Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

Share progress on your 356 related project or full restoration with others!
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Glen Hamner, Jr
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#151 Post by Glen Hamner, Jr »

Nice transformation Chad. All the best in the new year.

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Chad Comeau
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#152 Post by Chad Comeau »

For those of you attending the Watkins Glen Vintage Grand Prix this year stop by and say hi, I will be in the Concours on Friday.
Chad
2015-WGPF-BFG-1195.jpg
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M Penta
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#153 Post by M Penta »

Beautiful car in great colors. WIsh you were enroute to Limerock so I could see it in person.

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Larry Coreth
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#154 Post by Larry Coreth »

Chad,

Beautiful car !! Though it does look vaguely familiar. I see you converted Zeniths, good move, at least from a drivability stand point. Attached my car at Road America 1984.Great shots Of Watkins Glen!
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Jerry Garwick
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#155 Post by Jerry Garwick »

Chad

I'm in the process of replacing most of the undercarrage of my '55 Speedster project. I appreciate the one picture of your project with your son inspecting the undercarrage of your Speedster. Any additional pictures of the bottom of your car would be appreciated.
Jerry G

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Chad Comeau
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#156 Post by Chad Comeau »

2017 Watkins Glen Vintage Grand Prix Festival Speedster Blue Awarded Best of Show!

Award:
WGI 2017 Best of Show.jpg
Award:
WGI 2017 Best of Show Award.jpg
Stone Bridge Crossing Drive:
2017 Watkins Stone Bridge.jpg
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Tom Keating
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#157 Post by Tom Keating »

Hey Chad,
Nice to see a 356 finally winning the Best of Show. Beat out the big money guys. You need to get a Stone Bridge Drivers hat. See you perhaps this summer 2018. Say hi to the guys! Tom
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Steve Proctor
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#158 Post by Steve Proctor »

I can see why all the pictures I've seen of this car are with the top down!! I have the NLA, Ltd. aluminum seat frames that drop the seats about 3/4" as opposed to the original wooden frames, and at 5' 7.5" and shrinking, the top of my head is about even with the top of the windshield frame. It is guys like Chad that most likely drove the need for the later high bow top.
STP
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Rusty Ferrell
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#159 Post by Rusty Ferrell »

Chad, just saw this post for the first time. I just acquired 81213. Long time ownership. Don’t have any detail on her but been off the road for some time. We’re you ever able to source a preA ignition switch?
I’ll be on a mission to get her more knowledge on this one and hopefully have her returned to her original condition or as close as possible. Looking forward to hearing from you. My email is published.
Your
Car looks fantastic.
Rusty
Rusty

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Chad Comeau
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#160 Post by Chad Comeau »

Hi Rusty,
Congratulations on purchasing 81213! I have 212 in my database but not 213! Late Pre A Speedster's are special cars especially the ones with 1600 and 1600 Super Engines! If you requested a CofA for your car I am sure you will notice that Porsche calls it a 356A's however your speedster is far from an A Speedster! My opinion is that the person translating the Kardex bases the 356A designation off of the 616 engine code and or the ship date. I do have my original ignition switch, it is currently being rebuilt. I am looking forward to seeing some pictures of your car!

Chad
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Chad Comeau
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#161 Post by Chad Comeau »

Tom Keating wrote:Hey Chad,
Nice to see a 356 finally winning the Best of Show. Beat out the big money guys. You need to get a Stone Bridge Drivers hat. See you perhaps this summer 2018. Say hi to the guys! Tom
Hi Tom,
Good to hear from you and it was an honor win Best of Show at Watkins Glen! As you know Elliott usually wins with his amazing stable of cars and rightfully so! However this year the Speedster presented itself very well and caught the eye of the judges. Hope to see you at the LA Meet this year!

Chad
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Rusty Ferrell
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#162 Post by Rusty Ferrell »

Chad, pic is just before the car saw daylight for some time. Can't find the key for the ignition. The ignition switch seems to take a key that has been cut on both sides. Could you post a pic of your original key?
SPD 55.jpg
Rusty

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Chad Comeau
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#163 Post by Chad Comeau »

Hi Rusty,
Nice to see that your speedster still retains its original color! The rudge wheels are a nice touch as well! I would be interested in seeing some pictures of your engine bay. Here is a picture of original keys from a Pre A Speedster. They are not cut on both sides.
356 Keys.JPG
Chad
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Steve Proctor
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#164 Post by Steve Proctor »

Interesting red car. at first, took it for an A model, perhaps due to the later high bow top or camera angle, but longer distance from the side trim and the fender lip reveals that low pre-A profile. That is a gem!!!
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Rusty Ferrell
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Re: Pre A Speedster Blue Speedster Restoration/Photo History

#165 Post by Rusty Ferrell »

Chad, just got a copy of the Kardex, shows same shipping date to Hoffman as your car Jan 4, 56. Boat mates at least.
Also shows built with a 1600 Normal, which it has but I haven't been able to determine casting dates or engine designation of current engine.
You guys out there have so much Knowledge on the pre A.
All comments are welcome, also what to look for on the car.
Merry Christmas,
Rusty
Rusty

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