1952 Pre-A Cabriolet Restoration in Progress

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Restoration Notes:

Wednesday 10/28/09

We have started the final assembly process on our numbers matching three owner early bent window cabriolet VIN: 15040. This is by far the best part of the restoration process. When all the hard and meticulous work culminates in the assembly of the car.  Also, this is the most critical time of the restoration, as the last 15% is what separates Concour winner’s from very good cars.

The trick of this restoration has been saving many original items/parts to the car. For example, we were able to save the original glove box (which actually fits the dash as opposed to the reproduction item).  We were also able to save the original sound deadening material in the front truck area. All the original nuts and bolts are properly coated in black oxide- and every detail item is factory correct. We had an early Pre-A owner stop by the shop yesterday who had never ever seen the oil temp holder/clamp in the engine compartment.

The 52 is now at JNG Creations recieving its interior from master upholsterer Jean-Noel Greffeuille. Final pictures to come soon.

Friday 2/27/09

Thought I would add some new pictures on the progress of the 1952 bent window cab before we leave for the LA Literature meet next week.

All the trim pieces on the car are completely original, right down to the wood shims found under the upper door deco sills.  I’ve also included some pictures of the original tool kit, wheels, convertible top bow, and headlight units.

The early Pre-A cars are really special, especially when you think about how many employees were working in the Reutter factory in the early 1950’s.

I really feel in love with Pre-A models after we bought and sold Thomas Birch’s (noted Pre-A guru) 1951 spit window (Chassis 11260). It was his personal car for years and used it as a daily driver. Pictures of that car are available in our sold inventory page.
Okay back to our 52 cab. The finishing coat of primer is on the car and we are going to address the undercoating of the car next. The car has it’s original under coating and we going to try and save it (under the chassis, front trunk, and engine compartment-pictures to come.) The Paterek brothers are tacking the converitble top, carpet, and seats for us and we should be receiving those soon.
We are also expecting the paint (Fashion Grey) that Glasurit is sending back from their labs. We sent the original top bow with the original paint for sampling. Kevin and I looking forward to seeing everybody at the LA Literature meet and it’s always fun to visit Willhoit’s open house!
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I had some time over the weekend to update the blog on the 1952 bent window cab that Kevin I bought in Milwaukee (which I’d like to say is a great town and the Harley Davidson Museum is a must see for any gear head). Also, the Knuckle Heads Saloon is a can’t miss in Eagle Wisconsin. We happen to walk into this great establishment on a special day. They had just received their first delivery of Schlitz Beer in a bottle. Kevin and I where man enough (stupid enough) to have the first two WARM bottled Schlitz’s in the Knuckle Head Salon. A minor footnote in history, but I digress.
The 52 has truly turn out to be the easiest project we’ve ever tackled. It has been fascinating to dissect such an original car that hasn’t been molested over the years. It literally had been repainted once in the late sixties and that was it. Oh yeah, and the fan shroud chromed, but otherwise a rust free car with incredible patina. Please enjoy the pictures of the 52 in the nude and the descriptions underneath the pictures. It’s so rare in this business to find a 356 that needs no metal work at all. Also, check out the vintage 1952 sand paper that we found in the rear cowl (underneath the horse hair sound deadner). Apparently, the guys at the factory got a early start to the beer hall one day back in 1952!
Last update
This is the little Pre-A bent window cab that was on eBay several weeks ago. Kevin and I flew to Milwaukee to inspect it and it ended up being the real deal (a total gem!). Neither one of us had ever seen such a well preserved early car. Especially since 1952 has so many one off bits and pieces. We finally wrapped up the deal after the auction ran its course and sold it to one of our best customers, who is trusting us to execute a show winning restoration.
Not pictured are the original turbo ring wheels and tires, which are incredible. Plus the original owners manual and tool kit! Here is the write up that was on eBay:

Up for sale is this 1952, titled as a 1953 all original Porsche 356 Cabriolet. This once in a lifetime find and my be one of only a few survivors has only 30,498 original miles Chassis # 15040, that’s #40 out of 140 made that year. Purchased in 1960, the vehicle has been stored indoors for the last 48 years, never raced, never wrecked. All original hand crafted body with very little surface rust and no rust through (it should be noted that the slight surface rust is underneath only not on body). The original color was a battleship color gray and was repainted to its current color of silver in the late 1950’s. The original color is evidenced by the original set of rims with original tires which are included with the sale.

The engine #30634 which is a 1500 cc 4 cyl. is the original (and it is my understanding the first year for the 1500cc) has been maintained by the current owner. The engine runs very well and sounds strong. The dual carbs were rebuilt a few years ago. All components of the engine are original with exception of the exhaust which was replaced.

The interior of the 356 has the original blue leather door panels, dash, carpet, steering wheel, radio etc… The seats were recovered with leather (originally had leather seats) in 1975. It is my understanding that the radio itself was an extremely rare option. Original jump seat behind the front seats is the original. The boot cover for the conv. top was replaced.

The original sun visors were replaced with a different style but are complete and included with the sale as evidenced in the photos.

The fuel tank is original and is in great shape. The original fuel gauge which is a wooden stick, which was placed into the fuel tank to measure the fuel level is also included, check photos. The original euro style headlamps were replaced with a newer style with a less expensive replaceable bulb, the original euro lamps are also included. All other exterior lights are the original.

The convertible top is the original but has not been up in 30 years. The top is complete. All the glass is original and is bright and clear.

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