Question on stripping a 356

[GSpreeman]

I am finally getting my car to a point where I can start the engine. From there I would like to get the brakes sorted out so I can at least drive it 1/4 mile to the Porsche guy to have him take a look at the rest of the mechanicals.

If that all works out I would like to have the old paint stripped, some bodywork done and then have it painted. How much should I look to spend to have someone strip the paint? How long does it take? (I think I have a guy who can use the spray booth where he works to paint it once it's ready).

[C. Clark]

I don't know about the cost but if you plan to strip it is highly recommended that the car be primed the same day, rust will set in overnight.
Chas.
356
912

[Zeke]

It took me 8 hours to do a 911. The many compound curves of a 356 won't help. But, that's just the beginning. I'd figure on a 100 hrs, or so, to do the rest prior to the painting.

Actually, the stripping is gratifying and fairly easy work. You really expose the history of the car when you do this. You really feel like it's yours.

[fhernand]

I just finished restoring a 356 for a client. It took me 10 hour to strip and another 20 hours to redo the bondo. A good number of this cars have heavy bondo. Of course, if you are the original owner, than you may be in luck. A charged $9,500. Her car is cherry.

[GSpreeman]

fhernand, was the $9,500 just for the strip, rebondo and paint? How bad was the car? Rust? Did you have to replace any parts? Single stage paint? Give me some details.

Thanks,

[fhernand]

I completely stripped that car of all hardware, windows, lights, etc. I stripped off about six different types of paints. The stripped took some of the bondo off but not all. The rest of the bondo I grinded. I refilled on the areas with Evercoat RAGE filler. The back half of the car was the worst. I used five gallons of bondo for the entire car (keep in mind that most of it is sanded off). I bead blasted all the jams. Prep the metal with two coats of PPG DPX 170 self-itching primer. I primed the entire car with PPG NCP 280 with three wet coats. I used a guide coat the next day and blocked the entire car with 220 grit. I primed again with another three wet coats and did my final blocking with 400 grit wet. I blocked twice because I painted black. The paint was Deltron CLV single stage. I color sanded the entire car with 1000 grit and buffed to a mirro finish. I used Mequire products. As for parts, I did replace the battery pan for this was rusted and her battery kept falling through. the door and window weatherstripping was replaced. Hope this helps.