Project 60484: which way to go?

[Dan Seelig]

Hello,
After many years of being involved with early VW's, I've made the leap to the 356 world. In addition to a 59 356A coupe that I am in the process of getting back on the road, I recently was offered this 1953 cab. As you can see from the photos, I've got my work cut out for me. We see that there are two paths we can take. One would be a total resto ending with a beautiful car with shiny paint. The other is to salvage what metal we can and blend in the new pieces for a patina car. I've done both and I like both. I'm really curious to know what you folks think. I'm sure we;ll have a million questions over the next few years but I'll start this off with some photos. Don't know much history on the car yet so if anybody knows anything, I'd love to hear it. Originally Strawberry Red.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Dan

[Richard Emerson]

I too like cars with patina, but for this example I would absolutely restore it. Cabs are elegant too not rat rods.

[Dan Seelig]

Thought I'd throw this out here. 1953 Samba we saved from many years in storage in Athens. Technically in order and a bit of welding and blending.

[Neil Schlabaugh]

Ah, that'll buff.

[Joris Koning]

I love patina cars and own some. Patina cars in my eyes are used but not abused examples showing the loving ownership of one or more owners over the last 50+ years. This however is not a patina car. It is an old cab which was neglected for years. Do it right, drive it and create your own patina is what I would do.

[paul vantol]

Please restore it! I have done four cars now and am in the process of finishing Cab 60240, built not that long before yours, and the car is just too rare to not bring it back to life. Please update us on what you decide as well!

[Dan Epperly]

I have several patina VWs and Porsches, but rust Is not patina, it's rust. Something in that condition needs to be restored or it will slowly continue to rot away.

[jonathan devereux]

this car is difficult to restore and keep patina, it is not going to be a rat rod, it deserves better. I have restored a 52 cab and a 52 coupe and currently half way through a 50 coupe which is by far the most difficult as there are so many differences between the early years. Your 53 is a bit more standardised but does not make the job any easier. As you get stuck in , believe me , it is going to get an awful lot worse before it gets better and you will wonder why you are doing it. It must be done, it will be far easier to live with than leaving the 'patina' ( ie . rust , dirt and general crap ). My cab was a pretty good car when i bought it 10 years ago but had been half done so l had no option but to restore, l love the car , radium green , biege hood and leather but it was an expensive game even when doing most of the work myself. I don't think you have a tough decision to make, do it and do it well , you will love it.

[Spencer Harris]

I don't think you have a tough decision to make, do it and do it well , you will love it.

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