Restoration Spotlight: Making of the Porsche 356A Hood

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Back in the fall of 2007, we noticed a substantial need for hoods for 356s. Getting a good quality hood was pricey and often difficult. So, we decided to start making them ourselves.

To start, we purchased one of these good quality hoods from the US. Painting it matte black and getting some of the minor imperfections out made it possible for us to use this as a template for scanning.

We got the scanning done by a third-party, who then sent us the scan. We imported the scan into our own computer system so we could design the dye. Designing each dye typically takes 100-200 hours – just for design time.

After the dye was designed, we had to design the different tool paths for 4-6 different tools.

From there, we had to machine the dye using steel and composite to withstand the pressure of the press.

After the dye is machined, it needs to be polished. Polishing the male and female parts of the dye for the 356 hood took about 16 weeks in total.

Check out the video to see the rest of the process and the finished product!

Build Your Own DIY-Rotisserie: Porsche 914

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Embarking on your very own Porsche 914 restoration? Our DIY rotisserie makes it easy.

By cutting all the proper lengths of 1 1/4” square tubing with proper angles, you can build this rotisserie to perfectly fit your 914.

Make sure you are measuring properly, and laying out the tubing to ensure you have all the proper lengths and angles before you weld them together.

We also use caster wheels – a 4” caster wheel is sufficient for home shops.

Building your own rotisserie around your 914 allows you to roll the car over easily, with the help of another person, so you can reach the underside and other angles of your car.

This same rotisserie can also be adjusted to fit a 356 or 911, depending on your restoration project.

Check out the video for specific instructions to build your rotisserie!

Restoration Spotlight: Lessons Learned Restoring the 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster

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At Restoration Design, we specialize in restoring Porsches from almost all years and models. And while we’re experts experienced at this, we still learn lessons from every project we take on.

When we restored Mike’s 356 Speedster a couple of years ago, we learned a few things that have stayed with us and that we have applied to every project since.

Measure, Measure, Measure

The most important thing we found was to measure frequently, almost obsessively. Especially when it comes to sheet metal pieces, it’s not uncommon to do many trial fitments to get the right fit. When it comes to the doors, it’s important to have all of the rubber pieces in place as well, so you know everything fits as it should. This is true for any kind of automotive restoration.

356s were produced in two different production facilities, so some parts might differ – that’s why measuring is so important with these models.

Have a Camera on Hand

Keep it in the shop and take pictures throughout the dismantling, so you have something to refer to when you come to put it all back together.

Keep a Parts Catalogue

Go through and take note of the parts you think you need, and if you don’t need them you can cross them off.

Set a Restoration Quality

Before you even start on your vintage Porsche restoration, decide whether you want your Porsche to be concourse, show or driver-quality.

Check out the video for more information about the restoration, see the process and the finished product!