1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

4 cylinder air cooled

xxxxxxx

Clear

1971 Karmann Ghia Convertible What started out as a birthday present for my wife years ago has turned into a headache for me. This Ghia has been in my possession for the past six or so years during which time a lot of heart, soul and money has been poured into this project. As of this moment, I have given up on finishing this restoration for a variety of reasons. From the beginning of this body off restoration there were no shortcuts taken. New floor pans, new suspension and brake components, a new wiring harness, new relays and many, many more parts were put into this Ghia all in the name of perfection. I have the front seats which appear to be in good shape and a first class carpet kit which has been partially installed. You will also see the new (expensive) door panels I removed from their box just for the pictures. The motor, clutch and transmission are sound and work well. The front steering is all new but needs the final adjustments to make it perfect. In all, there have been thousands spent in parts and man hours without considering my own time invested in this project. I believe that almost everything is there to finish this car with the exception of the convertible top components and a few minor miscellaneous items which will be discovered during final assembly. The top frame and bows are included but the wooden pieces and the top itself have not been purchased yet. There is a new windshield in a box waiting to be installed and all new rubber gaskets and OEM moldings are also included together with the miscellaneous chrome trim and name plates around the car. There is also a new battery in the car. I should also mention that the entire floor pan has been epoxy painted with POR-15, top and bottom. What remains to be done are the final details such as the dash wiring, rear seat area upholstery (missing the rear seat back unless I can find it before the sale). Here is the reason for my lack of interest in going the last mile on this car. I noticed when I test fitted the top frame that there was a slight gap in the left windshield “A” pillar attachment point and the top left front corner of the top frame itself. I confirmed my suspicions when I installed the door window glass in both doors and measured an excessive gap between the driver’s door glass leading edge and the corresponding surface of the left side windshield pillar. Apparently somewhere in the process of the body restoration there was a mistake make by the company I had doing the body work which created this problem. They have offered to “look” at the problem but frankly, I have had enough and I have many other projects underway (vintage motorcycle restoration and kit plane construction) to take up what time I have to devote to this hobby. The options, as I see them, are as follows. Make the car a “California convertible” by upholstering the rear area, removing the top frame assembly and adding a tonneau cover over the interior that snaps in place and can be opened in sections to accommodate the driver, and/or the front passenger or even be removed to have the car as an open roadster (a true early cabriole style from many years ago). The second option would be to section the left side or move the left windshield post ever so slightly to accommodate the top frame. Either way, it’s your call. I have explained the problem and the buyer can fix it or not any way they want to. All the hard work and thousands of dollars in parts and labor are still there, in the restoration. I am prepared to take my lumps and move on. I think this will be a great opportunity for someone who wants to save a bunch of money and still have a nice Karmann Ghia Convertible. I have simply lost interest and would rather put my car in the garage space that will become available with this sale. I would be happy to share the details with any interested party but once it’s sold, it’s sold! So ask your questions now. My loss, you betcha!! Your gain, I think so!! This Ghia is being sold with all faults, as few as they might be, the sale is final, period!! My state, NH, does not issue titles on vehicles over 10 years so this will be sold with a Bill of Sale only. I am prepared to include all VW related parts that I have accumulated with the sale of this car. There are a lot of spares which I am certain have good value to someone other than me.