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Wed Nov 05, 2003 7:44 pm

Just wondering if anyone has a cross reference list on what exact type 3 parts exist on a Type 3 Karmann Ghia. I am looking for parts and am not sure what is more commonly available as type 3 parts and what is not. My example... I need new calipers.. are they notch, fast, or squareback and what years will work? Of course.. I am talking about a stock, all original '66 T3 Ghia coupe.
A quick search hasn't netted any results for me btw.

thanks for any insight.
Chris

Thu Nov 06, 2003 5:57 am

The chassis and running gear for all type 3's is the same year by year. That is, a 65 squareback pan, motor, trans, front end is the same as a 65 notch, fast, or t34. The body is where the difference is. Square, notch and fast bodies are all about the same from the door posts forward but the t34 body and interior is different all around, inside and out.
Do you have a t3 ghia? I just bought a pair of 'em and I think they are tits! I used to like the notchbacks but the t3 ghia is like a pimped notch, all fancy and deluxe inside and stylish outside, once you get used to the odd body style.

Thu Nov 06, 2003 8:11 am

I don't think there is a cross-reference but basically the entire chassis and drivetrain is the same if it's the same year Type 34.

Some electricals are the same - horns, headlight and wiper switches, headlight and turn signal relays, etc..

Some Ghia parts work too - mostly the rubber seals

The body and interior are all different.

Thu Nov 06, 2003 8:13 am

'66 calipers are the same as a '66 Squareback or Fastback.

On calipers, I have heard it's better to rebuild the originals than buy new replacements but I haven't ever had a set rebuilt.

I have a stock, mostly original '66 too so let me know if you want me to check anything out. My car has 59,000 miles.

Thu Nov 06, 2003 7:10 pm

Don't forget the steering column as well. It's the same

Fri Nov 07, 2003 8:40 am

The actual column is a different length but the ignition & wiring are the same.

Fri Nov 07, 2003 5:29 pm

Thanks for the responses. I am talking about a 79k '66 T34 that a non-VW friend bought at a VW auction here in Wisconsin recently. Some 50 cars were sold, most all parts cars that went for a few hundred dollars. The T34 was one of the solid/complete runners (minus brakes). The T34 didn't sell for a decent price so the owner bought it back and resold it to my friend for a really good price. My friend now is jumping into the game (with my blessing of course). Needs armrests, headlight trim ring, tailight lenses, rocker trim and I think it will be pretty much complete. All original interior, original black top half, the bottom half was a creamy yellow before it was repainted orange. :( The PPO did some unecessary and sloppy filler work, and repainted the bottom half. Looking at the back side of the nose and side panels, it really didn't need it. Also, I've never heard such a smooth sounding and quiet VW engine!

Thanks
Chris

PS Anyone have a resource for rebuilt door hinges? The bottoms have excessive amount of play, the door latch/catch doesn't even line up at all, so the doors don't even close. Is this indicative of a car that has been sitting a long time? At first I thought it was rust at the bottom of the b-pillar, but luckily it's solid there.

Fri Nov 07, 2003 5:56 pm

Send your friend to www.type34.org and sign up for the T34 Registry. All the parts sources and rebuilders you can find will be in there. A fellow named Laird Cummings, in Arkansas, rebuilds the T34 door hinges.

I'm from south of Beloit, Wi. I'm impressed your found a decent T34 'Up Nordt'. Props to ya! :D

Mon Nov 10, 2003 5:57 am

While we're on the subject - doors and t34 parts - my 64 pass door won't latch anymore. Is a t34 door latch mechanism t3, t1 or t34 only?

Mon Nov 10, 2003 8:09 am

The door latch pieces are the same as a normal Type 3

Tue Nov 11, 2003 5:52 am

Great! Off to the parts car. Thanks Everett.

Sat Nov 22, 2003 8:35 pm

While on the subject are the floor pan halves on a type 34 the same as a regular type 3? I got the impression they were lower when I looked at mine?? It's a 64 if that matters. :?:

Sat Nov 22, 2003 9:39 pm

I believe the pan halves are the same ecept for the seat tracks being different.