Should I buy it?

[vancec]

I'm a newbie, looking to get a Ghia. I've found one I'd like to get your opinions on, value-wise. It's a '71, but has the smaller, bullet style turn lights in the front. First, is that common? Yes, it's really a '71. Next, it appears to be rust free, drives well, everything appears to work OK. A few dings, paint is a tired repaint, seats need recovering, a few minor problems, like window regulator, doesn't seem to have any major mechanical issues. Does this car sound like it should be worth $4,300?

Thanks,
Vance

[jason_hamilton]

No way to say with out pics. Lots of them.
_________________
Jason Hamilton
1969 Karmann Ghia coupe
@MiddleAgedHoon

[dubulup]

f*ck it...why not?

strangers know best

[cefolar]

Post the VIN - - just because they say it is a '71 and the title says its a '71 does not necessarily mean it is a '71. Just over $4G for a running, rust free car would be a good deal I think. Post some pix, you'll get plenty of opinions.

[vancec]

Shoot, I didn't look at the VIN. I'll call the guy and get it.
I posted a ton of photos (new here, so I hope I did it right). I think you can see them by going to my photo library.
Some more info:
Driver door handle not working
Driver window regulator not working
Doors, hood and trunck close but need adjusting
I looked pretty carefully for rust and can't find any
Looked inside trunk, wheel wells, etc. for signs of collision, none.
Front bumper is slightly dented
Several small dents
Needs paint.

Your opinions and advice is greatly appreciated.

Vance

[OldschoolAircooled]

make sure heater channel and floor pans are good. then post for us the engine code from the alternator base..

with all the little issues, it sounds like a $3500 car to me. 4300 is the right number if all the mechanicals were fine just needed repaint...
_________________
Current projects:
1972 Karmann Ghia coupe Rat Rod
1972 Opel GT Full Resto
Fiery Volcano for son's science project

[Basketcase]

doesn't look too bad in the pics...but don't buy any car without seeing it in person. go see it in person, drive it, wear old clothes, and crawl all over and under it.
what''s under the dash cover? never saw a rear seat split like that.
_________________
'72 Karmann Ghia Coupe (the Boss's)

[vancec]

I drove it; it drove real nice. The dash is fine. Rockers are solid.

[jason_hamilton]

After seeing the pics the price is certainly in the ballpark. You can sort all the non-working bits in a weekend. It is a '71, you can tell by the charcoal canister in the engine bay and the tail lights, and I think the front signals are a nice touch. An even $4K and I would buy it.

Buy it, drive it enjoy it and spend the next year fixing upholstery etc.

Go!
_________________
Jason Hamilton
1969 Karmann Ghia coupe
@MiddleAgedHoon

[kevhum]

bullet style turn lights in the front stopped in 1969.Looks like some one changed them out.

[das skiver]

From my very limited experience with Karmann Ghia ownership...
I imagine you'll find quite a few "surprises" upon further and closer inspection of the vehicle.
Were the front signals swapped for beauty - or was the whole front swapped out? was it because of a wreck?
All of your pictures are from the top...
get on the ground and check out the wheel wells, rockers, under the engine bay - use a flashlight and get a good look.
check behind loose carpeting, lift the rear seat.

You've heard it before - rust will totally suck the life right out of a project for most people - and their wallets.
Search for the best body you can afford - it's 10x cheaper than having metal replacement.
I've also learned that the best thing to do with the car no matter the condition or shape... enjoy the thing on the road while you can!
have fun.

[vancec]

Lots of great advice - thank you all and please keep it coming.
Why would the front lights have been changed? And why would the seller not know they aren't original? I knew enough to ask, but it's suspicious. I think another trip out to inspect the car is a good idea before I buy.
I also noticed the bottom of the engine was wet with oil. I've heard oil leaks on these are common. Big red flag?

[sparkleplenty]

Pass on it...Does it have body trim or have the holes been filled....You may be looking a Frankenghia...
_________________
'56 European Oval Ragtop-Stock
'56 Karmann Ghia Coupe-Stock
'59 Italian Series I Li150 Lambretta-Stock


"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime."

"Only when the tide goes out do you discover who is swimming naked."

[jason_hamilton]

The signal lights were simply swapped because the earlier ones look better. Oil wet engine is of no real concern.
Seriously, if this car is as rust-free as it appears I would pay 4,000 if I was in the market.
_________________
Jason Hamilton
1969 Karmann Ghia coupe
@MiddleAgedHoon

[moogie32]

Looks like a nice solid car. While I think stock is best the bullet turn signals are a huge visual improvement on what should be there. Back here in Rustville there'd be a line of people waiting to buy that!
Good luck!
_________________
RIP HBB (1984-2009)
Du liefst so gut
Du warst so schön
Doch leider musst du von uns gehn

[ovghiaguy]

looks real good from pics in your gallery. Take a refridgerator magnet with you next time and check over good for bondo. That car has had a repaint already by the overspray on the door seals.

[Disc]

That car very strange, odd shape around headlight. May be this is just camera angle. In any case - expect a a lot of bondo!

_________________
The glory never gets old, just need new paint.
-------------------------------------------------
Nick

[cefolar]

Looks like close to a $4300 car to me - - I'd pull up the carpet and look at the pans. If the front lights were changed who cares? - I suspect your not buying it for the "collector" value. I would bet it is filled with bondo, but for $4K your not going to get a pristine vehicle - just a cool occasional driver that can be tinkered with. I would offer $3900 and go from there...

[vancec]

Well, I drove back out to see the car again. Posted another ton of photos.
I used a magnet to check for Bondo and felt/looked at every under-part I could. I only saw one small area of rot, along the edge of the driver's rocker. Not serious. So, I'm pretty confident the car isn't rusty. Floors are perfect, etc.

As for the turn indicators, I cannot find where they were changed. I expected to find evidence of welding or patching, but nothing. Smooth inside and out. So, since I like the bullet style indicators a LOT better, I think of it as a plus. I get the 1600, IRS, old style bumpers and bullet indicators. Perfect.

We negotiated yesterday from 5K down to $4,300 so that's the price. Monday I'll go to the bank. Everybody say, "Do it, do it"!

Thanks to all for your help. I will not be a stranger around here, I'm sure. More advice?

Vance

[Basketcase]

yeah...enjoy the hell out of your Ghia, and hope you never have any trouble.
_________________
'72 Karmann Ghia Coupe (the Boss's)