A couple of Karmann Ghia questions

DJR1971 Learner Dubber

5 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 19 Dec 2009, 3:46 pm

#753114

Hi all,

I'm new to this and just begun looking at and researching a KG to buy. I'm more familiar with playing with old Land Rovers and Rangies but have discovered these are far sexier and refined!

Having looked at one today, I have a couple of questions. It was a 1960 and all original except for a respray and newer engine.

Firstly, on the handbrake there was three numbered dials just near the end, which could be rotated. What it hte purpose of this - is it for setting something? Something to do with the handbrake/braking system or completely independant of it? Looked like original part.

Secondly, in this and others I've seen there's a knob or something in the floor beside the gearstick. If it was a Land Rover I'd say it engages low range, but probably not in this case! Looks to be a screw knodb or something? Again, seeking an explanation.

I didn't want to ask the owner as I was trying to appear knowledgeable to prepare to knock the price down, so didn't want to show my ignorance 😉

So I'd appreciate the sage advice of the more knowledgeable members here. And any other tips for buying one! I've found most of the places to look for rust.

Thanks,
Darren

newghia stock is for people who cant think outside the square

679 posts · joined May 2008 · 19 Dec 2009, 3:50 pm

#753117

Hi DJR,
the knob on the tunnel is the heater control, not sure what you mean by the handbrake one tho.
Nath

Step up to get out !!!

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 · 19 Dec 2009, 3:59 pm

#753118

Sounds like possibly a combination lock on the handbrake to act as an anit-theft thing... never actually seen one, but basically they work by locking the release button on the handbrake.... obviously theory being that if you can't release the handbrake, car can't move !!!

Rust places for Ghia's are the pans, the sills/heater channels, lower part of the doors, wheel arches, lower edges of the rear lid, wheel well, nostril boxes/ducts and basically everywhere in the front lid... just in case there's any extra in that list you didn't know.

They're a gorgeous car, and reliable and solid as equivalent Beetle... just sadly weren't intended to last 40+ years.

Anyway, good luck with the search, and if/when you get one - post up some pics !!!

👍

VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

VW-VARIANT-L Seriously Crusin Dubber

154 posts · joined Jul 2007 · 20 Dec 2009, 6:47 pm

#753323

DJR1971 wrote:It was a 1960 and all original except for a respray and newer engine.

Not many original KG's left in Australia, but plenty are advertised as such 😉
most have been modified over the years with new interiors, updated to 12 volt, dechromed etc.

Good book if you can find it is "Essential Volkswagen Karmann Ghia" by Laurence Meredith. Also thesamba.com gallery section.

Happy to talk further about the car if you want to PM,
Cheers, Pat.

DJR1971 Learner Dubber

5 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 27 Dec 2009, 6:57 pm

#754281

Thanks all for the replies. Now I know where the heater control is 🙂

The combination lock theory sounds right, it looked like three tumblers for a lock and I guess it would be hard to drive off with the park brake engaged!

Cheers Pat for the links and book tip, will have to hunt that one down.

THe search for a KG continues...there's one nearby, but it has a huge rust patch on the rear and owner wants $18,000! Plus VIN & rego year don't match. Learning more and keping an eye out.

Will be back with more questions, and hopefully one day pics of my own one!

Thanks,
Darren

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 27 Dec 2009, 7:50 pm

#754286

Rust is your enemy

KGs have some double skins in places and the whole nose is effectivley one piece

There would not be many that havent had a punch in the nose - considering how forward it is.
Considering the work to cut it off most have been patched

Futue te ipsum!!!

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 27 Dec 2009, 10:22 pm

#754306

DJR1971 wrote:Hi all,

I'm new to this and just begun looking at and researching a KG to buy. I'm more familiar with playing with old Land Rovers and Rangies but have discovered these are far sexier and refined!

Having looked at one today, I have a couple of questions. It was a 1960 and all original except for a respray and newer engine.

Firstly, on the handbrake there was three numbered dials just near the end, which could be rotated. What it hte purpose of this - is it for setting something? Something to do with the handbrake/braking system or completely independant of it? Looked like original part.

Secondly, in this and others I've seen there's a knob or something in the floor beside the gearstick. If it was a Land Rover I'd say it engages low range, but probably not in this case! Looks to be a screw knodb or something? Again, seeking an explanation.

I didn't want to ask the owner as I was trying to appear knowledgeable to prepare to knock the price down, so didn't want to show my ignorance 😉

So I'd appreciate the sage advice of the more knowledgeable members here. And any other tips for buying one! I've found most of the places to look for rust.

Thanks,
Darren

Hi Darren,
the knob turns on the heaters on early Karmann made Ghias..
on later models after 1968> they have two levers either side of the handbrake to turn on the heaters, same as a 1968 > beetle..

The running gear is the same as the Beetle for that year...
I prefer later beetles.. 1968 , so a 1970 ish Karmann would be great... later bumpers and tail lamps... etc..

these are mainly from the USA...
and there are restored convertibles for sale too...

these are also Very Expensive.. but as the running gear is beetle sourced, they are easy to mantain...

also semi-automatics are available after 1968..

these were big sellers in the USA... Autosticks..

The tumblers are an aftermarket handbrake locking system..
there are also gearshift locks that lock with a key...

cheers

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

VW-VARIANT-L Seriously Crusin Dubber

154 posts · joined Jul 2007 · 28 Dec 2009, 1:45 am

#754317

DJR1971 wrote:THe search for a KG continues...there's one nearby, but it has a huge rust patch on the rear and owner wants $18,000! Plus VIN & rego year don't match. Learning more and keping an eye out.

Is this a silver type 1 in Blackburn ?

DJR1971 Learner Dubber

5 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 29 Dec 2009, 9:53 pm

#754562

Yes Variant-L, that's the one.

Have you had a look at it? Hasn't been registered since 2007 and that rust patch on the rear is mostly where the body putty has come away!

Seems pretty original on the inside (or badly maintained), I'll be checking it out again tomorrow after a bike ride, just for fun...might be interested if they knock $10K or so off the price 🙂

Given I've seen immaculate ones for the same price it seems a bit unrealistic, or am I missing something?

Regards,
Darren

VW-VARIANT-L Seriously Crusin Dubber

154 posts · joined Jul 2007 · 30 Dec 2009, 8:05 am

#754597

Had a brief look at it weeks ago, was parked on the nature strip.
Can't remember the interior except it was quite worn, much like the body and probably mechanicals, didn't have a chance to take any pictures.
Would expect more rust esp at the sills. Also thought it was way over priced.
If you can post / send some photos I can go through what's original and what's not

Wannavee Insano Dub Head

729 posts · joined Sep 2008 · 21 Jan 2010, 7:41 pm

#758723

Sorry to hijack ya thread mate.
Do any other VW seats fit a 60 KG? Same runners etc?
I'm after a pair of usable ones if anyone has anything.Prefer in SA
Cheers
Lee

VW-VARIANT-L Seriously Crusin Dubber

154 posts · joined Jul 2007 · 21 Jan 2010, 9:47 pm

#758740

unfortunately only type 1 ghia seats fit the runners

Wannavee Insano Dub Head

729 posts · joined Sep 2008 · 22 Jan 2010, 10:30 pm

#758931

Bugger!
Cheers mate

bushed Wolfsburg Elder

3,541 posts · joined Dec 2006 · 23 Feb 2010, 7:05 pm

#763988

so u fnd one yet ?
I need to sell my 1960
abs no rust
off the rd 20yrs and irs
email me for info & pics negotiable~

want any vw bits old but like me, Made in Germany!!!