TheSamba.com :: View topic - Karmann Ghia Progressive changes 1955–1974

Fri Apr 16, 2010 6:58 pm

thom wrote: Ya know what would be cool? Some sort of timeline table, with the years on the X axis and the features on the y axis.

Typical computer nerd...Obviously spending too much time at HP. :wink: :lol:

Tue Apr 20, 2010 8:24 am

In another thread is a nice analysis of the early Ghia steering column by John Morris. I thought it would be good to include the info here

john morris wrote: When I started this endeavor I did not know that the 60/61 steering wheel was unique. I have managed to find a correct wheel and horn ring so at this point I am not sure if i will make the change. I wanted to post some pictures attempting to show the differences.

The first picture shows from top to bottom: 60 steering shaft, 63/64 steering shaft, 58 steering shaft, 60 steering column, 63/64 steering column, 58 steering column

The low light steering column is about 29 inches long

The steering shafts are actually different lengths too.

The 60 steering column (on right) uses a screw to attach the ground, the 63/64 column uses a spade connector.

Left to right, 60, 63/64, 58 there are differences here too.

The 60s steering bearing will not fit over the 58 shaft.

The 1958 steering bushing might be made to fit the 1960 column. I did not want to cut an original bushing to try. Also the 58 steering column flares at the driver end. I am sure that flare helped keep the bushing in place, if I put a cut down bushing into the 60 column it might work its way further down and cause other problems. The turn signal housing will not interchange 58 to 60, 60 to 58 because of the different widths of the columns. I could leave out a bushing or bearing but that seems dangerous, way to much slop in the steering that way. So to sum it up, it seems like all or nothing to do this swap. To do it properly I would change column, shaft, bushing, and turn signal housing. That leads to more problems because the 1960 Ghia was wired differently than the 1958 (low light). It is possible. The question is, is it worth it?

Fri Jun 25, 2010 12:50 pm

Quote: • Although not a largely visible difference. 1970 cars receive a newly modified rear deck lid. It features a removable plastic drain tray, and allows more cooling air to enter the engine compartment. This style of decklid is used through the end of production in 1974.

Hey John, you're absolutely sure about this one?

'cause if you are, My '72 coupe has an older rear deck lid :(

Sun Jul 04, 2010 1:51 pm

I was oing through my pop out window latches today and noticed two versioins. It turns out there is a 60-63 version (the one on the left) and a 64-74 version (the one on the right). The part that attaches to the window pillar is the same on both styles. The earlier version used a smooth plastic knob while the later version used a chromed pot metal knob. The later version center section has two slits to allow the metal to flex and make for a stronger grip when locking the latch. The other major difference is on the end that attaches to the glass. The earlier version has two holes on the outside of the "rivet" and threads onto the latch, with a set screw to secure it. The later version "rivet" has a smooth face and is secured via a clip.

Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:42 am

Frankie Pintado wrote: Quote: • Although not a largely visible difference. 1970 cars receive a newly modified rear deck lid. It features a removable plastic drain tray, and allows more cooling air to enter the engine compartment. This style of decklid is used through the end of production in 1974.

Hey John, you're absolutely sure about this one?

'cause if you are, My '72 coupe has an older rear deck lid :(
My '70 coupe has the original decklid with the plastic tray and drain tubes. I removed and stored the tray early because the duct-taped pipe from the air cleaner to the carb had worn a hole in the plastic. Yeah, it was a little rough when I got it ;)

Paul

Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:14 pm

So, I don't think I've ever really studied one with the plastic tray, could one of you guys post a picture?

Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:19 pm

Here is a pair of 55-57 Ghia fresh air vent controls. The early version had metal flaps, unlike the later version that used rubber ones. These still have their original brown paint and were on an antelope brown Ghia. They were used up to chassis #14 061

Here you can see the metal flaps.

Tue Jan 31, 2012 4:12 pm

Does anyone know what size "e" clip goes on the rear quarter window latch? I see one In the picture comparing the two versions. Thought it was 1/4" but I got one & it broke... too small.

Need to replace my glass since it flew right off (along with the latch) when I was driving on the freeway.

Also, any tips on removing the clip? Is there a tool (like wih "O" rings)? Or just a screwdriver & patience?

Loren wrote: I was oing through my pop out window latches today and noticed two versioins. It turns out there is a 60-63 version (the one on the left) and a 64-74 version (the one on the right). The part that attaches to the window pillar is the same on both styles. The earlier version used a smooth plastic knob while the later version used a chromed pot metal knob. The later version center section has two slits to allow the metal to flex and make for a stronger grip when locking the latch. The other major difference is on the end that attaches to the glass. The earlier version has two holes on the outside of the "rivet" and threads onto the latch, with a set screw to secure it. The later version "rivet" has a smooth face and is secured via a clip.

Sat Feb 04, 2012 9:10 pm

I am so very glad I stumbled on this thread...because I am having a hard time figuring out just exactly what the ghia that our family has had for about 15 years is for sure...I need the expert's help.

Is it possible for a 59 to NOT be a lowlight? Title, chassis number, and tailights(still has the one piece square ones)are all saying 59, dash doesn't have the trim under the lip like a lowlight. Fuel guage between the speedo and clock, not top pad pn the dash. Quarter windows were fixed(non pop-out) before we took it apart. I'm not sure the body tag is even on the car anymore. Headlights are at the top of the fender and it has the larger intake grilles. The car is about as close to raw metal as it can get currently, and there are no signs of major body molestation from a cutting and splicing standpoint, just a few typical dents and bruises with shoddy repairs.
I'm racking my brain here wondering if we have a mis-titled 60 on our hands, or possibly just a very late 59? Perhaps even a mid-august of 59 build date/model anomoly? I'm under the n00b assumption all 59's are lowlights, which may be my my own misconception causing me undue grief.

thanks in advance--ted

Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:04 am

The second half of 1959 they updated the body.
It sounds like you have a lowlight thats had its front end replaced.

Sun Feb 05, 2012 1:47 am

technik wrote: The second half of 1959 they updated the body.
It sounds like you have a lowlight thats had its front end replaced.

Yep don't be fooled because there aren't any signs of a repair there shouldn't be if it were repaired by VW trained bodymen.

Crash damaged cars back in the day were often repaired with a new front end using the latest available panels by main dealers. Just as a bonus the owner got a newer looking Ghia which no doubt was considered a nice touch.

Sun Feb 05, 2012 5:43 pm

well, it is what it is i suppose. it will always be a 59 to me and the rest of the family, even if she's a bit of a 'bastard'...it even still has the metal plate up in the trunk that says "Made in Western Germany"-I thought that was pretty damn cool... 8)

hopefully later this spring i'll get it dug out of my brother's shop and to my house to get started on it...

Wed Feb 08, 2012 11:50 am

Frankie Pintado wrote: So, I don't think I've ever really studied one with the plastic tray, could one of you guys post a picture?
Wow, talk about me being late! I just noticed this while digging for something else. Below is a photo of the late drain tray, but this one is modified for clearance. When closed, the top of the carb and linkage fits into the cutout. I had to do this because my intake manifold is taller than stock. By the way, the tray is actually fiberglass.

Paul

Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:12 am

After reading this thread and the great info on 66 Ghia. Was wondering if someone could add info on the 67 Ghia. I am looking into buying one and trying to find all info on it before I buy. I know alot of parts are one year only.......thanks

Fri Feb 17, 2012 4:31 pm

I’m just interested; has anyone actually see this type of door panel with the diagonal stitched top part, was this, the first attempt on the 55? And when did it go from this, to the straight fluted leatherette or corduroy top of the 56.