Time to restore my 356 notchback

[David Aronson]

Well now I am well into this project. Metal work is done and waiting for Paint. Engine is in the process of the build. Walt from Competition Engineering worked all the kinks out of the engine. Crank case rebuild with a ton of work. Welding cracks, straightening out the crank bore, shaving the halves and line boring. Crank magnafluxed, ground, hardened, heads reworked with new and larger intake valves, new seats, new guides, etc. New cam, new followers, new rods, balanced throughout, re-surfaced flywheel, and more. Have finished the lower end, following all the Harry Pellow advice I never did when the engine was last rebuilt in the 70s. I may not end up with a broken crank this time...........

[David Aronson]

Continuing the engine build

[David Aronson]

My metal man, John Holden, in Shingles Springs, advised me that he has had a stroke. He is OK, kind of...It did cause him some damage and he is not "back to 100%". He wanted me to know that all of his projects, concerning Porsche restorations, are now on hold for the foreseeable future. I am concerned but plan on sticking with John until more time for healing is allowed and a direction for his restoration side is known. In the meantime, do any of you have any suggestions for quality body work. Actually, the body work is done, now paint prep, painting and undersealing.
Any suggestions. I am not planning a move just now but need to get my alternative plan together.

[Neil Merrilees]

David

Before you move forward, talk to Brandon at Altissimo in Napa (close to American Canyon) Just a hop skip and a jump from you. I know he is busy right now, but he is a great guy, and just did a great job on my roadster. My roadster was also originally Condor Yellow, but after buying a quart and spraying it out (in 1988) I decided I didn't like it. I have some old single stage PPG condor yellow that may still be alive if you want to do a test (only one quart). If you have any overspray on your door hinge covers, that the place for a match.

I did the body prep and priming myself. I was about to paint the car myself in my garage, but fortunately, I ran into a post on this forum recommending his shop, and am I very thankful. If I did it again, I would have him do the prep and priming, as his shop turns out really beautiful cars, and he is really honest and efficient in his work. This year he had a couple 356's on the grass at the rennsport reunion, and he usually has a 356 or two in his shop. He sprayed on two part Spies Hecker, and it turned out great. I can't recommend him highly enough.
My car is now Signal red, which is what I have always wanted. Its not going to be for sale, it's going to be driven. Putting the charcoal carpeting in now.

Neil

[David Aronson]

HELP! My body guy, John Holden, has completely tooled down since a stroke a few months ago. He has asked me to pick-up my car. The car is about 90% done in the metal stage. Does anyone know of a high quality body/paint shop in the Northern California area. I dread carting it down to the south......
Thanks for any ideas.

[David Aronson]

HELP...I heard there is a metal man in Placerville, first name Lance. Anyone know of such a person?

[David Aronson]

OK, I found a fellow that is willing to take on the notch. Moving it next week. Should be ready for assembly by November. Finishing up the engine. Sheet metal back from powder coating. Waiting for one piece, lost in the years since engine was disassembled. Have made a tool to remove the steering arm from the steering box. Will include pictures soon.

[David Aronson]

About ready to start notch normal engine on run up stand. The engine is 1720cc, lightened S90 flywheel, 40mm intake valves, ported and matched, 912 rods, 83.5 JE pistons in bored cast iron cylinders, All balanced, new cam with street grind, new oil pump gears, timing gears. Just a nicely updated normal engine. Should work well. All machine work by Walt at Competition Engineering. Waiting for a new exhaust system to arrive.