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Into the Rabbit Hole..... 1971 Ghia Vert resto-mod.
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2015 6:29 pm    Post subject: Into the Rabbit Hole..... 1971 Ghia Vert resto-mod. Reply with quote

Well. You all know the story... years of admiration and years of searching... blah blah blah. In my case, I was simply told there was a 71 Ghia for sale and the price was cheap.

I should have known better. However, I own it now. I think cheap cars that should not be cheap are usually junk. It's like some kind of rule or universal truth or something. My car is likely junk. I can admit that.

I likely also paid too much for it even though it was cheap. (I paid about $1000 US for it including gas etc. to tow it 5 hours back to my home)

In fact, I think I may even be an idiot as I have come to the conclusion that this may have been a parts car that has been robbed of all goodies and essentials and sent blindly (no headlights... a litte joke for you!) on its way.

A few pictues should suffice. Any comments appreciated. Mean comments will be taken with a grain of salt. Have at it. I am in for the long haul.
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2015 6:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Um. By the way... it was hit in the rear. I am the fourth owner and the third was a young guy with no money and big dreams. Said the second owner got hit and it sat for about 20 years.

Also said something puzzling about the transmission being some kind of special "highway" transmission. No idea what he was talking about.

I love Ghia's and I am going to fix this thing. (I know... famous last words.)
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kiwighia68
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PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2015 7:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've done repairs on every panel that I can see on your car. It can be done. You need to be three things:

Stubborn
Patient
Supported

Stubborn, so that you won't give up.
Patient, because it's going to take time.
Supported, because, you are going to need the support of a significant other, or a father or other close relative, or, if you have none of those, of the other Ghia owners here on the Samba. We share our trials and tribulations and we celebrate each other's triumphs.

I'm nearing the end of my resurrection of a Ghia Coupe I should have called Lazarus, but the only thing I would do differently if I were to start over would be to resurrect a Ghia Vert like yours.

Keep us posted.
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jpjohns
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PostPosted: Sun May 10, 2015 7:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Doesn't look that bad to me. I agree with what Chris said though. Worst part, IMO, is no bumpers.

Mine doesn't have bumpers and I know when that part comes up I'm either paying a TON for them or having to buy them from Vietnam Confused
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 4:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

I think the missing top and missing bumpers are going to hurt.

When I get a chance, and soon, I will outline a sort of parts list here so that I can track my progress. Its a long list.

At least I can live with the pride of knowing I am saving a Ghia from the scrapyard. My wallet sacrificed along the way!

From off the top of my head, it needs:

Both floors
Dash components (will Beetle speedo etc work?)
Both bumpers
Canvas top (and hardware)
I complete body overhaul including various replacement metal body pieces
Suspension
Brake work (likely rear disk kit as well)
New ball joints
Carb (or carbs)
Exhaust
New wiring harness
Headlights/taillights/markers
Tires
Wheels
Complete interior
Rear deck lid

.... but at least the glass seems to be in good shape! Small consolation.

I am curious about how much of this can be borrowed from a Beetle.

I am not going to attempt to fully restore the car as that would be madness. I want a driveable fun car.

I have a Type IV engine (from 88 Bus) I can use. It is fuel injected though not sure I want that.

Any comments and help would be appreciated as I begin this trek down Foolhardy Lane.
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kman
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 4:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try to find a rusted out coupe with all the gauges, bumpers, and other parts you might need for a few 100 bucks.

Only mechanicals on beetles will fit.

Mine was worse so it can be done.

If it's a resto mod you get to be creative.
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NOVA Airhead
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 11:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From the photos it does not appear to have significant rust issues. The rockers look clean. If they are solid you did Ok at $1,000.

Ghia verts are becoming increasingly hard to find.

As far as the parts list shared with the Beetle. Mechanical parts, some gauges and radio are shared. Body and interior s unique.
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kiwighia68
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 2:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

HolyRoller wrote:
From off the top of my head, it needs:

Canvas top (and hardware)


I think your prayers have been answered. Courtney has a complete spare just waiting for you. See:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=626908
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Rome
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 2:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Big project. Hope you can see it to completion/driving.
Quote:
Also said something puzzling about the transmission being some kind of special "highway" transmission. No idea what he was talking about.

Does the phrase "freeway flier" sound familiar? If so, then the transmission has been replaced by a later one, or modified, to have a final drive ratio which lowers the engine speed on the highway (4th gear). Your Ghia would've originally had a transmission with a FD ratio of 4.12:1. A flier is simply one from a later Ghia or Beetle, such as about from 1973 on, that has a factory FD ratio of 3.88:1. In addition, the 4th gear ratio may have been changed to lower the engine RPMs even more. But that requires opening up the transmission to replace the gear.
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c21darrel
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 3:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hard to tell...are the torsion covers bondo'ed over?
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 3:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

kiwighia68 wrote:
HolyRoller wrote:
From off the top of my head, it needs:

Canvas top (and hardware)


I think your prayers have been answered. Courtney has a complete spare just waiting for you. See:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=626908


I PM'd him. Thank you so much for the heads up even if it doesn't actually work out. I appreciate the help!
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 3:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rome wrote:
Big project. Hope you can see it to completion/driving.
Quote:
Also said something puzzling about the transmission being some kind of special "highway" transmission. No idea what he was talking about.

Does the phrase "freeway flier" sound familiar? If so, then the transmission has been replaced by a later one, or modified, to have a final drive ratio which lowers the engine speed on the highway (4th gear). Your Ghia would've originally had a transmission with a FD ratio of 4.12:1. A flier is simply one from a later Ghia or Beetle, such as about from 1973 on, that has a factory FD ratio of 3.88:1. In addition, the 4th gear ratio may have been changed to lower the engine RPMs even more. But that requires opening up the transmission to replace the gear.


Actually, that is exactly what he called it. Interesting to know. Thank you.
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Mon May 11, 2015 4:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A few additional pictures of carnage that is my Ghia. I love it nonetheless and am thrilled at the prospect of basking in the ownership.

A side note, on my way home from picking it up, a guy in a beautiful 914 Porsche pulled up beside me while on the highway and was all thumbs up... I later coincidently stopped at the same gas station and he was like a kid in a candy store. Told me he had always wanted a Ghia convertible. I found it amusing since he was driving a totally mint 914. Felt good.

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DorianL
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2015 12:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hmmm - for some reason this comes across as being a solid looking start.
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c21darrel
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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2015 1:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dorian, that is only because you are in Belgium and dint look at pic 2 very long. Very Happy
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jpjohns
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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2015 6:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

kman wrote:
Try to find a rusted out coupe with all the gauges, bumpers, and other parts you might need for a few 100 bucks.

Only mechanicals on beetles will fit.

Mine was worse so it can be done.

If it's a resto mod you get to be creative.


I may have an extra Speedo and Fuel gauge if you want them. I'd have to check if they still work though.
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2015 7:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, some pretty good news.

I went a digging with my little screwdriver... to investigate whether there is any or rather much bondo in the car. Now, I could be wrong, but other than what looks like pretty thick primer/paint... I didn't find any bondo at all.

Though the bloody thing could use a little!!

The floors are completely shot... and the left rear corner speaks for itself. But overall, I am pretty pleased.

Have a look at the recent pictures... I will be completely stripping the car down to bare metal, so I didn't mind a little gentle poking and prodding.
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2015 7:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jpjohns wrote:
kman wrote:
Try to find a rusted out coupe with all the gauges, bumpers, and other parts you might need for a few 100 bucks.

Only mechanicals on beetles will fit.

Mine was worse so it can be done.

If it's a resto mod you get to be creative.


I may have an extra Speedo and Fuel gauge if you want them. I'd have to check if they still work though.


I may take you up on that offer. I have some time before that becomes an issue however.... a lot of time. My main goal is to get the doors off, some cross panels made to keep the body from bending and then to get the body off... that should keep me busy for a while.

Also, I have a café racer to finish first and a resto-mod Suzuki gs750 ef to finish... though that is almost done now. Too many projects.
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2015 7:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am really eager to get working on the Ghia however so I may put off the finishing the café racer for a while (78 GS1000 Suzuki).

I have a mid-80s Type IV 2.0 engine from a bus so that will need to be rebuilt along the way and slightly bored out etc.

Since I "sort of" bought the Ghia for my wife... she has control over colours and design. I have, however, retained a veto with respect to colours but I am not allowed to choose.

Really exciting project.
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sactojesse
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PostPosted: Wed May 20, 2015 9:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rome wrote:
Big project. Hope you can see it to completion/driving.
Quote:
Also said something puzzling about the transmission being some kind of special "highway" transmission. No idea what he was talking about.

Does the phrase "freeway flier" sound familiar? If so, then the transmission has been replaced by a later one, or modified, to have a final drive ratio which lowers the engine speed on the highway (4th gear). Your Ghia would've originally had a transmission with a FD ratio of 4.12:1. A flier is simply one from a later Ghia or Beetle, such as about from 1973 on, that has a factory FD ratio of 3.88:1. In addition, the 4th gear ratio may have been changed to lower the engine RPMs even more. But that requires opening up the transmission to replace the gear.

Ghias received the 3.875:1 ring and pinion earlier than beetles, beginning in with the 1971 model year for ghias vs. 1973 model year for beetles. Also, 1971-74 ghias had a 0.89 ratio fourth gear with the 3.875 ring and pinion vs. a 0.93 fourth gear with the 3.875 ring and pinion for 1973 and later beetles and super beetles.
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