It looks like a some more Porsche parts might be coming my way, I could use an opinion or two. Not that anything is gonna happen tomorrow, but a little guidance would be welcome, and put to use later on for sure.
I have an opportunity to grab up the remains of the '54 car that was savaged to re-build my '55. It's nothing but a shell with nothing at all from the door sills down. No front or rear inner bulkheads, no floors or longs, no inner rear structure, no suspension or drive train or even the mounts to install it. Just a metal shell, but the metal that's there is sound and strong. I have extra doors, and a dash board, and rear deck lid, and enough spare pieces to re-build the body to one degree or another. It'll be a Frankenstein, but with enough make-up you wont see the scars.
I'm going to eventually sell my '65 Coupe once it's finished, the '55 is set aside with work on the individual components being taken care of for now, but I'd like to get this '54 up and running at some distant point just for fun.
In looking at what I have here, and what I can successfully build, I have a few chassis options. Of course, there are MANY other options, but I really want to work with what's on hand, you know?
#1. I can use a later 356 platform, this is cut down to the floor, but has the front and rear inner unibody sections intact. It could be joined to the Pre-A shell and additional sheet metal used to fabricate any patch panels needed to fill the gaps. Although, neither fish nor fowl, it WOULD be all Porsche. Never more than what it is, but still Porsche throughout.
#2. Build a chassis based on the center multi-tube spine design used by TVR. Connect this center section to either Porsche bulkheads and use outriggers and a perimeter frame to tie it together. Addition sheet metal will be used to fill in the bottom of the '54 shell and have it meet up with the perimeter. This would be an easier way to proceed and could be made to utilize the 356 components. More of a purpose-built approach, but still Porsche.
#3. Similar to the above, but using VW torsion housings and suspension/brakes and such. Cheaper to build, easier to maintain, but less of a Porsche in stature due to the VW elements used.
#4. Shortened VW pan used in much the same way as it would be on a Speedster. Perimeter frame and uprights/outriggers would suport and reinforce the body shell. FIberglass and metal panels would be used to complete the missing areas of the shell and join to the VW pan. This one is a given. No "respect" from the 356 contingent, but the ease of construction and maintenance is seductive for sure.
#5. VW rear torsion housing combined with the forward chassis section from a Sand Rail. Outriggers used to support the body shell, aluminum panels and fasteners throughout. This is as far from a 356 as I can get, in that it would be a nearly full tube chassis, not even the VW spine would be used. Everything would be proprietary or racing aftermarket. It would be a tiny terror of a car, but of no value what-so-ever. It would KILL on the track, but would also constitute a constant way with the sanctioning bodies to squeeze it into the GT classes. Forget about Vintage SCCA. This version would pretty much build itself, but there wouldn't be any respect from anyone and the ridicule from all side would be quite harsh. Don't know if I wanna face it everywhere that I try to race, you know?
So . . . PLEASE pipe up ! ! Lemme know what you think, I can really use some outside opinions here. I know what I WANT to do, but wadda you think?
Thanks !
TC
Original Post
