View Poll Results: Should I buy a 1958 Karmann Ghia Convertible restore project?
Deeeer easy question, yes!
13
56.52%
Will cost way more than you think and they suck, no!
10
43.48%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll
Should I buy a 1958 Karmann Ghia restore project?
08-30-2004, 04:37 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Should I buy a 1958 Karmann Ghia restore project?
One in RHD has come up for sale without a motor... lots of work involved... opinions?
08-30-2004, 04:40 PM
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
I know! only a few were ever made... ence why I am excited about it... its a convertible also... which it what I really want for summer.
08-30-2004, 05:06 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
Sounds like a nice project, but if you really want a convertible you'd probably get a 944S2 cabrio in running condition and still come out ahead compared to what it'll cost you to restore the Karmann. Particularly such an early vintage and without an engine. Plus, I enjoy reading about them in VW Trends and infer that you won't be thrilled with it's performance with the kind of "punch" you're accustomed to. 
No, I wouldn't take this on unless money were not an issue.
No, I wouldn't take this on unless money were not an issue.
08-30-2004, 06:57 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
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Could you get a 6 Cyl 993 Lump in it? I am thinking Turbo too!!!!!
As long as you build in some strength through the rear firewall and the sills it could be fun!!!
If its cheap and complete except the engine get it!!!
As long as you build in some strength through the rear firewall and the sills it could be fun!!!
If its cheap and complete except the engine get it!!!
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08-31-2004, 12:07 AM
#8
Addict
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tommo beat me to it, I've wanted to put a 911 engine in a Karmann Ghia for a long time, this one sounds perfect for that. Talk about a sleeper, what were those, about 60 horsepower from the factory?
08-31-2004, 12:38 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
If significant suspension modifications should accompany a 951 with seriously upped HP, you can imagine how much of a project upping the HP for a Karmann Ghia chassis is. Not for the faint of heart. Like I said, I enjoy reading about these modded Ghias in VW Trends, and the bigger HP cars are by no means bargain project cars. YMMV.
08-31-2004, 02:07 AM
#11
Race Director
Thread Starter
60HP? lol this one was 36HP! I was thinking 914 engine... but 911 SC or something would be nice. I would have to think about brakes and so on, so it could get expensive quick...
08-31-2004, 01:47 PM
#14
Racer
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Huh, funny I was just thinking about this this weekend. Heard someone on CarTalk call in w/ a question about brakes I think it was on an old Ghia he was restoring.
My dad had one of these, absolutely loved it, particularly the self-draining floor! I was thinking what a fun project it would be to stick an old 911 engine in one of those things.
My dad had one of these, absolutely loved it, particularly the self-draining floor! I was thinking what a fun project it would be to stick an old 911 engine in one of those things.
08-31-2004, 02:10 PM
#15
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I had a '66 and regret the day i sold it. 58 in my opinion is one of the most beautyfull bodies out there. Do it. if i was closer to NZ i'll pick it up :P