If you're restoring a Porsche 356, you already know that finding high-quality body parts is one of the biggest challenges. Original Porsche sheet metal is scarce, expensive, and often rusted. That's where aftermarket manufacturers like Simonsen come in. Simonsen has been producing replacement body panels for classic Porsches for decades, and their parts are widely used by restorers and shops across the US. But are they the right choice for your 356? This guide covers everything you need to know about Simonsen body parts: what's available, how they fit, how they compare to OEM and other aftermarket options, and practical tips for buying and installing them.
Who Is Simonsen and What Do They Offer?
Simonsen is a Danish company that specializes in sheet metal for vintage Porsches, especially the 356 and early 911 models. Their catalog includes nearly every external panel you might need for a full restoration: front and rear fenders, doors, hoods, decklids, floor pans, rocker panels, quarter panels, and even smaller items like battery trays and heater boxes. They also produce complete body shells for some models, though those are less common for the 356.
Simonsen panels are made from steel that matches the gauge of original Porsche metal. They are stamped using dies that replicate the original contours, though some restorers note that certain details—like the curvature of a fender or the shape of a door edge—may require minor tweaking. The company has a reputation for better consistency than many other aftermarket suppliers, but it's not quite OEM quality.
Common Simonsen Panels for the 356
- Front Fenders (left and right): Available for both A and B/C models. They include the headlight bucket and turn signal mounting area. Most are pre-drilled for trim, though you may need to enlarge some holes.
- Rear Fenders: These are more complex due to the wheel arch curvature. Simonsen rear fenders generally fit well but may need adjustment at the door gap.
- Doors: Complete doors are available, but many restorers prefer to repair original doors if possible because Simonsen doors sometimes have thinner metal around the window frame.
- Hoods and Decklids: These are large panels that are prone to warping during shipping. Simonsen hoods usually have good shape but may require light body work to align perfectly.
- Floor Pans: Full front and rear floor sections are available, including the tunnel area. These are often the most straightforward panels to install.
How Do Simonsen Parts Compare to OEM?
Original Porsche body panels were hand-finished to fit each car on the assembly line. That means even OEM panels from different cars of the same model year aren't perfectly interchangeable without adjustment. Simonsen parts are designed to be as close as possible to the original shape, but they are mass-produced. Here are the key differences:
- Metal Thickness: Simonsen uses the same gauge steel as Porsche (typically 0.8–1.0 mm for outer panels), so that's not a concern.
- Fitment: OEM panels may require less filler to achieve a perfect surface, but Simonsen panels are very close. Most body shops report needing about 1–3 mm of filler on seams, which is normal for any restoration.
- Corrosion Protection: OEM panels were often galvanized. Simonsen panels are not galvanized, so you must treat both sides with primer or paint to prevent rust. Some suppliers offer electro-galvanized versions at extra cost.
- Price: Simonsen panels are significantly cheaper than OEM (if you can find OEM). A Simonsen front fender might cost $400–$600, while an original NOS fender could be $1,500 or more.
Simonsen vs. Other Aftermarket Brands
Other aftermarket manufacturers include Klassik, Stoddard, and various small European shops. Here's how Simonsen stacks up:
- Klassik: Made in the US, Klassik panels are known for superior fitment and a thicker gauge metal. However, they are more expensive—often double the price of Simonsen. If you want a concours-quality restoration and have the budget, Klassik is the gold standard.
- Stoddard: Stoddard offers many of the same panels as Simonsen but sources from multiple factories. Their quality is inconsistent; some panels are excellent, others require major rework. Simonsen is generally more consistent.
- European Shops (e.g., Karmann, Dansk): These are often original equipment suppliers for some components. Their parts are very good but can be hard to find in the US. Simonsen is more readily available stateside.
For most restorers, Simonsen offers the best balance of cost and quality. If your 356 is a driver or a weekend car, Simonsen is a solid choice. For a true show car where every detail matters, you might consider mixing Simonsen structural panels with OEM or Klassik outer panels.
Practical Tips for Buying and Installing Simonsen Body Parts
Where to Buy
Simonsen parts are sold by many Porsche restoration suppliers, such as Pelican Parts, Sierra Madre Collection, and Specialty Auto Parts USA. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer who inspects parts before shipping. Some dealers offer returns on damaged panels, but freight costs on large items can be high.
Shipping and Packaging
Large panels like hoods and fenders are often damaged in transit. Ask the seller to double-box or strap the panel to a wooden pallet. Inspect the part immediately upon arrival and file a claim if there's damage.
Preparation Before Installation
- Test Fit: Before paint, bolt the panel to the car (or a suitable jig) to check gaps. Use shims to align edges. Mark any areas that need metal work.
- Welding: If the panel is a replacement piece (e.g., a quarter panel section), you'll need to cut out the old metal and weld the new one. Use a continuous stitch weld to minimize distortion. Many shops prefer to gas weld to avoid warping, but MIG is fine with careful technique.
- Metal Finishing: Even skilled welders will need to apply a thin layer of body filler. Simonsen panels often have slight imperfections from stamping. Plan for 1–2 hours of light body work per panel.
- Primer: Since Simonsen panels aren't pre-primed, coat the backside with weld-through primer before welding, then spray the entire panel with epoxy primer after installation.
Common Fitment Issues
- Door Gaps: Simonsen doors sometimes have a slightly wider gap at the top. You can adjust by elongating the hinge holes or shimming the door latch.
- Fender Curves: The front fender's curve around the headlight may not match perfectly. Use a planishing hammer to massage the metal rather than adding thick filler.
- Hood Hinges: Simonsen hoods may require re-drilling hinge mounting holes. Align the hood with the fenders and lock position before drilling.
Restoration Budget: What Should You Expect?
A full set of Simonsen panels for a Porsche 356 (including floor pans, both fenders, doors, hood, and decklid) will cost roughly $4,000–$6,000 depending on the supplier and discounts. Installation labor varies widely: a skilled classic car body shop might charge $100–$150 per hour, and a full panel replacement can take 40–80 hours. Factor in additional costs for welding supplies, primer, paint, and trim pieces.
Compared to using OEM panels (which might cost $10,000+ just for the panels, if you can find them), Simonsen is a cost-effective route that still yields excellent results. Many concours-level restorations today use Simonsen panels with careful preparation and fine-tuning.
Final Recommendation
Simonsen body parts are a practical choice for most Porsche 356 restorations. They offer a good balance of affordability, availability, and fitment. If you're building a driver-quality car or a weekend show car, Simonsen panels will serve you well. For a full concours restoration where absolute originality is demanded, consider using Simonsen for structural panels (floors, inner fenders) and invest in OEM or Klassik for the outer skins. Always work with a body shop experienced in 356s—they'll know the tricks to make any panel fit beautifully.
No matter which route you choose, the most important step is thorough preparation: test fit each part, correct alignment before welding, and protect against corrosion. With care, your 356 will look straight and last for decades.