The Spyder's web
- Thread starter type550
- Start date
Good to see another Lufter following this great site Brad. Looks like the 90 day club permit scheme is finally seeing the light of day. They reckon it is going to be approved in the next couple of months, just in time for Summer! That is every weekend driving which suits me fine
maxwedge
Active member
Very nice car and garage. The 550 Spyder is easily one of the best looking sports cars of all time. Definitely, it is on the short list of my personal favorites. Sadly I can't afford one on my current income, so I had to settle for an Alfa Spider instead.
Love the small garage. You have taken a small area and made it look bigger. Although the brick would have looked great cleaned, it's perfectly understandable why you painted it white. Keep us posted on the pics.
speedracer
Well-known member
Please check your private messages, I sent you one. Thanks.
Stuntmonkey
Well-known member
I'm assuming your an ex-pat kiwi living in Aus by the looks of the kiwi license plates on the wall?
HOTFR8
Banned
Heres on of those hidden places >
http://www.ranchodeluxe.com.au/
http://www.lifelounge.com/blogs/0de02e65/hotrods-and-coffee.aspx
http://www.ranchodeluxe.com.au/
http://www.lifelounge.com/blogs/0de02e65/hotrods-and-coffee.aspx
HOTFR8
Banned
Ben likes his Porsche and VW's as well as his Hot Rods. He recently helped me work out some sample lights from one of my suppliers to be Porsche
I've been to the opening of both of his workshops.
The white paint does make it a lot bigger. The problem with the current brickwork is that during a reno 10 years ago they had to do a lot of patchwork on the bricks. Even if I acid washed them all, it would still be very messy - the paint smooths it all out to start again
ct71rr
Well-known member
Your garage has a lot of character, I like it. I also like the vintage pictures you have and , of course, your car is awesome. You Porsche guys definitely have your @#$% together!!
My lucky day - the deal on ebay went bad on the wardrobe and was relisted yesterday - one email later and I pick it up on Sunday for $80 - bargain!
Just bought some 356 handles for 15 bucks which I will replace the boring knobs on the sliding doors with. I also bought 10 sheets of matt black vinyl which I will use to create a checker board pattern across the front!
Just bought some 356 handles for 15 bucks which I will replace the boring knobs on the sliding doors with. I also bought 10 sheets of matt black vinyl which I will use to create a checker board pattern across the front!
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I have collected 1:18 Porsches from a very early age which got to a point where I didn't even take them out of the boxes - like many things it became an obsession of collecting. Since the 550 I have only collected spyders which has lent itself more to the 1:43 scale. I reached a point where I only chose my favs out of the collection and offloaded the other 70 on ebay. They are all under glass - I got the table custom make to house them - I should have gone for a 12 seater to fit the full collection. There are not many cars that appreciate well over time, but scale models are definitely one of them! The funds have helped collecting other Porsche memorabilia.
The Michelin man was finished in about 2 hours. on the other wall I am doing the pegasus sign...
Once they set, I will sand them both back a bit to give them the vintage feel
What are you looking at doing for your front entrance??
Did you do it yet?
The more I look at the other threads on this forum, the more insignificant my reno seems Although I want my garage to look clean and practical, I also want it as a special place - the one room in the house which actually is my domain. My budget is not excessive in any way, around $2000 all up, which wouldn't even buy a panel door these days, so I have to be creative in every aspect of the build. My budget will include both new tile flooring and also converting my door to remote to get rid of the springs.
The Pegasus mural is on hold now that I have my new storage unit to convert which was an effort in itself to remove from the guy's house I bought it from - I swear it must have been built in the room where it was!
Yesterday was spent dismantling the existing racking to clear the space so I can paint first.
The old racking is going to be reconfigured to be the base of my new workbench at a better height for my tool chest to fit under. I found the wheels to it and refitted them. I will build a pegboard to fit the whole wall after I paint that side.
Although I want my garage to look clean and practical, I also want it as a special place - the one room in the house which actually is my domain. My budget is not excessive in any way, around $2000 all up, which wouldn't even buy a panel door these days, so I have to be creative in every aspect of the build. My budget will include both new tile flooring and also converting my door to remote to get rid of the springs.The Pegasus mural is on hold now that I have my new storage unit to convert which was an effort in itself to remove from the guy's house I bought it from - I swear it must have been built in the room where it was!
Yesterday was spent dismantling the existing racking to clear the space so I can paint first.
The old racking is going to be reconfigured to be the base of my new workbench at a better height for my tool chest to fit under. I found the wheels to it and refitted them. I will build a pegboard to fit the whole wall after I paint that side.
Got some time on the weekend to work on the storage cabinet. First I got some sheets of black vinyl and cut them into squares so I could create a checker pattern across the front of the doors - so much easier than painting!
My focus is the out of sight look thanks to Andres's amazing minimalistic design and it is not an easy task to achieve it in a one car garage as there is a lot that has to fit in such a small space.
As I have a few 'bulky' things that have to reside in the garage, like a spare timber outdoor table which we use 3-4 times a year for gatherings, I want them out of sight, but still accessible. I had a thought last night to make use of the space between the brick pillars on the side walls. As the cabinet will **** up to the pillars there will be a gap, but I didn't want it that I had to pull the table over the top of it. So, a set of swivel wheels underneath will allow me to pull it forward to get access and then push it back easily. I reinforced the base and fitted a set today
When standing upright, you can't even see them due to the plinth board at the front. I found some old melamine shelves from dismantalling a built in robe last year, which fitted perfectly converting the old hanging space into 5 sturdy shelves so I can put tubs and everything else. I also left a narrow section for long things.
I replaced the standard knob door handles with a set of interior Porsche 356 handles I got for a bargain off eBay.
Also a Porsche logo crest I have had for a while was fitted to one of the doors.
So fitting it all back together, it is ready to go into the garage. Unfortunately it will have to stay here for a bit longer until I paint the bricks behind the area where it is going to end up... another day!
My focus is the out of sight look thanks to Andres's amazing minimalistic design and it is not an easy task to achieve it in a one car garage as there is a lot that has to fit in such a small space.
As I have a few 'bulky' things that have to reside in the garage, like a spare timber outdoor table which we use 3-4 times a year for gatherings, I want them out of sight, but still accessible. I had a thought last night to make use of the space between the brick pillars on the side walls. As the cabinet will **** up to the pillars there will be a gap, but I didn't want it that I had to pull the table over the top of it. So, a set of swivel wheels underneath will allow me to pull it forward to get access and then push it back easily. I reinforced the base and fitted a set today
When standing upright, you can't even see them due to the plinth board at the front. I found some old melamine shelves from dismantalling a built in robe last year, which fitted perfectly converting the old hanging space into 5 sturdy shelves so I can put tubs and everything else. I also left a narrow section for long things.
I replaced the standard knob door handles with a set of interior Porsche 356 handles I got for a bargain off eBay.
Also a Porsche logo crest I have had for a while was fitted to one of the doors.
So fitting it all back together, it is ready to go into the garage. Unfortunately it will have to stay here for a bit longer until I paint the bricks behind the area where it is going to end up... another day!
Dennis Cavallino
Well-known member
Love this thread. I really like those details. It's good to see you also have a 1-car garage and enjoy it as much as I do mine. Although I don't have a Porsche anymore we have more in common. I'm a big fan of Carel Godin de Beaufort, a Dutch racing driver who drove 550's back in the days before he started racing his RS60's and 718's. www.carelgodindebeaufort.com is the tribute site I started with two friends. Hope you like it. Here's one of the pictures you will like:
http://www.carelgodindebeaufort.com/570622lemans.html
http://www.carelgodindebeaufort.com/570622lemans.html
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Mr Long Hood
Active member
That white cabinet is a great addition with your "embellishments". and really cool use of 356 handles - why have them wasting away on a shelf waiting to become valuable some day. Keep those creative ideas coming.
miggs
Member
WOW
Superb car loving the early porsche scene and good progress on your garage
One of my passions early porsches and vw's heres a pic of mine i restored a few years ago
Superb car loving the early porsche scene and good progress on your garage
One of my passions early porsches and vw's heres a pic of mine i restored a few years ago
ChrisMc45
Member
Great innovation! you are several kinds of artist, very nice concept with the blown-up Le Mans shots.
Maybe I could "skin over" my standard sectional roll-up doors, food for thought.
Maybe I could "skin over" my standard sectional roll-up doors, food for thought.
Love this thread. I really like those details. It's good to see you also have a 1-car garage and enjoy it as much as I do mine. Although I don't have a Porsche anymore we have more in common. I'm a big fan of Carel Godin de Beaufort, a Dutch racing driver who drove 550's back in the days before he started racing his RS60's and 718's. www.carelgodindebeaufort.com is the tribute site I started with two friends. Hope you like it. Here's one of the pictures you will like:
http://www.carelgodindebeaufort.com/570622lemans.html
Thanks Dennis - I have seen your site before and it is a little gem in finding the history of these cars and what makes them special. It is amazing when you go through your archives searching for something specific what you find - have you seen this rare colour shot of 550A-0132 at Lemans before? Did you know his car was called 'Lucybelle'??
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WOW
Superb car loving the early porsche scene and good progress on your garage
One of my passions early porsches and vw's heres a pic of mine i restored a few years ago
Another one of my favs are the early 911/912 chrome bumper Porsches - Porsche seems to get the shape right from the beginning (even the 968, 928 and 924s are starting to look good
) Love your rims - they make the car!
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I'm a 911 guy through and through -- but I'll admit there's nothing better looking than those 550 (and similar) models. Just beautiful.
Mine's a mess, in terms of authenticity. But it's exactly the 911 I wanted.
Mine's a mess, in terms of authenticity. But it's exactly the 911 I wanted.
Dennis Cavallino
Well-known member
Never seen that pic before, cool! Lucybelle is also new for me. Do you have more info about this 550?
Edit: I found your input here: http://www.spyderclub.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=125400
The name Lucybelle came from Ed's yacht. Always great to find out these kind of details. I'll add it to our archives. Tnx!
Edit: I found your input here: http://www.spyderclub.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=125400
The name Lucybelle came from Ed's yacht. Always great to find out these kind of details. I'll add it to our archives. Tnx!
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Unfortunately my knowledge of 550A spyders is not as good as the previous model RS550. Here is a bit of how I became obsessed...
Over 20 years ago at a Porsche concourse, I saw my first real RS550 spyder, which at that point I knew it was my destiny car. Porsche only build 90 spyders and this car is the only spyder in Australia - 550-0056
Most people relate the 550 spyder to the car that James Dean died in - his was number 550-0055 (one build before the blue one!) For such a connection, not many people know that he only owned the car for 9 days and was on his way to his first race in it when he crashed!
For me, once I started researching the car, I found the most famous race which showcased the 550 spyder was the 1955 LeMans. Porsche entered their 'werks' team which consisted of 6 spyders - 5 silver and one white one. I loved the look of the white one 550-0016
That was going to be the colour scheme of mine when I eventually got one. I was really disappointed when I finally found 550-0016 which was silver in colour and with a Porsche 356 engine
In the mean time I bought my spyder which happened to be white in colour (which is not common) and started to restore it. I based the whole look on 550-0016. There are still a lot of things that have to be done to it such as a new period engine, tonneau, and even change the colour of the rims to make it period correct, but it is good enough to take out at the moment
One day through my type550.com website, I got an email from a guy asking me for a copy of a historic photo I had, which he claimed was his Spyder - this was 550-0016 - the white spyder. We have become good friends and he has been an inspiration to 'correct' my spyder. He also went through the process of a full restoration this year, returning his spyder to the original 1955 look including a type 547 quad cam engine ($70,000 for a rebuild!)
So, my next stage is to create the home for it, hence the garage restoration. The changes to the car will shortly follow
thanks to everyone for inspiring me to make it special
Over 20 years ago at a Porsche concourse, I saw my first real RS550 spyder, which at that point I knew it was my destiny car. Porsche only build 90 spyders and this car is the only spyder in Australia - 550-0056
Most people relate the 550 spyder to the car that James Dean died in - his was number 550-0055 (one build before the blue one!) For such a connection, not many people know that he only owned the car for 9 days and was on his way to his first race in it when he crashed!
For me, once I started researching the car, I found the most famous race which showcased the 550 spyder was the 1955 LeMans. Porsche entered their 'werks' team which consisted of 6 spyders - 5 silver and one white one. I loved the look of the white one 550-0016
That was going to be the colour scheme of mine when I eventually got one. I was really disappointed when I finally found 550-0016 which was silver in colour and with a Porsche 356 engine
In the mean time I bought my spyder which happened to be white in colour (which is not common) and started to restore it. I based the whole look on 550-0016. There are still a lot of things that have to be done to it such as a new period engine, tonneau, and even change the colour of the rims to make it period correct, but it is good enough to take out at the moment
One day through my type550.com website, I got an email from a guy asking me for a copy of a historic photo I had, which he claimed was his Spyder - this was 550-0016 - the white spyder. We have become good friends and he has been an inspiration to 'correct' my spyder. He also went through the process of a full restoration this year, returning his spyder to the original 1955 look including a type 547 quad cam engine ($70,000 for a rebuild!)
So, my next stage is to create the home for it, hence the garage restoration. The changes to the car will shortly follow
thanks to everyone for inspiring me to make it special
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abstamaria
Well-known member
Perhaps Fuchs rather than cookie cutters? I get confused too. You're very lucky to have a 550, Type550.
Dennis Cavallino
Well-known member
Great story about your love for the 550 and your interest in the 550-016. I love the special livery as well. I know a blue 550 here in Holland, which is blue with yellow striping. A friend of mine placed the rollcage in it (for a race in the US) while he was also working on the cage in my BMW. This 550 is owned by a fashion company called State of Art (every shop has Porsche memorablia and vintage racing posters). It runs on events like the Le Mans Classics, Mille Miglia with Dutch racecar drivers (Gijs van Lennep and Jan Lammers), royal's and other famous people driving it.
Fuhrmann's 547 engines are quite expensive indeed. Dual overhead cams (=4 cams in total), twin-spark plugs & double ignition/distributers and dry-sump makes it quite a special engine to work on. Parts are rare and expensive. In the Netherlands was a guy called Karel Oudewortel who build, tune and rebuild these engines back in the 50's and 60's. Ben Pon and Carel Godin de Beaufort used his skills many times.
Fuhrmann's 547 engines are quite expensive indeed. Dual overhead cams (=4 cams in total), twin-spark plugs & double ignition/distributers and dry-sump makes it quite a special engine to work on. Parts are rare and expensive. In the Netherlands was a guy called Karel Oudewortel who build, tune and rebuild these engines back in the 50's and 60's. Ben Pon and Carel Godin de Beaufort used his skills many times.
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jktruck150
Well-known member
You have done wonderful things with the wardrobe and the organization of your small space. Great place. I really like the oversized screen prints! That sure does add some character in my opinion!
Thanks - hopefully I get the paint the wall on the weekend so I can put it in place and start to organise the contents. Then I can build my workbench at a usable height where my red roller drawers can fit under.
I am doing a deal with another spyder mate where I will get some flooring in exchange for some display work - I like these deals - win - win
This is the design I will be laying down...
Dennis Cavallino
Well-known member
Albert Westernan is doing a great job. His brand is quite popular and he sponsors the Mille Miglia. So it'll grow aboard as well. Besides the spyders he owns a lot of 356's and early 911's.
I like the floor.
I like the floor.
rockchucker
Well-known member
A+++ Thread man! Beautiful job on the Cars and Shop. I like your style.
Bellicose
Well-known member
How many miles on it now mate? Was 'bout 10,000 when it left NZ.
Is this car MCRAE RA-003?
cheeRS
Is this car MCRAE RA-003?
cheeRS