WCSTA -11- 1961 T5 Coupe

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Rudi Gruson
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WCSTA -11- 1961 T5 Coupe

#1 Post by Rudi Gruson »

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Hi All!

It's not the worst, but it's definitely not the best! As you can see, Children got in the way of the project - that's them 7 years ago!!!! Got the new floor pans in, but that's where it stopped. Help me finish my '61 T-5! Vote for me for the NLA Contest!

Thanks!

Rudi
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Rudi Gruson

Per Schroeder
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Re: Help! Could Use the Stoddard NLA Assistance!

#2 Post by Per Schroeder »

Hi Rudi,

Cute kids, can they weld?

can you tell us more about how you found the car, what all needs to be done and what your plans are? thanks!
Per Schroeder
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Rudi Gruson
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Re: WCSTA -11- 1961 T5 Coupe

#3 Post by Rudi Gruson »

Hi Per!

Thanks! With respect to welding, unfortunately when it comes to work of any kind, the kids tend to vanish in a puff of smoke!

We bought the '61 in 1999 from John Calogero up in Fishkill, NY, who advertised it in the Registry Classifieds. What interested us was that it was a T-5 Coupe. Originally, it was supposed to be a parts car for our other T-5, but as you know there are no 356 parts cars anymore!

Most of the hard stuff has been done already (famous last words!): The old floor pans have been cut out and new pans, closing panels, left side fender brace, longitudinals and battery box pan were welded in. Tubing was used to fix the rusted out parts of the heater tubes. The rotisserie we found in Florida (also through the Registry Classifieds) was invaluable in getting all the welding done.
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What are our intentions with the car, you ask? Well, we got into the 356 hobby back in '98 to drive them, because they are oh, so much fun to drive!!! Our plan with this '61 is to restore it to being a very good driver, but not to a concourse condition where we would be scared to take it out. For us, the 356's were never meant to be investments, but "Fahrvergnuegen!" That being said, the next step is body work. Though people say I'm crazy, I would like to have it done with lead or, at least, All-metal, and not bondo. I would also like to have it painted with Glasurit in its original Ruby Red. As for chroming of all the bits that need it, I am open to advice from the Registry for a good chromer (preferably, but not necessarily in the NY/NJ/PA area) who can preserve the "lettering" on the bits. The original engine may need to be rebuilt, but I'm hearing 3-4 years wait times these days! Perhaps, I'll use a spare motor while this job gets done.

In the end, we would like to have something like our Aetna Blue 1960.... and perhaps it'll be ready by my wife's next round birthday - it was supposed to have been finished by her last!!!

Hope to see you at Hershey!

Rudi
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Rudi Gruson

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Rudi Gruson
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Re: WCSTA -11- 1961 T5 Coupe

#4 Post by Rudi Gruson »

Sorry,

Having trouble with posing pictures. Here they are:
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Rudi
Rudi Gruson

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Greg Bryan
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Re: WCSTA -11- 1961 T5 Coupe

#5 Post by Greg Bryan »

Rudi - I'm sending a follow up to all the WCSTA entrants - any current status and pics?
Greg Bryan

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