Porsche 356 Factory Workshop Manuals

[derwhite]

Some of you know that I collect Porsche sales literature and you may have seen my ads for Exploded-View Part Diagrams. You've seen part
of my collection if you have explored this
web site. More is coming of 356, 911/912, and
914 stuff. Stay tuned!!

I also have Porsche 356 workshop manuals available. Since I've been on the internet, I've gotten a lot of emails and phone calls inquiring about these materials. Some people, perhaps new to the hobby, are unfamiliar with
what's included in a factory workshop manual, so here's a detailed description of the 356 factory workshop manuals.

Porsche published its first regular workshop manual in 1954 for the Pre-A Porsches. This
manual totals a little over 250 pages. I'm not aware that Porsche ever published any supplements to the Pre-A WSM. The next manual published was the 356-A WSM in 1956 with a little over 500 pages. By the way, a WSM usually covers all the models produced(coupe, cabriolet, speedster, etc), but not the race cars. Regular WSM's do not include the
Carrera 356's, although the Parts Books do, but that's another posting. In 1958, Porsche did publish a supplement to the 356-A WSM which covers changes to the engine, the addition of Zenith 32 NDIX carburetors, the
"reinforced" overrider bumpers (US Version), and changes for the Convertible D (superficially, a Speedster with a more substantial windshield & top, roll-up windows, and "bigger" seats).

The next WSM was published in 1960 for the introduction of the Porsche 356-B T-5 1600 &
1600-S. This compendium ballooned to over 600 pages, and again covered all models (now
coupe, cabriolet, and roadster). A separate "supplements" binder was also published into
which various supplements for the 356-B T-5, T-6 and C models were deposited. The so called "B/C" supplements total over 250 additional pages. Later, the combined B/C WSM
was published, combining the basic "B" manual of 1960 with all the laterm supplements into
a 4+ inch thick ring binder totaling in excess of 850 pages.

Some additional details. There are various versions of these manuals. Some have plain
maroon covers, while others have "tool graphics" on the cover in Blue (A)and yellow (B). Some manuals have course poor quality paper, others have slick high quality paper. Of the plain maroon covers, some have "Porsche" printed on the cover, while others have "Porsche" embossed on the cover.

Now to the guts of these WSM's. All are divided into the following sections: Engine; Fuel System; Steering Gear & Front Axle; Rear Axle & Transmission; Wheel Alignment; Brakes
Wheels & Tires; Body; Electrical System; Maintenance; Data & Specifications; and
Accessories. Pretty comprehensive!

Within each section are photos, line drawings, written descriptions, charts,
tables, diagrams, foldouts, performance charts, and step-by-step how-to's on about everything you can think of. In addition, many sections include a separate "Summary of Tolerances & Wear Limits" as well as a description of "Special Tools" needed for the various procedures described.

In a word, these WSM's are the last word and the most complete word from "the source"! One can argue about specifics, but this is the word of Porsche for 356's!

At a later date.............a continuation of what hopefully will be a series of articles on Porsche 356 technical information: Factory Parts Books, Owner's Manuals, Service Bulletins, Special Racing Bulletins, Wiring
Diagrams, and Showroom Sales Brochures. Thanks for reading!

Charlie White
Phoenix, Arizona