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kiwighia68
Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013
Posts: 2874
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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 Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:54 pm Post subject: Rockers replacement supply and fit problems |
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I need help with replacement parts for the rockers for my '68 RHD coupe. I'm not qualified to manufacture my own and the metal guy who is helping me with the bodywork is very expensive. KGP&R has rockers and kick panels in their brochure (Sect. 5 at pages 29 and 26) but apparently nothing specific for the '68 model in stock.
So what are my choices?
I prefer the pre-welded model (Part 801-045P69 74 and 801-046P69 74) if it will fit but may have to settle for the inner and outer rocker parts as separate items (Items 6, 7, 7a and 8 on page 29) and in either case will then have to buy the "Floor to tender (foot well) supports separately. My question: Will these options work for a '68 model, with or without adjustments? Has anyone done this on a '68?
The alternative is to go to House of Ghia for the parts. They have Items KQ-801-045 and KQ-801-046 ("Entire side member 72" long") which I understand to be the whole unit (each side) including the foot well supports. My questions: Am I right in my interpretation of the brochure? (I'm waiting for an answer from HOG.) Does anyone have experience in fitting these "Entire side member" units in a '68 - or any other year?
(Is there anything significant in the fact that KGP&R and HOG have similar item numbers for these items?)
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Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32561
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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kiwighia68
Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013
Posts: 2874
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 5:32 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Dave, I remember seeing both the threads. Your posts are always illuminating and your work exemplary but reminding me of my shortcomings. My metal guy charges $80 and hour, and told me that I would be better off importing the components from the western side of the USA.
I had Metalwork as a subject at school up to age 16. We used to make fun of the teacher, and man, do I regret that now. I should have listened and learned. RIP Mr van Deventer.
Chris M
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Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32561
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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c21darrel
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Joined: January 22, 2009
Posts: 8211
Location: San Dimas
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kiwighia68
Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013
Posts: 2874
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:43 pm Post subject: |
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| c21darrel wrote: |
| I dont have a KGPR guide handy to reference your part numbers and dont know your original heater outlet setup. There was a change during 1968. Early 68 had heater vents up front in the "dogleg" piece like earlier models. Late 68 was the beginning of the heat outlets under the middle of the door. |
Yes, I have those heater outlets. My car was built in May/June 1969 at the end of the '68 model run. Does that mean the rocker-related items KGP&R and HOG advertise will fit my car?
_________________
Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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TheFop
Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2014
Posts: 302
Location: Auckland - New Zealand
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| Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Time for that beer I think, I'm just going through similar ponderings and on the verge of ordering some big panels. Kia ora and welcome home. |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32561
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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kiwighia68
Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013
Posts: 2874
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Did you read HOG's note about heater channels?
"All repro heat channel sheetmetal is patterned after the 69-74 heat channels. They will fit the 56-68 model years, but will require some modification."
Dave |
Thanks Dave, I did see that, but after 40+ years in the legal profession (don't hold that against me!) I had to wonder about the scope of the word "some".
_________________
Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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kiwighia68
Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013
Posts: 2874
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:53 pm Post subject: |
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| TheFop wrote: |
| Time for that beer I think, I'm just going through similar ponderings and on the verge of ordering some big panels. Kia ora and welcome home. |
I'm jetlagged and fuzzy, but the wife agreed we could have dinner at the pub tonight. I think I'll be okay tomorrow - nothing a couple of Guinness and a good night's sleep can't fix.
My chassis arrived back at my house today and I've been eyeing the extent of the work I'm going to have to do. I'll post photos later.
I was unable to find a second wiring loom, but I think a good deal of my original stuff is re-usable. I may have some wires ex that 68 Bay Bus for you. Talk later. The pub awaits.
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Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32561
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev
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NOVA Airhead
Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2005
Posts: 5221
Location: Richmond, VA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 8:45 am Post subject: |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Did you read HOG's note about heater channels?
"All repro heat channel sheetmetal is patterned after the 69-74 heat channels. They will fit the 56-68 model years, but will require some modification."
Personal opinion........
For anything Ghia....... HOG is choice number 1. Just like for anything convertible, chucksconvertible is choice number 1.
Go with the proven best .......... or go home.
Dave |
I am not sure I would agree with the statement on HOG. Its a challenge ordering something from them - even more so now that the site is being rebuilt, which has been going on for at least a couple of months now.
I can understand why its being rebuilt because the old site was pretty poor.
KGP&R is easy to deal with and their shipping is very fast. HOG and KGP&R are different in their own ways and have strengths and weaknesses. At this point I would not say one is better than the other. However right now I would have to give the edge to KGP&R. Pricing, inventory and ordering information is all on line. If you see a price lower let them know and they will match it.
With respect to the heater channels. Even for the 69 and newer cars expect to make some tweaks to them. These cars are hand built so you won't likely see a perfect fit.
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KGCoupe
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Joined: July 01, 2005
Posts: 3580
Location: Putting the "ill" and "annoy" in Illinois
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| Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 9:08 am Post subject: |
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| kiwighia68 wrote: |
| c21darrel wrote: |
| I dont have a KGPR guide handy to reference your part numbers and dont know your original heater outlet setup. There was a change during 1968. Early 68 had heater vents up front in the "dogleg" piece like earlier models. Late 68 was the beginning of the heat outlets under the middle of the door. |
Yes, I have those heater outlets. My car was built in May/June 1969 at the end of the '68 model run. Does that mean the rocker-related items KGP&R and HOG advertise will fit my car? |
| djkeev wrote: |
Did you read HOG's note about heater channels?
"All repro heat channel sheetmetal is patterned after the 69-74 heat channels. They will fit the 56-68 model years, but will require some modification."
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If I'm understanding all of this correctly, then the repro heat channel that is referred to as "69-74" is in fact the style that you are looking for.
If your late 1968 model year Ghia was manufactured with the later style heater outlet, then no modification should be necessary (at least with regard to heater outlet placement  ).
It would be nice if VW/Karmann had implemented all changes cleanly at the model year breaks.
However it was often it was necessary/convenient/cost effective to make changes in the middle of a model year, so you can't always just go by model year when you are looking for replacement parts.
Generally speaking and assuming that all pieces are of equal high quality, I would think that a larger and more complete repair panel (such as the "Entire side member 72" long" section that you mentioned being available) would translate into labor cost savings when compared to using several smaller sections that must be linked together upon installation.
If nothing else, it would save the painstaking process of insuring that each piece is properly aligned with the adjacent pieces prior to final welding. |
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c21darrel
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Joined: January 22, 2009
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Location: San Dimas
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cracker666
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Joined: March 24, 2012
Posts: 156
Location: UK
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| Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 1:30 pm Post subject: |
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I bought the correct version for my 60/61. Not the later style.
These cost about £89 each side from www.karmannghia.de
I taught myself to weld and the heater channels came in three parts per side.
I wouldn't bother getting the later side as it just don't look right, the curve is too high.
The problem I have is I have to redesign and graft in the sharks fin on the front vents.
But hey that's not a problem, it's only metal.
Do yourself a favour get a mig welder and you would be supprised how much you will save doing it yourself, I am and I love it.
Postage was 20euro to the uk.
Price was correct about 4years ago. |
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Andre@KGPR/Airhead
Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2011
Posts: 228
Location: Ventura CA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Did you read HOG's note about heater channels?
"All repro heat channel sheetmetal is patterned after the 69-74 heat channels. They will fit the 56-68 model years, but will require some modification."
Personal opinion........
For anything Ghia....... HOG is choice number 1. Just like for anything convertible, chucksconvertible is choice number 1.
Go with the proven best .......... or go home.
Dave |
We'll still be here when you need us, Dave. |
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djkeev
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Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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c21darrel
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Andre@KGPR/Airhead
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Joined: June 15, 2011
Posts: 228
Location: Ventura CA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 3:51 pm Post subject: |
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| djkeev wrote: |
| Andre@KGPR/Airhead wrote: |
| djkeev wrote: |
Did you read HOG's note about heater channels?
"All repro heat channel sheetmetal is patterned after the 69-74 heat channels. They will fit the 56-68 model years, but will require some modification."
Personal opinion........
For anything Ghia....... HOG is choice number 1. Just like for anything convertible, chucksconvertible is choice number 1.
Go with the proven best .......... or go home.
Dave |
We'll still be here when you need us, Dave. |
Ha! Good to know!
I'm already a customer....... I'm not totally faithful...... I can be wooed!
A pretty photo ..... A good part...... An excellent bargain...... Ka ching! 
Lets talk headlight buckets.......
Dave |
Haha-- no hard feelings at all, man. I'm a Mike @ HOG fan myself. Thanks for the laugh! |
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