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Tue Sep 10, 2019 7:22 am

Vasito wrote: KGCoupe wrote: If you want the looks of a Karmann Ghia combined with more modern power, speed and handling then perhaps you should consider building a Karmann Ghia replicar kit such as the

VW Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Replica Rudolph Classic Roadster

Seeing as you are planning several major modifications to your "authentic" steel Karmann Ghia, that may be a more cost effective route to go and one that would likely provide you with a vehicle that best suits your wants/needs.

If you absolutely can not live without the lowlight styling cues, modifying the fiberglass replicar's looks would likely be easier and less expensive than performing the rust repairs that almost any "real authentic" Karmann Ghia you find in your price range.

If the replicar idea is not "your thing", then just get comfortable with the fact that your search for a rust free Karmann Ghia, or at least one with very minimal rust, will likely take a relatively long time.
They are out there, but I believe they are few and far between.

Anyway, Best Of Luck to you with your project, and please be sure to keep us updated with plenty of photos as things progress along.

Hey this sounds really interesting. Are there any lowlight replicas? How does it cost less than 1k? Is it a proper copy?

You're looking at the price of a replacement convertible top, not the car.

Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:37 am

Vasito wrote: KGCoupe wrote: If you want the looks of a Karmann Ghia combined with more modern power, speed and handling then perhaps you should consider building a Karmann Ghia replicar kit such as the

VW Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Replica Rudolph Classic Roadster

Seeing as you are planning several major modifications to your "authentic" steel Karmann Ghia, that may be a more cost effective route to go and one that would likely provide you with a vehicle that best suits your wants/needs.

If you absolutely can not live without the lowlight styling cues, modifying the fiberglass replicar's looks would likely be easier and less expensive than performing the rust repairs that almost any "real authentic" Karmann Ghia you find in your price range.

If the replicar idea is not "your thing", then just get comfortable with the fact that your search for a rust free Karmann Ghia, or at least one with very minimal rust, will likely take a relatively long time.
They are out there, but I believe they are few and far between.

Anyway, Best Of Luck to you with your project, and please be sure to keep us updated with plenty of photos as things progress along.

Hey this sounds really interesting. Are there any lowlight replicas? How does it cost less than 1k? Is it a proper copy?

The link leads to a page for just the convertible top at that price.

Tue Sep 10, 2019 10:37 am

scottyrocks wrote: Vasito wrote: KGCoupe wrote: If you want the looks of a Karmann Ghia combined with more modern power, speed and handling then perhaps you should consider building a Karmann Ghia replicar kit such as the

VW Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Replica Rudolph Classic Roadster

Seeing as you are planning several major modifications to your "authentic" steel Karmann Ghia, that may be a more cost effective route to go and one that would likely provide you with a vehicle that best suits your wants/needs.

If you absolutely can not live without the lowlight styling cues, modifying the fiberglass replicar's looks would likely be easier and less expensive than performing the rust repairs that almost any "real authentic" Karmann Ghia you find in your price range.

If the replicar idea is not "your thing", then just get comfortable with the fact that your search for a rust free Karmann Ghia, or at least one with very minimal rust, will likely take a relatively long time.
They are out there, but I believe they are few and far between.

Anyway, Best Of Luck to you with your project, and please be sure to keep us updated with plenty of photos as things progress along.

Hey this sounds really interesting. Are there any lowlight replicas? How does it cost less than 1k? Is it a proper copy?

The link leads to a page for just the convertible top at that price.
OK, I'll admit to being a bit confused ... or at the very least being guilty of making rash assumptions. :oops:

I assumed the company that originally made that Karmann Ghia replicar - Rudolph-Roadster.de - was bought out, and were currently focusing on convertible top replacements.
(If I may make another rash assumption, perhaps the Volkswagen legal team has something to do with the fact that the whole body kit does not appeaar to be currently offered?)

A bit more searching led me to this information about the (former?) Rudolph Perfect Roadster ...

KarmannGhia.com wrote: Rudolph Perfect Roadster

Rudolph Perfect Roadster GmbH offers a cheaper version. For €25,500 you can get: front disk brakes, engine 1600cc/37KW/50hp – convertible roof, chrome rings 5.5x15, a console radio/CD, metallic paint. Required extra-charge: original chrome bumper with corners – €1,250, leather upholstery - €1,200.

Regardless, if someone is interested enough in finding out what the current status of the that Karmann Ghia replicar is they could try contacting Rudolph-Roadster.de at the phone number or email address listed at their web address.

Tue Sep 10, 2019 11:53 am

Just trying to clarify what the item was at that price. No criticisms.

Tue Sep 10, 2019 10:17 pm

I'm thinking that I just need to find the cleanest sea blue 67-68 that I can, and just do minor restoration and mechanical work. Repaint and new engine sounds like I'm going to be in for $40K. I can have a decent aircooled 911 for that price, and drive 2Xs faster.

Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:40 am

wannaghia wrote: I'm thinking that I just need to find the cleanest sea blue 67-68 that I can, and just do minor restoration and mechanical work. Repaint and new engine sounds like I'm going to be in for $40K. I can have a decent aircooled 911 for that price, and drive 2Xs faster.

Just be aware that 67-68 have a swing axle transmission. 69 gets you the same look as 67-68 but with an IRS transmission that has CV joint axles, so better handling.
But between 67 and 68, I'd recommend a 67. You get the more vintage looking lowback seats and angled shift lever. 68 has (IMO) awkward looking highback seats, and the less appealing (IMO) straight bar shift lever.

Honestly I think you ought to be able to find a really clean, nice paint, nice interior, well maintained 67 or 68 for ~$15k. Add ~$5k for a 1776 or 1915 engine build and you've got a fun little car. Honestly the 1500 single port that came on 67-69 cars is not the most fun engine to drive. I owned one on a bone stock original survivor 67 a couple years ago. It felt dangerous on occasion pulling out into traffic. If you were underwhelmed by the 1600 dual port that was in your 71, you're going to be really underwhelmed by the 1500 single port.

BTW, I'm doing almost exactly what I recommended to you with my 66 that I currently own. It was a non-runner when I bought it. But I do all the work myself, so I only have to spend on parts (with the exception of the engine and trans rebuilds). I just finished up the rack and pinion steering conversion that I got from Kerscher Tuning, and the front suspension rebuild. I'm getting ready to pull the old engine and trans. I've got a rebuilt trans with custom gearing that I'll be installing along with a rear sway bar, and I'm getting ready to have a 1776 built. The 4 wheel discs are ready to put on once I get the new trans in. It's lowered 2.5" on stock wheels. I've already bought just about all the parts I need including all the little nits and bits, and I'm right around $10k into it at the moment. Add ~$5k for the engine. Once I have the car running and driving, I'll blast it apart myself and deliver to an air cooled shop I know here in town as a shell for paint. Then I'll reassemble it myself. Once painted and done, I should be in it for low to mid $20's and it'll be a monster of a canyon carver! That's the plan anyway 8)

The key to keep costs low is to do all the work you can yourself. And when you're buying parts, don't just buy them from anywhere. Compare all the ACVW vendors prices, then wait for sales (usually around holidays, etc), and also wait to place orders until you need at least $100 in parts because that's the threshold for most vendors to offer free shipping. I've probably saved 30-40% on all the parts I've bought just being patient and waiting for the deals. I knew going into this build that it would be a long slow process, so I'm not in a rush.

Wed Sep 11, 2019 7:03 am

Ok, great, a 69' it is! Thank you so much for all the advice. You are a great resource. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as I start looking. I'm willing to look around for a year or more to find what I want. Although, I'm hearing from Hagerty valuations that Ghia values are starting to rise again, so I may not want to wait too long!

Wed Sep 11, 2019 8:42 am

wannaghia wrote: Ok, great, a 69' it is! Thank you so much for all the advice. You are a great resource. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as I start looking. I'm willing to look around for a year or more to find what I want. Although, I'm hearing from Hagerty valuations that Ghia values are starting to rise again, so I may not want to wait too long!

Yes always run a prospective buy past the forum experts and don't worry about Ghia prices running away from your budget...they won't be moving that quickly.

It always pays to wait for the right car...you'll know when it arrives as there won't be many, if any dissenting voices in the forum. :)

Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:08 am

Just curious. I'm probably not going to find the exact Ghia I'm looking for, especially in regards to color. But this is of primary importance to me, and although I'm willing to search for a year, I don't want to spend 5 years either. What does a standard factory-based paint job cost? Not bare metal and show car stuff, just a standard paint job? Gotta have it in sea blue!

Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:38 am

Just FYI, that gorgeous L360 Sea Blue color was available on Karmann Ghias from the 1960 thru 1966 model years.

Of course you can paint your future Ghia any color that you want, and I don't think many would criticize you for painting a later model that beautiful Sea Blue.
However if you're hoping to save money by not haviing to pay for an eventual costly color change, then you'll need to narrow your search to the 1960 thru 1966 model years.

Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:48 am

Darn, that's what I was afraid of. May have to change my color preference. Hopefully, the 69s have some nice blue options

Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:56 am

When you have time to really search all around this amazing web site, you'll find pretty much everything you need/want to know about vintage Volkswagens.

For example, under the Technical Tab at the top of the page you'll find a link to a Guide to Karmann Ghia Paint and Upholstery Colors By Model Yeaar.

Thu Sep 12, 2019 7:57 am

Era Vulgaris wrote: Vasito wrote: KGCoupe wrote: If you want the looks of a Karmann Ghia combined with more modern power, speed and handling then perhaps you should consider building a Karmann Ghia replicar kit such as the

VW Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Replica Rudolph Classic Roadster

Seeing as you are planning several major modifications to your "authentic" steel Karmann Ghia, that may be a more cost effective route to go and one that would likely provide you with a vehicle that best suits your wants/needs.

If you absolutely can not live without the lowlight styling cues, modifying the fiberglass replicar's looks would likely be easier and less expensive than performing the rust repairs that almost any "real authentic" Karmann Ghia you find in your price range.

If the replicar idea is not "your thing", then just get comfortable with the fact that your search for a rust free Karmann Ghia, or at least one with very minimal rust, will likely take a relatively long time.
They are out there, but I believe they are few and far between.

Anyway, Best Of Luck to you with your project, and please be sure to keep us updated with plenty of photos as things progress along.

Hey this sounds really interesting. Are there any lowlight replicas? How does it cost less than 1k? Is it a proper copy?

You're looking at the price of a replacement convertible top, not the car.

Yes, of course I'm aware, it still seems cheap to me. I know next to nothing about cars. As far as I understand it's a copy of the body but made from fiberglass.