356

1948-1965 / Coupe / Cabriolet / Speedster / Germany

Critical Body and Structure

Battery Box Corrosion

Symptoms

The metal surrounding the battery in the front compartment corrodes through from acid exposure. The corrosion spreads to adjacent panels and structural members.

Cause

Lead-acid batteries vent acid vapour during charging, and minor spills during topping-up eat through mild steel. The battery box area is enclosed, trapping acid fumes.

Fix

Remove the battery, neutralise the acid with baking soda solution, and assess the damage.

Surface corrosion can be treated with rust converter and sealed.

Perforated metal requires cutting out and welding in repair patches.

Some owners fit a fibreglass battery box liner to protect the metal.

Cost: $500-$3,000 depending on severity.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $500-$3,000

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// More 356 problems

Other known issues

Minor Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

The floor pans develop rust, perforation, and structural weakness. In severe cases, you can see the road through the floor. The driver's footwell and the area around the pedal box are particularly vulnerable.

Minor Body and Structure

Heater Channel Rot

The sills (rocker panels) that run along each side of the car are actually heater channels, hollow box sections that carry warm air from the engine compartment to the cabin. They corrode from the inside out, and by the time you see external rust, the structural integrity is already compromised.

Minor Body and Structure

Longitudinal Member (Helly) Corrosion

The main longitudinal structural members that run beneath the floor develop rust and lose structural integrity. These members carry the suspension loads and are critical to the car's structure.

Common Engine

Oil Leaks

Oil weeping or dripping from the pushrod tube seals, rocker cover gaskets, case halves, main seal, and oil cooler connections. A warm 356 engine will have oil residue on virtually every surface.

Common Engine

Cylinder Wear and Low Compression

Reduced power, increased oil consumption, blue smoke under acceleration, and difficulty starting. Compression readings below 100 psi or uneven across cylinders.

Common Engine

Generator and Charging Issues

The red generator light stays on, the battery goes flat, headlights dim at idle. The 6-volt system (Pre-A through B T5) is particularly marginal.

View all 15 356 problems