1956 356 "GT"

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M Penta
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#136 Post by M Penta »

Wow, amazing work Trond. Hope you are putting some Km's on it by now. Nice 914 too, I am a fan of the teener! Do you have a build thread for it anywhere?

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#137 Post by Trond Vidar »

Thank you for the kind words, no kilometers on the car this year we are seeing 5-7 degrees and rain this week. The car will have to do one final inspection at the "DOT" before they give me the license plates.

The 914 is a '74 Bumblebee, ex autox car from CA. I have just taken out the 2.7 911 engine and the conversion parts from it. It is going back to original, it need a little welding in the floor and quite a few original parts are missing. I found a 2 liter 914 engine for it and will redo that engine this coming winter.

My "most important project" right now is starter relay in my 63 coupe, the ignition switch finally let me down last Saturday. Battery is good but the switch has been a problem (for 10 years).
I will use your wiring instructions and see if I can keep the original switch. :D

viewtopic.php?t=40763

I will be using a "Temco Industrial 6 V 30/40 Amp Bosch Style Relay" I got from Amazon.
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Jim Clement
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Tag: 1957 356 A Coupe
Location: Calgary Alberta

Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#138 Post by Jim Clement »

Trond, what type of tires are those ?
 

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#139 Post by Trond Vidar »

Jim, those are Vredesteins, I use them on the 63 coupe and series 1 E-type as well. I like those tires and buy them from Tirerack in the US or Delticom in Europe.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... mpare1=yes

Tirerack 15" options
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/sizes/re ... iameter=15
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#140 Post by Trond Vidar »

Having spent a little time on the starting issue it looks like I have to change the starter pilot bushing. The bush and special puller was ordered a week ago and I hope it show up soon. Last time I pulled one with the thread die and bolt it will be interesting to see if the puller is worth the $65 or so I paid for it.

Last summer I installed dowty seals in the B Coupe wherever possible, I would always have dripping from the oil drain/sump but with the new dowty seals there is zero-nil-nada dripping under the car after winter storage. Recommended!

Installed last year, not a lot of mileage but dry and clean.
Image

Dowty seals (bonded w rubber)
Image
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

M Penta
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#141 Post by M Penta »

I sure would not mind that 2.7 in my 914, but a built Type4 would be my engine of choice since the car will stay narrow body/4 lug. Not cheap though! I have to admit I have done alot of research on a Subaru engine/trans swap and it is a pretty compelling!

Your 356 is looking great and the Vredsteins are nice choice.

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#142 Post by Trond Vidar »

Yes, I agree with type4 engine for the 914! I had planned a 914 GT build, purchased Automobile Atlantas steel arches, had all parts for the 5 lug swap and wide Fuchs wheels. I found out that I did not need another "race/rally replica" and decided to go original.

September 2010, last time the car was out with the 911 engine, a nice evening drive w popping carbs.
https://youtu.be/iLksZTen2Tw

Former owner used it for Autox
Image
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#143 Post by Trond Vidar »

Finally got the tool and parts, it is time to retract the old and install a new bush. I hope this will cure the '63 coupes slow turning starter.
IMG_7353.jpeg
IMG_7353.jpeg (1.56 MiB) Viewed 2048 times
To be continued
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#144 Post by Trond Vidar »

The tool was able to pull the old bearing but the task of installing the new one is not that easy, after lining up a couple times I decided to drop the engine instead.

I decided to check the clutch at the same time, had a suspicion the release bearing was bad it always was noisy. The bearing seem very loose and it will now be replaced. I have waited with that job due to the cost of the bearing.

To my surprise I see these are down to $130-ish, what happened? A new supplier and any quality issues?
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Harlan Halsey
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#145 Post by Harlan Halsey »

As far as I can see, the only reasonable way to replace that starter bushing is by pulling the engine. That bearing tool is wishful thinking in solid form!

M Penta
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#146 Post by M Penta »

Very nice car Trond. I hear you on staying narrow body/4lug/4cyl. I plan to do the same to keep my plans somewhat realistic, but I certainly would not turn down a GT replica if funds allowed!
Yes, I would love a built type 4 but wow that stuff is expensive! I Still can't help thinking about that Subaru engine/trans swap after seeing how nice they fit (and perform).

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#147 Post by Trond Vidar »

Harlan, yes the engine drop seem to be _the_ solution when replacing that worn bushing. Hate to do this in the summer though, I'll have to wait for the clutch release bearing. I'll spend the waiting time cleaning up the engine bay and the hard to get to surfaces of engine and tranny.

Mark, I have seen those Subaru engines being used in Speedster replicas and that combo in a VW pan with a fiberglass body mooooves! I am getting too old for speed. ;)
Before I started taking apart the 914 I thought about a time back mid to late '80s when I was a student, I got to drive a low miles very late production 914 2 liter in Sweden. At the time I had either a VW412LE or a Beetle and driving that 914 was a treat. So last year doing project planning in my garage I thought "maybe I can do that to mine"? And here we are...
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#148 Post by Trond Vidar »

The new bushing installed, I think it has to be pressed / punched in until it is flush on the starter side.
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Very loose release bearing, seem to be opened up and repacked but a new one is ordered.
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IMG_7365.jpeg (462.77 KiB) Viewed 1979 times
Engine to be degreased and cleaned but nothing fancy, will try to remember to check/verify valve lash which I dont really like to do under the car.
IMG_7366.jpeg
IMG_7366.jpeg (377.55 KiB) Viewed 1979 times
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Trond Vidar
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#149 Post by Trond Vidar »

Pilot bushing turned into engine detailing, 25(?) years of oil, dirt and grit to be washed and cleaned off.

I am going to blast the engine tin and then brush on POR15 or smooth hammerrite. The fan house has a small crack at the rear where the thermostat sit, weld and possibly repaint.
Exhaust does not want to separate, tried heat, force, rust dissolver any ideas but cutting and rewelding?
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IMG_7371.jpeg (760.45 KiB) Viewed 1862 times
'56A coupe & '63B coupe

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Harlan Halsey
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Re: 1956 356 "GT"

#150 Post by Harlan Halsey »

Cut the header pipe, not the muffler. Then you can probably get the rusted stub out of the muffler. Use anti seize when you reassemble. Cover the slots with the clamp and don't tighten more than necessary.

Rattle can semi gloss black is probably the best choice, better than POR 15 for the black sheet metal, if you DYI. Stoddard sells a rattle can grey for the fan housing. These days, rattle cans can do a very good job. I oven bake the paint at about 200F for several hours, but it's not necessary.

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