'67 SWT Originality Questions

[jaudette3]

Given the rarity of '67 Soft Window Targas (718 produced, 235 Normals & 483 S's), I've been stricken with same originality virus that I was inflicted with when I restored my '60 356 Super 90 Roadster. So my goal with my '67 Normal SWT is have it as original as possible. And it's currently pretty original:

o All matching numbers: engine, transmission, panels.

o It's been repainted but in original color of Crystal Blue - still some original paint on car, such as door jambs.

o Equipped per Certificate of Authenticy

When I restored my Roadster I was able to get expert and informed input from a good friend and Porsche mentor here in Bend who has owned 356's all of his life and owns a highly original Roadster. I can't lean on him this time, but I know there are many on this list who can answer these questions regarding originality.

Headlights
Did all U.S. '67's come with sealed beam headlights with the sugar scoops? And did European models come with H4's standard? Were H1's an option and if not, were they a period correct after-market accesssory? I have a NOS set of H1's that I would like to install, but not if that stretches originality.

Heat Exchangers
I need to replace the heat exchangers and would love to use SSI's as they are the gold standard. I do have a set of original ones in pretty good condition and wonder if it would be preferable to use those for the sake of originality?

Seats
I have the original vinyl seats and if I use those I would prefer to recover them in leather which seems to be acceptable to most orginality freaks (myself included). I also have a pair of '67 sport seats that, while they were not on the CoA, seem desirable to me. Better to conform to the CoA or to use S upgrades that were available at the time?

Wheels
The car came originally with steelies. I have a set of 4.5" Fuchs that I would prefer to install. Same question as with the seats - stay with the CoA or use S options?

Trim
I have a nice set of S trim - same reasoning as with seats and wheels.

I know the bottom line is to do whatever I like. But these rare cars that are sure to become true collectibles which makes originality important, in shows and in maximizing value - and just out of respect.

Thanks for your input!

Cheers,
JohnA

[sithot]

John:
Everyone has an opinion. In the end you have to live with it. Here's 3.5 cents worth of advice.

Headlights
I happen to like the "glass over the bulb" style. Jags had it and '67 was the last year it was legal. They all came off the boat this way. H1's are neat but I don't care about light since I don't drive the car at night anyway.

Heat Exchangers
Original '67 boxes should be relegated to hanging on the wall. They choke the engine. John Daniels still makes the best aftermarket exhaust there is. SSI.

Seats
Leather is over-rated imho. Why spend money you'll never recover (no pun intended) Vinyl is easier to maintain, especially in an open car.

Wheels
My car has all 5 original chrome steel wheels. They are about to go back on it once I sort out a few other items (like tires). I too have 5 perfect (Weidman) 4.5's with correct Michelin rubber on them. Only one was mocked up on the car before I put them in storage. Right now it's riding on 2 deep sixes up front and 2 7R's in back. It looks good and handles nicely but it also looks like everyone else's R Gruppe car.
Use the steel wheels with some good rubber like the Avon CR6ZZ.

Trim
Flip a coin. Use what is in the best shape.

[John Straub]

Hi John,

Hey, do you plan on showing at Parades or other shows. Parades are into originality. Other shows...not as much, because the judges may not know that model as well as others.

The CoA is used in the Preservation Class at Parades, not really in the Restoration Class. With a re-paint, Restoration is the class you would be in.

Hope this helps,

John

[jaudette3]

I happen to like the "glass over the bulb" style. Jags had it and '67 was the last year it was legal. They all came off the boat this way. H1's are neat but I don't care about light since I don't drive the car at night anyway.

Please excuse my ignorance, but by "glass over the bulb", do you mean H4's?

Thanks,
John

[Soterik]

Please excuse my ignorance, but by "glass over the bulb", do you mean H4's?

Thanks,
John

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ght=headlights

[jaudette3]

Oh - looks an awful lot like 356 headlights.

- ja

[66S]

One thing about stainless heater boxes is a pronounced ticking noise as they contract after shutting off the motor. That can be a little annoying to some people. Sugar scoop headlights appeared in 68. Any part that bolts on or slides in like seats and wheels can be changed at any time so why not dress it as you like? I LOVED that "Buy this magazine or the dog gets it" Lampoon cover!

[sithot]

One thing about stainless heater boxes is a pronounced ticking noise as they contract after shutting off the motor. That can be a little annoying to some people.

I haven't met any of them.

Tom

[EARLY911ZOO]

'67 Soft Window Targas (718 produced, 235 Normals & 483 S's)


actually the new count for the 67S SWT is 360.
there is a thread on this here on the S reg, from an actual count of factory docs.

[sithot]

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ght=headlights

E Type "Jag-U-AHH-ish".

Pretty imho and unique. No more after '67.

Tom