Extreme Newbie-Electric Ghia & Other Questions

[Volksusername]

Hello all,

As stated in my subject line, I know relatively little about Volkswagens other than what I have gleened in the past few days of internet research. I hope you will be patient with my questions and I apologize if my questions seem ridiculous. I really don't know how else to find this out. I have searched the forum and have found some answers, but still have many questions. Thank you to any of you who can help answer them.

I know many of you are probably purists and I can appreciate that. For me, I love the look of a Karmann Ghia, but it is not my first choice to have an air-cooled engine. I would also like to have a modern air conditioning system if I can. I know I have seen a few (very few) electric Ghias, but I was wondering if anyone ever uses another car as the base of a Ghia, so its really another car, but with the look of a Ghia. I would totally be interested in a replica if that is a possibility as well. I guess I just really want the reliability and youth (safer features, ie disc brakes etc...don't know a lot of mechanical terms) of a modern car, but again with the look of a Ghia. Now I know I'm rambling.

Now to be clear, if these are not possibilities, I would rather drive a stock Ghia than no Ghia at all. I'd just like to know what my options are. And if I'm looking for one of these converted Ghias, where would I be likely to find them? Is modern air conditioning a possibility at all?

One more question, Is there any way to put car seat tethers in the back seat? I would only need them for one car seat.

Sorry this is so long. I really do appreciate your time.

Thank you again.

[jwold]

I've only seen a few pics of Ghias that have been converted to electric, there's one guy up in Washington that drag races one and another guy in California that I've corresponded to a bit...he loves his electric Ghia.

It can be done, Ghias from 67 on up had disc brakes on the front. Keep researching and reading, especially on this forum and other EV forums.

As far as AC is concerned, yes ghias had it. From what I've read, the newer AC conversion kits are a little more efficient and reliable than the original VW ones. I don't know if a ghia converted EV would operate very efficiently with an AC unit installed...maybe, but I would think the compressor and fans to push the air around would be a big power draw.

I would imagine you could install some kind of seat belt in the back, might involve drilling holes through the pan and adding aftermarket belts. Be sure to use big honking fender washers under there for extra strength, or do some serious welding. Not exactly the safest cars for hauling kids around in.

[Volksusername]

[jwold]

I don't think they're any less unsafe than any other old unsafe car. There have been so many improvements in safety to automobiles that these old cars just don't compete. Are you putting yourself & your family more at risk than you are in an SUV, probably...but if it's your time to go, then it doesn't matter if you're driving in a tank...right? Your odds are waaaaay better in a more modern car with airbags, 3 point belts, crumple zones, and driving one of these old VW's demands more attentive driving for all of those reasons. There's an interesting video on youtube of a old car and a new car in a head on collision...you'd think that old Detroit steel vs plastic would be a deciding factor, but the conclusion is that the new car driver would survive and the old car driver would not. Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g

If there's any downside to all the safety features is that more insulated/isolated drivers seem to be less attentive drivers since they figure that they'll be safe if they are in an accident, use of 'modern' mobile devices not withstanding.

I've read that these cars being much lighter than a newer car can be a benefit in an accident since a lot of that energy is dispersed when the car gets pushed after impact, but if that is a benefit, it's pretty small potatoes compared to the benefits of modern safety features.

The only other factor is how much cooler of a ride an old Karmann Ghia is than a new car! Also, one assumes that you're mechanically inclined since these cars demand a little more attention than a modern car as well...but that's part of the fun of owning one. I guess if you're interested in building an electric ghia, you're going to be doing the conversion yourself.

[John Moxon]

Safety will always be an issue...it goes with owning an old car, especially if you have young kids.

Discussed here for a couple of pages...don't expect answers, just opinions: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=483603
_________________
John.
Judson Supercharger Information on The Samba
My 1958 Shorrock Supercharged Karmann Ghia
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Volksusername]

John, thanks for that link. I read the comments and loved the one about not driving these cars for safety but because they look cool. I guess that's pretty spot on.

jwold, I guess I just have to decide if it's going to bother me or not and I have to wonder if people are going to accuse me of being an unfit parent. I do love my son very much and would never want to cause him harm I could have avoided. On the other hand, life is for living and you can lessen at least some of the risk by driving much more aware, especially in wet weather. I do live in an area where there is snow in the winter, so I'm not sure if this is really a possibility.

I am soon to be a divorced mom of one and will be going to law school in the fall. I planned to spend somewhere around 8-10k for a Ghia that is really sound, fixed up, and running well. I hoped that if I were to take it in to a VW mechanic every 3 months and have it regularly serviced, that would be enough to keep it reliable. Is this just a pipe dream I'm having? I've always wanted a classic car, but have put it off for all the logical reasons. Now with this rift in my life, I realize life is too short to put off everything that doesn't fit logically.

Let me know if I'm dreaming or if this is a real possibility. Thanks again, you guys are so helpful and polite.

[danielsan]

Try asking on the Karmann Ghia mailing list:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/karmann-ghia/

There a few people on that list have electric ghias and can give a good answer. Ghias are good platforms for electric cars because they are so light and they they have so many mechanical features. No drain from the window winders, electric heater and so on. Not cheap but really, really neat.

If you want electric and creature comforts I would look at a nissan leaf

The ghia isn't a bad car to get rear ended in but you really don't want to get T-boned or hit on an angle from the side. So you would be taking risk. But I ride my bike on busy roads and that can't be any safer . . .

[Volksusername]

danielsan- thankyou for the link. It looks like it will be really helpful. I see your point about the bike. I ride a CRF 250F on the dirt track, so I suppose that has its own risks too.

Thanks for everyone's comments. I think I'm going to go for it. If it doesn't work out, I can always sell it right? KG here I come!

[mstencel]

My two cents, so please take with the proverbial grain of salt! I had two Ghias in my high school and college years, and I just purchased the Ghia I could never afford 25 years ago. And boy do I love it! While mine is not a daily driver, I definitely wanted to be able to drive it as often as possible, so I decided to focus on a 72-74 for a number of reasons. The 72-74s are, arguably, some of the best DRIVING Ghias out there. Now I'm talking about one in near original condition. In original condition, they had the most creature comforts (although that's not saying much!), the largest production engines, etc. The only catch with those years, is 72 was the last year to have a back seat. VW ditched the rear seat in 73 due to safety regulations, although I've seen 73-74s where a back seat was added.

I love my 73, and it drives great. One suggestion, and again, it's only a suggestion, is if you have the space, see if there's a way to work out a Ghia, and a daily driver, say an older Honda, Toyota, etc. The money you would spend to convert to electric, you could easily buy a nice used daily driver. I know what you mean by living life, doing what you want to do, etc. The 73 I just bought was on my bucket list, and it was my 40th birthday present to myself, and I have NO regrets! All that being said, I wouldn't want to drive it every day. That's just me. You may live somewhere NOT in an urban jungle like Houston where it's more of a possibility. Not saying you can't or you shouldn't, but as much as I love my Ghia, I'm real glad I have my 95 Bronco for rainy days, Houston potholes, freeway driving, and air conditioning!

One final tip: Find the best, relatively rust free, most original KG you can find. You'll be glad you did. My 2 KGs in high school had been violated so many ways by previous owners, they were a nightmare to maintain. My current 73 is very original and un-messed with, and it makes for a better all around air cooled experience, for me anyway!

Either way, I doubt you'll regret it. My KG always puts a smile on my face, and of all the classic cars I've owned, every time I take mine out, someone has a story about a Ghia, tell me they've owned a Ghia, or tell me how they've always wanted a Ghia. But then again, doesn't everybody??

Good luck. We're here to help when you pull the trigger!

[Volksusername]

[mstencel]

I probably didn't choose my words correctly. And again, this is my opinion, but if you're just starting out with Ghia, I think your best bet is to find a car that is as close to original, and has as little rust, as possible. If you buy a car that's been hacked up, messed with, different motor, etc., you're going to spend most of your time working out all the stuff the previous owner messed up rather than learning about your car. And if you have an $8,000-10,000 budget, you shouldn't have any problem finding a clean, original car if you take your time and choose your car wisely!

That being said, talking about original cars here, the 72-74s will have the largest (translation: most powerful) stock motors (1600 dual port), larger taillights and bumpers (better safety/visibility), and arguably a better driving car. Now I'm not trying to get in to a "which year is better" argument. You'd probably do well with any 69 or later Ghia that is in good running condition and original form. 1969 and later cars are going to have 12-volt electrics, IRS rear suspension, and a 1600 engine. Some of the best features to have if you're going to drive a KG on any kind of regular basis.

And I will agree, the 69s and even the 70-71s are more stylish with the overrider bumpers and the smaller taillights. Again, everything said here is only my opinion, and ultimately, you have to be happy with your car, and the decision you make!

Here's a real good article on the progressive changes. When you get down to 1972, I think this page sums up pretty well what I was trying to say in my original comment!

http://www.karmann-ghia.co.uk/Evolution.htm

[Volksusername]

mstencel-Thank you, that is great advice. I definitely do not want to deal with frustration from modifications to my Ghia and I can see the advantage to getting a 70's Ghia. Now I just have to be patient while I wait for my perfect KG to come along!

[Volksusername]

This is a 57' and it is not stock, but it looks like it has disc brakes on it and I would still love to get your opinions on it. Here is the description:

$10,500.

"this is a nice example of a ghia. the body is stock but the rest is not.real headers,disc on the front,type 3 on the back.i haVE HAD THE CAR FOR 25+YRS.I JUST THINK IT IS TIME FOR SOME ONE ELSE TO OWN IT."

[mstencel]

If I were still seriously looking, I'd be taking a hard look at this one:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1272350

Side note: I don't know this seller in any way, and I'm not plugging his ad. And this car is guilty until proven innocent. In other words, until it checks out, who knows what condition it's really in. From the pics and the description, it looks like it could be a nice driver.

Another thought. I bought my 73, sight unseen, because my workload was very heavy when I found my car. I paid $400.00 for a company to go out and fully inspect the car. They gave me a ten page report of the car, top to bottom. It was another $600 to ship from El Paso to Houston. However, buying sight unseen is not for everybody, and I can't say I recommend it, but it is an option. I think whenever possible, you should see the car in person. I was willing to take a chance since this was the year and color I wanted.

By the way, I may have gotten a bit lucky, but this is what $6000 bought me in February of last year. $7000, if you consider the shipping and inspection. Needless to say, I'm happy.

[Volksusername]

[danielsan]

If you have the money to buy the purple lowlight and you aren't looking for a stock car you could consider this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-VW-Karmann-Ghi...1e6c48c03b

Personally I prefer stock cars but this was built by a Samba member and the body work looked really really good. (no connection)

[John Moxon]

I wouldn't get too hung up on colour...in most cases if the car is in the right condition and at the right price...don't make it a deal breaker. If you do you'll just end up with a compromise in your favourite colour; not the best way to go.

The colour of the car, whatever it is will grow on you...when you roll the car out of your garage all you'll see is one of the most beautiful shaped car ever designed...and it's all yours.

Another thing about non-standard colours, they can devalue an otherwise stock car and make them more difficult to sell on...especially pink and purple, I kid you not. If you still have the desire to change the colour choose from the list of stock colours for your year Ghia: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/paintcodesghia.php
_________________
John.
Judson Supercharger Information on The Samba
My 1958 Shorrock Supercharged Karmann Ghia
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Basketcase]

that green car ls sweet!

[Volksusername]

John- I understand what you're saying about color, in fact, every car I've ever bought has never been the color I wanted. I got it because it was a sound car for a great price. I guess this time with it being an impractical purchase, at least in my mind, I just really want a color I like!

However, I did not know non-standard colors devalued a vehicle, though it does make sense. I do love it when a KG is its original color.

I believe you as well about the color growing on you and your description of rolling it out of the driveway made me smile. I can't wait.

Now I just need to get my lunking SUV sold, so I can buy a car with a history and a happy little soul.

[Volksusername]

I have a question about rebuilt engines. How many times should I be expecting a car that is 30+ years old to be rebuilt? Also, is it better for the engine to have been replaced? I'm assuming they still make the engines?

When I see an ad I kind of shy away from ones that don't say the engine has been rebuilt very recently and I'm wondering if that is wrong of me?

I guess that's why I have been leary of the ones that say they are original too, because I'm just leary of a machine that is so old with the original parts. I'm thinking it's going to break down on me any second.