Newbie looking for Karmann Ghia help!

« **on:** January 02, 2005, 11:17:28 AM »

Hi all,

We've just got hold of a '69 Karmann Ghia which is in need of some work to turn it into a daily driver before we look at what's involved in a full restoration. On the list of things to do:

1. Sort out rust on driver's pan
2. Fix slight engine oil leak
3. Raise the suspension (previous owner had it lowered so much it won't go round corners without the wheels scraping the arches).

Are there any garages in the Chattanooga area that specialise in vintage VWs that can do this work?

When we've got it running we hope to be coming along to the meets and events

Matt & Alison

Anthony · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2005, 11:35:01 AM »

Hi and welcome to the board!

One of the few shops in Chattanooga that still knows where the engine is located in a Ghia is Lockhart's near Mtn. View Ford. He knows engines and suspensions, but doesn't do rust repair. We also have some members who do some shade-tree mechanicing, like David, who is a retired VW mechanic. It's not a red cabrio with a white top, is it? Don't worry about waiting 'till the Ghia's running, just come on down to the next meeting!

Anthony
71 Ghia coupe
69 Ghia Cabrio (sold, but not forgotten)

« **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2005, 06:19:44 PM »

Thanks for the reply.

I've already been recommended Lockharts so will pay them a visit. My concern is that the rust is terminal and not worth doing the rest of the car up so I'm basically trying to find someone who can let me know how serious it is.

If there's anyone reading this who can let me know if it's worth continuing there's some beer in it for them!

It's not red I'm afraid - it's a green coupe, although it's currently grey (the previous owner primed it but gave up before respraying).

I'll keep an eye out for the next meeting!

vwherb · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2005, 07:48:09 PM »

What part of town are you in??

« **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2005, 08:56:43 AM »

At the moment we're in the Staybridge hotel down on Carter street (just moved over here!) but we're moving into an apartment near the McKenzie stadium mid-week.

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2005, 12:30:20 PM »

Welcome on board, Club member Richard Strout is the fellow you need to contact about floor pan replacements. He is very,very good and he only uses high end parts. There is enough info and mech. talent spread though the entire VolksFolks group that we can just about fix anything but a broken heart. Do you know any history on your "critter" like engine /tranny or other repairs in the past ? Does it run ?
Unless your Ghia was used for target practice they all can be delt with and should be. It really depends on your resorses. Some Ghia stuff is not cheap.
Jim Lockhart should be able to head you in the right direction. Even though Im retired, I still go down to his shop and help him out on aircool stuff once in a while. Ill be glad to help if I can. Come visit us.You will like what you see. :thumbs-up:

« **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2005, 01:17:25 PM »

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I have no history of the car at all - it doesn't even have a plate at the moment!

The engine starts first time every time and runs strong. The transmission feels fine - all gears work! The bodywork isn't too bad apart from the rust on the driver's side. The rear drivers side and all passengers side pans have already been replaced by the looks of it - not quite sure why they didn't replace the front drivers side though.

A lot of work needs doing on the inside - needs carpets, headliners and complete dash replacement I think. However, the speedo and fuel gauges appear to work although all the warning lamps are missing.

I've just called Jim and am taking the Ghia in tomorrow for him to look over. I have my fingers crossed!

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2005, 02:25:39 PM »

Hey Guy, It is strange that someone didn`t go ahead and replace ALL the pans, but It sounds like you have a reasonbly intact Ghia perfect for restoration/ Driver. Of course we don`t know whats lurking under the grey primer do we ? Jim should do the old magnet trick around the body to find old Bondo patches. Your front axle beam might the adjustable type (after market) and can be raise back up. Most all the rest of the cosmetic stuff you need can be had from different places. Get yourselve a copy of Hot VWs mag. and check the ads out. Hey ! have fun with this project and if you get yourselve in a jam, we are here to help you out and not to lead you down the garden path. The bottom line is PATIENCE and a plan that works for you. Good Luck!! [-o<

« **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2005, 02:36:17 PM »

I'd love to talk to the person who started the restoration and ask them why they did lots of things but guess that will never happen!

I also reckon that he has a huge box full of Ghia bits that he took off the car which would be very useful to me!

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2005, 02:59:31 PM »

A box of Ghia goodies ? Clean him out if you can. You may have some hard to find/expensive "stuff". Go get him!!!!!!!!!

Anthony · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2005, 06:36:57 PM »

There are also some good Ghia websites (just do a search or check out our links page) and good books out there. If you're coming to the next meeting I'll try to remember to bring them. :? Interior costs about the same as Beetle stuff and is not to hard to install. Is that a picture of it in your Avatar?

« **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2005, 02:37:33 PM »

Yep that's it in my avatar. Some more, bigger pics from my gf's website:

http://www.flamingodesigns.co.uk/gallery/Grease-Lightening-My-dream-machine%21

Anthony · « **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2005, 11:25:51 AM »

Not to cause any problems, but that looks like a '70 to '72 model. The '69 had smaller turn signals and tail lights. That's about the only difference though. If you have the chassis number, I can double check. Also, if the door sticker says 8-69 or later, it's in the new model year. Nothing to worry about, it's got a lot of potential!

« **Reply #13 on:** January 05, 2005, 11:30:34 AM »

Yep sorry, it was actually made in August '69 so is technically a '70 model. Why can't these car manufcaturers change things in January?!

vwherb · « **Reply #14 on:** January 05, 2005, 02:56:43 PM »

I hope your title and or paper work reflects a '70 model.

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