changing KG sedan to convertible - advice please!!

BlackFlash Learner Dubber

3 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 6 Jul 2011, 7:22 pm

#850282

I have a 1960 Karmann Ghia sedan which is a now a chop-top convertible with removable hard top made from original roof. I also have the frame from a Karmann Ghia convertible that I would like to now use to fit a soft top instead. Car is in Thailand so I don't have to worry too much about rules and regulations - just need something that does the job! Of course the car doesn't have the brackets for attachment of soft top frame. My guy in Thailand is ready to start doing this project for me but has asked me to get any advice possible on how to do this! Any help would be much appreciated.

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karmann54 Officially Full-On Dubber

337 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 6 Jul 2011, 7:54 pm

#850288

I'd weld the roof back on and buy a proper cabriolet if that's what you want - you've just dramatically de-valued it by chopping the roof off.

It has now lost a lot of torsional strength. Ghia cabriolets had an additional siffening section incorporated in the rocker area. It will be difficult to do that at best. Beetle cabrios had a rail attached under the floorpan which is probably going to be the easiest thing to do.

BlackFlash Learner Dubber

3 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 7 Jul 2011, 1:25 am

#850357

Dear karmann54, Thanks for that prompt response. I really appreciate your honest appraisal. Unfortunately I was conned and I bought it sight unseen, trusting in someone else, in the belief that it was an original convertible and now I'm trying to make the best of a bad situation. Any further advice from you, or anyone else out there, on how to attach the soft top frame I have would be greatly appreciated.

Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,608 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 7 Jul 2011, 9:52 am

#850380

You can buy the support rails that go inside the heater channels (and you WILL need them). I am not sure what other strengthening is in a cabrio vs a coupe though but would have to think something is done to the windscreen area. It is definitely different where the roof mounts both inside the car and the rear outer panel as well.

I have seen on Samba someone that was selling the parts needed to do just what you are looking for so maybe try a search there.

The other thing is, does it have engineering approval as that may decide what you do next as well.

Where are you located?

Yogie

Calcool Fahrvergnugen

965 posts · joined May 2005 · 11 Jul 2011, 9:40 am

#851147

It will be a massive undertaking to build a coupe into a cabri, the amount of extra strengthening that went into a cabrio is often unseen.

Best suggestion is to buy a rusty cabrio and use it as a template to build the coupe up to cabrio specs, then while you are doing that have your man in Thailand do the body work on the rusty one then you will end up with 2 cars. I just bought a 64 Karmann Cabrio and it will need rust work and I have found the www.thehouseofGhia.com in the states to be the best source of parts and information.

Good Luck!

David

matara Custom Title Time!

1,342 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Jul 2011, 6:51 pm

#851229

Talk to Napat (ppp) at the Thai Volkswagen Club http://www.thaivwclub.com forums. He has a great bodywork guy that can help you out

Cheers

Steve

BlackFlash Learner Dubber

3 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 16 Jul 2011, 1:06 pm

#851990

Thanks Calcool and Matara for the helpful advice. Much appreciated.🙂

bushed Wolfsburg Elder

3,541 posts · joined Dec 2006 · 16 Jul 2011, 1:26 pm

#851992

my 2c worth
is esp if the car is not irs incorporate a roll bar set up
as the power to weight ratio still prob causes the rear to slide out ...so rl br is a safety thing even if 36 hp og mtr
mine is irs and 1600tp
will look hot and be strengthened with rl br
I hve a 71 qld plated engineered beetle roadster the heater channels are built up about 3 inchs above the htr chanel also a rl br
SOLID

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

newghia stock is for people who cant think outside the square

679 posts · joined May 2008 · 16 Jul 2011, 8:16 pm

#852064

Hi,
did i meet you at the nats ?
if you can get it registered here,
i would bring it out & have the best of both worlds
Nath

Step up to get out !!!