Aussieveedubbers 路 Type 3 and Karmann Ghias

A couple of Karmann Ghia questions

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/80890/a-couple-of-karmann-ghia-questions

DJR1971 路

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 馃槈

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 路

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

Sides 路

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 !!!

馃憤

VW-VARIANT-L 路

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 馃槈
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 路

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

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 路

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

68AutoBug 路

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 馃槈

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

VW-VARIANT-L 路

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 路

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 馃檪

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 路

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 路

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 路

unfortunately only type 1 ghia seats fit the runners

Wannavee 路

Bugger!
Cheers mate

bushed 路

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~