I am considering buying a karman ghia for my wife (why should I be the only one having fun with my VW). I have a lead on a LH drive imported KG from the US. Apparently the car is rock solid and the guy selling will take around $7500 for the car.
Is this a good price for the car given that it is apparently rust free but LH drive?
The only problem for me is the left hand drve issue. What is involved in converting to RH drive. Does anyone have a rough idea of the cost of conversion, and who would in Melbourne would be good for the job (reasonably priced and competent).
Alternatively, does anyone have any leads on a reasonable, solid KG that may need mechanical work but is straight and solid. My budget is flexible depending on price, but I would ideally like a project car rather than something restored.
Cheers,
Steve
VWCOOL ·
Just leave it LHD - it's legal for cars over 30 years old on full rego! Must use RHD headlights.
But the conversion is quite easy, relatively speaking. RHD pedals etc drop straight in to factory tunnel mounts but you ned to add a reinforcing plate on floor, need to cut hole in floorpan/bulkhead for brake master cylinder, re-route brake lines, use RHD front beam and steering arm. Need to cut and weld dash using a donor RHD dash. That;s a good price for a KG
[Edited on 18-10-2004 by VWCOOL]
XXX-1.8T ·
why would u want to convert it leave it LHD 🙂
seen heaps of pimpin mustangs LHD:kiss
VDUBXTC ·
1961 coupe, Paprika- Ivory, Australian delivered, RHD, Mechanical and body very good condition, new tyres, 2nd owner, 3/05 rego (VIC) NSZ.189
Drives well, price neg., $14,900ono
03 9381 1955
VWFREAK ·
Leav it LHD, my baby is LHD and I love it. I find it's a real novilty to drive the old girl and passers by have to look twice.
Mines a 69 on full rego. If you don't buy it for $7500, give me the number and I will. Thats cheap, go for it.
I paid 11k fully imported for mine and spent another 10k. Don't think about it just do it.
VWFREAK ·
Look LHD, who cares.
stephenianjames ·
I would certainly leave the car as a LHD if it was for me, but as it's for the Mrs I think the transition to LHD would be too difficult. I guess finding a RH dash and the other bits might be difficult.
The car hasnt landed in Oz yet so I dont have any details to speak of. If I dont end up buying it I will let you guys know about it for sure.
Cheers,
Steve
Paddo ·
I smell a divorce! :vader
pyr0 ·
nah its easy to learn seriously i drive my old mans mustang it took about a week and your sweet 🙂 just start off some where quiet.
every thing is the same as a right hand drive......hmmmm just try sitting on the passengers side of the car and changing gears and that, thats what a lefty is like 😉
stephenianjames ·
Divorce! huh..it's for the wife..not me. Unlikely to happen but is a possibility. Just doubt whether she'd be comfortable driving a LH drive though. I know it would become familiar very quickly, but I know she would only want a RH drive.
Just weighing up the cost of buying a LH drive and converting as opposed to buying a Rh drive outright.
Does anyone know roughly what it owuld cost to have the conversion done?
REDKG ·
the hardest part of the conversion will be getting the dash right. go to www.karmannghia.com.au for rhd glovebox kit. Boris at vvds did have reproduction dashpads.
byronbus ·
Can you register LHD on full rego? And do you have display a sign saying its LHD?
pyr0 ·
if its over 30 years old you can have it on full rego with no stickers or nuffin 🙂
Herbie ·
If you find its a bit too expensive, email me at tonedefunkster@hotmail.com
I can import one for you, You can find them here "USA"for about $1000 US for a drivable reasonable restorer and import it for under $4000 AUS
We can compare the condition of the cars and weigh up the options.
If the KG you are looking at is in the sort of condition you could register then I would jump on it If I was you.
Cheers Anthony
stephenianjames ·
has anyone converted a LH drive to RH drive? if you didnt do it yourself, where did you get it done and for how much? (just basic conversion..no repainting etc)