Speedster Bodys & rollers offered on Samba listing

I find it interesting that they are going to produce the Karmann Knotchback hardtop.  That was never a popular 356 model.  It seemed to be a donor for cutting off the top to make it a cabriolet.

Coming Soon our new replica the 356B Hard Top, we are currently working on the production of this beautiful car.. 
We should have it for sale for the beginning of 2016. You can call us to place your order. Price for the basic kit starts at $14,500.00, no accessories included at this price.

The notchback has been for sale since 2016? I guess I've been asleep. Haven't seen or heard of one, ever. Anybody else seen one?

I think it's great that the marketplace is creating new models, some competition, and options.  I hope to visit these guys soon to see the finished product. They seem like great people.  We shall see. 

Lots of nice bodies there.

I would also add that the tubs seem to be coming from China.  Has anyone noted a quality difference from Chinese tubs?  Who makes the best tubs?  Opinions and reviews welcome..

JTD Cars  and I quote from their Web Site " All of our replicas are assemble here in the USA by Porsche technicians "  

Plus adding between the lines "... of 99% Mexican and Chinese parts."  Not sure why Porsche technicians would be desired or required other than to increase labor cost.  I too wuld like to see the knotchback - but suspect the glass for it would be very costly.

My guess would be the fiberglass tubs are souced from Mexico?

The last thing you want in your new build is to save let's say 1 or 2k, only to get an inferior mold or molding process that doesn't hold.  That being said, these molds may be just fine.  Does anyone have an opinion about where the best tubs come from?  What are the factors that make the best tub?  What to look for?

The pictures are taken in front of a banner for a company called Retroworks. They appear to be located in Turkey.

There was an issue with early VS and early IMs that the mold was made from a Speedster that had been wrecked and repaired haphazardly.  On the VS (I think) it was the right front fender that was affected.  Big thing on fiberglass is that it takes a while in the sun to completely dry and out gas.  Plus be care not to store junk on the hood or it can warp it.  My 30 year old CMC is probably completed out gassing!  It has 1/2" thick fiberglass in places with a factory finished colored gel coat.  Other than the butt sagging issue (easily fixed) and less than show gel coat finish - it is a good straight/durable body.  I'd rather thick in places than thin.  On things like the hood, you can see direction of the fiberglass strands (mine is blck so worse color for imperfections).  This can be fixed by hi-build primer and block sanding --- even remedied some with wet-dry sanding of gel coat.

Thanks Wolfgang, great news.  Butt Sagging?  Can you clarify.  Have not heard of this before.

Adding too this, if one were to buy a new tub, what is the best way to know if it's good or bad quality?  Other than the obvious visible flaws, the layup of the fiberglass?  thanks

West coast speedster: If you search for Butt Sag on this site you will see loads of great info on it.  I just corrected the situation on my early 80's CMC.  What happens is the rear body is riveted to the 2 x 2  framework. Over time, the rivets elongate the holes in the fiberglass fender well inners.  This allows the whole rear body to "sag."  And, it leaves a horrible gap at the top rear of the door openings.  The fix is pretty simple and well documented on this site.  Good luck!  

thanks!

Butt Sag: Noun'  The feeling you get after consuming an entire egg bacon & cheese sammich at Carlisle

Safety Jim Buffalo NY. posted:

West coast speedster: If you search for Butt Sag on this site you will see loads of great info on it.  I just corrected the situation on my early 80's CMC.  What happens is the rear body is riveted to the 2 x 2  framework. Over time, the rivets elongate the holes in the fiberglass fender well inners.  This allows the whole rear body to "sag."  And, it leaves a horrible gap at the top rear of the door openings.  The fix is pretty simple and well documented on this site.  Good luck!  

I was going to say, "There is a butt load of information.", but decided against not to.

"...but decided against not to."

Yes, you certainly didn't.

I've been experiencing butt sag as I get older and lose weight.  Fortunately, I can't see it.