Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

For those who obsess about exactly how their 356 left the factory!
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Jay Aldeguer
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Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#1 Post by Jay Aldeguer »

I'm restoring a couple of 356s and trying to keep it as close to the original. Just want to find out if powder coating parts were ever done on the 356s? If they did, which parts were these?

Thanks much.

Regards,

Jay
Check out some of my 356 and early Porsche photos @aircooledph on Instagram

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Barry Brisco
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#2 Post by Barry Brisco »

Not by the factory, as far as I know.

Best regards,
Barry Brisco
1959 356A Coupe 105553, Ivory / Brown
2009 987 Cayman, Carrera White / Beige (daily driver)

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Jay Aldeguer
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#3 Post by Jay Aldeguer »

Thank you Barry for clearing that up.

Regards,

Jay
Check out some of my 356 and early Porsche photos @aircooledph on Instagram

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Bill Coghlan
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#4 Post by Bill Coghlan »

The technology was around during the production of 356s but I'm guessing that it was not used in any automobile manufacturing until sometime around the early 911 production (and then, not necessarily by Porsche). Here's a link to a site that gives a brief overview of the history of powder coating:

http://www.pcimag.com/Articles/Feature_ ... 00f932a8c0
 

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Jay Aldeguer
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#5 Post by Jay Aldeguer »

Thanks Bill. Would've wanted to read that article but can't seem to open the link.

Jay
Check out some of my 356 and early Porsche photos @aircooledph on Instagram

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Barry Brisco
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#6 Post by Barry Brisco »

The link Bill posted works for me.

http://www.pcimag.com/Articles/Feature_ ... 00f932a8c0

Barry

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Jay Aldeguer
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#7 Post by Jay Aldeguer »

Barry,

I'm able to access the link now. Interesting read. Thank you.

Jay
Check out some of my 356 and early Porsche photos @aircooledph on Instagram

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tyler carlson
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#8 Post by tyler carlson »

Powder coating is a relatively new thing-last 20 or so years? (maybe i should read the article!) It should be mentioned that powder coating is actually a paint(of sorts) and superior to normal rattle can or spray gun applied painted surfaces. Powder coating will hold up much longer for normal driving use. Most of us use 'chemicals'-carb cleaner-electromotive cleaner-phosphates to remove leaking oil/gas residue-varnish or grime on our engines. Normal paint won't take these chemicals long-term and severly etch or dissolve the paint. Powder coating the engine's sheet metal is the next best thing to sliced bread!
 

Bruce Baker
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#9 Post by Bruce Baker »

tyler carlson wrote:.......<snip>...... Powder coating the engine's sheet metal is the next best thing to sliced bread!
Tyler, this is the "Authenticity Korner" and while your exuberant enthusiasm is refreshing and very welcome, powder coating is not as done by Porsche when 356s were made. OK, so while it's practical and arguably 'better'.......it's just not 'original' or authentic.

Urethane coatings widely used today are less sensitive to gas and chemicals, but even they are not truly 'paint,' and therefore unoriginal, but at least that 'looks' original and is more acceptable in the eyes of those who want the original look and the more durable coating as a compromise.

It's been joked over the years that for TRUE originality on 356 engine tin, you need to use the cheapest paint you can find, get runs, thin spots and holidays as it's covered...and for a final original touch, shake your head to get a few hairs and lint into the wet paint in a random pattern......THAT's 'authentic.' Anything better is 'over-restored.' :wink:
 

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tyler carlson
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#10 Post by tyler carlson »

The original question to this thread is: where any of the 356 parts ever powder-coated? Trust me Bruce-I know that powder-coating is not authentic! I start out by saying powder-coating is a relatively new thing-last 20 years-so definately not available back in the day! (that would answer the original question) I like your third paragraph-it nails it-in respect to the cheap original finish. I have had n.o.s. engine tin pieces and they have just the cheap finish you speak of....years ago it was known as 'japaned'. My further comment about powder coating being superior was just my $.02 worth. It sounds like Jay(started this thread) might be considering powder-coating!
 

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Jay Aldeguer
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Re: Were any of the 356 parts ever powder coated?

#11 Post by Jay Aldeguer »

Looks like I won't be powder coating any of my parts then..thanks everyone.

Jay
Check out some of my 356 and early Porsche photos @aircooledph on Instagram

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