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Karmann Ghia resto-mod

  • 15-11-2016 4:32pm
    #1
    tonytiger81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 459 ✭✭


    Hi guys my brother in law is looking to 'modernise' his karmann ghia that is lying idle the last few years, namely better braking and steering along with a few other bits. Is there anyone worth their salt in Ireland / Dublin or are we better off travelling to UK / Europe? He wants it done proper! Thanks in advance.


Comments

  • #2
    kadman
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Has he got deep pockets...


  • #3
    tonytiger81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 459 ✭✭tonytiger81


    Quite a good budget to be fair


  • #4
    kadman
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    He,s going to need it if any body work needs doing.

    Beetle resto guys are plentiful, but most will shy away from ghias and

    type 3,s for some strange reason.

    Normal resto chronolgy would be body first, then mechanics and the rest.

    But i,ve seen restos starting with brakes and steering, but its not the way

    i,d go.

    No point in tip top mechanics on a crap body.

    Just my 2 cents


  • #5
    mattroche
    Registered Users Posts: 380 ✭✭mattroche


    Christy Body, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, is the man to talk to. He has a beautiful one, which I think he had restored. He is very good on V.W. *snip*. I hope he can help you.


  • #6
    MetzgerMeister
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,854 ✭✭✭✭MetzgerMeister


    Phone number removed as it's a personal rather than business number.


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  • #7
    mattroche
    Registered Users Posts: 380 ✭✭mattroche


    Moderator, I have already spoken to Christy Body, he had no issue with Tonytiger 18 phoning him. Christy is well known in the Classic Car circles. I would PM the No. but I don't know how. If Tonytiger phones me, I will give it to him.


  • #8
    MetzgerMeister
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,854 ✭✭✭✭MetzgerMeister


    If you want to PM him the number that's fine but posting it on thread is a no no I'm afraid.

    To PM the number, go to tonytiger's profile HERE, click "Send Message" and then "Send private message"


  • #9
    tonytiger81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 459 ✭✭tonytiger81


    Thank you guys for the replies so far. The body was painted a few years back so it's more the mechanical side of things really. Is there any others out there closer to Dublin or if it was your car would you stick it on a trailer to the uk? Maybe it's just me with discovery turbo but there seems to be a big vw scene there. The idea of heading to Germany is both due to the euro currency and it being German.


  • #10
    kadman
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    How good is the bodywork.

    There are enough good vw mechanics in Ireland to do this for you.

    Body work was done, good stuff. Was the chassis done too.

    As Ghias go, one doesn,t fail without the other.

    I know, i,ve just finished the comprehensive welding on my own Type 3,

    which is the closest stablemate to a ghia, more so than a beetle.

    Michael higgins in Galway


  • #11
    hi5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,107 ✭✭✭hi5


    Resto modding the karman should be the same as on a beetle.
    Steering ,brakes, engine and suspension would be similar, so there is no shortage of upgrades.

    I have never dealt with either of these but they may be able to better advise.

    http://www.emiliosbeetles.com/

    http://www.air-cooled-parts.com/cat/index.php


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  • #12
    kadman
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Resto modding on a ghia is nothing like a beetle.

    Because ghia panels are not as plentiful as beetle repair panels,

    nor are they as cheap. Thats the body element.

    Nor are many vw restorers familiar with ghias, some are.

    Mechanically they could be regarded as the same.


  • #13
    hi5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,107 ✭✭✭hi5


    I Thought 'resto modding' was improving/upgrading the handling/performance and leaving the body alone?


  • #14
    type85
    Registered Users Posts: 114 ✭✭type85


    It is, some people didn't read the OP post correctly.


  • #15
    kadman
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    type85 wrote: »
    It is, some people didn't read the OP post correctly.

    I assume thats directed at me.

    I,ve read the post, and decided to add a few pointers to help the op.

    To clarify.

    I see no request by the OP as to what is meant by resto modding, and
    what it does or doesn't refer to.

    So I wont start a debate on it, thats for another thread.

    But what resto modding does do, is interact with the body.
    It does this in particular to both front and rear suspension mounts.

    As well as at the front beam connection mounts of the floorpan.

    These six positions of connection from the body to the beam and
    suspension, are NOTORIOUS for severe corrosion in both the type 3's
    and ghias.

    And as any suspension, steering, braking upgrades interact here,
    its wise to make damn sure that these areas are in tip top order, before wasting money on upgrades. Its a wise precaution. That's my point.

    Its a small bit of advice learned in my 45 years of owning and maintaining,
    and restoring my own vw,s.

    Including my fastback which uses the same chassis floorpan arrangement.

    But if the op is happy in just banging on shiney new bling:)

    Then go for it bud.

    my 3 cents


  • #16
    tonytiger81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 459 ✭✭tonytiger81


    Didn't mean to start a fight here guys. Basically he is looking for servo assisted brakes which could include disc? And also an alternator system. These are he basic upgrades he is looking for. He wants to make it more driveable! Personally I'd rather he did the bmw 2.8 CSI that sits beside it 😊


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