Gina's 68 conv Ghia project

[Webcon]

My wife's first car was a 68 coup. Got this for her, had it shipped from New Hampshire to California. I know nothing about Ghia's but I'm learning quick! I dont have a budget. Guy quoted me the other day 30k, I dont think so...

Stripped it down pulled the body off Installed the new pans from M&T Manufacturing. Was not happy with one of the pans. 5/8 narrower than the other and 1/4 shorter. I did not have to trim it at all as a matter of fact, it was a little short. Would not recommend.

Getting rid of the auto stick and getting a 4 speed freeway flyer. Something better?

Need a recommendation for a rebuild kit for the 1776 engine, There are a ton of threads, I've spent hours looking through them. I know don't buy it from the catalog guys. Looking to buy a kit from a builder something to drive to work now and then with some get up and go. Twin carbs. Summit racing had a couple of interesting kits but I don't want anything radical.

Going 4 wheel disk brakes. Any recommendations? She wants it to sit stock.

There you have it the start of my journey...

[rcooled]

Welcome aboard...looks like you're off to a good start.

My old '69 'vert was that same Oriole Yellow (L11K) with khaki brown interior and a black top. It was an A/S too, but I changed it over to a 4-spd. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones to already have a clutch cable tube in the tunnel. If not, it's a pretty easy DIY.
Good thread on the subject here ↓

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=124538


Ask lots of questions if you need help with anything. Much Ghia experience here. Post more pix as you go along too.

[Webcon]

Thanks for the info looking at it now. No such luck having clutch tube already there.
Ordering rocker/ heater channels from cip 1 the old ones have slide vents on the inside corners at the feet just forward the door hindges. Would like to to have them back. Do they sell after market kit for this? Or do I have to make something for this to work?
I have not seen channels cut out for this for sale

[Webcon]

[Braukuche]

I wouldn’t trust a kit, they are usually made up of the cheapest crap in order to reach a certain sales point.
Is anything salvageable off your old engine, like the case? Crank? Flywheel? You’ll save a lot of money if those parts measure out and can be refurbished especially if you want a 1776.
Repair panels for Ghia are by and large garbage. They don’t fit, and are not very well made and limited. You have to do a lot of shaping to get it right.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!

Retirement is here!
1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 convertible bug
1963 356 B coupe
1962 356 B Coupe
1967 21 window rust bucket
1967 912
1969 Ghia convertible
1970 Ghia convertible

[KGCoupe]

[LVGhia72]

Wow, I'm surprised that you could not find a Ghia in California. New Hampshire to California is one long haul. Best of luck on your restoration.

As far as the engine rebuild, CB performance sells complete engine builder kits. Kind of pricey, but you pay for what you get.

[jeffrey8164]

30K seems about right. Unless you have the tools, the talent and can find enough donor panels. Even if you do, it’ll still be an epic adventure.
I recently put 20K into my ‘70 “refresh”and the body and interior were already done back in ‘94 when I did a complete pan-off restoration.
_________________
“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1)

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=696460&highlight=rose

[Braukuche]

[Webcon]

I'm sure 30k was a fair price. He had a good reputation. I'm hoping to do it for 20k.

I looked high and low for a 68 and couldn't much of anything. I got lucky and found a picture of this on Facebook. There's not a of 68 convertible s for sale, every other year yes but not a 68.

[Braukuche]