Thought I would start a thread on the buildup of my 1961 Ghia. Background info; I purchased it site unseen while sitting in a doctors office looking at a 4 month old issue of Unique Cars i saw the advert for the one owner powder blue ghia and fell in love. I rang up and found it was still available, in fact no one had responded. I bought it then and shipped from Tumut back to Sydney. I enjoyed the car for three months and let rego expire then stripped it and for the last 7 years it has sat patiently waiting while I have collected the parts from around the world.
Last week I had it Soda Blasted by Advanced Soda Blasting. I must say I was impressed with their service. (Thanks for the people that recommended them) The ghia was delivered back on friday and it has exposed some unexpected issues. I had not expected to find, like the rust around the headlights so am now thinking about going with early model buckets see attached. What the general opinion?
bajachris88 ·
i like the slant eye style... very 911 or pre 68' type 1 stylin :P
👍
vwsteve ·
they all rust around the headlights mate, from the pics above it looks like a nice straight project, clean nose too is very hard to find,good luck😎
squizy ·
Looks like a good base, but please don't cut the buckets IMO.
newghia ·
get em fixed, too good a body to cut,
Nath
chris7 ·
what a car i love it....what does it cost roughly to get yr car soda blasted?
Wannavee ·
Nah,ya can't do that to a Ghia mate! Keep it standard
alansvw ·
I used Advanced Soda Blasting in Blacktown, I asked on the forum and they were recommended. Jason was great, he arranged pick and delivery back to my home in the total price of $2000.
kg1962 ·
It would be a shame to cut it. Keep the car standard.
Aussie dollar is 0.97 USD. Delivery is about $30 to $50. Will arrive within 10 days from Canada.
Don't cut them just because you can't find the right answer.... Ghias are just too rare.
Nicholas
waveman1500 ·
You've definitely got a good car there, it looks almost brand-new with no filler on it. A lot of apparently good cars come back looking like swiss cheese once the rust and filler are removed.
alansvw ·
I'm tossing up between two wheels. The Radar 17x7 in chrome like on Red Ghia above but have a slit ridge and this wheel again 17x7 but as its custom made they say I can order 17x6.
Bizarre ·
Radars for me
Not a fan of chrome
You staying wide 5??
naylor_james ·
Those billet specialties wheels are 4 stud?? What are they worth??? If you get the radars you will need a narrowed beam who will do thatfor you??? Try showwheels or budnik wheels budnik guys are super helpful and vw fanatics but are pretty pricey....showwhels guys are knobs... What else are your plans you seem to have similar ideas to what im doing to my squareback... My pile of billet goodies is growing in the living room as we speak. Awesome stuff mate gorgeous car!!! Ps: at the risk of upsetting everyone.. But two sets of guards do one leant back style and one standard.. Lean back looks gorgeous especially on a slammed car, James ps: check out
I already have the engine , its in my sons Red Aero Look Lbug. 2180 48Ida's Porsche fan housing, custom built exhaust etc. he has just purchased a 2276 Turbo which arrives from the USA in two weeks..we'll have it removed then my engine will be tricked up for show as it has the go already. My goal is to have the engine look like attached. Mine will be painted with a darker beige. The interior colour will be like seat below
VW-VARIANT-L ·
as Nicholas said, headlight replacement sections are now readily available, can look like you've taken short cuts when beetle grafts are used and IMHO will devalue compared with stock.
naylor_james wrote:Those billet specialties wheels are 4 stud?? What are they worth??? If you get the radars you will need a narrowed beam who will do thatfor you??? Try showwheels or budnik wheels budnik guys are super helpful and vw fanatics but are pretty pricey....showwhels guys are knobs... What else are your plans you seem to have similar ideas to what im doing to my squareback... My pile of billet goodies is growing in the living room as we speak. Awesome stuff mate gorgeous car!!! Ps: at the risk of upsetting everyone.. But two sets of guards do one leant back style and one standard.. Lean back looks gorgeous especially on a slammed car, James ps: check out
...narrowed type 1 beams for type 1 ghias are readily available, as apposed to your squareback's Type 3 beam
... ghia guards are welded on, not bolt on like beetles and type 3 🙅
naylor_james ·
Well devo for my two ideas🙁 maybe don't fuck with the headlights..
guru ·
re Headlights....
Its your car buddy, if you like the slanted lights go for it.
You can always change it back to stock..... its only metal.
I've changed my ghia's h/lights 3 times.
helbus ·
Do whatever you want to do. Put E-Type Jaguar headlights on if you want to. Just do it, don't talk about it, and don't let it be an unfinished project.
HappyDaze ·
If you need to replace headlight buckets, I have a jig that you can borrow - keeps the buckets in the correct place while welding. Also some clamps, that I made when I made the jig, that hold the bits in place.
alansvw ·
thanks happy , have sent a PM
naylor_james ·
Hellbus, is it not the point of a forum to talk about what your doing to your car???
Cheer up buddy 🙂
isky ·
looking forward to seeing more of this thread as you progress. Id never cut mine but it's your car ma man do what you like! you obviously like the look, and as Guru said "it's only metal you can always change it back"
and yes talk away with ideas, questions, ask opinions etc, that's what we're all here for. Plus there's not enough KG stuff happening so the more the merrier!
alansvw ·
If I go with the 356 Porsche headlight buckets then I would think about removing the side chrome trim. Also over the last few years I have collected matching NOS or a near perfect set of gauges including a matching tacho . I have also been able to collect all the pits to make up two Swan neck mirrors just need to find someone to resto them to show quality. Suspension will be my biggest hurdle, the king & link pin beam already has a strange disc brake conversion. I did post a link but it vanished so will try again. I will sell this beam and replace with an IRS pan and ball joint front end, just need find one.
Flintstones ·
It's your ride, modify it as much or as little as you like.
The only point I will make is, if you are going to mod it, make sure it is done tastefully.
There have been plenty of people that throw money to modify their car and it looks like crap.
Sloping headlights on a ghia only adds to the look as it follows the front nose section and makes the car look sleek.
It will be an expression of yourself when finished.
Cheers
D
p.s. I think the revolver from Budnik would look hot👍
vwsteve ·
i love the look of the engine in the 54 model bug, i would like to see more of that bug if you have it, looks like a nice car
alansvw ·
have been trying to load some more images of the cream bug for you but get message Image too large? no different to what I loaded a day ago?
Gracey ·
Love the layback style headlights, they give a ghia a Porsche feel while remaining tasteful.
However if it was my car I'd probably leave it std, but it's not my car it's yours, so go for it!! 👍
Ollie ·
I've spent a lot of time walking back and past this car when it's been hidden away under four layers of sheets, and I'm stoked it's getting started! It's going to be very tastefully done indeed!
grogy ·
wow i thought my 62 ghia was reasonably rust free compared to many i have seen. yours is incredible. my preference is standard looks better, but i also dont mind the porsche look. if u have a spare pair of outside nos door handles im ready to take em off u hands, or anything else u may not need. cheers greg
alansvw ·
have placed an advert in parts 4sale, as i'm looking at buying a complete IRS chassis so my 61 chassis will be sold. only has rust behind drivers seat section, includes disc brakes in front ..read advert.
alansvw ·
Just received my Banjo Wheel...very happy!
alansvw ·
Not a lot has happened in last month,
I have purchased the 17x7"radars advertised here and a NOS ID plate I thought may come in handy, Have one on the car but you never know what happens when they get painted. My sons ID plate was lost on his so if I don't use I know where it will go. The Exhaust is being ceramic coated and the Porsche fan and other parts are out being chromed. I'm waiting on Classic VWs to get in a floor stand so I can get the engine of the floor and back together. I have decided to stick with the original chassis and have it converted to IRS.
alansvw ·
Purchased these 17x7 Radars last week , will decide if I'll paint hem black in center?
alansvw ·
I also will collect my Custom built exhaust system which I have had Ceramic coated, should look great. Also just started the job of hand polishing my 48IDA's ... . will post photos of progress.
norbert ·
Hi Alan,
Going to look great. Been doing the same thing, collecting bits and pieces but looking at keeping mine reasonably standard except for engine and brakes. The engine in the bug looks like its fuel injected. What system is it?
Keen to see progress.
Norbi
alansvw ·
Over Xmas I purchased an early 56 ghia grab handle for the dash. As I'm not using the padded dash pad..( I'll have to remember to sell it when I have time) I didn't want to use the vynal grab handle that was on the 61 model.
The early grab handles were metal but very hard to get, has taken me 6 months of constant searching. These are all metal so I can get it chromed ..more bling!
alansvw ·
Have not been sitting around doing nothing of late. Have purchased two new sills and a RH side rear quarter section and a 56 dash that i want to use for making some dash additions...notice additions not changing original look apart from loosing the dash pad. What I am doing is fabricating a new section from the 56 dash that will have classic lines in which to house the gauges or radio. While start engine assembly once I get an engine stand as my back does not like bending.
helbus ·
moving along nicely. Bit by bit, you will get there.
robb ·
hi alansvw whats it worth to get your exhaust ceramic coated and where are you getting it done
thanks
alansvw ·
I used and I would highly recommend them;
COMPETITION COATINGS
8- 10 Fernell Street
Guilford
02 98922218
I paid $200, they did cleaning and all prep work as it was an old system to start.
robb ·
got that thanks mate
Flintstones ·
they must have had a change in management.
I used them a number of years ago and spent months chasing down the so called manager/owner to get my items back as I was fed up being stuffed around.
When I did get my items back I didn't pay him a cent.....
Cheers
D
alansvw ·
Things take time, but my gearbox arrived from the USA . Cost twice what I was quoted to freight by UPS (not my choice) . As it was already bead blasted I guess I'll paint and detail..that's what happens when you start detailing every part, it never stops. I'm starting to forget where I have sent parts for repair, re-chroming etc....until I get a call asking if I'm ever going to collect them.
isky ·
I'm doing my 61 kg up at the moment. But I'm keeping it ratty so it's not only costing me much less in money and hassles, but i also won't be scared to drive it 🙂
alansvw ·
As I am replacing a lot of parts with NOS stock or rebuilt , rechromed , repainted etc etc parts , if you ever need something let me know. I have some mirrors that were on the car, that anyone can have if they pay postage.
alansvw ·
I also have the original wheels, 5 stud (shown in photos) that someone can have, still need them, but once I have the pan finished I'm happy to give away...pickup only from St Ives
alansvw ·
Chez I hadnt realized how long its been since I last did a post. I've done so much but it looks like so little when you see the car still sitting in its primer. I did contact Chris to take it away for the panel work 6 months ago but he was moving shop and didnt have the room so still waiting. Once the body goes I can start on the suspension which I'm looking forward to as that I can do a lot of work on myself. I decided to convert the rear to IRS so it will make rego with original numbers on the pan that much easier. As I'm running 17" wheels I have gone with shortened IRS Arms that a a work of art. My long time mechanic had to be convinced they have been narrowed 2" Also sourced some new Koni Red D Shocks for the front and rear. Also been very busy tracking down a lot of NOS parts, Ivory knobs.rubbers etc. I originally had my 11 blade Porsche fan ceramic coated but was not happy with result so got it stripped and hand polished, what a difference, also had manifolds and other parts polished. yeah I like Bling! If I have time before Xmas I will have the fan housing chromed then the engine is ready to go back together to check before I have the tinware painted. I will try to get my son to show me how to post the photos as with luck it should all come together in 2013.
hotbug74 ·
looks like a good shell man, when i got mine back from blast i found the sills and heater chanels looked like swiss cheese, had to rebuild them from wheel arch to wheel arch. I like the look of the slanted headlights, but i couldnt have done to mine. Good luck with the rebuild.
alansvw ·
alansvw ·
Finally off to O & S restorations Cromer. Time for the project to get serious. Finally happened in a rush as selling house and my wife said I needed it moved out. So with offical approval the work can start.
alansvw ·
Have lots of parts for sale that I wont be using as replaced with OEM or just not using with the changes I'm planning . Check out advert in parts for Sale. Have the door panels ( Blue) to give away if anyone wants or they go out in rubbish on Thursday, they have been stored badly so backing not good. Will take a pic and post.
alansvw ·
Went down to O&S to see if any progress and I was surprised at how much had been done. Most of the new panels have arrived and the rusted RH rear panel had been removed. No photos till next week as body was away being acid dipped. I didn't know this was happening as it had been bead blasted but they were not happy with that. As I'm converting to IRS rear end i told them to remove old rear end so should look very different in a week. I learnt you need to talk on a regular basis as i was ordering parts that they were also about to order. Will start making regular weekly visits and posting the progress photos up.
vlad01 ·
whats the primer the shell is in? single pak epoxy or 2 pak epoxy?
alansvw ·
I think it was an acrylic primer, .Progress and photos to come. New headlights in and Ive gone with Porsche headlights, Ive wanted them for so long, I know it will not be original buts its mine. I will post up the old headlights and trim for sale in next week. As Ive moved in last week without finding a home we have rented a 1BR unit and put everything into storage, I just hope I can find the parts as I need them. My jazz currently has the VW engine in the back , the ghia interior and boxes of parts I know we need in next few weeks.
alansvw ·
My Ghia came back from being acid dipped so I went to have a look and I like the guys at O&S we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of rust. It will need to have work I hadn't planned on in the engine bay and after discussing I have decided to go with the Gab Fab smooth engine bay panel. (link below)
Work will now start on fitting the Porsche 356 Hella headlights, and the original Rear Quarter panel. My other ideas will start to come to life in the coming months.... Original headlight and rings are now available for sale.
alansvw wrote:My Ghia came back from being acid dipped so I went to have a look and I like the guys at O&S we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of rust. It will need to have work I hadn't planned on in the engine bay and after discussing I have decided to go with the Gab Fab smooth engine bay panel. (link below)
Work will now start on fitting the Porsche 356 Hella headlights, and the original Rear Quarter panel. My other ideas will start to come to life in the coming months.... Original headlight and rings are now available for sale.
The slant headlight look certainly is a mod that suits the style of the Ghia. I am considering this mod to one of my Ghias. Instead of the Porsche/early bug style, I am interested in the conversion to the New Mini style lights.
sirzo ·
Oops I forgot to compliment you on your straight & almost rust free Ghia!
Was there any reason given by O&S about why they werent happy with soda blasting?
There are pros & cons for both stripping systems.
matara ·
Is that a 356 cabrio they are doing in the background? How much did it cost to get dipped out of interest? Great way to start.
Cheers
Steve
vlad01 ·
only problem is how do you paint the inside of stuff? Is there special spray equipment like a spraying flexible wand like thing?
alansvw ·
Yes that's a 356 cabrio in background, they are converting it to RHD. Cost $2500 for the acid dip!
vlad01 ·
alansvw wrote:Yes that's a 356 cabrio in background, they are converting it to RHD. Cost $2500 for the acid dip!
is it real acid? or alkaline electrolysis dip?
Just that acid dip is used as a loose term.
alansvw ·
I did the 8 hour round trip to deliver the ghia chassis to have the swingarm pivot bracket Installed. I bought them from Pacific Custom for $82 US which included the 7/8 4inch Hex Bolt that are counter sunk into the bracket. I checked out others available but this are so well made and the welds are beautiful. Decided to do some other work on cleaning up the chassis at the same time. Not decided if I need a bigger fuel line installed to feed the 48"s have had engines with and without bigger lines and cannot say i noticed a difference. cant wit to now install the narrowed trailing arms plus every other bid needed when narrowing the rear end. Are 17"wheels worth the effort don't know yet!
alansvw ·
Thought it time for an up-date. Progress has jumped ahead. Now working on dask and rust in doors. We had a set back with the IRS brackets as it seems they do not fit my model so Wayne has found some original brackets and fitted them.
IRS Brackets being fitted
vlad01 ·
nice welding!
alansvw ·
Work almost finished on dash, I wanted it original looking but needed extra gauges , I found a very rusty dash from a 58 beetle which is now has been grafted on so I have my 3 gauges. Also as im not usung the dash pad we needed to rework the top section above the steering wheel. it turned out well. heres how dash looked , then the changes.
after
alansvw ·
Are are now working on the cooling system, will be running twin Oil coolers at the fromt , one in each guard. They will be joined by 1/2 hard linnes polished of course. I was going with three vent holes under bumper but have since decided on using early model horn grills.
Bizarre ·
lovely body work there
Reckon you will be real happy with the result
alansvw ·
I thought I should give an update on progress. Have got the ghia 95% ready for paint so I asked the next obvious question "How much to paint in a solid colour?" It took a lot of pushing but was finally told $20,000+gst. To say I was shocked is an understatment. I have now removed the car and placed in storage while I start the search for a top notch painter that lives in the real world. I was very very happy with all the work done and would have preferred to have it stay in the one place for paint and final assembly but its not to be. Will let you know who I choose for doing the paint job.
vduboy ·
alansvw wrote:I thought I should give an update on progress. Have got the ghia 95% ready for paint so I asked the next obvious question "How much to paint in a solid colour?" It took a lot of pushing but was finally told $20,000+gst. To say I was shocked is an understatment. I have now removed the car and placed in storage while I start the search for a top notch painter that lives in the real world. I was very very happy with all the work done and would have preferred to have it stay in the one place for paint and final assembly but its not to be. Will let you know who I choose for doing the paint job.
Holy Crap! Wow that is a big number! I got quoted a similar amount with my first bug resto years ago.. Good luck finding a painter who does live in the real world though.. way too much fume inhalation I say. Love your work so far, headlights looks great!
alansvw ·
All back on track after a 6 month break. Now just deciding if I'll go with the Airkweld Stage 1 Pro Built Beam with their Stage 3 Disc brake kit or the Mendeola T1 front suspension package with their 12.5" Disc Brake setup. Both will let me run 17"x7" wheels but the Mendeola offers much improved handling. both setups arent cheap so taking time to decide while I watch the Aussie Dollar drop.
alansvw ·
New CSP Carbon Fibre Breather Kit just got from Boris.
Just paid for my new Mendeola Front beam
vlad01 ·
handling! thats what Im talking about. 😵💫
alansvw ·
Bloody expensive and I hope worth every cent. Im having Boris at Vintage finish the chassis when this arris in Feb. he's anxious to get his hands on it to see how it performs.
vlad01 ·
I don't think they are expensive at all, most cars need couple to several $K to make them handle decent.
alansvw ·
It seems I've been waiting months and it has been but finally my new Mendeola suspension setup is being delivered in the morning. I have crowbar ready and camera at hand. Will post photos up of the new setup. At the end of this month it goes to Vintage Veedub for final fitting new suspension, engine and gearbox. Also found a painter who I can work with and he is giving me a time for painting the shell in the next few days so all is coming together quickly. If only finding the wheels I want was this easy!
alansvw ·
Had some fun un-packing crate as it has been so long arriving I had forgotten what was insides beside the Mendeola suspension setup.
Rain Tray
Rear Luggage Rack
Mendeola A1 Suspension Front System.. custom colours I ordered were not done , still very happy and it will not be seen much so its ok.
Rear Brakes
Kafer 6 point bar setup, still have to assemble
alansvw ·
Dropped Thae chassis and all my goodies into Vintage Veedub on the weekend so now its in the hands of Boris to bring it together.
lou0060 ·
haven't seen this thread before and really enjoyed reading thru it. I'll be visiting Boris in a couple of weeks so hope to see it in the flesh then. looking forward to following this build. Good work so far Alan.
benny_acko ·
Great thread!
O&S did some work for me a year or two ago.
Can you please let us know how the certification and/or handling goes for the Mendeola set up?
joesbuell ·
I was at Vintage on Saturday I take it that was your pan on the lift cause you don't see those front ends every day now 😉 very nice
alansvw ·
Made up the brackets to mount the two coolers .
adlbeetle66 ·
👍👍
alansvw ·
Called into VINTAGE to check on progress and saw what Boris had done and I was delighted. Looks even better than I ever thought it would, just hoping it performs as it looks.
The Mendeola system is not a 4 hour DIY project as they make out, if you asked Boris he would say its not in any way a DIY job as almost every part needed machining or refitting to work correctly.
It now only needs a few things done and we can test fit to body before paint. Yippee!!
newghia ·
Nice
vw54 ·
The Mendeola system is not a 4 hour DIY project as they make out, if you asked Boris
Yes I can vouch for that it is taking time to assemble
vdubin ·
Haha Yup no "bolt on kit" Just bolts on, This will be one insanely cool Ghia .
Did you find a painter yet ?
vw54 ·
Alan are you doing the body work ??
alansvw ·
Wish I could but about from taking it about and doing the parts resto, the hand polishing of anything that I can, that I can I just don't have the tools or the skills to do the body. Engine is going together at the moment so will post up some pics this weekend
alansvw ·
Started test fitting all the tinware, Porsche fan housing etc. I made a mistake in getting all the tinware painted already as the paint on the fiberglass fan housing has reacted to a cover I had and I'll need to get done again. Also had 3 attempts to get the alternator and rear plastic cover that directs air in the correct position to fit correctly without hitting the fan housing. Each refit meant taking apart and starting again. I'm a photographer and I thought I had taken all the shots I'd need to make re-assembly fool proof..I needed to take more.
alansvw ·
Big day tomorrow as going to Vintage Vee Dub to hopefully collect Chassis as is all complete . Just need to find a trailer.
vw54 ·
you didn't bring the trailer we had to push it back
alansvw ·
Finally have chassis at its home and will get the crew around to help place Body on the chassis.
Flintstones ·
Nice!
Looks like to need to upgrade your wheel chocks though LoL
1cut808 ·
This is an EPIC build! Quality all the way.. Very nice!
alansvw ·
how about 17"3 piece smoothies! These are awesome but not the look I want.
nbturbo ·
Are you serious? Those rims are just awesome.Where did you find them? I have never seen them on any sites I visit.I really like that 3rd member of your Kafer Brace that goes to the pivot boxes-well thought out and really tightens the whole rear end.
nbturbo ·
alansvw wrote:I did the 8 hour round trip to deliver the ghia chassis to have the swingarm pivot bracket Installed. I bought them from Pacific Custom for $82 US which included the 7/8 4inch Hex Bolt that are counter sunk into the bracket. I checked out others available but this are so well made and the welds are beautiful. Decided to do some other work on cleaning up the chassis at the same time. Not decided if I need a bigger fuel line installed to feed the 48"s have had engines with and without bigger lines and cannot say i noticed a difference. cant wit to now install the narrowed trailing arms plus every other bid needed when narrowing the rear end. Are 17"wheels worth the effort don't know yet!
Couldn't work out how you were going to tighten the nuts on these brackets because they would be inside the frame horns.
alansvw ·
In my search for my perfect wheel I found a guy that makes custom 17"wheels from old wheels into 3 piece beauties. I have seen lots of samples of 17"Riviera's an old Ronals in 17", but not cheap at close on 3,000 EU
alansvw ·
Can you fit 17x9"wheels under the front of a ghia and still have clearance... sure can. Wouldn't recommend trying to go round a corner but they fit. Only fitted theseon so it can go to paint next week and I needed it rolling. It will be running 17 x8"when my wheels arrive.
alansvw ·
I'm lucky that a sons mate has a laser cutter and has made up these brackets to keep the oil lines tidy and looking good.
alansvw ·
my 12Volt armature motor arrived so I can convert my 6 Volt wipers to 12V
alansvw ·
Its finally gone away to paint, next lot of pics will be final body prep and paint.
alansvw ·
heading down south to see the progress next week, not expecting to see a lot done as Chris wants to finish a few other projects so he can concentrate on mine . I'll post up some new pics after I see it.
alansvw ·
I have finally found my wheels . It continues to amaze me that you can look all around the world then up pops the item only a few K's away. TI'll need to rebuilt to narrow but that's the easy part now I have them.
Chris at Innovative are now working hard on my car and doing a heap of small things getting ready for paint. I've had the bonnet and engine release metal lines now moved so they run under the body for a cleaner look.
walter64 ·
Great metalwork. I have a ghia that I am restoring aswell, can I ask who did the bodywork and wanted to charge $20,000 and who is doing the painting now?
newghia ·
Looking good Alan
alansvw ·
Hi Walter, originally I had O&S at Cromer do the work but I had a number of issues with not doing what I requested or doing things I didn't request so I took it away from them and I'm now having their work corrected and the body finished for paint in the next few weeks by Chris Rolfe at Innovative Bodyworks. I can highly recommend Chris and his work is excellent and he takes the time to think it through and then explain his reasons etc. Yes its still going to cost $20,000
walter64 ·
Hi Alan, interesting, and what a headache. Out of curiosity what were or were they not doing?
When I was looking for someone to do my car i contacted O&S amongst a few others, didn't go with O&S, I didn't contact innovative as they weren't on my radar, didn't see them. Anyway my car is down at Sydney Vintage car restorations. Restoring a car PROPERLY is an expensive exercise and not for the faint hearted or shallow pocketed. I takes alot of time, whether one can do oneself or otherwise one must pay someone else.
I will be starting a thread on my '66 T34 ghia soon.
alansvw ·
I'll send you a PM
alansvw ·
Testing fitting my wheels before I pull them apart to fit the new outer lips and if needed rear barrels.
The original wheel was 9" wide , the outer lip was 3" I love the look but knew they would not fit but was really surprised to see they are not that far out.
shot showing rear clearance. I am sure I can leave the rear 6" barrel as I have good clearance and will just change the front lip to 2" giving a width of 8" on the rear.
they took a lot of hard sanding and cleaning to get from this to the finished barrel.
Even though the rear wont be seen I want them to be perfect.
and what a better thing to be doing while its raining.
alansvw ·
Before someone asks about the front.... I've ordered 2" lips in a High polished finish called Radinox for the rear As they are expensive I've just ordered 2 for the rear . I can then test fit them on the front and then see what size rear barrel and lip I can fit. I'm thinking that they will end up being 6.5" or 7", made up of a 5" rear barrel and a 1.5"or 2" lip. When I have all the parts then I have a few surprises I want to do to make them unique.
newghia ·
Wow Alan,
I didn't realise the rears would fit with that width.....I think I need to talk to you more about those inner & outer sizes when I get a chance,
Nath
1303Steve ·
Those wheels look great, Ghias are usually hard to fit bigger wheels to. Are they 17s?
alansvw ·
Yes Steve, they are 17". I looked around the world for two years before I found them on the internet 20 k's from home but the were way too wide. The rears are 12" wide and the fronts 9". I test fitted the 9" wheels on the ghias rear and was surprised at how much rear clearance there was. The lip on the 9" wheel was 3" so I have ordered a 2" lip. I can still if needed have a cm machined off the rear centre hub if I need more clearance. The new lips will arrive this week and I'll then test fit again and this time try on the front.. I know they wont fit but I'll be able to measure and order the rear barrel and a new 1.5" new lip. The front will I think end up being 6.5" or 7" wide, don't want any wider. I'll post more photos with them being fitted.
nbturbo ·
VERY NICE
alansvw ·
Received the new rear 2.5" lips for the rear. was wanting 2' but they sent the wrong size but will return if they don't fit. I reassembled with just a few bolts so I can test fit. You can see the difference in the hi polished Radinox finish.... they are like a mirror!
alansvw ·
Well finally got it into the paint booth for another coat of epoxy sealer. Chris will then finish with the issues we are having with the headlights due to very poor work done by previous panel shop.
You can see how big the gaps are between the headlight rim and the body. You pay a lot of money and some it seems some people (Panel beaters) just don't take pride in their work.. they probably would have covered with bog!
Next update I hope will show in paint booth .
Flintstones ·
Wow, that's a mile out!!
How could they get it sooooo wrong!?!?!?!
nbturbo ·
So how was you supposed to hold the light there-I don't see any threaded 6mm hole for the screw? That's exactly why I have been forced to do a lot more work on my own cars.
pv370 ·
no attention to detail......... had a similar problem.........
its not their car so basically they dont give a rats.........
they could bodge it up , fill it with bog etc and you dont find out till its too late........
i will bet the prev panel beaters took your money..........
your not the first and wont be the last to be caught out that way........
thats my rant for the day
Flintstones ·
nbturbo wrote:That's exactly why I have been forced to do a lot more work on my own cars.
I concur with your point Gary.
In saying that, I have enjoyed the journey it has taken me on....and still is, just more timely now, due to life interrupting it 😂
alansvw ·
I needed to drop some parts at Innovative for Chris to test fit so took some shots . Chris has spent a lot of time getting the headlights right and I think they look great (some wont agree I know but its my choice) . Also got the side panels for the engine bay and like all things one fits perfectly the other needs a little work due to the fact that we replaced the whole rear side quarter.
grinderman ·
That looks like some quality work right there. That engine bay (and the rest of the car) will be so smooth, worth waiting for.
walter64 ·
Alot of work, and look'in good
alansvw ·
Headlights finally all done!!!
vw54 ·
I could hear Chris from here swearing
alansvw ·
So so close! Just a bit of paste and some block sanding, if only it was that easy. When you start out with a vision you cant turn back especially if its been a dream for 13 years... Can you call your car your super fund?
nbturbo ·
You should be pleased how the headlights turned out- top job.Do they take a globe or a 7inch sealed beam?
newghia ·
Getting close now Alan, awesome
alansvw ·
I thought all body work was done, but in removing old switches added over the years Chris found that the dash was to thin for him to do some work on that we wanted. He needed to add a new section. I'm fitting my wheels which arrived from Germany and picking up a colour sample tomorrow . The last colour I approved after having it attached to my dash for a week and seeing it in different light conditions I cancelled and chose another colour.
At least the rest of the car is ready
vw54 ·
Progress
karmann141 ·
alansvw wrote:Called into VINTAGE to check on progress and saw what Boris had done and I was delighted. Looks even better than I ever thought it would, just hoping it performs as it looks.
The Mendeola system is not a 4 hour DIY project as they make out, if you asked Boris he would say its not in any way a DIY job as almost every part needed machining or refitting to work correctly.
It now only needs a few things done and we can test fit to body before paint. Yippee!!
Any updates? Keen to find out how compliancing of your front end goes. Looking at the Red9 double A arm front suspension for my Ghia
vw54 ·
Looking at the Red9 double A arm front suspension for my Ghia
LOTS of work fitting that very time consuming
karmann141 ·
vw54 wrote:
Looking at the Red9 double A arm front suspension for my Ghia
LOTS of work fitting that very time consuming
Do you mean the Red9 front end is difficult to fit and time consuming? Please let me know of your personal experience or know of someone who has fitted one.
My take on the above post is that the Mendeola was no breeze to fit and almost every part had to be machine or modified (not good).
I feel the Red9 front end is superior and built to a much higher standard. They were able to supply the welding code whereas Mendeola avoids any questions regarding engineering standards.
I hope to stand corrected. I really want to change my torsion bar front end.
alansvw ·
Hi Karmann141, you are right about Mendeola not being very good ..actually shit! with their after sale support, and yes the finished product looks fantastic thanks to a lot of work from Boris and his team.
The big question remains "how does it handle' and that is in the hands of the painting gods as I'm just waiting to get the call to say is finally painted but it seems that everyone wants their little projects done by Xmas so mine I was happy to let take a back seat as I'm not about to rush at this stage.
Good thing is all my wheel parts came in and test fitted a dream. 17x 7" front and 17x8.5" rear, could go 9" and they'd still fit (the advantages of 3 piece wheels) but I will run 8.5".My only drama was I somehow ordered the wrong number of bolts and the 7AN nuts went missing in freight so I had to reorder and I'm still waiting on them so I can finish that part of the project.
Other parts like my 48 IDA's which I've had rebuilt I'm still waiting on and on. .. But while I wait I keep changing my ideas on what I'll do with the seats. Do I go a Bomber style, stick with original or get a custom made seat from GT Classics which is what I'm leaning towards just not a cheap decision and one that can make the car complete. I'll post some ideas.
karmann141 ·
Hi Alan,
Thanks for the feedback and update. Confirmed my suspicions re the Mendeola - had a lot of trouble get info or answers from them😬.
Keep up the great work, you're inspiring me to get mine finished.
Cheers.
alansvw ·
Its been a long long process but just got a call and photos of the paint going on, under guards ,inside ect, Tomorrow Chris will paint the engine bay area and bonnet then Monday the Body. Now the goal is to have ready for Nationals!
vw54 ·
Paint great to see
Flintstones ·
Major milestone achieved 👍
alansvw ·
This weekend I need to reassembly the bumpers after have cleaned and rust treated the rear. I just need to track down a product that has come highly recommended as its the closest thing to what the factory used. Will post some pics on progress. I am going with the Towel rail style bumpers, I had the Blade bumpers originally but have over the years put these together. My only concern is they are not in perfect condition, probably a 9;10 but I'll just have to see what they look like when fitted. I'm not a perfectionist at all and the car will be driven daily and hard, but I just don't want to get to the end and have something simple let the overall look I'm after down.
My other major job is the wheels. I finally have all the nuts and bolts , what a drama that's been, and I've borrowed a torque wrench so all set to go. The wheel manufacturer recommends that the new bolts be torqued to 44flbs as compared to 22flbs if I used the original nuts & bolts. I also had to wait for a friend to bring back from the States a special Silicone.... trust the Germans to insist, well recommend that only a particular silicone be used to seal their 3 piece rims, and its not available here nor can you import through the net. Anyway I've watched all the videos and will get into it...should be fun.
Here's a wheel I've put together but not sealed or torqued.
You can see here the difference in the finish of the lips. The finish is called Radinox and is not cheap.
Here's what I started with
The old rear barrels & lips are For Sale if anyone interested.
newghia ·
Hi Alan,
All coming together nicely now mate,
If you are selling the 1 piece wheels that are in the top of page pics, please let me know,
Thanks,
Nath
karmann141 ·
Those 3 piece wheels are going to look spectacular
alansvw ·
Hi Nath, Yes I am and they have your name all over them!
newghia ·
Thanks Al,
Give me a call when your ready please,
Nath
alansvw ·
Chris at INNOVATIVE has just sent through an up date. Engine bay now done.
Bizarre ·
Ooooohhh aaahhh!!!
👍👍👍👍
HappyDaze ·
Nice work. 👍
This has jogged my memory...somewhere in my shed, there is some rubber sealing strip that I had made years ago. It is a 'W' shape. Let me know if you need some. gregatkirrapakdotcom
HappyDaze ·
Photo added, in case nobody knew what I was on about. 😁 ^^^
alansvw ·
Worked on Assembly and cleaning bumpers. lots of surface rust on rear that took some effort but final results worth it.
Before applying paint but after rust cleaned up.
After applying Hammer Finish
alansvw ·
Photo of finished dash , you can now see how the grafted section from an early beetle has been added to house the gauges ..before and after. A lot of work has gone into the dash, when you remove the padded dash cover you are left with some ugly edges, so we needed to reshape the top edge to give a smooth factory look. The hours spend getting it right would buy a bug. no offense meant!
Needed to do some work on dash as it had had a number of switches added over the years which we removed.
karmann141 ·
Boy there's certainly some work in that dash top - creating a continuous edge and reshaping the top. Looks great. Most people don't realise how much it cost to get good body work done.
nbturbo ·
That's exactly what I want to do to my Oval hot rod- the 2 holes for a 68 speedo, a KG clock and a 2 inch hole for a temp gauge. That looks perfect.
alansvw ·
Someone else sent me a PM asking about the dash. so here is what I did.
I saw an advert on Samba for an early dash section, turned out that it was up in QLD so for $25 I took it . I then cut out the lower section that housed the radio. I wanted it to look original so we included as much as we could. Found that we needed to add a small section to get the gauges to fit and it took still more time to get it looking correct.... But happy with result.
alansvw ·
had some progress on paint. been busy at work and Chris at Innovative has been busy on other customers projects and the weather has not been helpful. All the little parts like Number plate cover, bumper brackets are now all painted. Only thing left to do is the Outside body... Rain rain go away!
alansvw ·
Finished my Sun Visor so early model visors now fit later 61 model.
nbturbo ·
Bloke doing your metal work is a Master.The dash is a work of art.Well done to all of you.
walter64 ·
Hi Alan, looking absolutely fantastic. WOW
alansvw ·
Got a call to say come watch it being painted. First coat was on when I arrived.
Gary yes hes one of the best around has done work on my car over the years as well
alansvw ·
Have run into a slight problem with wheel fitment. After doing numerous test fittings I had tyres fitted but the rear is hitting inside the wheel arch. It does not touch lip nor does it hit any suspension parts, just appears to be too far back. Without my mechanic seeing it we are thinking that the spring plates will need corrections made to bring the rear chassis forward. Fingers crossed that's all it is but as we converted the rear to IRS it may be something more. In the meantime we cannot fit wheels as they will damage paint so I'm going to have to find some 17" Porsche 5x130 wheels so car can be moved around. I'm thinking that as I will need a spare wheel anyway I may be best to try and get two Porsche space saving spares in 17'.
newghia ·
Al,
Weren't your previous front wheels narrower than your current rears ( the 1 piece twists ) ?
Could you put them on for the time being ?
If you need, I have 2 bare 17 X 7's you could borrow , but you'll need to put some tyres on them
Nath
alansvw ·
Only need to fit the doors , Bonnet & engine lid plus steering column then she's all mine . Plan to bring him in next two weeks and start putting her back together.
nbturbo ·
Fantastic- I checked your complete build again- can't find anywhere what the colour is called
alansvw ·
have started fitting gauges and radio.
nbturbo ·
Is there a reason for not fitting the guages in the middle of the new panel? I plan to also fit 3 guages into a modified Oval radio panel in my project. Haven't started to cut anything yet- but want the guages in the middle with the ignition, wiper and light switches there as well
alansvw ·
I'm planning on adding switches either side but just wasn't sure how it would look so I've held off till I could see the gauges installed and make final decision before I make any more holes. I'm even thinking of moving starter . like this.
nbturbo ·
OK understand.Im thinking the Oval lower dash won't do 3 guages and all the switches. Probably need to make it at least 50 mm wider. I fit a wiper switch in the hole where the choke cable was, and use it as a main isolation switch in the ignition circuit.That pic of the Oval dash you posted looks awesome
alansvw ·
HOORAY... I've finally been able to log back into the Forum, I've spend since last June trying to get back in.. I'll now start to get post updated to where I at with assembly.
vw54 ·
You only had to ring me to rest your passwords
alansvw ·
She's finally home. The towing said the two hour tripfrom Innovative to St Ives was lots of fun as he had lots of waves. I was nervous waiting as weather forecast was not good. but all safe.
No they are not strips, just needed to secure the bonnet as latch was not working.
hers some dash shots.
alansvw ·
Have since been busy doing lots and lots of little things.
added washer battle and horns
Bonnet Latch now works,
alansvw ·
I've finished the sound proofing... was a time consuming exercise .
alansvw ·
Next job was wiring. I got a 61-65 New Ghia harness made for 12V (left hand drive) Was not as difficult as I had thought just takes time and patience to fed through . I labelled every wire so I could read a little easier. Still need to add extra wires for heated rear window, Third Brake light and instruments. I still need new relays but I've got done what I can so now I'll get in a mobile Auto electrician to go over it and make final connections, after that I spend time to clean up the appearance ... gone this far can' t stop.
I'm hiding most of the harness in the rear , still trying to decide on what clamps I'll use.
karmann141 ·
Just wondering how your project is coming along- has it hit the road yet?
alansvw ·
yes finally on the road,sorted out any issues and just enjoying .
Frankston W ·
Looks good
555bug ·
did you need a torsional beam test? Looks amazing by the way, congradulations.