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!
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!
1 comment:
The link to your pic is broken and I want to see the car! I am so jealous! Congratulations on your new baby! Have fun.
Post a Comment