Windshield Washer Bags

[Jim Wayman]

Yesterday we had our judges' in person session in preparation for the upcoming 356Club Concours on August 10th. One issue that was discussed was washer bag color. The consensus was that the bag color changed over time. There was agreement that starting during the 356A era gray bags were used, followed later by blue bags. I recalled that I had 1955 model cars which had :black bags and that I had also had a dark green one. Out of curiosity, I asked James Davies his experience and here is what he found from photos of original cars:

The first bag which replaced the glass bottle was used on coupe 52908 and cabriolet 60707, December 1954 production cars. His first photo of a black bag in an original car is of 53567, a May 1955 productin car, followed by 53594, 53636, 54189, and 54217, a September 1955 production car. Also found were photos of original cars with dark green bags in 53941 and 54067, August 1955 production cars. Interestingly, many years ago, I acquired an original SWF box from Tom Birch which contained late Pre A washer squirters, black rubber tubing with a brass T and a dark green bag. Tom said that he had bought it at the Vasek Polak parking lot sale in the 70s.

The 356A Parts Book lists the same part number for the bag as used in the Pre A parts book (356.70.513 later changed to 644.628.720.00 when the numbering system changed). My original 356B book shows a numbering change to 644.628.070.05. My 356B Supplements book (maroon vinyl covers) doesn't show the bag, but instead has the plastic container. Was this a T6 change?

Anyone have any later data points that would indicate when the switchover from black/green to gray bags occurred?

[Victor Ingram]

Jim I have a dark green bag in my Pre-A cab, build date of 27-7-55.
Hope this helps

[Vincent Chiaro]

I have a 1960 356B Roadster -- you can see my grey bag in this video (along with many other parts of the washer system) - https://youtu.be/aAPGDW1raHw?si=X9HjOPPTNuyax52-&t=111

[Thomas Tuccillo]

Does any club member have a source for the metal SWF-MADE IN GERMANY -cap for the washer bag??? I have a very good surviving w/b in need of a cap! all assistance appreciated -tom [ A-SERIES]