I've always wanted a Karmann Ghia but..

Opghia

Hi! I'm new to the forum, and I've been browsing a lot and learning quite a bit. Actually, I've been on the forum for the past 6hrs and my eyes are drooping now, it's 4:30am. You guys n' gals seem really knowledgable and I appreciate everyone sharing their love for these beautiful cars, and I want one too!!

I've been keeping an eye out for a 1969 Ghia. I have a budget, $4k max, hoping to fine tune it to the best of my abilities over time. I get the impression that having a straight body and rust free is utmost important. Can I expect this condition with the budget I have? and being a it a daily driver? or am I dreaming?

I had an old Honda that was rear ended just a couple of weeks ago, and I need another car asap. So, I figured why not get something I really want since I enjoy working on cars anyway, even though I have no idea about all the mechanics. I love learning and fixing things up, and I wouldn't mind taking a car apart and sand blasting the whole thing and making every inch like new.

I've been browsing listings everyday. Any input on these listing?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1602105
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4358378757.html

Any input and advice is welcome.

Thanks!

djkeev · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 6:33 am Post subject:

You are in a great location to find solid VW's.

Either one of those Ghias looks promising.

Pay attention to Rocker Panel rust.
In front of the rear wheels by the torsion bar cover are chronic areas.
If you have ANY PAINT BUBBLING on the rockers, prepare to walk away.

These rockers rust from the inside out! By the time you see external rust, the internal damage is already significant.

Mecanical issues are easy to fix, the body will devastate you financially and time wise!

$4,000 is a starting point.
Recognize that this is the tip of the submerged financial iceburg!
As you drive and own the car it will soon become apparent that you "need" many items...... None of them cheap!

Get the idiot book, get a haynes or chilton and get the Bentley. Use all three, you'll be fine with basic mechanical skills and basic tools.

Good luck!
Please Keep us updated on your journey....... Photos are required! Wink

Dave
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Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

aero3113 · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 6:50 am Post subject:

You came to he right place! If you have any mechanical ability you should be fine when it comes to a Ghia. I reccomend to look at the car in person and DON'T go by the previous owners words or photos. Any questions you have post them here and I'm sure they will be answered.

NOVA Airhead · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:40 am Post subject:

You need a car immediately for transportation and only have $4K? I would look at a good used Civic.

For $4K I would expect any '69 you find will need work and it will likely be significant. A $4K rust free car will likely need some significant mechanical work. A $4K mechanically sound car will likely need significant body work.

In the scheme of things the rust free car will be a better deal but they are becoming hard to find...and if its rust free it will probably need mechanical repairs which will impact your immediate need for transportation.
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Eric&Barb · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 10:58 am Post subject:

Think what you should consider is getting a Beetle instead. Lots easier to get parts for and more of them out there to choose from. Pre-1968 would be better, and then LEARN on that how to do the mechanicals, maintenance and how to drive it.

Then in a year or so you can search for the right KG for you and take the time to get it in shape to drive reliably.

Both KGs you are considering have obvious problems/issues, and needs lots of love and $$$.

Keep us posted on how it goes for you.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

irvanm · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 3:12 pm Post subject:

I saw a green convertible I lusted after down by the Bart station on College when we were out there a couple of weeks ago.

djkeev · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 3:28 pm Post subject:

Yes but living in Berkeley, I'm guessing BART is a big part of life?

Daily dependence upon a car may not be a reality.

Dave
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Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

oorwullie · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 5:35 pm Post subject:

a civic for 4k? Confused

that would be a max $500 car where i am. Laughing

kman · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 5:43 pm Post subject:

I'd sell this Civic for 5K Smile

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Opghia

The 1970 ghia.. nice guy, but I never got to see the car because someone right before me, literally like 15mins had just bought it.

1969, with the 1500cc bus engine.. Thought of purchasing it, but.. unsure about the state of the car, especially with the left rear wheel sticking out and not knowing how much it may cost for me to get it repaired. Any idea?

Called the guy to make sure it was running, and it was, but not in "excellent condition." He didn't mention the wheel issue. There was no way I was driving that on the freeway. I did get in the car and he drove us around a few blocks, but man that wheel made me nervous. Going in reverse made the wheel grind into the side of the car.

Nice little ride going forward though.

I could not get under the car too well. I should've brought a mirror to help take photos.

I thought the body was overall pretty good, compared to the price offered and the conditions I've seem on other listings, but I just wasn't able to hand him my money. What's your opinion? Would you have the car tow and fix that rear tire? And how much you offer for a car like this?

[/img]

Eric&Barb · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:41 pm Post subject:

Missing left fresh air tube is roasting the engine on that side to death....
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Woreign · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 8:43 pm Post subject:

kevin3406 · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 10:17 pm Post subject:

IMO, that white car isn't bad for the money. ive seen WAY worse. the left rear wheel issue could be as simple as a bad bushing, misalignment, or accident damage. I would suggest having someone with suspension expertise look under there to see if everything is geometrically correct. my guess is youre looking at a broken torsion bar.
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kevin3406 · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 10:22 pm Post subject:

oh, and if you do buy it, please move that fuel filter away from the distributor...
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[insert various aircooled vehicles here] if the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.- Red Green

ivwshane · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 10:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the pics of the 69. I was going to buy it but didn't realize how bad the wheel is and that door gap looks like an issue and it looks like there was some body damage as well.

I think $3500 is too much in my opinion.
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77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

John Moxon · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 1:39 am Post subject:

kman · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 4:19 am Post subject:

To OP: ask yourself why it's had a color change and motor change. It's likely to have had an accident or two and some fit issues. The respray involved some poor prep at the white paint is chipping everywhere on interior surfaces. I also think it might be more mechanical work than your looking for right now.

To Woreign: your thinking of the Honda n600 or z600. Now those are small.

djkeev · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 7:10 am Post subject:

On topic........ Pass on that Ghia. Look by the ID plate in the trunk, see the wrinkled metal? NOT GOOD!!
==========

Off topic I know but the first Honda Car that I ever saw was a screaming yellow Honda Z.
Brand new.... Tiny!
I was a bank teller working the drive in (before vacuum tubes, we had the metal drawer only) when this car flies up to the window.......

For me, It was a very real life "American Graffiti Blonde in the White T-Bird" vision that has stuck with me for nearly half a century......

For the car was driven by a Blonde beauty very much like this photo......
I'm Standing up high in the drive in window Peering down into this tiny car and it's drivers "assets"....... Laughing

Oh come on! Give me a break! I was a nerdy young kid working in a BANK!!!! ......

Oh.... To be young again and to be thrilled by such simple pleasures! Smile

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

Opghia · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 10:19 pm Post subject: My 1972 Karmann Ghia!

Well, here's my Ghia. And, she's gorgeous! Straight body, minimal surface rust, pan will need some work down the road, definitely some work to be done, but it's a daily driver. Drove it back from Lodi, CA to the east bay no problem. Electronic fuel pump. Will need to order recommended books pronto, tomorrow.

I've noticed a few things that needs attention right away. Steering wheel has to much play for my comfort, about a couple of inches sway. Too much force needed to open the door with key, clean n' lube? My tail light works intermittently, lose wire somewhere? bad contact? bought new bulbs already. Gauge lights are very dim, clock doesn't work, and the speedometer sways back n' forth about 10mph difference.

One step at a time. So, book first and more research.

Thanks for your inputs!

cagey.jg · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 10:38 pm Post subject:

Congrats on the purchase!

For books, check out John Muir's Idiot Guide and the Bentley Manual.

Tail light could be as simple as a loose bulb, like it was in my case.

Steering could a number of thing: dampener, steering box, steering coupler.
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69 karmann ghia


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