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Mon Jun 02, 2003 9:10 pm

The Ghia I'm looking at is a '71. I've noticed some '71s have red squarish reflectors below the tailights and some do not. Would this be a mid-year change or perhaps what they called the Cabrio? If so, what are the differences between a Cabrio and a regular vert? Also, I've noticed that the dashes aren't always in the best of condition on some Ghias I've looked at. How expensive is it to repair or replace a bad dash?

Mon Jun 02, 2003 11:42 pm

Cabrio, Cabriolet, Convertible, Vert all the same. No mechanical or physical differences at all. Just name pronunciation. Cabriolet is actually a french word that means-"a hood that folds". 1970 on up Ghia's should have the reflectors below the tail lights. Unless they are not US spec or the owner has removed them for a more sanitary look. Those dashes are hard to keep in cherry condition. I have a 1970 Karmann Ghia Vert with the original german dash. It has some cracks by the speaker holes, but hey it fits perfectly! And I ain't buying no aftermarket or repro crap! Doesn't fit and the quality sucks. Been down that raod before! You can find a repro dash between 70-100 bucks.
Good Luck!
Rick

Sun Jun 08, 2003 11:39 pm

The dash covers, while cheap- are generally bad because they are so glossy that they reflect badly off the windshield and pose a safety problem. Also, they don't have speaker holes.

The real dash pads often need to be trimmed a bit to look good, but if you get a good brand name one, they do fit better.

Wed Jun 11, 2003 9:49 am

Check with www.karmannghia.com I was pleased with the repro wood grain and dash pad. The knee pads (at the time - 2 years ago) looked like crap, so I had them covered in vinyl at a trim shop.

BTW - The '70 and '71 are essentially the same car except the '71 had a dual port motor.

Tom
'70 cabrio (I like to say cabrio because it's a 5 cent word and it looks cool - okay call me a shallow person!)

Thu Jun 12, 2003 1:35 pm

Jazzed,
Actually only the US spec Ghia's, 70-71 will have the square type reflector below the tail lights. I believe the Euro Ghia's had a small round reflector.
The 1972-1974 Ghia's had the flat larger tail lights and the big one piece heavy-duty bumper.
Rick

Fri Jun 13, 2003 9:44 am

Rick is correct on the vert issue with one exception. The term Cabriolet is used primarily when there is a headliner installed in the top.

Sat Jun 14, 2003 7:32 am

who honest sells a good near OEM looking fit and finish Dash pad. Mine has been sun baked in the Arizona sun. 68 coupe.

Wed Jun 18, 2003 9:04 pm

grvlguy,
Not true!
But good try none the less. I actually am the one responsible for this word and it's definition. Look it up in the dictionary and you will see my name next to it.