Ghia wont start

[eurovw]

Just bought a new ghia and it won't start.
Previous owner says he was told it require a regulator or if I really wanted to beef things up to add a alternator. Any thoughts on adding an alternator and what is involved and if infact adding a new regulator will cause the car to start.

The car has been sitting in a garage for 2 years, I am aware the gas tank needs to be cleaned out, along with the fuel lines and the carb has to be cleaned.

Any help would be greatly appreciated the car is a 1970 with the 1600 engine and 4speed trans.

[jason_hamilton]

There's a myriad of reasons why a car won't start, especially when it's been sitting for a long period of time. If you don't know enough to do the standard checks to see if it's getting spark and fuel, you really ought to have it towed to a qualified mechanic.
Having said that, you might get enough help here to get it running, but you're going to have to be a lot more specific.
Assuming you didn't buy a car that didn't run, when was the last time you saw it running?
What exactly happens when you turn the key now?

PS:A bad voltage regulator will not prevent your car from starting, but it will prevent the charging system from keeping the battery charged. Same with the generator.
_________________
Jason Hamilton
1969 Karmann Ghia coupe
@MiddleAgedHoon

[JamesT]

If you are thinking of replacing it with an alternator, go for it. BEsides better output, more juice at lower Rpms and greater efficiency, they also look better. I never used to like them because i was trying to give my engine the old school look. But, certain problems leb my right back to alternators. THe regulator may not prevent the engine from turning over, but you may want to look over your wiring and make sure it isn't short circuiting anywhere.
-James T

[eurovw]

I got the car to start, however doesn't hold a charge.

How do I go about converting the regulator to an alternator and what alternator should I use from which car?

[jason_hamilton]

To convert from your 30 amp generator to a 55 amp or 75 amp alternator, you can buy a kit that comes with everything you need. (On the new alternator the voltage regulator will be built right into the unit, so you can discard the old one). I should think it would come with all the wiring instructions, etc. California Import Parts has kits starting at $129.95.
If you have your charging system checked out, and it turns out to be a faulty voltage regulator, CIP sells replacements for $24.95
_________________
Jason Hamilton
1969 Karmann Ghia coupe
@MiddleAgedHoon

[Pimpi]

The easiest way to convert it to alternator is this. As far as the voltage regulator goes all you need to do is link the 2 fat wires together, and the 3 small ones together, and you are done. Now connect them at the alternator as you would on the generator. I belive also that you must change the pedistol to account for the alternator's width.

[eurovw]

Thanks I will give it a try
I have ordered the alternator conversion kit