Bob’s 356A project

[James Overstreet]

“Berryman B-9 Chem Dip”

Worked great, smelled terrible.

The new “safe and sane” version is nowhere near the original.

[Justin Rio]

Gaps are coming along nicely. Keep up the great work Bob.

[Robert Moglia]

Thanks Justin, it’s hard to stay focused but I have been puttering along. I think the main bodywork is done and I plan on spraying the high build primer sealer shortly but it’s been too cold lately!
Today I worked on the rear bumper, it seems to have been snagged and pulled nearly off! Between that damage and the fact that every mounting bolt was sheared off, l probably should have sourced a replacement but I figured I’d give it a go. After much pounding I got it to at least fit the car

And that is a dramatic improvement!
I ended up removing all the mounting brackets so as to rebuild them and replace the T nuts.
Now with the mounts off I can start reshaping the bumper.
To get the right curve I had to make relief cuts.

I’ll put it on the English wheel to get a nice surface then weld it back up.

[Mark Erbesfield]

Bob, do you remember where you bought the spark plug boots? I have the exact same problem. Also, did you print any extra electrical connector pieces? Again, same problem. Thx for help, Mark

Thanks Nathan, I got new bezels from one of our vendors.
Here’s the tach taken apart

IMG_1890.jpeg

The inside paint has yellowed and the 2 indicator light shrouds have disintegrated.

IMG_1891.jpeg

The fragments were rattling around the inside.
I found some white spark plug covers and trimmed to fit.

IMG_1893.jpeg

Newly painted flat white with my ersatz shrouds in place.
They work surprisingly well.
Gauge face cleaned, needle repainted.
IMG_1904.jpeg

Final product. Next up combo gauge.

[Robert Moglia]

Mark, I sent you an e-Mail.
One other little project:

Rebuilding the fuel pump to go along with the new carbs.
Cleaned thoroughly, all fasteners replated and internal components replaced.

Back to fitting the bumper.

[Sebastian Gaeta]

Mark, I sent you an e-Mail.

Robert,

If your email to him contained info on where to buy the boots it would be great if you also posted it here for two reasons, if someone is following the thread now and also needs them they know where to look and also for future reference so years from now people can see the info.

[Robert Moglia]

Here you go:
https://a.co/d/3m6OZz6

[Sebastian Gaeta]

Here you go:
https://a.co/d/3m6OZz6

[Robert Moglia]

The bumper is fitting well. The kerfs and removing the flange made it pretty easy.
Now just weld it back together with a new flange.

I just applied the high build primer, it’s like spraying mayonnaise! Then time for final blocking the surface with 320g paper. Then sealer and hopefully final paint next.
Trying to work fast while the weather is nice.

[Puygranier Antoine]

Looking fantastic in high build primer!

[Robert Moglia]

Thanks Antoine,
I gave the car the final inspection and addressed any imperfections. Tomorrow, sand to 320grit and then sealer.
I finished the bumper and welded in all the mounting flanges.

I’m really happy with the final fit.

I purchased finish paint yesterday, I’m painting it Ivory as per COA. I used John Wilhoit’s paint chip card, the jobber said it will be a perfect match.
Hopefully, final finish next week, I’m visiting the grandchild this weekend.

[Greg Bryan]

Bob - where do you live? I want you to fit the pieces on my 912 project!

[Justin Rio]

Looking great Bob!

[Robert Moglia]

Greg, I wish I could be out in sunny Cali to help, the good news is the 912 like the long hood 911 are a lot less fussy to put together than these danged 356s. Real easy to swap parts with no fitment problems!
Thanks for your kind words Justin.

Final paint in original Ivory, not too much orange peel, except the dash which was a real PITA to spray.
Only a couple of runs, I’m gonna let it cure for a couple of weeks before I wet sand and buff.

It’s getting too cool here for bondo and paint, I just gotta finish the bumpers but I think I’m outta time.

[Martin Benade]

If it’s urethane paint you should sand and buff very soon, it only gets more time consuming. Lacquer was best to wait months to buff though.