Shane Balkowitsch's
1965 Porsche 356C Coupe
Outlaw Restoration Project
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As purchased on July 4th, 2009 in Connecticut |
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IN PROGRESS Expected Completion
After |
The Project:
Ever since I can remember it has always been a small childhood dream of mine to
own a Porsche. Was it the 911 cars flying by me on Pacific Coast Highway
years ago in Southern California that first peaked my interest, I am not sure?
All I know is that I always thought my first Porsche would be the
911 model.
After doing some research into the history of the Porsche brand, it became
evident to me that the father of the 911, the 356 was definitely for me.
Anyone can go purchase a modern Porsche, but a classic 356 is another story.
The history, legacy and racing heritage surrounding these early vehicles is
inspiring.
Dr. Porsche and Ferry Porsche in 1948 with the first 356, the infamous
K45-286.
Once I decided on the model, I did some further research and had to decide on what year to purchase. In 1948, Ferry Porsche and his father Dr. Ferdinand Porsche put together the first 356 car and it was numbered K45-286 (above) on the license plate. This was officially the model 356/1 and there was only one of them made. The aluminum roadster made its maiden voyage on June 8th, 1948. The car currently takes its rightful place in the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart Germany. The 356 was the only production car that Porsche built for the next 17 years. 1965 was the last year for the 356 and then the cars turned into what we know as the 911 of today. At this point I contacted a respected builder by the name of Bill Hamilton at Hamilton Classics in Texas. He did his first 356 restoration in 1970. He agreed that he would assist me in finding "the car for you". After further discussions I decided to build an Outlaw type car. No bumpers and a classic race theme really excited me. Not that the concourse stock cars are not gorgeous vehicles and are highly prized, but an Outlaw can be everything that I want it to be. Bill assured me that there are proper ways of doing an Outlaw and that he could steer the project in the right direction. After looking at the early "A" and "B" cars, the later model "C" cars seemed to make sense because they embodied all of the technological improvements from the past years of development. It should be noted that Bill spent much time with me during this brainstorming process. Remember I was only a potential customer to him, I did not even own a Porsche at the time. To me this speaks volumes about his character and his passion for these cars.
So Bill and I went on an hunt to find a good solid "C" car. I wanted a racing feel so the cabriolet models were out for me. We checked around for a couple of weeks but many of the cars we found were in pretty rough shape and we did not want any excessive rust, which these vintage cars have plenty of. We found a gentleman in Connecticut by the name of Peter Burns who purchased a 1965 coupe 23 years ago and was moving and needed to sell it. He and his son took the car completely apart, and when I mean completely, everything was stripped off the car as you can see from the photographs below. He intended to restore the car but the restoration never occurred and the car sat completely disassembled and in pieces for over two decades. I made him an offer and he accepted. Bill arranged for covered transportation from Connecticut to his facility in Texas. This is where the Photographic Timeline below begins.
Only 1101 of the '65 coupes were produced which was a very small number compared to earlier production years. Porsche was revving up for the introduction of the 911 and that was a major reason for the lower production numbers in 1965. My car represents the last of a very important era in automobile history. Jerry Seinfeld reportedly owns the last 356 produced and his VIN Number is 222579 (green coupe), so my car came off the assembly line 516 cars before the end of production, give or take a few cars. I also want to share that I have never sat in let alone driven a Porsche 356 before. My first ride will be with Bill in my own fully restored Outlaw at the end of the build process sometime in 2010.
Thanks for your interest in my Outlaw,
Shane Balkowitsch
shane@balkowitsch.com
(701)223-9936
Phone
Goal for the Build:
My goal is to take an original Porsche 356 and have it restored into a
beautiful, unique and reliable Outlaw for everyday driving. Anything worth
doing is worth doing right. Obviously I wish to use as many original parts
as possible but if a part does not function properly or is aesthetically flawed
and cannot be restored I would rather replace it with new mint part. The
end result is very important but equally important is the journey getting there.
The quotes below by Ferry Porsche will be the cornerstones for this build.
Quotes from Ferry Porsche:
Once, apparently, when shown a gleaming series of restored 911s, Ferry
Porsche remarked that it made him quite sad. "Our cars are meant to be
driven," he said, "not polished." His other famous quote is "I couldn't find the
sports car of my dreams so I built it myself."
Original Porsche Specifications from Certificate of
Authenticity:
Year: 1965
Vehicle Identification Number: 222063 (516 cars away from the end of production)
Model: 356C / 1600 SC Karmann Coupe
Production Completion Date: February 19th, 1965
Number of 356C Coupes Produced in 1965: Only 1101
Number of 356C Coupes with SC Engines in 1965: Less than 500 (very small
number for worldwide distribution)
Transmission Number / Type: 85879 (741/2C)
Original Paint Color / Code: Ruby Red / 6402
Interior Material Color / Type: Black Leatherette / B
Optional Equipment: Ventilated Chrome Wheels with Phoenix Tires (165/15)
Suggested Retail Price in 1965: $4,685.00
Previously Registered to: Richard Rittiger, S. Pasadena, California, April 1983
Last Registered to: Tracey Cameron, New Haven, Connecticut, May 1985
Sold to Peter Burns by: Pray Porsche, Greenwich,
Connecticut, 1986
Shane
Purchased from: Peter Burns, Wilton, Connecticut, July 4, 2009
Restorer / Builder: Photographic Timeline of the Restoration
Process
Initial interior photograph from seller in Connecticut. As
purchased. 7/4/2009
Initial engine photograph from seller in Connecticut. As purchased. 7/4/2009
Trucking company delivering the 356 to Hamilton Classics in Martindale,
Texas. 7/14/2009
Cars new home for the year long build process. 7/14/2009
All parts stored inside vehicle in numerous boxes. 7/14/2009
Who knows what those boxes contain, I am sure Bill will make sense of
it all. 7/14/2009
Some rust to contend with, where do we start? 7/14/2009
Is that the correct place for the engine? 7/14/2009
In the shop for the first time, this is where the magic will be
performed. 10/2/2009
The next step is to remove everything from the car for media blasting. 10/2/2009
The rotisserie being put to good use from early on in the build
process. 10/5/2009
There is no better way to get to the bottom of rust issues. 10/5/2009
The car is awaiting its turn at the media blasters. 45 years of history to
remove. 10/15/2009
Two outlaws together, Bill Hamilton and my coupe. 10/15/2009
The stock tow hook and 45 years of undercarriage crud before blasting. 10/15/2009
Body post media blasting and rust encapsulation. 10/30/2009
Passenger door post media blasting, looks pretty good. 10/30/2009
Holes from previous dent removal will all be welded shut. 10/30/2009
Wheel wells in need of some sheet metal replacement. 10/30/2009
Bill is rather happy with the little rust that was revealed. 10/30/2009
Previously replaced floor panels are square and in good condition. 10/30/2009
Nose needs some work, holes to weld shut, it has a history. 10/30/2009
Passenger side front panel, some rust to contend with. 10/30/2009
The hind end of this vehicle is in exceptional condition. 10/30/2009
Trunk lid post media blasting. 10/30/2009
Hood in great condition. 10/30/2009
Media blasting and initial undercoating done to body. 11/4/2009
Let there be light. 11/4/2009
First undercoating prior to paint. Another will follow later. 11/4/2009
Bodywork is starting to be completed prior to primer. 11/13/2009
Exhaust holes closed up, very clean look from the back. 11/13/2009
A true outlaw has no bumpers, lighter and more streamlined. 11/13/2009
All prior holes from previous body work will be welded and closed up. 11/17/2009
We are installing a functional Rennline race tow hook, Bill mocking it up.
11/17/2009
I cannot think of any other car that has these wonderful lines from the back.
12/10/2009
The last time the car will be upside down, taken off the rack. 12/10/2009
Checking doors and lids for fit and gaps.
I am going to paint this car the same color silver as the Historic K45-286 car
in the Porsche Museum. The curator at the Porsche Museum has provided us
with all of the paint codes. 12/10/2009
Bill is on schedule to have the car painted after the New Year. Historic
Porsche silver and large white racing stripe down the center of the car. 12/10/2009
Note the Stebro High Polished Quad Tip exhaust waiting on the wall. 12/10/2009
Speedster seats and frames being mocked up before paint. 12/21/2009
These fiberglass seats function perfectly and are lightweight and very strong.
They will eventually be upholstered in black leather. 12/21/2009
Mocking-up wide white stripe and Spyder license plate light. Ready for
paint in a week or so. Decided on 912 Grand Prix white for the stripe. 1/22/2010
Wide Porsche white racing strip will run the length of the vehicle. Very
excited to see the K45-286 Silver on paint samples when they arrive. Very
historic color. 1/22/2010
Mick is the body man in the backdrop, he is a little camera shy. He is
doing an excellent job as you can see. 1/22/2010
The wide race stripe and the Spyder license plate light will be in the same
Porsche white color. 1/22/2010
I can think of no other vintage car that has these lines and curves from the
back. 1/22/2010
We affixed a blank license plate to the body to give us a better idea as to the
spacing of the plate and light. The Porsche script will be in chrome when
finalized. 1/22/2010
Pretty happy with this placement but nothing will be final until the car is back
from paint. 1/22/2010
Interior dash will have the ash tray housing removed, much cleaner look and the
windshield wiper knob will be placed to the right of the clock. "Less is
More". 1/22/2010
Car sitting for its turn at the painters, getting ready to have K45-286 Silver
applied. 2/17/2010
Awaiting its day to shine. 2/17/2010
Bodywork looks immaculate, told Bill that I would drive it around in primer if I
had to. 2/17/2010
Final coat of primer before paint. 3/16/2010
Restoring the mechanical areas of the car is beginning.
Gearbox.
3/16/2010
Bill removed the doors for the painter, get the spray nozzle
ready.
3/16/2010
First pictures of the motor as purchased, motor arrived sitting
in the passengers seat.
3/16/2010
Two decades of dust from hibernation. The engine is going to get some well
deserved performance upgrades.
3/16/2010
First coats of paint in the paint booth, front hood. Historic K45-286
Porsche Silver as per the color codes from curator at the Porsche Museum.
3/23/2010
Dash is painted a 912 Grand Prix Porsche White to match the wide race stripe on
the exterior.
3/23/2010
Notice the ash tray has been removed under the dash, much simpler look.
Less is more.
3/23/2010
All panels being painted inside and out.
3/23/2010
Silver without clear coat, need to tape the race stripe.
4/1/2010
Paint complete, needs to set over the weekend and then buff.
4/2/2010
Hood with race stripe.
4/2/2010
Rear end looks very clean with no bumper holes.
4/2/2010
Get me out of this paint booth! The Porsche silver and white race stripe
contrast well.
4/2/2010
Natural light for the first time on the new paint.
4/5/2010
Getting ready to head back to Bill's shop.
4/5/2010
Finish looks immaculate.
4/5/2010
Car has not been on the road for over 2 decades and when it returns to the road
it will be better than new.
4/5/2010
Light of day for the first time.
4/6/2010
Car is back with Bill at his shop.
4/6/2010
Let assembly begin.
4/6/2010
One last layer of undercoating being applied prior to assembly.
4/12/2010
Koni shocks.
4/21/2010
Breaks being rebuilt also.
4/21/2010
Looks pretty clean.
4/21/2010
Everything restored and painted.
4/21/2010
New Weltmeister 19mm performance anti-sway bar for the front.
4/21/2010
Bill mocking-up the headlight rock guards. Vintage race look.
4/23/2010
Front dash and floor panel prior to sound proofing.
4/23/2010
Floor boards look nice and clean and aligned.
4/23/2010
Rear seat ready for new leather interior.
4/23/2010
Dynamat Xtreme installed throughout.
4/28/2010
Car is going to be much quieter from road noise and will take on a different
quality of sound.
4/28/2010
Bill teasing me a bit by putting a wheel with no tire on the car for me to see
what is to come. Looks great!
5/14/2010
We are upgrading the car from 6v to more modern 12v electrical system.
5/14/2010
New wiring harness installed and all wires pulled through car.
5/14/2010
Gas tank painted and installed, white matches Grand Prix race stripe.
5/18/2010
Stock sound deadening material installed in trunk.
5/18/2010
Fuse box, all new wiring throughout.
5/18/2010
Stock engine compartment sound deadening panels.
5/19/2010
We had some extra Dynamat so Bill applied that behind the stock panels.
5/19/2010
Gauges installed after their visit to N. Hollywood Speedometer, restored exactly
as they were in February of 1965, odometer set back to 00000. Note the
higher 6200 RPM redline tachometer, this performance motor will need it.
5/24/2010
Bill sent me the original Porsche Crest from the front hood handle and the door
VIN plate
for the body, the first time I got to touch my car, they may look in bad
condition but are prized possessions for sure.
5/27/2010
Tail lights and backup light installed.
6/7/2010
First look at the GT Mirror on the front fender, mocked up old steering wheel to
give me perspective.
6/8/2010
Mocking-up the Porsche Spyder light housing, same as on James Dean's Spyder.
6/8/2010
Another angle on the GT Mirror, we wanted it to function as well as look sleek.
6/8/2010
Yet another angle. Positioning is the key to make the mirror functional.
6/8/2010
Very pleased with the decision to set the GT mirror off in the white contrasting
color from the body.
6/8/2010
Mick was kind enough to put on his welding glasses and give me perspective.
He is about my size 5'8" or so. Thanks for all of your excellent bodywork
Mick and your willingness to pose for the team!
6/8/2010
Disc brake calipers painted in traditional Porsche 911 Red caliper paint.
6/18/2010
Getting ready for the MiniLite wheels and low profile performance tires.
6/18/2010
Fiberglass Speedster seats with heavy white stitch accents. We are
upgrading the entire car to custom leather instead of the stock vinyl.
6/23/2010
Augustine at
Autos International did a great job on the customer interior. As with the seats years ago, the back is
upholstered in matching carpet.
6/23/2010
Rear seats were upholstered similar to early 911 interiors.
6/23/2010
Bill says the photographs do not do justice to the quality and craftsmanship of
the leather interior.
6/23/2010
Custom snow white head liner to match the white dash, off white would not do.
6/30/2010
Carpet set being installed.
6/30/2010
Rennline race tow hook installed. It can be screwed in and out as needed.
6/30/2010
Custom leather interior taking shape.
6/30/2010
Dean Jeffries inspired Iron Cross torsion bar covers installed. Dean
fabricated the first pair of these back in 1956 (See bottom of this website for
story).
6/30/2010
Race stripe, GT mirror and torsion bar covers in same matching 912 Grand Prix
white.
6/30/2010
Bill put the car down on some temporary wheels for the first time today.
Can't wait to see the car on the MiniLites.
7/5/2010
Nickie performance (1883cc/ 90mm) cylinders and JE pistons. They are
things of beauty, finest performance parts available for a 356.
7/21/2010
MiniLite wheels installed for the first time, the style and company goes back to
the 60's so they are a period correct wheel.
7/22/2010
The wheels allow the Porsche red brake calipers to be seen as well.
7/22/2010
Speedster seats installed on the rails for the first time.
7/22/2010 Dedication:
Restoration Resources / Vendors for our Build
Bill Hamilton
Hamilton Classics
P.O. Box 10
Martindale, TX 78655
(512)694-8044 Phone
www.hamiltonclassics.com
My first Dr. Porsche engineered car.
Here I am on the last day of High School
in 1987 with my VW.
Classico Wheels (Vintage Porsche Derrington Wood Steering Wheels & Shift Knobs)
Ultimate Pedals (Aluminum Racing Pedals)
Stoddard Imports (Porsche 356 Parts)
Jegs Auto (H3R Race Fire Extinguisher)
Pelican Parts (Porsche 356 Parts)
Natural Auto Products (Traditional Coco Mats for a 356)
Auto's International (Custom Leather Upholstery and Carpet Set)
LN Engineerinig (Nickies Pistons and 1883cc Cylinders)
North Hollywood Speedometer & Clock Company (Complete Restoration Service of 356 Gauges)
Stebro Performance Exhaust (Quad Polished Exhaust)
Sierra Madre Collection (Porsche 356 Parts)
MiniLite Wheels (Vintage Racing Wheels)
Fibersteel (Porsche Speedster Seats, GT Mirror and Spyder License Plate Light)
Paragon Products (Shocks, Suspension, 356 Parts))
Karmann Konnection (Dean Jeffries Outlaw Inspired Iron Cross Torsion Bar Covers)
Mainly Custom by Design (Custom Porsche 356 Parts)
356 Devotion (Billet Brake Reservoir, New 356 Parts)
(Dynamat Xtreme Professional Sound Deadening Liner)
Related Websites:
Porsche 356 Registry (Largest 356 club in the world) Shane's Registry Member #: 31354
Wikipedia History of the Porsche 356
Porsche Perfect Website (Thread about Balkowitsch 356 Restoration Project)
Top Gear Official Website (Most badass car show of all time, Long Live the Stig!)
James Dean Memorial Junction Website (Historical photographs of James and his Porsche cars)
Dean Jeffries Custom Porsche Carrera Website (Many historical photographs)
CLICK
HERE to view a superb video of a vintage 356 in action, courtesy of Arno Reinbacher.
CLICK
HERE to view a Porsche video - Roots in Racing.
CLICK
HERE to view original footage of the Porsche factory producing 356 Cars (Part 1).
CLICK
HERE to view original footage of the Porsche factory producing 356 Cars (Part 2).
Historic Porsche Photographs
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Dr. Porsche's early attempts at automobile history. |
Very early photo opportunity for the 356 model, note the Volkswagen in the backdrop. |
Ferry Porsche in 1956 with the 10,000 Porsche leaving the production line.
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Ferry Porsche in 1959 standing proudly in the factory. |
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James Dean and Rolf Wueherich the Porsche mechanic who was with him in the car the day of the accident. This photograph was taken just hours before the accident. |
James Dean car accident on Sept. 30, 1955, he was driving his Porsche 550 Spyder. He was only 24 years old. His last words to Rolf were "That guy's gotta stop... He'll see us."
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Hand-crafting the first Porsches in Gmund Austria. The first bodies were sculpted out of aluminum and formed over a wood dolly.
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Porsche always makes a showing at Le Mans. Since 1951 a Porsche car has always been present for this historic race.
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Porsche assembly line in the 60's.
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The humble saw mill which was home for the Porsche design house in 1944-1945.
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A 356 amongst a vintage VW clan.
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Ferry Porsche and some of the earlier models.
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Ferry Porsche taking a much needed rest. |
Ferry Porsche with a Who could deny the bloodlines between these two models?
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Ferry Porsche taking the historic K45-286 for another drive prior to his death in 1998.
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Quote from anonymous Porsche owner sent to this webpage via e-mail:
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Dean Jeffries Outlaw graces the front cover of October 1959 Rod & Custom Magazine.
Dean Jeffries with his 1956 modified Outlaw. Dean Jeffries was also the painter that put "Little Bastard" on the back of James Dean's 550 Spyder. He was also the original fabricator of the Iron Cross Torsion Bar covers found on many Outlaw cars even to this day.
Dean Jeffries being united with his outlaw in March 2009, the car is being fully restored by Jack Walters. Jack originally bought the car in 1971 when he was 19 years old and has owned it ever since.
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James Dean had a love affair with the Porsche marquee. |
Janis Joplin and her 1965 Cabriolet Psychedelically painted by Robert Crumb.
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Top Gun 356 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.
Doc Hollywood 1991 film starring Michael J. Fox.
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! 1965 film starring Tura Santana.
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Copyright Note: The restoration photographs of the Balkowitsch 356 are owned by Bill Hamilton of Hamilton Classics. It was his time, energy and camera that took them. The other photographs provided above are for informational purposes only and they are the property of their respective owners.
