or beehives?

WOLFGANG posted:

So is now when they cut out the horn grill, turn signals and head lights? My CMC had headight buckets bonded in to prevent water from entering the back of the headlights.

yeah he's cutting and installing buckets. 

Art, CMC, 1641cc posted:

Tear drops or beehives?

beehives. 

I'm thinking of painting it white. Whats the best white to use that matches the original?

TJ Ward posted:

I'm thinking of painting it white. Whats the best white to use that matches the original?

There is a lot of good information here:

http://derwhites356literature....orsche356Colors.html

Body just needs a little bit more work then its ready.

Lookin' good, TJ! White always looks sharp. Are you going to drill the holes for the windshield, lights and trim beforehand? That way the finish paint will seal all the edges. It would look good without the side trim, by the way- very Carrera-ish. And you can call me Al _{(come on; you know the tune!)}

His guys are working on the headlight buckets and installing the windshield. I will be cutting the rest out before i paint it. Yeah no trim does look good. 

Body is done. Now the guys are installing the windshield and convertible top frame.

They're working on the top and bumpers now.

Latest pictures, should have the top done today. 

Sure like all that back seat storage area.  Will they install the OEM fold down D/coupe type seats?

It's looking good! Please don't use Wolfgang's backseat pic as an example of what you want (I think that would be sacrelige in a Speedster. Sorry Greg, but...). What have you planned for an engine?

lol yeah that's more like a 911 back seat. On the motor 1776-1835cc with a 110 cam and dual IDF webers from CB. nothing fancy. just something that looks nice and runs good. I just need to find a new case.I have a type 3 case and i really don't want to cut this one its too nice of an original case.  

It's a 356 Cabriolet - see the top frame in background.  It's an awful lot of red but they are comfortable compared to normal plywood Speedster bench. 

TJ did you ever take delivery? 

Rick C. posted:

TJ did you ever take delivery? 

If you do @Rick C. he'll get an email sent to him so he'll know you're asking. Just in case he hasn't been on the site in a while.

Robert M posted:

Rick C. posted:

TJ did you ever take delivery? 

If you do @Rick C. he'll get an email sent to him so he'll know you're asking. Just in case he hasn't been on the site in a while.

I should have put TJ's name on the comment so he got the email not . LOL

@TJ Ward

TJ, someone has a question about your project. Come back and update us.

not yet, should be here next week, i hope. 

@TJ Ward

Right on I'm curios to hear how it turned out. 

Well its been a long time coming, over a year and my speedster i can say is on its way to Laredo TX. left Tejupilco, Mexico yesterday morning. American Forward said two day so in 2 days i should be here. here are some picture i got before it was picked up. 

So it's been 14 months..... for them to do a body, mount the bumpers , top and windshield and load it on a truck ???

don't forget the interior. lol 

i think the main problem was he din't have way to get it to me in TX. 

my chassis, i installed new pans on both sides. i still need to shorten it. I also was lucky to get a gas tank that came out of a real speedster. My buddy James just restore a real nice not fake 56 speedster. I also got 2 kpz rims 6/59 and 7/59. 

WOLFGANG posted:

It's a 356 Cabriolet - see the top frame in background.  It's an awful lot of red but they are comfortable compared to normal plywood Speedster bench. 

Comfy for who/what?

It's here. Now where to start first.  

Like the rug, dude....