Cory's 72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

Long time lurker finally taking the plunge to start my own thread. I own a 1965 Karmann Ghia (long-time project car) and recently purchased this 1972 Squareback from a neighbor who purchased it off a farm in Colorado for $100.

Virtually no history on the vehicle it seems relatively in decent shape for sitting in a field for a couple decades. I know that it was originally a California car, but ended up in Colorado.

The plan is to get it running and stopping and comfortable to ride in. Definitely get all the mechanical/electrical working properly, which at first inspection, may not be too difficult. Give her some new shoes and adjust her stance a bit and then just enjoy the experience of cruising it around.

There is great knowledge on this site and I am impressed with the camaraderie and enthusiastic members. Hopefully you'll all assist on my Type 3 journey.
_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[KTPhil]

Welcome!

Check out this thread which covers a lot of what to do with a new (to you) car or one that's been out of service for a long time:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=624072

[corythosaurus]

[KTPhil]

More photos, please!
Still FI?

[corythosaurus]

Here are a few more photos of when i pushed her from my neighbors side of the street to my side of the street.

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

Here is what the power plant looked like.

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

I learned to drive with a ’72 Squareback. My parents had one when I was in high school and I was surprised by the sentimental connection when I actually sat in this one some 30+ years removed. The first car I bought was a ’63 Bug, then a ’72 Super Beetle, then a ’67 Ghia. Always had a deep affection for the air-cooled V-Dubs.

So, I’ve actually had this ’72 Square for a couple months now and have been able to get quite a bit done.

Drained and cleaned fuel tank
Replaced bad fuel lines
Removed EFI and replaced with dual carbs. Kept all the EFI parts; it may go back at some point, but in order to maintain a happy household this needs to run “now” as I already have a ’65 Ghia occupying garage space, and old school carburation was in my current wheelhouse.
New battery
Oil change and tranny check
Replaced rear brake cylinders
Replaced front and rear brake lines
New 4-1/2” stock rims w/Wolfsburg chrome caps
New 155/60R15 front shoes and 185/65R15s in the rear.
Checked all electrical, few gauge issues, but all lights are working. Need to replace the turn signal switch.

This is how she currently looks. She runs and stops well.

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

Working on an old car always has it's challenges. I had to replace the turn signal switch so I figured I'd replace the cracked brittle ugly steering as well. The wiper switch on the opposite side worked fine. With new wheel turn switch in hand. a quick change was in order. as I went to remove the switches the wiper switch, brittle for decades of sitting, broke apart upon removal.

Not having one on hand (because it worked) I had to search for one. After finding a new one and getting it shipped, everything went back together like a charm.

As the journey continues I am nervous and curious about what lies ahead.
_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

DOH!

'72 Squareback with '73 seats. Ugh, Shame on me for not paying closer attention.

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

Went to adjust the stance on the front end yesterday and could not break the allen bolt free, any suggestions?
_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

Her new wheels.

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[corythosaurus]

OK,

Need the experts. Anyone have a clue which visor i need to order to get the correct length?

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[Bobnotch]

[corythosaurus]

[corythosaurus]

Had the Squareback running great. Nice and steady; then driving home from a quick trip to a store suddenly no sputtering, no hesitation, no missing, just off. She just stopped. Pulled over, checked a few things and called the car ambulance.

Took a few minutes this morning to check to see if I could figure out the issue. I verified it wasn't a fuel issue; I figure I would work my way from the coil to the plugs. Coil checked out fine. When I open the distributor, this is what I found.

The little plastic part which makes contact with the distributor rubbing block failed. Put an old set in I had, and boom! Back and running great.
_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[bluebullseye]

This is looking great! I have the motor to my '72 Square getting rebuilt right now, has fresh paint on from two months ago. Will hopefully be back on the road soon. Keep moving along with yours!
_________________
-------------------------------------------------------
2018 VW Tiguan SE | Black with Golden Oak seats
1972 VW Type III Squareback | Kasan Red

Writer and Independent Publishing Consultant in the DC suburbs: www.johnhmatthews.com

[corythosaurus]

With the help of Bobnotch and a few threads on here, I was able to lower the front two inner splines and replace the 40+ year old shocks in about 90 minutes.

This is a proper front stance.

_________________
'65 Karmann Ghia
'72 Squareback

[FullFender]

Love it!!! Stance is perfect, looking forward to more updates!!!

[Bobnotch]

[69 Notchback]

Looking good cory, can't wait to see it at the next show!