Where to find vin #'s

[Michael Langley]

Just looked at a car being sold as a '62 but has no vin #'s on door. Has badge under hood that is 118550, but the car is for sure a '64 or '65 because of large back window and has double vents on door over engine. Can anyone help.
Thanks so much,
Michael Langley

[Charlie White]

Does it have disc brakes?

CW

[Michael Langley]

I hope I'm using the posting right.
The guy says it has disc brakes but I'm not sure how to really tell.
Michael

[Barry Brisco]

Michael, my advice to you is to find someone knowledgeable in 356s to inspect the car for you before you spend tens of thousands of dollars and possibly miss something significant. I do not mean to offend you in any way, but your statements indicate you are not very familiar with the basic differences between 356 models.

Also, I urge you to buy these two books and read them cover to cover, and then start looking for a car to buy:

"Buying, Driving, and Enjoying the Porsche 356" by Jim Schrager
http://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780963172624.html

Brett Johnson's invaluable book "The 356 Porsche, A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity, Rev. III"
http://www.tpr-inc.com/products/singlei ... mber=75816

Best regards,

[Charlie White]

The "chassis" number located in the front trunk on the ledge just behind the spare tire, facing up. It is stamped into the chassis. 356 Porsches have separate chassis and engine numbers. Most titles use the chassis number. Disc brakes are a major difference between T-6 356-B's (model years 62 & 63) and 356-C's (Model years 64 & 65). Disc brake wheels have a smaller distance between the lug nuts than earlier A, B & Prior wheels. See pics. Take Barry's advice, and get someone knowledgable to help.

CW

[Jim Breazeale]

Just looked at a car being sold as a '62 but has no vin #'s on door. Has badge under hood that is 118550, but the car is for sure a '64 or '65 because of large back window and has double vents on door over engine. Can anyone help.
Thanks so much,
Michael Langley

Michael

You need some help, my friend! The car in question is a 62 year model car. It was made in 61 but is a "T6". 62 year model cars (356b) have a "BIG" back window, "squared off front hood", gas filler in the RF fender, 2 "vents" in the door over the engine, and drum brakes. If the car has disc brakes, it has been modified (not necessarily a bad thing, though). My guess is that the seller is not too familiar with his car, either. Proceed with caution!

Regards

[Bill Block]

Michael,

The large rear window, square front hood opening and twin grills came with the '62 356B-T6. Basically the 356C is a 356B-T6 with disk brakes. Silk, aka the fabulous Freda has been giving a talk: The A,B,Cs of Porsche 356s at the East Coast Holidays for the last few years -- if you are near Helen, GA September 16-17-18 please attended.

bill

[Alex Mestas]

Michael:
You might also want to start here. great resource of information

http://derwhites356literature.com/LittleKnownFacts.html

[Dan Macdonald]

Michael,
If you want to check out a bunch of 356's why not come across the Bay to Jim B's place, EASY, in Emeryville on the first or third Saturday mornings of each month or...on the first Saturday of every month 356CAR has a breakfast at Mimi's in Foster City. That's pretty close to San Carlos where your profile says you live.

[Michael Langley]

Just want to thank all that responded to my question. I feel kind of dumb not knowing what exactly to look for since I have owned a 60' and 61' Super90. I'm really missing those cars.
Anyway thanks to you all.

Michael Langley

[Jim Breazeale]

Just want to thank all that responded to my question. I feel kind of dumb not knowing what exactly to look for since I have owned a 60' and 61' Super90. I'm really missing those cars.
Anyway thanks to you all.

Michael Langley

Michael

You needn't feel "dumb" and don't need to be embarrased. Take Dan McDonald's advice and come to the East Bay on the 3rd Saturday in August to beautiful Emeryville, Ca. for great coffee, donuts, lots of people with a love of 356s, Bella, the "World's worst junkyard dog", a bunch of 356s, tire kicking, story telling, and answeres to any of your questions.

Regards