The Gearbox! | Barn-Find Porsche 356 Restoration | Episode 6

It's a new year, and we're getting back to the Porsche 356 restoration! Jon has come to the workshop to give me a hand, where we discover even more remnants of its days living in a barn...
This Porsche is a huge restoration project, but as far as classic cars go, it's my all-time dream car. I've always loved air-cooled VWs and Porsches, and I can't wait to drive it!
Thanks for watching! If you're enjoying my journey, please subscribe for free! You'll receive notifications when I upload a new video - every Sunday at 5pm (GMT)!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINKS:
www.dominicchinea.com
Dom's Instagram: / dominicchinea
Ranalah Ltd's Instagram: / ranalahltd​​
Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@richardnyberg6337]

I’m following along your restoration. I’m a bit behind you with my 62 T6 356. I’m easily as rusty as you are. I’ve finished my other restorations (62VW single cab and several vintage scooters). Thanks for the motivation. Winter is coming in Canada so I hope to hit the 356 hard. Cheers.

[@brianthoresen8475]

Dom, I am absolutely loving this project. John is a great addition to the project, and I think I will adopt one of his sayings he said at one of the scrap parts…..”That’s got some patina on it….” You guys are killing it!

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks!! I’m glad to have jons help, he knows his stuff

[@sanjaypatel1401]

😊

[@markfisher8206]

Great looking forward to the rest. Zippo lighters come with a lifetime guarantee ship it back and they will clean it up swap out the insides and ship it back to you.

[@merbesfield]

Dom, you might want to consider upgrading your steering box to the ZF box over the VW box. World of improvement in the feeling and response.

[@ianhardin1148]

One of the thing that stinks about finally catching up with these videos is having to wait for a new one. I'm absolutely in awe of the enthusiasm and work you do. I would really love to find someone like you here in the Kansas City, MO area where I could learn the fabrication techniques. I farted around too much in my life hoping and wishing and now that I'm a father I want to have something to share and pass on with my son.

[@endeavour356]

I couldn't have worked on my 1957 356A without a full factory parts catalogue. I sold the car some time ago but I have kept the parts catalogue.

[@singlecab7142]

I believe the hand throttle was used due to lack of a manual choke on the carbs. You could pull it out to slightly increase the rpm at idle when it was cold and would stop the engine from dying. Great video, very interested in your project 👍

[@tomfeller6707]

That is exactly correct. This was common before carbs had fast idle cams.

[@gldstone]

indeed. My Fiat 500 and even my '83 Alfetta have hand throttles for warm up. Both of which have chokes too. Quite useful

[@Ragnar8504]

@@gldstone According to my brother even a fuel-injected 1992 Fiat Panda has a hand throttle for that very purpose. I was quite surprised to hear that!

[@tomfeller6707]

To add to the list, the first generation of the CIS injected 911 had a hand throttle next to the hand brake.

[@secoff1]

I run twin Dellortos on my '67 Beetle and wish I had this feature. Instead you have to keep foot on pedal at about 1500 rpm until idles on it's own.

[@grahamwest1079]

Good effort John and Dom

[@pilotdavo]

As someone who is doing light restoration on a 1967 Alfa Romeo Sprint GT Veloce this project makes me feel so much better about the challenges I'm facing which appear insignificant when compared to this. Well done. Can't wait to see it done.

[@andrewlisenby9693]

The 1951 Chevrolet pickup had a throttle cable which did work similarly to the modern cruise control. When you pulled out the knob on the dash, it pulled on a throttle cable connected to the carburetor, keeping the set speed until you manually pushed the knob back in.

[@chrisbanks5925]

Great episode Dom . . . you can use the refurbished Zippo to light up a big congratulatory cigar, when you're cruising down the road in your fully restored Porsche.

[@maverick4177]

The Zippo find is very cool, that’s a really early one with that type of font on the bottom, you can look up online the number codes stamped to get the year also 👍🏻 Surely you must need to actually call the car Zippo now 😃👌🏻😎👍🏻

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Good progress gentlemen, well done...

[@stevehaynes2857]

Incredible - so much work, but what a valued treasure once it is completed.

[@magpie6648]

Send the lighter to Zippo and they will refurbish it for free.. mines been back to them twice now.. and yes you will get your original outer case back fully working with new internals, plus they'll send you back the old internal part.. Zippo are true to their word, a life time free service (apart from the postage you pay to send it) .. good luck with the 'original' porshe.. looks cool.. well done lads, good stuff.😊😉

[@thetree7777]

If you still are looking for a spot welder. Here in the states Harbor Freight has a nice one that will work on household current. They weld anything as long as all sides are clean and free of paint (though weld through primer is OK). 6 seconds per weld works in most cases. Just be sure to purchase extra points and keep those on the unit sharpened as new. I have had great success on an MGA project with it. Another thing even with aluminum , on seams spray on some 3M inner panel wax. before crimping. It makes thing slippery but will almost eliminate the metal corroding. Even aluminum will corrode but that stuff never hardens and have used it on a first gen mustang which now has over 600K. Anxious to see your continued work on the 356. Had a 356 with a super 90 years ago and is great to see more restored. Well back to the MGA. Have the body and chassis work done now completing the conversion to neg ground. Hope to get it on the road this summer the question is what to paint it. Another thing with the 356 gear box. No matter what you do make sure it has new syncros.

[@jonno7910]

Hi, Dom to say I’m really enjoying your Tv programme. Well done 😊

[@DominicChineas]

I really appreciate that, thank you

[@richardfearn6638]

Great video, thanks for signing your book at Bicester Heritage on Sunday 👍

[@clickireland1113]

Guys honestly you know the power of a cup of tea. So if you expand that to an overnight soak of penetrating DW20 this gearbox dissassenby wouldn't know what day it was let alone 1957. Really like the unedited long videos there'is nothing like sitting with a brew/beer in clean clothes with aching arms watching fellow souls try at what you have tried. Love when I can hardly lift a carton of milk after a day in the shed. Class stuff. Thanks.

[@brianwestmoreland9852]

Cut that tunnel out, fix on the bench, makes clean out easier...I've been there 10 times...then reinstall at floor pan time!! Love this project, wrapping up one job now, then my 356 is next!!

[@highpath4776]

does it need a fixed bed to stop the whole thing moving about ?

[@brianwestmoreland9852]

@@highpath4776 Yes, with that fixture table the have, which is great to have, it shouldn't be that hard, brace it here and there. Longitudinals are shot, but may have enough left to keep it stable.

[@michelmendoza1769]

Sim you must be a good bloke to merit a friend like John!

[@michelmendoza1769]

When was the last time either of you were clean shaven?

[@KensingtonRealtyLLC]

Keep up the great work! Bring on 2023 with more Porsche videos!

[@DominicChineas]

There’s plenty more on the way!! I’m cutting it up as I type this!

[@besenzon1]

@@DominicChineas The inner wings don't look too bad ?

[@gmmooseblaster]

Superb video. What a legend John is. Can't wait for the next one.

[@moneymarty1]

Alrightalrightalrightalright!!! It's official...y'all are cray! I'm 65 years old, and I vow to live till you get this project done! I'm going to be quite aged though.

[@rowancrafts]

Fantastic, brings back so many memories. Working on cars that didn't need a degree in computer and electronics. The friends, humour, pain of skinned knuckles, cold and wet dark nights. Taking the head and block to Ron Jepson who was a "presision engineer" working in an old terrace house. My earliest memories are as a 19 year old lapping valves on my uncles A35 van. Keep it up, your making an old man very happy.

[@boydsargeant7496]

Great vid, big thanks John!

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you,

[@johnl2216]

A great episode Dom and a fantastic record. One day, you will be driving it down the road with a big grin and it will be hard to remember just how bad it was.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

This has to be one of the most ambitious restoration projects on KZbin ,I mean it's celebration worthy when there's a patch that's not rusted out found . Some commitment.

[@ogmaker]

Tearing it down is the EASY part. The heavy lifting will start when you have to remake much of it and then fit the bits back together... A great watch. Thanks for sharing it.

[@michelmendoza1769]

John is a trooper! The kind of friend that only happens once ya lifetime if you’re extremely lucky.

[@willgrime]

The “cruise control” is probably a warm-up device, allowing you to start on the choke, then sit with engine at a somewhat higher tick over to warm it through before moving off. At least, that’s what they were used for on Alfas.

[@DominicChineas]

I think your right, I’ll definitely be trying to use it as cruise control though haha

[@CrustyLees_engineeringish]

The zippo script is from 1956 to 1979 quite a nice little find

[@michelmendoza1769]

It’s terrific to see you working on the mechanical as opposed to the structural all of the time

[@davidrowley2]

Hey Dom, I love this episode, you're a brave man. I'm also loving "Make it at Market" on the BBC, you're on a roll!

[@paulzuchowski4213]

Your transmission is a dual mount 716 transmission which was used on the 356As (1956-1958) so it indeed could be original to your car. It is probably worth your time to invest in a Kardex for your car which (might) tell you things like the original transmission and engine numbers as well as exterior color, interior color and even key codes for ignition and door locks.

[@DominicChineas]

Do you know how I would go about getting the kardex? Thank you!

[@paulzuchowski4213]

@@DominicChineas I should be able to help you out. I don't want to put somebody else's email address out in the public, but if you send me an email at "first name" S "last name" @ gmail . com I can get you the details.

[@thomaspollock4274]

Congratulations on more progress! With Jon's experience and your enthusiasm it should make for good momentum. Always satisfying to remove parts down to the shell. Onward!

[@GrahamWP58]

Dom what a project this is going to be, great to see you and John stripping it down even further. This looks like it's going to be a labour of love. Good luck to you both.

[@eddyd8745]

It's just like the 401 in Rebuild Rescue! Well done Dom and John, that was an enjoyable episode.

[@darwinsfish]

Boys and their toys! Absolutely amazing to me the in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for all things mechanical. It’s blokish and brilliant.

[@johndavey72]

Hi Dominic . Well John is certainly a Godsend ! Must say that compared to the "Car SOS " example yours is immaculate !!! In an earlier video you were asking about a spot welder . I have a superb "Multi spot 80 " it really is exactly what you need ....but ! It is 3 phase . If your still looking l'm not asking for silly money . Regards John

[@DominicChineas]

Is that made by elektron? That is just what I need! Would you mind emailing me? [e-mail]

[@johndavey72]

@@DominicChineas Hi Dominic . Hopefully you received my message (s) l' m not au fait with g.mail so may have "cocked up " ! I can assure you the spot welder is yours , regardless ! I think (hope) you have my phone number . Cheers !

[@DominicChineas]

Hi, I haven’t Recieved an email yet! How are you on Instagram? Dominic chinea on there?!

[@DominicChineas]

Gmail.com not g.mail maybe that’s why they are not getting through?

[@everestyeti]

I used to own a Skoda Roomster, 1.9TDI surprisingly quick, all the parts were a mixture of VW, Audi and Skoda. I've now got a Yeti 4x4 and again it's got mostly VW and Audi parts, the four wheel driving system is an Audi Quattro Unit, it's brilliant on curves and bends. At this stage I'm thinking that it would be faster for Dom to build a Porsche from scratch.

[@bobt3374]

Hi Dom & John looks like you realy enjoyed that trip into past parts. What you need now Dom is a fork truck so you can use the top rack without a problem. Take care.

[@DominicChineas]

I’d be able to move ranalahs around a lot easier aswell!! I just don’t have the space

[@moonstarer55]

Great to see you guys getting stuck into the Porsche Project. Well done. Congrats on your show on the telly box giving hints and tips to up coming craftspeople…..a great watch.

[@likeakite]

Your mate John is a bloody diamond

[@pauljarvis7259]

Congratulations to the guys on this truly massive project. When I first caught wind of it I thought Dom was crazy - that no one would attempt a restoration of a car this far gone, or would likely abandon the project once they realised how bad it was. I live in the Toronto area and there is a fellow on Kijiji Marketplace who has a half-dozen or so 356 cars for sale in various levels of completeness and decay. Anyone interested in emulating Dom should check the cars out!

[@michelmendoza1769]

John you are True Blue and steadfast Looking back I don’t think I ever had a friend of your quality

[@michelmendoza1769]

I m old and gray 65 now I am actually older than the car yard restoring

[@russelblackwell6041]

Everyone needs a John what a guy comes around for a coffee a cookie shares his wealth of knowledge with youtubers what a great project him helping you out probably gets him out of the house too to have a few jokes too keep up the great work guys

[@leslieaustin151]

This is going to be a LOT of work, I wish you all joy with it! And I’m looking forward to seeing it running, and even, perhaps, Hill-climbing? Get your Competition Licence sorted Dom!! Les

[@richardnyberg6337]

Nice to see you moving ahead. I have my 1962 356 waiting and I’m a bit behind you on progress. I look forward to watching how you get on with it. I’m Nearly as rusted as you are.

[@more.power.]

Thanks Dom and John you guys are a great team. There is a load of work to do on your car project, we are going to see much more of you two.

[@michelmendoza1769]

John approaches all his tasks with a smile and infinite patience

[@DominicChineas]

He is a legend!

[@inhand07]

Finaly Dom! So excited to see this come together... Just don't be another Binky! Please!

[@DominicChineas]

What happened to binky?!

[@inhand07]

@@DominicChineas Really? If you look up Project Binky @ Bad Obsession Motorsport here on YT, these two guys have been modifying and (mostly rebuilding) an old mini but it's been about 7 years in the making and it's still not finished... I'm just hoping your plan is to get stuck into the Porsche... Cheers mate!

[@vickiesandover5738]

Happy New Year, Dom. Catching up with the videos. Can't wait to see the final results.

[@tractormon3212]

It’s great to watch your 356 videos. I’m restoring a 1965 356SC and whilst your car is older than mine, it’s very similar, rust, rust and more rust!!!

[@markanderson9008]

Fascinating stuff, please keep it coming.

[@chrisjackson9978]

Had a good laugh at John's comments about the Zippo lighter. Loving the project Dom.

[@landonmarx4753]

Glad to see this project back at the top of the list!! It will be amazing when done. Look forward to seeing you begin to put new sheet metal back on it as you rebuild it!!

[@DominicChineas]

I really can’t wait to actually start putting new metal in, it will be slow but that will be a big day!

[@PENDOWER100]

Well done on starting your mammoth restoration. In reality the car will need a lot of new metal which is absolutely fine and I am sure Geoff at MPH will be a great help (living in Cornwall I have seen his work first hand and he is exceptionally talented) but having restored many cars myself I would personally convert it to RHD as it will make driving in the UK a bit easier especially down country roads as you will be sitting very low in the 356. Good luck anyway will keep watching :) David

[@judithbarnett2966]

Jon is such a super star. "One more part for the bin ... bucket!" 😂 Onwards and upwards! Good luck!

[@limjamrace]

Great fun to be involved in..This is the easy bit taking bits apart .

[@markdaugherty6378]

What a great accomplishment this will be. Looking forward to the upcoming episodes.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you! They get better and better!

[@ian_morg]

Fab progress, it seems a lot of things were preserved by all the muck 😂😂

[@lancemillward1912]

Rastafatian mechanics are the best

[@DominicChineas]

I totally agree!

[@clickireland1113]

Welcome back Dom good to see the new video, May you never loose a spanner Or grease hand into glove Escape every danger And with your art stay deep in love

[@macbilling6410]

Don, I've been looking forward to this. I enjoyed every minuet of it. BRILLIANT

[@markallchorn2438]

Great project Dom, just doing a 1957 Austin A35 at the moment, fortunately it was on the road 2yrs ago so it's more of a re commission job. That's a huge restoration, looking forward to seeing it happen. Have fun 👍

[@tedsealey5923]

throw nothing away, no matter how dead, matching numbers are gold. Most of the parts that need replacing are cheap as chips, stoddards Porsche US and NLA are the go to place for new parts, everything needed you will find, I know, I've got a 58 and another in parts

[@timdunn2387]

60 Series Toyota Landcruiser TD had a hand throttle on the dash to the right of the steering column (in RHD Australia). It came in very handy climbing steep rocky inclines in 4WD Low 1, because you could brace your hand against the dash, avoiding the snatching at the accelerator you would get trying to feather your foot pressure.

[@raydriver7300]

Brilliant video and it takes me back to my first car, a 1960 fiat 500 which also sported a hand throttle. 🌞

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you Dom for the update. I may be wrong but I believe the lighter is from 1964. Anyway thanks and looking forward to this fun project.

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

I don’t think you have to replace the sheet metal that has all the holes in it. If the general section is solid you can rust treat it and then spot weld the holes. This will allow you to keep larger sections of the body. Check out Mike FN garage. He does a good job and also the Swedish couple. They do another approach with saving as much of the original metal as possible

[@howardjones725]

Hi Dom, all Zippo lighters have a date code on the bottom. This might give you an idea of how long the lighter has been there.

[@nyqer6636]

OMG, you must be so glad to be getting started again. Thanks the lord for John. Encyclopaedia on legs Nice vid again Dom

[@tonycoughlin911]

Wonderful Dom!

[@paulg3336]

5:17 applying lubricant is just pissing against the wind. The parts are bonded by aluminium oxide cementation. Applying oil merely leaves you with oily aluminium oxide cement and has no effect on whether the cement cracks or not. 6:02 you can see here that the lubricant did not even penetrate the joint The best process to use is differential heating.

[@chrischallis4240]

Loving this, Dom..keep it going !

[@paulm.8554]

Great to see the dynamic duo back in action! You guys are great fun together. Looking forward to more of this entertaining and informative content. Happy New Year!

[@DominicChineas]

It’s always great having Jon in the workshop!

[@patrickhostler5939]

Huge amount of progress today!!!❤

[@DominicChineas]

There is a lot more to come next week! Thank you

[@jimreilly9179]

Cruise control - my 57 Triumph TR2/3 had the same feature.

[@stevewebster5219]

Apparently Zippo lighters are guaranteed for life. Send it back to them and it will be repaired. Love to see you put this to the test.

[@endoxr4]

A restoration on the Porsche zippo be good to see.

[@josephgorman1275]

Most cars had hand throttles until automatic chokes were introduced in the mid 50s. They were used in warm up. I never heard of anyone using it for cruise control. Never heard that anyone ever even thought of it. I think it was considered very dangerous to do that.

[@willgrime]

Re starter motor, and anything else fitted with a a flange: Undo the fasteners, soak it in penetrating oil, and LEAVE IT FOR 24hrs - then start hammering it off. Penetrating oil will soak in and break any seal, soften old gaskets, etc. 50/50 Acetone and ATF makes a great penetrant. Spray manifolds, carburettors, water pumps (yes, I know, air cooled) and the like NOW so they’re ready when you get round to them.

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Brilliant video, John's knowledge is truly priceless, and you both are a great team together. I love the slo-mo close up bits!

[@TheCreativeWill]

Zippos are made in Pennsylvania, so it was/is somewhat local to the barn find area.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

Great to see it all back to a bare shell, next week, paint!😉

[@KyushaStyleTuning]

Excellent video. The Zippo was an nice little find. 👍

[@markhowlett8070]

Outstanding gentleman

[@shaunferguson8782]

You have got yourself a mammoth task there but boy is it going to be fun watching you bring this beauty back to life.

[@DominicChineas]

I’ll make sure I film every step of the way! Thanks for coming along with me

[@thomasweatherford5125]

Outstanding stuff Dom!!! If you clean that zippo up - they have little rebuild kits online for super cheap and I’m sure it’ll work again.

[@PhilG0BVD]

Brilliant work guys, another enjoyable watch.

[@besenzon1]

Well that was definitely worth the wait. Great to see you two at work. Honest Jon is brilliant. The zippo lighter was a great find. Discovering the history is the best part of a restoration. Is the gearbox original ? Is that a St Christopher plaque on the dash.? Have a look at Mike Fn garage's videos. He is restoring a 55 Beetle at the moment so similar. Very informative videos. Mike knows his stuff. Good luck !!! P. S. Love your new show and reading your Tools book.

[@michaelknox6181]

Nice work Dom, I would be so overwhelmed with a project like this, looking forward to following along

[@DominicChineas]

It is quite terrifying for me!

[@highpath4776]

@@DominicChineas you have the space, tools and talent. Its the time that is the short supply item here, at least you have the valued second pair of hands that talks the same language ( knowing what size spanner, open ended , etc to ask and be passed is a big time saving )

[@Stephen.C.]

Looking forward hugely , to seeing rotten metal cut out of this, and fresh new panels going in. 😎

[@GordonNicol]

Great work guys, keep up your spirits, with small wins. Refurbish one small part, such as rear brake drum and imagine the rest of it!

[@SHIREDRIFT]

I'm loving the updates on this, and it shows how committed you are by working on the 356 on the same day as Sunday Scramble was on! This is about on Par with how The car SOS boys had left to work with on the Porsche 356 they restored for Trevor. Still one of my favourite episodes. As you work in telly, they'd be worth chatting to for rebuild tips and parts sourcing

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks, it’s my dream car I can’t wait to be driving it!

[@SHIREDRIFT]

@@DominicChineas with that positive attitude, i know you'll make it happen sooner rather than later. Most people (me included )underestimate how many hours even the simplest tasks take when you start a project, but to get it over the line, It's just putting the hours in to fixing one thing at a time till it's done. Looks daunting and fun in equal measures!

[@MrAddks]

Love the zippo find, I found a couple of cents in my bus and a couple of baseball cards. All part of its history.

[@goldenmerlin]

Great video Dom. I can see you and Jon as the next Ed China and Mike Brewer lol.

[@philpullan8595]

Cruel

[@PaulPX]

You're a brave man Dom ha ha. Seriously though ,loving the videos and looking forward to the next few years of updates 😀

[@frances7243]

I think SingleCarb 71 is right. I had something similar on an Alfa GTV I had way back in the late 70s/80s. Essentially there as an easy way to warm up the engine before setting off. Best to remember to disengage once driving.