1961- My First Bug

dc · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:22 pm Post subject: 1961- My First Bug

Picked up this nice driver today- It has some not-correct to '61 parts but it's in good shape Exclamation

Some pan rust and a spot on the driver's inner fender- at the bottom.

I'm excited and plan to drive it this summer before I decide what my future plans with it may be Smile

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

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1963 Karmann Ghia

Aussiebug · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:42 pm Post subject:

Nice looking car. I like the colour too.

Are you sure it's a 61? As you say, there are some non-61 parts on it. There are holes in the front valance (and rear fenders) for towel rail over-riders, which started in the 62 model year. Since the front holes are in the valance which are not "bolt on" components, it makes me wonder about the model year you have. The licence plate light cover is about 64 too - maybe the whole engine lid. Window rubber is not original either.

What's the VIN stamped on the tunnel under the back seat. THAT's definitive - any other number (stickers, compliance plate) could have been altered.
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jjohnson67 · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:51 pm Post subject:

Cool car! No nose. Slam it on earlies! Jjohnson67 out.... Very Happy

dc · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:54 pm Post subject:

Didn't know about the overrider holes-- I was careful to check the VIN- it matches the title and the records indicate 1961: 3 423 xxx -July of 1960- (would that make it a 1960?)
I think it was restored in the 1990's without much regard for correctness.
I did get a correct decklid as part of the deal Smile

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1963 Karmann Ghia

joe56vw · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:02 pm Post subject:

that vin# is sept of '60 which makes it a '61 model

and overriders started in the US a lot earlier then the rest of the world I think it was in the 50's sometime
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jjohnson67 · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2014 10:24 pm Post subject:

Nice! That shit will buff out then Twisted Evil

glutamodo · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 1:44 am Post subject:

Rome · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 3:22 am Post subject:

Nice find! You're already at the height of this summer, so after a few weeks of prep work (brakes, tune-up, lube; rust patching) you should still have plenty of time to drive it.

Don't worry about the '62-style taillights. The ones on the car are much better for your intended daily driver plan compared to the ones which should've been on there originally, since these lights can be seen better from behind. Especially if you install LED 6V bulbs and Euro-style amber-topped lenses (blinker section).

What engine is in it? A stale-air 40hp which would be correct for '61? Is the car still 6V?

irvanm · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 9:41 am Post subject:

Great find, looks nice.

dc · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 9:46 am Post subject:

joe56vw · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:08 am Post subject:

dc · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:12 am Post subject:

The car came with two extra correct deck lids and an extra driver's side door:

Here are the problems:

Missing the drivers side vent window latch- the glass will slide out easily so I should be able to replace the latch.

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1963 Karmann Ghia

Aussiebug · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 11:45 pm Post subject:

dc · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 11:53 pm Post subject:

Got a few small projects done today- New horn bar and button, replaced vent window on driver's door- mounted front license plate.

Question: What's the deal with the wipers- weird that they park to the left, like maybe they're from an earlier bug- doesn't look like pictures of other '61's - only thing I see similar is RHD cars and very early cars

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1963 Karmann Ghia

dc · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 9:06 pm Post subject:

Started working on the dash today- I'm going to install an OG Sapphire Radio and will need to do some welding to make the hole the right size:

Not sure what was here before- but there was lots of bondo that was hiding an even larger hole Exclamation

Made a cardboard template:

Not sure whats up with the paint here- but I will touch it up and install the correct trim:

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1963 Karmann Ghia

panicman · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 10:04 pm Post subject:

Sapphires were made by Bendix Co., an American manufacturer; No point in looking for an "OG" one.
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Plate of shrimp

dc · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 10:35 pm Post subject:

Gotcha- just want something period correct- not a modern deck Smile

I happen to have a Sapphire I that will look better in that spot

OG as in original to the time period- not "original gangster" Wink

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1963 Karmann Ghia

gt1953 · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 7:38 am Post subject:

Take your time make it safe first and foremost. Gotta remove the rustosis.
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Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.

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dc · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 12:14 pm Post subject:

Just about done with the radio hole repair:

Welded in new metal-

Filler and primer-

Blend in paint- it's a little light but it seems to dry darker Rolling Eyes

Dash corner re-touch-

Here's a couple of shots from the Volkswagen Social at Hi-Lo's in Bremerton:

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1963 Karmann Ghia

dc · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:12 pm Post subject:

Got a wiring question for you-

It looks like a PO installed a charger in the lighter position- new and shiny so I'm assuming 12V like everything else (not marked)- when I try to use it it with my cell phone charger it lights up briefly and then blows the fuse.

It appears to be wired OK- it connects to the end (passenger side) of the fuse box which had a 16amp fuse... this also powers the horn among other things.

I'm wondering if 16amp is correct for that spot and/or can I use the unused spot next to it... I tried it and it seems to but only when the lights are on - weird Exclamation

Ideas

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1963 Karmann Ghia


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