1960 Porsche 356 Parts: A Comprehensive Guide for Restoration and Maintenance

Restoring or maintaining a 1960 Porsche 356 requires a solid understanding of the parts that made this car iconic. The 356 is a classic, and while its design is simple by modern standards, sourcing correct and quality parts can be challenging. This guide covers the essential components for the 1960 model year, where to find them, and what to watch out for.

Engine and Drivetrain Parts

The 1960 Porsche 356 came with either the 1600 Super or 1600 Normal engine. Both are air-cooled flat-fours, but parts differ slightly.

Cylinders, Pistons, and Heads

For a stock rebuild, use original Mahle pistons and cylinders. Aftermarket options from JE or Arias are available for higher compression. Ensure head studs are replaced with upgraded versions to prevent pulling. Valves and guides are readily available, but use sodium-filled exhaust valves for the Super engine.

Carburetors and Intake

Most 1960 models used Zenith 32 NDIX carburetors. Rebuild kits are common, but sourcing original throttle shafts can be difficult. Weber carburetor conversions (e.g., 40 DCNF) are popular for performance builds. Intake manifolds must match the heads – 356B heads have a different port angle than earlier models.

Ignition and Electrical

A 12-volt electrical system became standard in 1960. The distributor is a Bosch 0231 150 001 (or equivalent). Points, condensers, and rotors are easy to find. Spark plug wires should be copper-core for authenticity. For reliability, consider a Pertronix electronic ignition conversion – it fits inside the stock distributor.

Body and Sheet Metal

Body panels for the 1960 356 are available from several suppliers, but fitment varies.

Floor Pans and Inner Panels

Floor pans rot from moisture trapped under rubber mats. Full floor pan kits are made by Stoddard and other vendors. Also check the battery tray area, which often rusts out. Inner rocker panels and spare tire well panels are common replacements.

Outer Panels

Fenders, doors, and rear quarter panels are reproduced by companies like Dansk and Stoddard. Original parts are rare and expensive. New panels may require trimming and fitting – be prepared for some bodywork. Hood and deck lids are often aluminum for weight saving, but steel versions exist.

Glass and Rubber Seals

Windshield, rear window, and side windows are available as original-spec laminated glass. Rubber seals for doors, trunk, and windows need to be sourced from specialists like Porsche Restoration Parts. Use OE-style seals to prevent leaks.

Interior Components

Keeping the interior original or tastefully restored is key to a 1960 356’s value.

Seats and Upholstery

The 1960 356 had high-back bucket seats with optional reclining mechanism (for a fee). Seat covers are available in leather or vinyl – reproductions from Autos International or GAHH are high quality. Foam cushions should be replaced if sagging. Check the seat track for wear.

Dashboard and Gauges

The dashboard has a simple speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. VDO supplied the gauges. If they aren’t working, sending units for fuel and temperature are easy to replace. The speedometer cable is a common failure. Keep an eye on the odometer – broken gears can be replaced by specialists.

Carpets and Headliner

The 1960 356 used square-weave carpet (Perlon) for the floor. Kits include cut-pile or original texture materials. Headliners are sewn with vertical ribs – aftermarket ones are good but may need adjustment. Sun visors, door panels, and kick panels are all reproduced.

Suspension and Brakes

The 1960 356 used a front torsion bar and rear swing axle suspension. Brakes were drum all around until 1964.

Front Suspension

King pins and bushings wear out – replace with bronze or urethane for longer life. Torsion bars can sag; they are still available new. Shock absorbers should be Koni or Boge – avoid cheap brands. Tie rod ends and steering dampers are standard items.

Rear Suspension

The swing axle setup uses trailing arms and torsion bars. Beware of worn axle boots – they crack and let grease out. The rear suspension’s handling can be improved with a camber compensator (factory or aftermarket). If your car has a ZF limited-slip differential (rare), parts are hard to find.

Brakes

Drum brakes require shoes, drums, and wheel cylinders. Brake hoses should be replaced with modern rubber or steel braided lines. The master cylinder is a single-circuit type – upgrading to a dual-circuit is recommended for safety, though it requires modification. Brake drums are available stamped steel or aluminum (more expensive).

Electrical and Lighting

The 1960 356’s electrical system is simple but fickle.

Wiring Harness

Original harnesses deteriorate – reproduction harnesses from YnZ’s or similar are exact copies. They come with correct cloth tape and color coding. Installing one is a weekend job if you are comfortable with wiring. Also replace the fuse block – original ceramic blocks crack.

Lights and Bulbs

The headlights were sealed beam (7-inch) – you can upgrade to H4 halogen bulbs while keeping the original look. Tail lights use incandescent bulbs; LED conversions are available but not period-correct. Turn signal switches in the steering column are known to fail – aftermarket replacements exist.

Where to Find Parts

For a 1960 356, the best sources are specialized Porsche restoration suppliers. Stoddard offers many OEM-quality panels and mechanical parts. Pelican Parts carries a wide range of engine and suspension items. For rare parts, check with Porsche clubs or online forums like TheSamba.com. Always buy from reputable vendors to avoid poor-quality reproductions.

Be cautious of used parts – condition varies. Machining services for cylinder heads and crankshafts are available from specialists like Ollie’s Garage. For interior, talk to Autos International or GAHH for custom work.

Final Recommendation

Restoring a 1960 Porsche 356 is rewarding but requires patience. Prioritize safety components: brakes, suspension bushings, and electrical wiring. For engine parts, stick with known brands like Mahle or JE. If you need body panels, be prepared to fit them correctly. For rare items, contact the Porsche 356 Registry. A well-sourced restoration can yield a car that drives beautifully and holds its value.