Karmann Produced 356C

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Eric McKinley
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Karmann Produced 356C

#1 Post by Eric McKinley »

I have a Karmann produced 356C.

I am in the better half of the restoration process, putting things back on as opposed to removing and fixing.

I have a question I am hoping someone can answer.

In the rear under the seats are 2 holes, 1 under each seat.
Not really sure what the purpose of these are.
Apparently these were only placed on the Karmann produced 356C.
Can anyone explain the purpose behind these.
Also I have been informed that a metal plug was placed in these holes.
Again can anyone maybe help me with locating a pair of these.
I could weld a plate over the holes however I would sooner stay as original as I can.

I have tried all the usual suspects with no luck!
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Ron LaDow
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#2 Post by Ron LaDow »

Eric,
You'll find either 2 or 4 more of those holes farther forward in the pan, plus some small ones in the bottoms of the 'tudes. I don't know the purpose, but I'm guessing Karmann dipped the bodies in primer and those were drain-holes.
The metal plugs have a folded lip around the periphery, and I have never seen anything like it available as either a factory part (I don't think the manual even acknowledges the holes are there) or aftermarket.
Ron LaDow
www.precisionmatters.biz

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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#3 Post by Eric McKinley »

Thanks Ron,
That makes sense.

I trawled all the manuals and as you say there is no reference at all that I could find to these.

I could be flogging a dead horse looking for these plugs.

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Ron LaDow
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#4 Post by Ron LaDow »

EricMcKinley wrote:I could be flogging a dead horse looking for these plugs.
Or, you might convince one of our tin suppliers that they'd be worth making. You're not the only one...
Ron LaDow
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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#5 Post by Eric McKinley »

Ron,

Could you recommend a suitable one I could approach if I don't have any luck on the forum?

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#6 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Maybe Brad Ripley at Stoddard/NLA
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Ron LaDow
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#7 Post by Ron LaDow »

Eric,
First, on your side of the pond, I'd contact Mike Smith to see if he's had luck with some method or substitute. Or another source.
+1 on Brad. Barring that, that guy Mike deJonge at Restoration Design seems interested in 'filling the gaps' where parts are concerned, assuming it makes business-sense.
Ron LaDow
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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#8 Post by Eric McKinley »

Thanks Doug,

As Ron says there are probably quite a few other people who need these.
If I could get one, condition wouldn't be important it could be used as a template.

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#9 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Eric Checking with my friend whose wife bought her 65 in about 67 to see if he can give pics and dimensions.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#10 Post by Eric McKinley »

Ron,

I will contact Mike on Monday and see if he has any ideas.
I will post results.
If no luck.
After this I can start making enquiries with the other mike or brad.
As you say though for someone to start fabricating it has to be worthwhile financially.

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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#11 Post by Eric McKinley »

Thanks Doug,

Dimensions and pictures are the next best thing to having one as a template.

Much appreciated as always.

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#12 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Pictures of the plugs in this link: http://forum.porsche356registry.org/vie ... mann+holes If it were my car Eric I would just make some and install with RTV sealant since they will be covered.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#13 Post by Mike Wilson »

My car is under restoration and needed one of these "plugs" replaced. I found them on eBay and the same seller has them listed on The Samba.

Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#14 Post by Eric McKinley »

Mike,

This definetly sounds like we could be coming to a conclusion.

The plug gods are smiling.

Do you have a search criteria for ebay or the samba, link or words used in the add for the description?

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Eric McKinley
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Re: Karmann Produced 356C

#15 Post by Eric McKinley »

Mike,

Thank you for the push in the right direction.

I have now located them on the samba.

Thanks to everyone for your input.
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