Ghia Purchase Tips?

[jazzed]

I'm looking to purchase a Ghia vert. Would appreciate any tips on things to look for (and look out for!). Thanks in advance.

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Check the pan for rust and holes. The engine compartment for rust and holes, where the battery normally is located. Rear apron for damage from an accident. Headlight buckets for rust around headlights. Rockers for rust. Door hindges for slop, lift them up too check them from the door handle. Make sure the electrical works. Check wipers, lights, etc. And drive it to check the engine and tranny. Look for oil leaks and tranny leaks. Check the ball joints if it has them or king and link pins. Just an overall inspection for safety and equipment. Good luck!
Rick

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Jazzed, I bought my first Ghia convertible last year and I love her. Ricks advice is sound and the only thing I can add is consider getting one thats BEEN restored. Let the other guy pay twice the $$ in parts and work than what he's selling it for. My Ghia was in good shape and had most of the parts but, after I bought all the little stuff ( not to mention shipping costs for hundreds of items )I ended up dropping several thousand $$ more than I ever thought I could. If I had to do it over I'd at the very least find a complete parts car to transfer parts from so I didn't end up paying out $5-$200 for all the little stuff (and big).
No matter how you do it, just get one, cause it's hard to stress about life when your flying down the road with the wind whistling through your hair. BTW, I personally like the 71 as it looks older but still has all the equiptment to keep up with the new cars. Truly any Ghia convertible is the right one though... Good luck!! Greg

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Since you are looking for a Vert. Check the top mechanism. Is their a gap when the top is latched? If their is it will be the front header bow (wood). Does it open and close smoothly? Check the rear window latch. Check the front latches, pins, cables, rubber pieces and trim. Their are alot of components with a Vert. Does it close properly? Check the bushings for the top mechanism. Drain hoses. I had to replace mine on my 1970 Karmann Ghia Vert. No big deal to replace. You need to inspect everything and asks questions. And don't forget "you get what you pay for". What year Vert are you interested in buying?
Rick

[jazzed]

I'm looking at a '71, Rick. Thank you and tobja and anyone else who cares to add more. I am currently restoring a '66 21 Window Deluxe and can certainly relate to what tobja has to say about resto costs. My $6700 bargain is now at
$15,000. The vert will be for my g/f and the one I'm looking at is in pretty good shape with no major stuff that needs to be done to use it as a nice daily driver. I appreciate the friendliness of you all here on the "other" side of the Samba from my usual split bus postings and questions.

[gt1953]

whanna check out my 68 coupe for sale. it is not a vert so pop me a mail if interested [email protected] an Arizona rust free car.