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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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 Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:22 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| KGCoupe wrote: |
| Braukuche wrote: |
| Trylon wrote: |
Robot day
Rather than regale you with tales of ROS and TIAGo, I will inform you of my communication with Kevin Ferguson.
As one of my goals seems to be to actually make our car worth what I paid for it, I have decided to install a period correct interior. More to the point, I am undertaking this so Braukuche will feel comfortable sitting in our car.
Kevin has graciously agreed to create this interior for us. And with his care and attention, I think I might even coax my wife to sit in our car. Although she has yet to learn that there are no seat belts or airbags so it is not clear that she will ever actually ride in it.
Now, let’s play “How many ways can Trylon screw this up?” |
Is that Kev in Australia?
If so that guy is top notch from what I have seen of his work. You will not regret it, it’s where you spend most of the time when you are with your car, though at this point that might be hard to believe. |
Perhaps Kevin can whip up a matching seat pad to fit atop the overturned bucket that Trylon sits on when he works on his Karmann Ghia in the carriage barn?
... maybe even a matching creeper pad too! |
So, you are intimating that I spend more time on the outside and under our car than the inside, eh?
That may soon change when my wife finds out the cost of this interior and I find myself sleeping in it.
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:58 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| djkeev wrote: |
You could modify the Beetle seats to recline, if you're going to be sleeping the the car, I'm sure something similar could be worked up for the Ghia seats?
Dave |
"I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that."
-HAL
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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sputnick60
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 22, 2007
Posts: 3916
Location: In Molinya Orbit
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| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 11:00 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| Trylon wrote: |
| sputnick60 wrote: |
I approve too. Kev did the interior for my car. People love it.
Nicholas |
Excellent! I surmise you love it too!
Did you install it yourself? |
Yes and yes. It’s very easy to do. For the carpets use the 3M spray-on glue not the Sikkens variety. Some argue with that and say don’t use spray-on glue but the tinned version with an applicator. Just work in a well ventilated area, unless you want to get high.
Nicholas
_________________
'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 11:07 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| sputnick60 wrote: |
| Trylon wrote: |
| sputnick60 wrote: |
I approve too. Kev did the interior for my car. People love it.
Nicholas |
Excellent! I surmise you love it too!
Did you install it yourself? |
Yes and yes. It’s very easy to do. For the carpets use the 3M spray-on glue not the Sikkens variety. Some argue with that and say don’t use spray-on glue but the tinned version with an applicator. Just work in a well ventilated area, unless you want to get high.
Nicholas |
Well that's encouraging! I think the only carpeting involved would behind the back seat given our car's Luis' rubber mats. I am concerned with getting the front seats right though. Saw a video and it looked like "Experience not Necessary, but Useful" to me.
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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Day 65
Car kinda just sittin’ there but I am trying to move things forward.
Got the carburetor off to Tim today and it should arrive Thursday.
Cleaned off the other rear hub (filthy dirty black on the inside covering over what appears to be some rust). Put the VW decal on; came out nice.
Was up to more abuse today, so I took a little trip to The Third Garage: https://thethirdgarage.com/
Actually a very little trip— 4.2 miles. As I drove by a spot that I have driven by for a quarter of a century, this time I took a right turn into a bunch of warehouse buildings. No sign of what the heck they are on the drive but as I drove through I saw a few: Furniture Fish is the only name that I remember. It didn’t look promising.
Going up and down the aisles, I came across something very promising though:
And this:
Still no sign of life. Then I spied a light and went into what turned out to be some sort of sewing store.
“Nope, I wish they were my Porsches! Try directly across the way... and bring your Gold card.”
So I went across the way and tried doors until one opened...
Porsche Nirvana
How did I not know about this place? I was so struck that I forgot to take pictures!
As I stood there, dumbstruck, I noticed a large red Retriver looking at me with the expression “What are you doing here?” I could only agree with him.
Next to the dog there was a man with his back to me who appeared to be on the phone. I was in no hurry as I ogled the autos so I just stood there ... and the dog continued to stare.
Then a disembodied voice— “Can I help you?”
Seems that there was somebody else there ... I spied a silver gray head of hair amongst the automotive finery...
Perhaps, but I fully expect to be laughed out the door.
Hi, I’m Mark. What can I do for you?
I just found out about your place on The Samba.
Oh! So the internet works! Good to hear they know about us!
Yes, on top of that they refer to you as “well-respected”!
Even better! So what’s up?
Well, as you are Porsche specialists I wonder if you might be able to help with a Poor Man’s Porsche?
Which is exactly?
A ‘59 Karmann Ghia that, given my complete lack of automotive knowledge, I have no business owning.
Oh, those are cool!
Here’s a pic...
Very nice!
[Well at this point, I am getting very encouraged.]
So, I thought I bought a turn-key car but it turns out that the last time someone turned the key was about three years ago. I am trying my darnedest to get it on the road but would love to hear that there was help around the corner if I need it.
Sure! Air-cooled is air-cooled!
Well, I wonder just how small of a job you might consider...
[ok, steel myself for the laugh]
Like for instance, I have Coker whitewalls that I am having problems getting anyone to put on carefully and balance them.
Hmm...well we don’t have a tire machine.
So how do you get your tires on?
We have people in the area, but its for more standard tires.
Ok. How about installation of an interior?
From top to bottom?
Well its mostly just seats and panels.
—
He then gives me the tour of the place. Shows me an interior they are working on, a red Mercedes that looks brand new that the owner wants original white, a carburetor that they had just fully restored (after I told them about sending mine off), a beautiful dark green 911? on a lift,...
Been working on that for 9 months.
Wow!
Well, been working on THAT for 3 years!
And he points to a car under a translucent cover in the corner. And I realize it is the car that kindled this whole saga— a silver 356 Porsche coupe. This is the car I saw in a museum in Germany years ago that kindled Porsche fever until it was cured by sticker shock.
And it’s been sitting here in my town for 3 years.
Mark gave me his card and told me after I get the carburetor back on and the brakes working and the wheels on to bring it by for them to see.
I wish money were no object because I think I know where I can get a brand new cardinal red 1959 Karmann Ghia in perfect working order!
‘Course, I would still have to find someone to put on my whitewalls...
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel!
Last edited by Trylon on Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 4:27 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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Value places like that. They are mostly run by older greyheads who are getting up in years and either dying, or giving up.
One after another they are falling by the wayside, closing up and being replaced by.......... nothing.
With exceptions of course, kids today aren't taking up wrenching on classics. It is hard dirty work and other jobs are physically easier and pay better.
I had a great engine shoo not far from me, that vanished a dozen years ago, now I'm hard pressed to buy basics such as plastigauge locally.
Today we use it and throw it away, we don't fix it any longer.
As an example I purchased a scratch and dent refrigerator. Whole, it is a $2,500 unit.
I watched the price go down and down for one of the doors was significantly bent and the hinge was shattered.
I knew I could fix it so I watched. I ended up bringing it home for $75.00.
I tested to make sure it works and I'll have $100 more dollars in it by the time it's done. I've separated the door skin from the plastic shelves and used my auto body tools to massage it all back in shape. Got some casting resin and made a new hinge. Now I need to foam it all back together.
A bit of work? Sure it is. But in the four days of accumulated evenings, this will take To complete, I "made" $2300.00 in my spare time.
Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 7:16 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Value places like that. They are mostly run by older greyheads who are getting up in years and either dying, or giving up.
One after another they are falling by the wayside, closing up and being replaced by.......... nothing.
With exceptions of course, kids today aren't taking up wrenching on classics. It is hard dirty work and other jobs are physically easier and pay better.
I had a great engine shoo not far from me, that vanished a dozen years ago, now I'm hard pressed to buy basics such as plastigauge locally.
Today we use it and throw it away, we don't fix it any longer.
As an example I purchased a scratch and dent refrigerator. Whole, it is a $2,500 unit.
I watched the price go down and down for one of the doors was significantly bent and the hinge was shattered.
I knew I could fix it so I watched. I ended up bringing it home for $75.00.
I tested to make sure it works and I'll have $100 more dollars in it by the time it's done. I've separated the door skin from the plastic shelves and used my auto body tools to massage it all back in shape. Got some casting resin and made a new hinge. Now I need to foam it all back together.
A bit of work? Sure it is. But in the four days of accumulated evenings, this will take To complete, I "made" $2300.00 in my spare time.
Dave |
Oh, I value that place— and this one as well!
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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Robot Day
Still too cold to paint but it looks like it’s warming up this weekend. The plan will be to get the wheels and brake drums painted, then, we dry, bring them to the guy who doesn’t have an issue with them to see if he still willing to attempt installation of the tires. The fuel line filter bracket is coming and I will attempt to move the filter and stop the fuel leak under our car. Still need to check the transmission fluid level— fingers crossed that the leak was caused by overfilling. Would like to connect the heater tubes but have a feeling that there is some problem as the PO said he would leave it to me to do. Oh, and I want to check the valves again while it’s easier to use the prescribed method of tightening them.
For those of you who are worrying— got the robot to obey today.
Apocalypse averted!
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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John Moxon 
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Joined: March 07, 2004
Posts: 13955
Location: Southampton U.K.
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:52 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| John Moxon wrote: |
| Trylon wrote: |
Robot Day
For those of you who are worrying— got the robot to obey today.
Apocalypse averted! |
I take it, it's non-gender specific.  |
Huh, another cryptic, vaguely carnal, winking John comment. Too early here to decipher but perhaps after breakfast all will become clear and I will have a good laugh with my latte.
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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John Moxon
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Joined: March 07, 2004
Posts: 13955
Location: Southampton U.K.
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 8:19 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| John Moxon wrote: |
| Trylon wrote: |
| John Moxon wrote: |
| Trylon wrote: |
Robot Day
For those of you who are worrying— got the robot to obey today.
Apocalypse averted! |
I take it, it's non-gender specific. |
Huh, another cryptic, vaguely carnal, winking John comment. Too early here to decipher but perhaps after breakfast all will become clear and I will have a good laugh with my latte. |
Well in my experience there's only one gender I had no chance of getting to obey. |
Ok. Latte-upped.
Ha!
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:46 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Ah..... Latte's..... the expensive coffee, you can tell you've not yet been properly consumed by your classic VW's! 
We drink yesterdays pot sediment with the grounds in it....... |
Perhaps the fact that I make them myself has some bearing on this?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tf3vugnfXwoCigB17
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:56 am Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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| djkeev wrote: |
| Trylon wrote: |
| djkeev wrote: |
Ah..... Latte's..... the expensive coffee, you can tell you've not yet been properly consumed by your classic VW's!
We drink yesterdays pot sediment with the grounds in it....... |
Perhaps the fact that I make them myself has some bearing on this?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tf3vugnfXwoCigB17 |
What!? No designs In the foam? Maybe a heart around the VW emblem........
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How mortifying.
That’s my best effort at latte art to date.
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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Trylon
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2019
Posts: 4853
Location: Connecticut
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| Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 2:22 pm Post subject: Re: '59 Karmann Ghia fever |
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Looks like weather might cooperate tomorrow for painting up drums and wheels.
In the meantime, here is a photo of the engine from behind when it was being refreshed (I don’t believe I have posted this before). Seems to be showing me something proudly— did something good happen here?
Jeez, and what is that bent tube?!
_________________
1973 Porsche 914 2.0
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
1973 Volkswagen Bus
1970 MGB-GT
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
More tomfoolery on
The Karmann Ghia Fever YouTube Channel! |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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