Introduction of my '56...

[bene ben ben]

I thought it was about time to start doing some work on the '56. I have owned it for 8 years now i think... it was off the road for 2 years prior to me owning it.
Unfortunately it was kept outside in the great British weather under a cover for the first year, then apparently when the cover blew off it was left to the elements fully. in long grass too. nooooooooo!
But, its suprisingly good!
Only the heater channel bases are rotten (they have pretty much disappeared! the underseal was holding the metal in!).
The floor pans look to be orginial and are in great condition.
I have kept it dry in a garage since i got hold of it, only taking it out to take it for a spin around the block. It has been waiting patiently.

So here it is -

where i purchased it from -

on the way home -

The beautiful engine -

Interior -

I will get some photos of the underside and the nitty gritty as i start to slowly take it apart to asses the rust. The bottoms of the wings are pretty bad (due to the long grass probably).

It also came with some cool accesories like the rear sun blind, a 50's first aid kit, some bumper overriders and an external sun visor...
Now, my first question is this -

Does this look old enough to be an original accesory to anybody? I cant find any stamps or makers marks or the fitting kit (grrrrr).

cheers folks!

Oh, my second question is - where is the best place to buy good heater channel bases? bearing in mind i am in the UK, but obviously am willing to ship in for quality.
thanks!

[tisius]

Nice car with potential! I spot some nice accessoiries...
_________________
drive it like you just robbed the bank
you don't have to be crazy to be into VW's, but it sure helps!!
.... if it ain't dutch, it ain't much!

[bene ben ben]

cheers, i love it....
somebody definitely spent a bit of money on it at some point. which is nice.
thanks

[carnut63]

Looks terrific. I love the 3 mirrors!
_________________
Tyson

---> Mar 2 1955 Strato Silver Oval <---
---> July 1957 ragtop project <---
---> May 5 1966 Ghia <---
---> 1962 Ruby Red Deluxe (sold)

[volksartist]

Maybe not 100% original but that interior looks great! Nice find, and good luck

[64-67luke]

Nice looking oval you got there,

Are you on volkzone forum in the uk?

That interior looks nice! As for heater channel bottom plates, try hookys here in the uk. superb quality correct pressings, but if you need the whole heater channel, look no further than gerson's green panels.
I think you can get them from custom and commercial.

more pics please!

cheers
luke

[bene ben ben]

Cheers everybody...

Luke - I am on Volkszone but rarely go on there to be honest.

Somebody else had recommended the Hookys panels so i think thats what i will go for. The tops are in great condition, so would rather not replace them if i dont have to!
It looks to be completely repair free, no welder has touched it since it was built.

I will get some more pics soon... its tucked up nice cosey at the moment.
thanks

[64-67luke]

Nice dude,

Can't wait to see a few more pics, everyone loves to see un welded un crashed virgin cars!

There is a good show coming up for the real vintage stock buffers out there.

weekend of the 25th june
http://www.vintage-volkswagens-lavenham.co.uk/

should be a good shout. not sure if you were aware of it?

Cheers
Luke

[bene ben ben]

Cheers for that Luke...
I was aware of it but had a syncro meet the same weekend which is a shame (although i did have a great time).

I keep forgetting to get more pics... the garage is a bit of a mess at the moment and the 5 month old daughter keeps me from being in there, although sometimes she does enjoy joining me -

Did anybody have any thoughts regarding the external sun visor... Im not sure i like it but wanted to look into getting an original fitting kit if I could find one... any ideas?
Im not even sure its worth looking as i dont know if it is an original piece or an 80's throw away item.
thanks

[bene ben ben]

a few more pics....
Had it out and was moving it around the other day to try and get a bit more of an idea of what needs doing and to make some more space.

Definitely got some work to do....