Recommended Parts Vendors

The following are vendors who I have personally worked with and ordered from during the course of the restoration.

Stoddard Imported Cars

Stoddard Imported Cars is one of the original Porsche 356 parts suppliers. They have the broadest array of parts available. Their prices are not great but they aren't too far out of line that you would want to steer clear of them. You can shop around for better deals on more "common" parts. A catalog is available for $5, which will be refunded with your first purchase. They have recently added an on-line catalog and ordering.

Parts Obsolete

A very large collection of used parts complements reasonable prices on replacement and restoration parts. They have a good on-line photo gallery of "outlaw" (i.e. modified) 356 cars that they have rebuilt or participated in the creation of. Check them out!

Zims Autotechnik

Paging through some vary old issues of the 356 Registry I have from the 1970's and 1980's, I see that Zims has been in business for a long time, albeit under a different name. Zims has lots of Porsche parts, both for your 356 and other models. Good deals on maintenance parts, and some unique finds like the 356 C steering coupler repair kit. Al Zim regularly participates on 356talk answering people's questions, and seems to be a very nice guy. Try them!

eBay

Yes, eBay, the on-line auction house. Every day there are tons of new and used 356 parts available for your bidding pleasure. There are some real bargains to be found, and you should look. Just make sure if you are buying replacement parts you check the other suppliers mentioned first so you know you are really getting a "great deal." Sometimes people actually pay more for a part on eBay than they would pay getting the same part at a "fixed price" from someone else, especially if shipping costs are factored in.

Restoration Design

This is where I ordered my replacement floorpan, battery box, and other miscellaneous sheetmetal repair panels from. The fitting and quality of the replacement panels is pretty good, and the price is too. They are also very nice to talk to on the phone if you have questions! Some people have reported that they can at times be difficult to get a hold of though. Check them out if you need to do metal work.