Chesil 356 - basket case or repairable?

[marc777]

Not to everyone's taste but I am bidding on this cos i've always liked them and am looking for a summer car. It needs loads doing which is not a problem, but my ONLY concern is the hole in the bodytub.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4606818062&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEBI:IT&rd=1

The chesil is fibreglass and i wonder whether the malicious damage has ruined the integrity of the tub.

Any thoughts anyone?

By the way a new Tub, engine and rolling chassis from www.chesil.co.uk is around £12k - and perhaps thats the way to go ultimately.

Marc

 

[Plodd]

This quote concerns me somewhat.

I have a V5C for a 1968 VW Beatle 1500cc (F reg) in my name which I will sell with the car.

Does that mean he will give you the V5 to use the reg number of the engine? Or is he supplying the engine too?
I thought the registration number went with chassis not engine.

 

[bolide]

Chesil

Before seeing the eBay ad I was tempted to say "Why restore a replica?" - but on seeing the photo the old 356 mania came back...

If you've got the facilities to do it, why not? The tub has very little integrity as such - it's fibreglass, and so easily repairable, but it doesn't have much strength unless there are hidden bonded-in strengtheners

The only thing that would worry me is that there is bound to be more damage than is visible. Was there an insurance payout and is it recorded as damaged or a write-off?

Final caveat is that home builders are inevitably shocking bodgers. You might be opening a real can of worms and the car might ned a complete rebuild. Assuming it does, is it still viable? If so, you know what to do...

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[marc777]

The tub has very little integrity as such - it's fibreglass, and so easily repairable, but it doesn't have much strength unless there are hidden bonded-in strengtheners

This is what I was worried about the most.

I would get all the work done done professionally - much as i'd like to, I simply don't have the time or facilities.

I was thinking £3k to the bodyshop, and £2k to the local mechanic for new brakes etc and £1,500 to finish the interior and get a hood and screens. £6-£7 plus cost of car.

The cheapest second hand car i've seen is £14k. And nice ones are £23k.

 

[imadoofus]

That's the thing. Chesils are quality, and to do it justice, a rebuild would be £7k and upwards.

There are other 356 kit makers out there, such as 356 Sports (although that's front-engined and skoda based )
Pilgrim (well regarded, and reasonably priced)
Martin & Walker (which will prolly cost as much as a Chesil)
Classic Roadsters (dunno owt about 'em)
and you may be safer buying one of these and starting from scratch. At least in that case you'd have a good idea of the work and costs involved before you start

PJ

 

[Dieselman]

I would be concerned as to whether it's status is a recorded write off, if so you need to know the catagory as A and B cannot go back on the road so will not gain a V5.

As the owner is supplyinig a V5 the car will have to have an SVA test and the engine number could be a problem, but probably won't. Testers can be incredibly lax.

 

[marc777]

I would be concerned as to whether it's status is a recorded write off, if so you need to know the catagory as A and B cannot go back on the road so will not gain a V5.

Very good point thank you. I'll make enquiries. The seller is very helpful.

Marc

 

[esox]

Chesil?

I was there yesterday.......................

 

[Dieselman]

I was there yesterday.......................

I hope you didn't leave your keys in the bike and unattended, they had a prisoner (or two) escpe from Portland prison the other day.