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Vcik
Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2014
Posts: 25
Location: SoCal
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 Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 9:11 am Post subject: |
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| Ghialover your car looks great. How narrow is your front beam ? |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 10:40 am Post subject: |
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| Bloku wrote: |
That looks very good! I dig the deep dish look in the rear. One thing that I have a question about is about the different hub caps? It looks cool but why not all the same? Great car  |
Thanks, Bloku! The reason is I cannot get a hub cap for 4-lug wheels that look same as those for 5-lug wheels. What I now have is actually stock for 4-lug bolt pattern with disc brakes and 5-lug bolt pattern with drum brakes up front and out rear, respectively. |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 10:44 am Post subject: |
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| Vcik wrote: |
| Ghialover your car looks great. How narrow is your front beam ? |
Thanks, Vcik! It is a stock front beam with disc brakes from a VW Variant (Brazilian correspondent of the VW Squareback?) year 74 or 76, I do not remember exactly.
Handling and drivability improved a lot with these tiny front tires. I can now make turns lock to lock with any rubbing at all. And the 4.5 wheels work the magic for the narrow look, so I see no reason to narrow it further. |
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Bloku
Expert Noob
Joined: April 09, 2013
Posts: 559
Location: Tulsa/Jenks Oklahoma
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| Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 11:17 am Post subject: |
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The deed is already done but if you wanted 5 lug also in the front you could have ran a 4 to 5 lug conversion plate. Only problem with those is that they push out the rims about (i think) a 1/4" maybe causing you rubbing issues again 
_________________
1971 Karmann Ghia
1975 Porsche 914
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1975 BMW 2002
1976 BMW 2002 (Bored and Stroked w/ 5-Speed)
1981 BMW E21
1986 Toyota 4Runner (Dead engine and trans)
1989 Toyota 4x4 PU
1994 BMW E36 (Daily) |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Bloku wrote: |
| The deed is already done but if you wanted 5 lug also in the front you could have ran a 4 to 5 lug conversion plate. Only problem with those is that they push out the rims about (i think) a 1/4" maybe causing you rubbing issues again |
Do you mean these?
Yeah, I was aware of this possibility. Mine are about 15 mm thick (0.59 inch) and although I don't think they would have pushed out the rims enough to cause me rubbing issues, I decided not to use them. But I didn't throw them away -- for the case I someday get tired of the different hub caps  |
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Bloku
Expert Noob
Joined: April 09, 2013
Posts: 559
Location: Tulsa/Jenks Oklahoma
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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| '63 GhiaLover wrote: |
| But I didn't throw them away -- for the case I someday get tired of the different hub caps |
I think it looks really good. Gives a different look to the front and back with out looking like it was thrown together with miss-matching rims! I am not sure about the rim style but have you considered some beauty rings? The can make a BIG difference on the over all look, but I am sure paint will look better! It is your car, dont let me tell you what to do 
_________________
1971 Karmann Ghia
1975 Porsche 914
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1975 BMW 2002
1976 BMW 2002 (Bored and Stroked w/ 5-Speed)
1981 BMW E21
1986 Toyota 4Runner (Dead engine and trans)
1989 Toyota 4x4 PU
1994 BMW E36 (Daily) |
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sactojesse
Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2006
Posts: 2655
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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My '66 ghia had the same mismatched lug patterns and wheels (4 x 130 mm discs in front/5 x 205 mm drums in rear) when I bought it. I ended up converting the rear to 4 x 130 mm discs.
_________________
1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 7:14 am Post subject: |
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| Bloku wrote: |
| '63 GhiaLover wrote: |
| But I didn't throw them away -- for the case I someday get tired of the different hub caps |
I think it looks really good. Gives a different look to the front and back with out looking like it was thrown together with miss-matching rims! I am not sure about the rim style but have you considered some beauty rings? The can make a BIG difference on the over all look, but I am sure paint will look better! It is your car, dont let me tell you what to do |
Bloku, no worries, and thanks again for the interest! Yes, I considered using beauty rings and totally agree with you they often tend to add to the picture. Even when used in combination with wheels painted in two colors the way want mine. One concern from my side is that, on the basis of some pics collected, it seems to me it may be difficult to get them perfectly installed. Maybe a matter of the beauty ring quality, not sure though. In this case they look odd to my eyes, as if they kind of were not a part of the set.
| sactojesse wrote: |
| My '66 ghia had the same mismatched lug patterns and wheels (4 x 130 mm discs in front/5 x 205 mm drums in rear) when I bought it. I ended up converting the rear to 4 x 130 mm discs. |
Thanks for the comment but unfortunately rear disc brakes are not in the plans for now  and, as it couldn't be different a big thumbs up to your 2110cc power plant. I can bet it puts a smile on your face everytime time you take it for a ride  |
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Bloku
Expert Noob
Joined: April 09, 2013
Posts: 559
Location: Tulsa/Jenks Oklahoma
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| Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2015 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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I am not sure where to put this question so i put it here to save the "forum police's time". Does anyone know a good forum to look at for my wants to make my ghia about 3" lower than stock but handle reallly well? Thanks
_________________
1971 Karmann Ghia
1975 Porsche 914
-----
1975 BMW 2002
1976 BMW 2002 (Bored and Stroked w/ 5-Speed)
1981 BMW E21
1986 Toyota 4Runner (Dead engine and trans)
1989 Toyota 4x4 PU
1994 BMW E36 (Daily) |
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John Moxon 
Samba Moderator
Joined: March 07, 2004
Posts: 13952
Location: Southampton U.K.
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sactojesse
Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2006
Posts: 2655
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
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| Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:41 am Post subject: |
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| '63 GhiaLover wrote: |
| sactojesse wrote: |
| My '66 ghia had the same mismatched lug patterns and wheels (4 x 130 mm discs in front/5 x 205 mm drums in rear) when I bought it. I ended up converting the rear to 4 x 130 mm discs. |
Thanks for the comment but unfortunately rear disc brakes are not in the plans for now and, as it couldn't be different a big thumbs up to your 2110cc power plant. I can bet it puts a smile on your face everytime time you take it for a ride |
Thanks! Hey, reading another thread, I was reminded that there are 4 x 130 mm drums for 1967 and earlier ghias with the short splines:
http://www.socalautoparts.com/product_info.php/aftermarket-brake-drum-rear-lug-pattern-4x130-p-13061
Yes, I know that you are in Brazil, but thought this might help your mis-matched lug pattern situation.
_________________
1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 12:03 pm Post subject: |
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Hi guys,
I have been doing some research with respect to portawalls recently. From what I read in these posts
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6145133
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=512957&view=previous
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5847355
I got a bit worried about:
1) As you may recall I am now running 155/60 smart car tires up front. Is there a way to get the portawalls properly installed (so they look correct) without shaving off the rim savers?
2) I also don't have much clearance in the rear, as the 205s fill in the wheel wells almost completely. At the moment I have no rubbing issues but I am afraid it may be tight for the portawalls to be fit without getting damaged. Any thoughts?
Below are some pics so you can see what I mean. Thanks in advance for your help.
Wishing you all a Happy Easter,
GhiaLover '63
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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| sactojesse wrote: |
| '63 GhiaLover wrote: |
| sactojesse wrote: |
| My '66 ghia had the same mismatched lug patterns and wheels (4 x 130 mm discs in front/5 x 205 mm drums in rear) when I bought it. I ended up converting the rear to 4 x 130 mm discs. |
Thanks for the comment but unfortunately rear disc brakes are not in the plans for now and, as it couldn't be different a big thumbs up to your 2110cc power plant. I can bet it puts a smile on your face everytime time you take it for a ride |
Thanks! Hey, reading another thread, I was reminded that there are 4 x 130 mm drums for 1967 and earlier ghias with the short splines:
http://www.socalautoparts.com/product_info.php/aftermarket-brake-drum-rear-lug-pattern-4x130-p-13061
Yes, I know that you are in Brazil, but thought this might help your mis-matched lug pattern situation. |
I am (for now) fine with my mismatched lug pattern condition, but thanks anyway! |
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motorhead364
Samba Member
Joined: November 04, 2008
Posts: 715
Location: Amarillo Texas
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| Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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I'm no help on the Porto walls but those back wheels and tires look awesome on there. How many clicks down in the rear are you?
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63 ghia coupe |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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| motorhead364 wrote: |
| I'm no help on the Porto walls but those back wheels and tires look awesome on there. |
No problem. And thanks
| motorhead364 wrote: |
| How many clicks down in the rear are you? |
That's a good question... I need to ask the guy who lowered the car for me back in 2004. A related question, now of myself, is how many more clicks down do I need to even the rear end with the front end. I drop you a line as soon as I find these out. |
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Bloku
Expert Noob
Joined: April 09, 2013
Posts: 559
Location: Tulsa/Jenks Oklahoma
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| Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 3:10 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| A related question, now of myself, is how many more clicks down do I need to even the rear end with the front end. I drop you a line as soon as I find these out. |
You want to go even lower in the rear? Ghias tend to look pretty funny when the back is even with the front because of the low fender height in the rear. I feel a little bit of rake is good because you will also be saving your tires by not going any lower. Camber just loves to eat tire! Your ghia looks AWESOME with that height and wheel/tire. Truthfully, I would not change a thing!
_________________
1971 Karmann Ghia
1975 Porsche 914
-----
1975 BMW 2002
1976 BMW 2002 (Bored and Stroked w/ 5-Speed)
1981 BMW E21
1986 Toyota 4Runner (Dead engine and trans)
1989 Toyota 4x4 PU
1994 BMW E36 (Daily) |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Bloku wrote: |
| Quote: |
| A related question, now of myself, is how many more clicks down do I need to even the rear end with the front end. I drop you a line as soon as I find these out. |
You want to go even lower in the rear? Ghias tend to look pretty funny when the back is even with the front because of the low fender height in the rear. I feel a little bit of rake is good because you will also be saving your tires by not going any lower. Camber just loves to eat tire! Your ghia looks AWESOME with that height and wheel/tire. Truthfully, I would not change a thing! |
Hey, Bloku, thanks man! Not to mention I already scratch my floor pans when coming in and out of my underground garage  so maybe you're right... it all depends on me finding another trustworthy suspension guy, as mine lives about 3000 km away where I live now |
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Bloku
Expert Noob
Joined: April 09, 2013
Posts: 559
Location: Tulsa/Jenks Oklahoma
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| Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 5:07 pm Post subject: |
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3000km! where does he live? fortaleza? It is nice to know that you put your ghia in a safe place too 
_________________
1971 Karmann Ghia
1975 Porsche 914
-----
1975 BMW 2002
1976 BMW 2002 (Bored and Stroked w/ 5-Speed)
1981 BMW E21
1986 Toyota 4Runner (Dead engine and trans)
1989 Toyota 4x4 PU
1994 BMW E36 (Daily) |
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63 GhiaLover
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2015
Posts: 45
Location: Campinas/SP -- Brazil
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| Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 6:10 pm Post subject: |
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| Bloku wrote: |
| 3000km! where does he live? fortaleza? It is nice to know that you put your ghia in a safe place too |
In my home city, Recife. In fact he is not an ordinary suspension guy but also a good friend of mine. I owe him the ticket to the VW world because I went out that sunny afternoon in July 2004 to buy a rusty '75 Dodge Magnum (with 3 out of 8 cylinders dead...) and got back home driving my '63 Ghia |
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RichElliott
Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2015
Posts: 14
Location: Beaverton, OR
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| Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 8:53 pm Post subject: |
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| johnnyrotten wrote: |
64 Ghia
Front-cb performance 2.5" dropped spindles and 135's, stock beam
Rear-all stock (sagging torsions just from age)
Wheels-Flat-4 5 spoke sprint star repops
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Love the tire/wheel & paint color combo. Looks great!
_________________
Previously Owned VW's:
1972 Yellow Super Beetle
1971 Baby Blue Beetle
1969 Yellow Ghia (aka Mr. Rusty)
1972 Yellow Ghia
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