Board Logo

I need advice on what to do.
johndoe980 - June 30th, 2013 at 10:09 PM

HI all, my name is Tony and I am in Brisbane.
I want to get a Karmann Ghia Cariolet but not sure what to do. let me explain, the plan was to restore a car but not to rush it.
I don't have any knowledge on how to restore a car at all, I have fixed the front end of a car once and did quite a good job of it, but..
I have looked around and found 1 for $12,500 LHD in Brisbane that needs a lot of panel work/rust repair. I am sure I could do the rest but not that.
I have also found a restored KG for $32,000 RHD that looks perfect to me.
So should I spend the money on the finsihed Project or Do it myself?
Anyone in Brisbane who can help me do the work or give me advice as I go?
The Finished one is in SA and I can't see it to know how well it has been done.
Many thanks Guys & Gals for any Advice you can give me..


h - June 30th, 2013 at 10:29 PM

well if I was handing over 32 gorillas I'd be flying down to check out the gem before it may turn out to be a lemon..


helbus - June 30th, 2013 at 10:49 PM

If you are serious on getting a great KG the a few flights around is nothing compared to losing tens of K's in cash buying a lemon.


cam070 - June 30th, 2013 at 11:01 PM

It depends if you are in it for the finished product or the restoration ride.
If you want the highs and lows of the ride, you'll just have to be patient and find the right project car.
If you just want the finished project, get your arse onto a plane and check out the restored one


snitz - July 1st, 2013 at 12:02 AM

The beige or off white KG Convertible that is for sale in Adelaide is owned by Splitmeister (on the Forum here).I saw the KG only yesterday and can vouch for the car being restored properly.He has photo documentation of the whole cars restoration including the RHD conversion.
Its all been sighted by a Engineer Signatory here in SA and ready for inspection for SA rego. I believe he has plans to get the KG inspected soon for rego.If you were really serious about buying a nice KG the price of an airfare would be worth it.If I had the cash I would buy it..but I bought a Kombi off him yesterday instead..lol.


newghia - July 1st, 2013 at 06:40 AM

Is EMPI's one still for sale ?
Check that one out as well,
Or the Type 34 on Gumtree

Nath


johndoe980 - July 1st, 2013 at 06:51 AM

newghia - don't know anything about an EMPI one ?
snitz - thanks for the info on the SA Karmann Ghia. I needed someone who was in SA.

thanks all .. the problem is I don't know what to look for when checking a car out.

I will keep thinking but I don't want to take long and miis out on Splitmeister's car if thats the way i want to go........
i have $10k - 12k now and would have to get a loan for the rest.

Thanks
Tony


Governor - July 1st, 2013 at 07:59 AM

I have thought about this overnight!
The forum does not allow us to say anything negative about other members or services.
But this person is looking at buying a car for over $30,000.00.
Splitmiester or Euro as he has used both names in the past, has previously restored two splitties, now I am not allowed to say anything negative as that is against forum rules.
So please search yourself about those two splitties before you go and get that loan and believe me the car will not sell in the meantime .
Have a look at the link below as a starter.
Or ask about his work on other forums such as DSK or Kombi Club, he is well known on both or if you can get intouch with Steve Hopkins one of the best restorers around ask him about the ute he bought from the seller of the Karmamn?

Now the mods might remove this but if you do you have to then explain why you did not warn a new member , isnt the forum supposed to help those that dont know?

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=83759&page=1#pid780113 

And another

http://forums.kombiclub.com/showthread.php?29390-quot-buyer-beware-quot-perfe...

Mods, there is nothing libelous in this post, it is just advising someone to check a sellers history


johndoe980 - July 1st, 2013 at 01:36 PM

Thanks Black64 , very interesting reading.... I think I need to start again...

Does anyone have a cheapish Karmann Ghia Cabriolet for sale?
and any links to them please.


Governor - July 2nd, 2013 at 12:39 PM

If your looking to spend decent money on a "restored"car you have to know what you are looking at.
If not you need an independent engineer to check it out not just someone on a forum who you dont know.
Also make sure it is registered and legal before you buy, the last thing you need is paying a lot of money and then your state will not accept it!


rickp - July 3rd, 2013 at 08:42 PM

EMPI's ghia is :cool::cool: but its not a cabrio.. i still think the coupes are nicer :P

here is the link to EMPI's Car.. i wish i had the space for it tid=100163EMPI.s Coupe


johndoe980 - July 14th, 2013 at 09:36 PM

Thanks All, I have Bought the Karmann Ghia from Calcool.