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I drove her! First impressions...

FM Former Member
First impressions.

The look is awesome. As the owner drove the car up. I thought NICE!

Once I started looking at her, here's what I found. (scale 1-10 = 1 bad 10 Mint)
1.) PAINT = good.(scale 8-9) A rock chip on the nose and a 2-3" scratch were the owner drilled holes for the Porsche front tag. (drill slipped I assume).
2.) BODY = straight as an arrow (scale 8-9)only issue is passenger side door window hole (were the slip in window fits) the interior molding doesn't sit flush with the door. Leaving a small puka (hole) visible.
2a.) MOLDING = (Scale 6) Lots of places were you could see visible glue.(Can this be removed with a solvent or something?)
3.) INTERIOR = (scale 8-9) Little worn spots on the chrome molding inside front window.
4.)ENGINE = (scale 7-8) Started right up, Ran a little rough until warmed up. Back fired (once)on removal of gas pedal while driving. Still cold? Owner commented that it has always ran rough and since it only has 675 KM the engine hasn't even broken in yet. engine compartment was dusty, a little surface rust on the chrome air filters. wires for the most part bundled. Surface rust on exhaust.
5.) WHEELS and TIRES = (scale 9) No issues and a full size tire.
6.) BRAKES = (scale 7) They felt loose. maybe it's me not adjusted to the car.
7.) TRANSMISSION = (scale 9) Felt tight.
8.) FRAME = (scale 9) Looked good. Noticed some "silicone webs" on underside.

Loose side view mirror, needs tightening or replacement.

I was a tight fit in the car. 6'2" 240. I read a forum about switching seats to a replica speedster seats...Are these the seats that have the two vertical holes in the back? From picture they appear to lean farther back. Would the seat mechanically match the same holes installed for the existing seats?
The steering wheel touches my knees while sitting but I didn't notice them while driving. My eyes look right at the top of the front windshield frame. Didn't really notice it though when I was driving.

I took some pictures. I'll post a few.

Overall impression = (scale 8) If it was a REAL 356 it would be 10. My biggest concerns are...will I fit? Would the wife like it? I know she is not big on the "wind blowing the hair all around". I guess she could wear a scarf? Any suggestions...I know it seems silly but I would like her to enjoy also.

Didn't buy...still shopping...tough in Hawaii though....

Mahalo Dfnsmn34
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FM Former Member
First impressions.

The look is awesome. As the owner drove the car up. I thought NICE!

Once I started looking at her, here's what I found. (scale 1-10 = 1 bad 10 Mint)
1.) PAINT = good.(scale 8-9) A rock chip on the nose and a 2-3" scratch were the owner drilled holes for the Porsche front tag. (drill slipped I assume).
2.) BODY = straight as an arrow (scale 8-9)only issue is passenger side door window hole (were the slip in window fits) the interior molding doesn't sit flush with the door. Leaving a small puka (hole) visible.
2a.) MOLDING = (Scale 6) Lots of places were you could see visible glue.(Can this be removed with a solvent or something?)
3.) INTERIOR = (scale 8-9) Little worn spots on the chrome molding inside front window.
4.)ENGINE = (scale 7-8) Started right up, Ran a little rough until warmed up. Back fired (once)on removal of gas pedal while driving. Still cold? Owner commented that it has always ran rough and since it only has 675 KM the engine hasn't even broken in yet. engine compartment was dusty, a little surface rust on the chrome air filters. wires for the most part bundled. Surface rust on exhaust.
5.) WHEELS and TIRES = (scale 9) No issues and a full size tire.
6.) BRAKES = (scale 7) They felt loose. maybe it's me not adjusted to the car.
7.) TRANSMISSION = (scale 9) Felt tight.
8.) FRAME = (scale 9) Looked good. Noticed some "silicone webs" on underside.

Loose side view mirror, needs tightening or replacement.

I was a tight fit in the car. 6'2" 240. I read a forum about switching seats to a replica speedster seats...Are these the seats that have the two vertical holes in the back? From picture they appear to lean farther back. Would the seat mechanically match the same holes installed for the existing seats?
The steering wheel touches my knees while sitting but I didn't notice them while driving. My eyes look right at the top of the front windshield frame. Didn't really notice it though when I was driving.

I took some pictures. I'll post a few.

Overall impression = (scale 8) If it was a REAL 356 it would be 10. My biggest concerns are...will I fit? Would the wife like it? I know she is not big on the "wind blowing the hair all around". I guess she could wear a scarf? Any suggestions...I know it seems silly but I would like her to enjoy also.

Didn't buy...still shopping...tough in Hawaii though....

Mahalo Dfnsmn34

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FM Former Member
Most of the items you mention are adjustable items - common to need to adjust them during the early part of the car's driving life (first few thousand miles). Drum brakes may need adjusting (if so equipped), carbs or linkage may need adjusting, probably a little early for valves adjustment, but that could cause the backfire and slight rough running also. Doesn't really sound like anything scary as it starts easily, runs out and you didn't mention any oil burning etc.

You will definatly have more room with the speedster seats. Personally, I think they look better also. The glue "should" be removable with a solvent assuming that a standard automotive type adhesive was used. Your spare tire should either be secured or removed from the car (it appears to be loose in the trunk).

Buy your wife a couple of lovely silk scarves and large sunglasses. They make everything much more pleasant and have the right "look" for the car.

I suspect if you don't buy this one (looks pretty nice) that you will buy another shortly...

angela
FM Former Member
As Angela said, all the things you mentioned that need improvement are minor and pretty commonplace with these cars. These engines will definitely run a little rough until they're fully warmed up; (remember this is 1930's technology, no EFI's here) but will work a lot better in this respect when the factory thermostat & shutter assembly are installed and fully functional as it helps the engine warm up faster and in a controlled manner. With respect to the Speeedster style seats; at least the ones offered by Vintage will fit the same floor rails.

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Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
From the one interior picture, it looks like you already have the Beck version of original Speedster seats, and I doubt that changing seats will buy you anything. However, I know thay they can be made to go back an inch or two further because I had Carey do that for me.

As for dropping the floor, I'm told it can be done on a Beck, but it's likely to be quite a job. I think you'd have to rip up all of the carpet, take a sawzall to the crossbraces and floor, reweld some lowered crossbraces, refasten the floor, fill in the gaps, and then recarpet. Doesn't sound easy.

My first impression was that my car was a bit tight, and I'm a couple of inches shorter than you. However, I've come to find it quite comfortable. Once I found the right positions, the 750 mile drive to Carlisle was surprisingly comfy. The extra room in the floor due to the frame design helps.

As for the other issues, they are normal for a new Speedster. It always takes a while to get them fully sorted. That's actually part of the fun, in my mind.
FM Former Member
Thanks for the post...but shouldn't you all be out driving your speedies? I thought for sure I would not get a post till Monday.

Ricardo Thanks for the picture! The seats you show are not what is installed on the 356 I saw today. They had a solid back and look like the ones BECK puts on their's. Understandable...it is a BECK.

I really don't like the idea of having to cut up the floor pan...ouch! But I would pay to get new seats if they would go back two inches and drop me an 1 or 2. From what I've read you all think the replica speedster seats would help alot..thats good enough for me...

Now just to get the $$$ in order...and if it's meant to be....Then she will be mine (insert evil laugh) All mine!

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flatfourfanflatfourfan
I remember when I saw mine for the first time, so I know where you're coming from when you said when you saw it for the first time.

:-)

I'm curious though, I'm 6'1" and I sit pretty damn low in my speedster and in fact I wouldn't mind sitting a bit higher, as a i can barely see over my dash, in fact I can just see the fender bumps, but hardly any road.

With my speedster seats, I am literally flat on the floor. Do you guys have a different set-up?
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
Gary: Due to the Beck's frame design, I think the entire floor is an inch or so higher than most.

RM: Most of us post in between Speedy rides :-), or when we're (ahem) having a slow day at work. I hear you about cutting on the floor, and wouldn't recommend that route. I'm right at 6' and, although the top of my head is a bit above the top of the windshield, I am perfectly comfortable in mine. Contact Carey Hines about what he did for my seat, as I think it was pretty simple and very effective. The Carlisle trip was a whole lot more comfortable than I expected. Welcome to the madness.

Oh yeah, I'm not out driving mione right now cuz it's too damn hot!!!! Already looking forward to fall.
FM Former Member
Aloha!
Ok so here is the story...as of this coming monday the $$$$ will be in order. This is a good thing. Now I can sit back and "Look" for the right car. As I have mentioned before not much available on island. I have been cruzing the internet and evil-bay (were I spend way to much time and $$$) looking for 356s.
One just sold for just shy of 20k. It is almost the same as the one on island aside from the color. So if I were to add the shipping at least 1200 from west coast I'm at what the guy is asking. I haven't broached the subject of negotiation...I wanted to make sure I had the funds in hand.
I took several picture and have been studing them quite abit. All of the issues I brought up in the intial subject I can deal with.

Mahalo to this site and it's users it has help me with the fountain of knowledge you all bring to the table (wow lots of cliches).

Once I pull the trigger I will contact all the brother and sister and bend their ear on the hows and whats.

(Lane-Aloha for the advice)

The idea of a lower cost project car is just not appealing. The garage is not set up for a restoration as ...man this sucks(not really...ok a little)...I HAVE to share the garage with my wife's obsession...ceramics/pottery. I get one half and she the other...garage that is...ok and my money...another topic.

AS far as being handy, I'm your guy. I've never dealt with a VW before and I am a little intimidated...but I know once I'm in there adjusting carbs and valves I can do it...fear of the unknown I guess?

I will look at the car again this week and bring the miss. If she is good with it that will be the truley biggest hurdle.

Here is a picture of the cockpit. not a great one...but you can see hoe the seats sit...

Lastly, I posted my name. Aloha! Just wanted to feel out the forum...

Mahalo Mike

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FM Former Member
Update for those that care...

The "Bank" now said it will be next Friday 27th. Before the funds are available to me...

This saturday I am going to look/drive the 356 again. I am bringing the wife for approval...If she don't like it...well that's a another post.

I was cruzin the site and found a ton of info about Boulder Speedsters...what I found, has me worried. ( engine fires, damaged finishes, etc.) The current owner of the 356 mentioned he bought the car while in cali...Cory Hines(not sure if right person) mentioned on one of the "Beck" posts of four Becks/BSC delivered around the same time frame as this 356.

guess it goes with out saying...A super fine tooth comb is in order for this purchase/toy!

I am going to bring a mechanic friend to help me review the speedie. He has worked on several porsche.

Any suggestion on what to look at on the 2005 Beck/BSC speedster?

Mahalo Mike
MusbJimMusbJim'14 VS SoCal Supporting Member
Mike -

Best of luck on your Speedster quest! Since you've been bitten by the 'bug' to own one, and especially now that funds are available, it will be a huge task NOT to by the first car you see.

Your patience and perseverence and waiting for the right car will pay off in spades. This will lessen buyers' remorse or early disenchantment with your purchase (have you noticed Speedsters being sold after short ownership).

It took me 7 months of looking to find the right Speedster before I bought our VS (limited pool of Speedsters at the time). Granted, I had no knowledge of this website at the time (I'm not event sure SOC was inexistence back then), but a diligent search will net you a high value car at the right price (even if it needs to be shipped to HI).

There are may SOCers willing to check out a potential car State-side for you, just give a shout out.

Good Luck, my brudda!
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