Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/118654
AnAtomy of A Porsche restorAtion, P6 Article by Steve terrien, PhotoS by Steve terrien & bArb coPlen We were now within a couple of weeks of the final completion of Porsche 550A-0141. Bill Doyle was spending 100% of his time trying to sort everything and get it wrapped up. It has now been over 50 years since 0141 came out of the Zuffenhousen factory and almost 36 years since it last was taken to the track. It's also 26 years since I began this project. You cannot imagine my anticipation of finally sitting in the seat behind the wheel of 0141 and putting my finger on the starter button. When I was very young I was able purchase several early Carrera street cars, restored those cars, and was lucky to be able to keep most of them. The Spyder would be oh so different. On this project, I ended up managing things and sometimes mis-managing things. One thing you learn very early is to seek out the best people, even if they cost you more and you may have to wait much longer. Believe me, the long look is "IT's WORTH IT!" Bill and I were talking every day as I was trying to set a day for my travel over to Jackson. For this trip I had decided not to take my old truck and car trailer, but rather to fly into Boise where I could reserve a low bed box van and drive to Jackson. I was also looking for someone to share the trip with, as I would certainly need some help. While Dad had been a great co-pilot on many of these past trips he had recently been dealing with some health issues. Dad wanted to go but while his spirit was most willing he is now 88 and felt this might be a little much for him. All my friends were working or with other commitments so this would be a solo adventure. I think my anticipation got the better of me as from my last conversation with Bill it was clear we were very close, but then I did what I call a "Stupid Steve". I went ahead and made my flight arrangements for the next day without consulting with Bill. The next day I called Bill from the airport and told him I was on my way. During the conversation, I could tell Bill was a little taken back by my arbitrary decision, but at the same time, I knew Bill would not mind a little company. I arrived early the next morning around 4:30 AM only to find Bill already hard at work in his shop. The first hour was spent going over paperwork and finalizing this side of the project. As we went over the file, we both looked at each other and started to laugh as we both realized at the same time that the mechanical side of this project had been ongoing for the last ten years. We then walked into the shop where I found Brian, one of Bill's trusted people working on 0141. Brian had spent many hours on 0141, as he was not only a good mechanic but also a very competent fabricator. We all got to work and over the next couple of days things slowly came together. As Bill fired 26 March 2011