356 World

Internet Resources for 356-Enthusiasts

by Glenn Hill

Although it was designed long before the advent of the Personal Computer (PC), the Porsche 356 can now benefit greatly from this technology.  Of course, many enthusiasts enjoy playing with their 356’s simply because the cars are so anachronistic, and they provide a wonderful escape back to a time when mechanical devices worked just fine without a computer chip in them!  However, in the 356-world, knowledge is power, and ignorance can be very expensive.  For any modern-day bathtub owner, the Internet has become just as valuable a tool as your favorite set of screwdrivers.             

Unfortunately, many of the great mechanics that really understood these cars have long since retired or moved on to that great Autobahn in the sky. Also, parts for your air-cooled German masterpiece are rarely available locally, and even finding a good car to buy can be a challenge.  However, even with all that being true, it is now possible to get your 356 questions answered using information on the Web.

            Remarkably, many people still haven’t bothered to hook up to the Internet.  If you would like to, but don’t know how, many communities now offer introductory computer classes so you don’t need to feel like a dummy!  There are books at the local library that discuss PC ownership and use of the Internet.  Also, if you’re on a budget, a suitable used computer can be picked up for very little money.  You do not need the latest-and-greatest high-powered PC to surf the Internet!  A glance at the local classifieds will often reveal a surplus of older models that would work just fine for under $300.  Anything with a processor speed of 350Mhz or greater and with hard drive space of at least 4GB will continue to serve admirably for years in this application.  Contact your local PC-repair specialist for more specific questions.

            So, where should you look on the Internet?  Open a “search engine” such as www.yahoo.com or www.google.com, and type in “Porsche 356” (or similar).  Also, below is a list of some sites that I find particularly interesting and useful.  So welcome to the Information Autobahn!  Happy Motoring!

A few 356-Related Websites:

www.pca.org...Here’s the national Porsche Club of America website.  Info about member services, event schedules, forums, special-interest groups, points-of-contact, and much more!

www.pelicanparts.com/index.htm...Pelican Parts offers parts, technical support articles, and wonderful exploded-view drawings of 356 subassemblies.

www.ebay.com...E-bay is an internet auction house.  Type in “Porsche 356” in the search window and start shopping!  E-bay provides instructions on how to get started.  All I can say about this is if you can’t find something on E-bay, it was never made!

www.356registry.org...The website for the 356 Registry.  If you own a 356, you might want to consider joining.  This is a great organization!

www.hcpresearch.com...Harry Pellow is called “The Maestro” of 356 engines.  Here’s his website.  His writing is not for the faint of heart, but logon for yourself and see why he‘s known as The Maestro.

www.foreignintrigue.com...Wow! A Maine-owned Porsche parts supplier!  Mike Grishman runs Foreign Intrigue and his shop is a great source for parts and information.

Glenn

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