Werkstatte

Sepia 914 - Great 70s Vibe

This 1974 Porsche 914 2.0L Targa, finished in Sepia Brown with a striking two tone tan interior, represents what many consider the best iteration of the four-cylinder 914 lineup. Fully serviced in February 2023 by Jacks German Auto Service in Fountain Valley, California, this mid-engine Porsche is ready for its next owner to enjoy.  It is for sale at European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California. 

Click Here to learn more!  

 

 

A Speedster's Birthday

What do you do to mark your faithful Speedster turning 70?

You might give it an oil change or a wash and polish. But owners Mark and Kerry from England wanted to mark the day, Sunday 3rd August, by taking their Speedster back to Stuttgart, where it was ‘born’ 70 years before.

Opposite the amazing Porsche Museum is the original Reutter factory, still there, but now surrounded by a modern Porsche factory set up. These original Reuters buildings are now where Recaro seats are made.

Through the Grundmans in Germany, who are avid Porsche and VW collectors, and organised of the HO26 show next year; Mark and Kerry were able to park their car outside the museum whilst they enjoyed a private tour of the museum’s workshop, amazing archive / library and then a guided tour of the museum, that taught even Porsche fan Mark lots of new details of Porsches early history.

To round the trip off they stayed at the V8 Hotel, a Mecca for car fans about 30 mins from Zuffenhausen.

The Porsche is very original, having survived 70 years without any obvious welding repairs. The cars maintained by Mark, using Stoddards range of parts supplied through UK a distributor. 

If anyone recognizes chassis number 80318 from its time in the USA, Mark and Kerry would love to know its back story and how it’s survived so well.  You can email us at parts@stoddard.com if you have any backstory on this beautiful septuagenarian

We love it when our customers keep driving and enjoying them.

 

1955 356 Speedster Hot Rod

World-renowned Willhoit Restoration took two years restoring and modifying this 1955 Speedster, upgrading the suspension, installing a 2.2 liter WR engine.  The result is a subtle and classy outlaw that would turn heads and stretch necks wherever it goes. The jewel-like Aquamarine paint and chocolate leather interior are *Chef's Kiss*

Learn more here:

https://willhoit356.smugmug.com/FORSALE/1955-Speedster-Hot-Rod/i-9QnRNMH 

C Cab at Road Scholars

We saw this very nice looking 1965 356C Cabriolet on Bringatrailer.com.  It's being sold by Road Scholars in North Carolina and is very well represented with plenty of excellent images so the prospective buyers can really see what they're getting.  Well done!     The auction has 7 days go--we'll be watching this result closely! 

How To Apply Water Transfer Decals

Back when these cars were made, the Factory applied decals to various parts using the water transfer process.  The result is a thinner, more delicate decal than modern adhesive backed stickers. 
 
Note:  Here is an excellent Youtube video on how to install water transfer decals on a smaller scale, but still appropriate:
 
1. Preparation:
    • Surface: Ensure the surface is clean, smooth, and free of any debris or imperfections. 
       
    • Tools: Gather the following: tweezers, a clean bowl of water (room temperature is fine), paper towels, a soft brush, and optional decal setting solution or softener (like Micro Set or Solvaset). 
       
  • Decal: Cut out the decal from the sheet as close to the image as possible. 
     
2. Soaking and Preparation:
  • Soak: Submerge the decal in warm water for a few seconds (the time varies depending on the decal brand). 
     
  • Check: Gently check the decal by lightly pressing your thumbs underneath and sliding it. If it slides easily, it's ready. 
     
  • Position: Place the decal on a paper towel to drain excess water. 
     
3. Application:
  • Apply Setting Solution (Optional):
    If using a setting solution, apply a small amount to the area where you want to place the decal. 
     
  • Slide and Position:
    Carefully slide the decal off the backing paper and onto the surface, using tweezers or a brush to guide it. 
     
  • Remove Excess Water:
    Use a paper towel or soft brush to gently dab away any excess water or setting solution. 
     
  • Smooth Out:
    Use a damp Q-tip or soft tissue to gently smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles, working from the center to the edges. 
     
4. Setting and Sealing:
  • Setting Solution (Optional):
    If you used a setting solution, apply another layer to the decal and let it dry according to the product instructions. 
     
  • Drying:
    Allow the decal to dry completely (usually 24 hours) before applying a final coat of clear gloss or varnish. 
     
Tips for Success:
  • Patience is key:
    Take your time and work carefully, especially when positioning the decal. 
     
  • Practice:
    If you're new to applying waterslide decals, practice on a spare surface first. 
     
  • Don't overdo it:
    Avoid applying too much setting solution or water, as this can cause the decal to wrinkle or shift. 
     
  • Sealing:
    Sealing the decals with a clear coat will help protect them from damage and fading. 
     
     

2025 Stoddard Swap Meet

We are starting to put together our plan for this year's Stoddard Swap Meet in June. It's just FOUR months away!  We are trying some new things this year! 

Friday, June 6th:

To get an approximate headcount for Friday morning and mid-day activities, we are asking for free RSVPs here if you are going:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visit-switch-cars-crawford-shop-lunch-at-across-the-pond-restoration-tickets-1344361133339?aff=oddtdtcreator


8:30am:   Cars and Coffee at Switchcars—1521 Highland Rd, Twinsburg, OH 44087

10:30:  Visit to The Crawford Museum's Workshop—7950 Empire Parkway, Macedonia, OH 44056

12:30:  Lunch at Across The Pond Restoration—37195 Ben Hur Ave A, Willoughby, OH 44094

4pm:  Toy and Literature Meet at Pete’s Custom Coachbuilding—10357 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065

6pm:  BBQ at Pete’s Custom Coachbuilding—10357 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065. Tickets for Food Required:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/porsche-barbecue-tickets-1319153125509?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday, June 7th
8am-2pm:  Swap Meet and Car Show at Stoddard NLA—190 Alpha (Driveway 21) Highland Heights, Ohio 44143

7am:  Vendor set-up
8am:  Show starts
10am:  Seminar:  Adam from Unobtanium
11am: Seminar:  Pete from Pete's Custom Coachbuilding
12pm:  Seminar:  Doug from Switchcars
1pm:  Peoples' Choice Awards Presentation

 

 

 

Ask Brad Q&A: Porsche 356 Door Handle Identification

Question:
I finally got my door handle pieces back from the chrome platers. It's been a long time and now I can't remember how to put the handles back together. Please give me some tips for proper re-assembly.  L. Davis, Marina, CA.
 
Answer:
Here’s a quick primer on these door handles – Below is a photo layout of the parts to make a left-hand B/C door handle.
 
Having put together many of these assemblies myself, it ain't easy the first and probably the second time! Here's four truths to go by:

The door handle casting is neither a left nor a right; however, your original castings will be marked L or R on the end. You can use the casting on either side of the car; the markings are hidden.

Original and reproduction door handles may look the same but different type seals are required (because of the way the groove was machined). Proper seal (and some grease) will keep the cylinder receiver casting from rattling.

The locking slider can be installed four ways; only two ways are correct.

The handle is locked if the key is vertical with teeth towards the ground.
The handle is unlocked if the key is horizontal with teeth towards the rear of car.
 
Here’s a photo of the lock assembles shown in the unlocked position.
 
 
Look at the left-hand one: (1) the teeth of the key are facing up;  (2) the indented portion is visible; (3) the grub screw is in the upper end of the slot;  (4) the lock slider is flush with the receiver casting on both sides.  It’s best to get a left one put together correctly – then the right-hand one is just the opposite!  
 
I use a fair amount of white lithium grease for assembly. You may have to slightly grind the casting so the receiver piece can be pushed in and out cleanly.
 
The brass lock slider is the most frustrating to get right. As mentioned above, it only goes one of two ways.  Here’s a photo of the slider orientated to go into the left assembly. You can see the narrow side of the hole to the upper side and the longer end facing out. You can also note that the stud on the end of the lock cylinder is offset also. 
 
 
You’ll find the sliders will stay in place with a little extra grease. Good luck with the project!
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