Newbie-We live in Southern Cal and are looking to buy a 356 kit.

My Son and I have restored many Chev's but now what to build a 356 speedster kit. We would rather find a original to restore but know there hard to find. We have read alot of the archives and see there are several companies near where we live in So. Cal that builds them, but how about kits? We are overwhelmed with all the sites and companies out there so we thought before we throw down our money we would ask some of you experts who have bought kits where you've found the better prices and service. Any help is appreciated-
Thanks, Steve and Jon from Manhattan Beach, California.

Vintage Speedsters is one of the largest providers of kits (some other companies buy the components from them to build and resell them as completed cars). Check the links and descriptions here under the Makers tab at the top of the page.

Ricardo - Thanks for that info, I checked on the deluxe kit on there site and indeed they look like a solid company with over 1600 cars sold so they have alot of experience. My Son has a friend who's Dad owns a local VW shop so we will start looking for a donor vw and go down to there shop and check them out. Steve

Steve,
I own a 2001 VS that I bought new, It's a great car and I have had a good experience with it and with Kirk, the owner of VS. My car is still in great shape and I drive it 2-5 weekly.

I am now in the market for another Speedster, Not because I need to replace it, but I have a better idea now of what I want in a build. To do the mods to my current VS would take me into the territory of a top dog JPS and into the base IM $s, That is why I am planning out my bid.

So we are in similar shoes, except I have the benefit of hindsight here, Let me share my thoughts with you. If I were a 1st timer I would do the following:

Pre-Planning: Go to the 356 Registry's list of US Club links. I especially like the "356 Club" (SoCal) site as they maintain a lot of photos of real Speedsters under their events... look at North South meets, and Dana Point shows. Check Pelican too for pics of all events. Study the old cars and you might see some ideas to incorporate in your build. Two great recent examples are John Leader's JPS GT build in progress, and Scott Sloan's IM carver. These represent a style that is gaining popularity. But your tastes may run more to a classic or a flared streeter.

1. Read old threads on engines, transaxles, discs, discusions on pans vs. IMs custom frame, paint, 4 lug vs 5 lug, a/c, shifters, canvas tops, T-1 or T-4, yada.

2. Pick out some cars you like by flipping through the Photos. Write their owners.. ask Qs, ask them what they would do different.

3. As you interview owners make a list of things that you consider esential in you build. Make paper builds on a variety of cars from a varirty of builders... then look at your budget.

4. Visit Beck, VS, JPS, and IM. Look at their cars in build, and meet the owners... all are personable and hold sterling reps. We are blessed in this! Looking through archives you will find props to all of them.

5. Watch the events section here and get an invite to join in, You'll learn more in a few hours driving these cars and listening to their owners than you will anywhere else!

6. Your budget should consider engine, brakes, 4 vs 5 lugs, transaxle, R&P ratio, cooling system BEFORE you consider color scheme. If you don't get your engine and such right the FIRST time, then you'll be spending money 3 years from now making it 'right'.

7. Have a total picture of your Speedster BEFORE you start dealing. Call and meet with the builder... then spend your money.

One thing? Whatever you build or buy, it will be yours and we will all applaud.

Me? I'm close to making a decision.