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Roadcow
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Joined: November 14, 2003
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Location: Stockton, Ca. area
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 Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:44 am Post subject: Bonneville Ghia 150 |
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I sold last years Bonneville Ghia not knowing about a rule change for 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mnJlFZFfdc
So while I'm here in Ireland for Christmas I'm looking for another Ghia to race in the 150 MPH Club next year and I found this fairly complete 1969 Ghia Autostick in Northern Calif.. The autostick and all of it's components will be removed and last years engine ( with some added HP and tweaks to help it live for the added 1.25 miles of the race course) will replace it. It will also get a 3.44 R&P 4-speed transaxle . I pick it up Jan 7th and transport it directly to Lake Havasu City Arizona to have a full Nascar style cage fitted. Will post pictures of the progress as I get them.
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
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John Moxon 
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| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:18 am Post subject: |
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The long course will certainly give you space to wind up that monster engine Britt. 
One of the most reassuring factors in running a Ghia on the long course is that Larry Monreal's Ghia has run at over 160mph on The Salt without any fancy air-dams or spoilers. That's a real testimony to the Ghia's wind-cheating slick design so stability isn't going to be bothering you too much.
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John.
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The VW Judson Register
My '58 Karmann Ghia
1958 Karmann Ghia Postcard Now Available
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong. |
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:35 am Post subject: |
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That's correct John, I have cited Larry's Ghia speed to several friends and builders. I eventually want a 200 mile club hat but that's a couple of years down the road. We are building the car to compete at that level though.
By the way loven your sig line John! 
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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sactojesse
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Location: Sacramento, California, USA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:57 am Post subject: |
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Sweet! IMO, a 1969 would be an ideal platform for a high-speed run w/ the IRS and disc brakes up front. Looking forward to updates on this one. 
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1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible |
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 11:01 am Post subject: |
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You are right Jesse! But the disc brakes are coming off! Inherent drag with disc brakes. You can back off drum brakes a bit and get true freewheeling.
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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WickedWagens
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:16 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like a good project. Should be fun out there this year.
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68' Bug 1641 turbo. Soon to be 36hp powered.
68' Ghia 2276cc EFI turbo intercooled
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:01 pm Post subject: |
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| WickedWagens wrote: | | Looks like a good project. Should be fun out there this year. |
I'd like to see you field another Ghia this year also! 
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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Altema
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Location: Lower Michigan
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| Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 7:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Roadcow wrote: | | You are right Jesse! But the disc brakes are coming off! Inherent drag with disc brakes. You can back off drum brakes a bit and get true freewheeling. |
And I'm assuming drum brakes have more than enough stopping power to lock the wheels on the salt, correct? The first car I built had all drums, and they were fine for stopping a 12 second car on pavement for 1/4 mile runs.
Hopefully I'll be able to see you on the salt as I make an amateur appearance this year. Do they have a 70mph club? 
By the way, I know Burly had a list, but I cannot find it at the moment. What was your speed last year?
Paul |
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:23 am Post subject: |
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Hi Paul!
It will be nice to meet you on the Salt. I've read lots of your posts and you seem very helpful. I did 139 and change on my first timed run.
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 10:06 pm Post subject: |
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I had a few hours to try to see what was under the poor repaint. I tried sanding with 80 grit on a DA and the paint was so gooey that it clogged the paper after about 20 seconds. I switched to 36 grit on my buffer and ground it off. Well then I had to put some 40 grit on the DA to smooth out the metal and then 80 grit. It's my "Okie" lightening job. I found 1/2" of bondo on the nose and the LR fender was replaced poorly at some time again with over 1/2" bondo in places. With 100 degree temps I work 30 minutes and drink water. I had 1/2 of the paint gun loaded with self etching primer left over from a repair on the neighbors truck so I used it on the rear of the Ghia. I'm very impressed with the Roll cage and installation done bu Chuck in Lake Havasu City, Az. Got a call from Matt the engine builder and he's freshening up last years engine. Lot's of work ahead for this 1 man show.
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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Altema
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:32 am Post subject: |
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What, no autostick?
It's coming along nicely, and welding the cage to the frame forks seems like a good place to anchor the cage and stiffen the forks at the same time.
What color are you putting on it? Mine had a fender LAP welded on, but they did a nice job of blending it... except for botching the lip around the engine compartment, and forgetting to seal the firewall, and forgetting to finish welding the lower wing, and...
The car apparently got damaged while filming the 1992 movie Zebrahead, then got fixed and resprayed Saturn Yellow. When I get around to doing the bodywork properly, it's probably going back to the original Pampas Yellow.
Paul |
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:46 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks paul,
I'm painting the Ghia either 2006 Chevy Camaro Yellow ( a bit more White or softer than Corvette Yellow) or 2006 Ford Mustang Yellow. I'll have to take a close up of the Lap welded on fender, it's kind of scary looking.  Are you still heading out to Bonneville this year?
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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Altema
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Location: Lower Michigan
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 5:50 pm Post subject: |
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| Roadcow wrote: | | Are you still heading out to Bonneville this year? |
I'm planning on it. The car loves to stretch it's legs, and the only things left to do are the front suspension, the rear bushings, and get new tires with the proper speed rating. So, the only thing that would keep me home is lack of money, lol.
I had thought about swapping the trans out for a taller gear, but might not since I'll be losing a few ponies with the altitude.
Paul |
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silkvw
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Location: Elgin, TX
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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Looks great Britt! Hard work on a hot day for sure!
I'm thinking of a roll bar too, not much support from a Ghia roof if you're upside down any time.
I'm installing EFI and a turbo on my green Ghia, hope to make it to the Texas Mile in Oct. Just can't make it to Bonneville this year, perhaps next year. Greg
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'70 Ghia 142 mph |
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:28 pm Post subject: |
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@ Paul I'd leave the 4.12 R&P trans which came with your car in it, honestly I'd find the smallest tires you could put on it. I used 175/70/15 tires with a 3.88 R&P with a.82 4th and went through the traps at 139 around 7k rpm. This year I'll swap in a 3.44 R&P trans.
@ Greg Wow! EFI Turbo.... somebody is getting serious. Have you got your entry already accepted for the Texas mile? I hear they sell out really quick. good luck!
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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John Moxon
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KIDSPEED
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| Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:13 am Post subject: |
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Good start to your project. Please keep us updated & keep the pics coming. Love your eventual goal of 200mph!!! I do think some aero mods will be necessary to get there, but also think it's achievable in a Ghia.
Can't wait to see this new car out there & getting to the next level.
-Laurence |
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Altema
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| Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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| Roadcow wrote: | | @ Paul I'd leave the 4.12 R&P trans which came with your car |
Actually that's the problem. I changed transmissions because the original synchro rings were shot when I bought the car. I asked for a 3.875 and they gave me a 4.735 instead. I don't take the revs past 5100 RPM because I don't know what RPM the stock pistons can handle, other than being told "they probably won't explode until 6k".
5100 RPM is only about 102, and with the short gearing it gets there too quick.
Paul |
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silkvw
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| Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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Britt:
Registration for the TX Mile won't open until Aug. It usually fills up in 20 hrs or so, I'm just waiting for the email notice to sign up.
I hope to get some other air cooled VW's to go, not much luck yet.
Have you done any aero mods to your Ghia?
Greg
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Roadcow
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| Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Greg,
Sounds like you are sorted. I'm going to run full bumpers, chrome strips, and chrome windshield trim. The car will look totally stock. I "may" time permitting make 4 aero mods.
Altema I have a 4.12 ghia trans that you are welcome to borrow if you like to run at Bonneville. I'll even help you swap it in! Just come on out and play! I actually have to look I may have 2 of the 4.12's and if you are feeling strong you can use my trans from last year it has 3.88 R&P with a .82 4th.
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71 Westy Roadcow
67 Panel
63 Bug
74 Ghia Vert
78 Rivera
69 Bonneville Ghia
80 Cabby 2.1 16v
98 Passat |
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