Can anyone advise me on the trouble spots to look for in early T1 Karman Ghias
- Rust prone areas mainly
- signs of poor body repairs
- expensive bits to replace, trim panels ect
not concerned about mechanical really, thats the easy stuff.
Dean

from what i've read the most important bit in a Ghia (the most difficult to fix) is the nose as they protrude quite far and are often bumped in, the easiest way to check is to look from the inside from the boot. look for the ridge behind the nose from there.

also the rockers usually rust out, heater channels, pans and headlight buckets. Also the battery tray. And i have heard that its best to get it complete as parts are very expensive and difficult to get hold of. Also because they are handmade, the doors only fit the body they came with.

anyway good luck!

Thanks Che, any other words of wisdom out there???

Over the years, I've done 2 & if I was buying one again I'd wait till someone gives up a project & then pickup something with all its problems laid bare, or, wait for a finished one that hast to be sold. If buying a project, make sure it's all there- I waited 6 months for the right headlight rim!
Starting with a wreck is to be avoided-unless you are prepared to do it yourself AND have the skills. Whilst most body panels required are available O/S, they are expensive & require skill to get a good end result.
Simple cut & shuts are ok for Kombi's & beetles, but K/G's have more compound curves than a porno princess!
In my case I paid for the body work & that resulted in significant but not fatal overcapitalisation- eg the overall cost exceeded market value by about $5K. But
if you are going to keep the car forever, then it's irrelevant.

Dean

the main think with a Ghia is to make sure its got all the parts, Lights front n rear, bumpers n brackets, badges and all teh trinkets. these bits are expensive S/H and hard to find.

the other obivious one would be RUST.

Thanks guys, big decision to make over the next few days. :jesus

Sounds exciting Dean?

Not any more. Have been looking a KG and made an offer. But thats were it ends for now.
The rust issue is a scary one for me with KG's.
Done plenty of work on Beetles but zero experience with KG's. :o:o

the only way i would do a Ghia is to have ir chemically dipped, to remove paint n rust, and then see what comes out of the tank.

Ghias have so many hidden panels and triple sections. Dirt n rust gets in everywhere