1964 Karmann Ghia Coupe

The Karmann Ghia was marketed from 1955 until 1974 by Volkswagen. It was a collaboration between the Germans and the Italians. With German engineering and reliability, coupled with Italian styling, the Karmann Ghia was a success full design for a number years.

Our Ghia sports a 1.2 liter engine. Volkswagen had many firsts that seeming went unrecognized by the mainstream automakers. Chrysler claims to have invented the mini-van. However, VW aficionados know that the mini-bus was really the first soccer mom transportation.

So why a Ghia? Dominic and I wanted to restore a car. Figuring by working together we could both learn about cars and eachother. I had partially restored a 1965 Mustang about the time Dominic was born. It was time to do another restoration.

We shopped. Watched Craigslist and Ebay. Checked out local papers. Did research. Looked and some junk. Dominic really wanted to have a 60's or 70's muscle car. I wasn't so keen on this idea for many reasons. The Ghia was a compromise. It's actually a perfect compromise between an Italian designed sports car and an American muscle car. The fact that this car has a small 40bhp engine and sips gasoline is a plus for being environmentally responsible. This car is capable of 30 miles per gallon! The car appeals to Dominic because it's unique. Think about it... you just don't see to many Karmann Ghias on the road today. Hopefully, with a great restoration this car will be a legacy to Dominic. He'll have the memories of restoration and the car.

I'll be posting updates as do a complete restoration on our 1964 Karmann Ghia. The car was delivered last weekend by flat bed wrecker. It has a strong engine and runs and drives. Dominic and I took a ride "around the block" last weekend. I'll use our blog to chronicle the restoration.

The car needs a few things to get it road ready. This 1964 has not been in a serious accident, however, it does show some wear and tear. The paint is in bad shape and there are several dings, dents, and some rust on the rear quarter panels. With that said, it runs and drives and the tires are good.

On Monday of this week, we pulled the car into the garage and put it on axle stands. Then we took all the wheels off and started to examine the pieces and parts. Upon examination, it was decided that the undercarriage was way too filthy to begin to work on. So we pulled the Ghia back out of the garage, jacked it up took the wheels off and pressure washed it! It's much cleaner now, and will make the next steps a bit easier. We'll begin with a total restoration of the braking system. One of the front wheels needs some attention, Dominic and I are unsure if the brake is hanging up or the wheel bearing is cooked. It's really hard to turn the wheels! We'll address this problem this week. Our plan is to remove the wheels and brake drums and do a total restoration on that portion of the car. Our goal, get the car the ready to drive!

I'll keep you updated with photos and stories as we restore this classic car!

Metal Art

Robin, Dominic and I have made several trips to the British Virgin Islands. One of our favorite places to hang out is Trellis Bay. This well protected anchorage is nestled next to the airport on Beef Island. Trellis is one of the more populated places in the islands, it sports a few beach bars, a couple of art galleries, grocery store, and an internet cafe with great coffee. We have stopped there on each visit to the islands.

During the full moon, Trellis bay transforms into a family friendly outdoor party. Complete with mocko jumbies (stilt walkers), artists, food, live music, and fire!

The photo above is an old anchor or marker buoy that has been cut with a plasma cutter. The tessellations form an artists impression of the island people standing strong and holding up the sun or sky. There are several of these in Trellis Bay and during the full moon. The artists of Trellis push or roll these tessellated shapes into knee-deep water. They are filled with dry kindling and set ablaze in a most remarkable display to celebrate the full moon.

Many of the members of Beaver Lake Sailing Club have traveled to Trellis Bay and sampled some of the local flavor. Everyone it seems, has found these burning orbs captivating. When my friend Tom approached me about an old 1000 gallon propane tank that was collecting dirt at Mike's house in Elkins, an great idea was set in motion.

First, how to get the propane tank somewhere where could work on it. Well with some Egyptian engineering (using round pipes to roll this behemoth) we managed to load this tank on a flat bed trailer. It took several hours and 4 guys, chains, come-alongs, a tractor, and a stout Toyota 4Runner to coax this tank aboard the trailer. We did this in early May when the ground was wet and slippery.

Next, we hauled the tank to my good friend Jimmie's shop in Fayetteville. Jimmie, now retired, has much experience working with things metal, he used to build racing car frames and suspension components for the dirt track folks around the area. Jimmie also has a large selection of grown up toys. A wire feed welder, a plasma cutter, and many other cool devices all dedicated to cutting, slicing, or joining metal.

So, we spent an entire day sectioning this tank into smaller more manageable pieces. It was no easy task as this tank had held flammable gas at one point in its life. Putting a plasma torch to this enclosed tank was a bit unnerving. We cut it open and began to create art.

As it turns out Jimmie's plasma cutter was working at its maxium capacity and cutting was fairly slow going. Enter Jesse, of White River Hardwoods, who had a much more macho plasma torch that sliced though the 1/2 inch thick steel like a hot knife though butter. Add another entire day and part of a morning and the tank was beginning to look a lot like the fire art we have all enjoyed the in the BVI.

Today, was the last and final push for finishing the tank. There was much grinding to do to even the rough edges left by the plasma torch. Using a grinder and Jimmie's advice, I worked for several hours and leveled things up a bit. Then off to the scrap metal place for chimney and by the days end, we have an awesome looking outdoor fire pit.

The years enscribed (1979-2009) represent Beaver Lake Sailing Club's 30 year presence in Molder Hollow. We'll start a fire this weekend during the Founder's Regatta to commemorate this auspicious event.