karmann ghia
A great and must read article: karmann ghia
Q: karmann Ghia?
What would be a fair price to pay for a solid, unrestored, early to mid sixties karmann Ghia hard top? I have looked around the web and parts are available and cheap. I have always wanted one.
A: I paid about a thousand for mine. But it was in excellent shape with low miles. Restored they go for quite a bit more (of course).
I probably wouldn’t pay more than 1500 unless it was spotless.
Q: Karmann Ghia?
Looking for a 1960 -1963 Karmann Ghia in the US that I can retore
rust is no problem and will change out the engine so does not need one.
Does anyone know where I can find one ??? Will even walk pig lots for this car body>>>>
A: Good Luck!!!Try Hemmings Motor News.Great mag for antiques and hard to find car parts.
Q: Karmann Ghia horn is blowing constantly since the battery has been charged. How to fix it?
My Karmann Ghia’s horn has been blasting non-stop for some reason and I can’t make it stop.
Does anyone have any idea how I can stop it? It starts once the key is turned on the ignition.
Thank you!
A: Sounds like you have a short to power you might want to take it to the shop and get it checked out.
Q: What is the best year for a VW Karmann Ghia restore project?
Am interested in buying a karmann ghia to semi-restore. Not much of a mechanic here, but am willing to learn. So the idea of a complete restore is out of the equation. Probably want a daily driver that runs and that I can slowly make additions or upgrades to. Any suggestions on which year I should get? Want to hear community thoughts. Thanks!
A: Any year that you can buy
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of driving a VW Karmann Ghia?
I’m considering getting a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and was wondering if anyone could tell me more about the car. Is it reliable?
Can you get up to speed fast enough to merge onto a highway?
A: i own a shop,and they was pretty good little cars ,they did rust a lot in the back ares a lot,and this caused a lot of problems with that part of it,and the heaters don’t work good in real cold weather,other than that they was ok cars,good luck,i hope this help,s.
Q: Is a karmann ghia a good first car and will this look good?
Okay so for my first car i’m thinking about a karmann ghia convertible with a summer yellow exterior and white interior. i would keep the classic seats and steering wheel. What does anyone think? also–any other similar ideas?
i am interested in working on it mechanically–like fixing it up myself… and although i prefer automatic, i am able to drive a stick. I like classic cars like the ghia. I’m not looking for anything too new or boring. thanks to all whov answered!
A: I would only encourage you to choose a Karmann Ghia as your first car if you live somewhere fairly rural. If you live somewhere with heavy traffic and freeways, forget it until you can get one as a weekend toy. An old VW like that won’t keep up with traffic, and it won’t be able to stop as quickly as the car in front of you can when something unexpected happens. When I was a teenager, I had a couple of old cars that offered minimal crash protection, but that was before cell phones became common. I’ve seen way too many nasty looking crashes involving inattentive drivers since then. When the Karmann Ghia was new, nobody had airbag lined SUVs with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. If you drive one now, you have to worry about all the people who feel invulnerable in their rolling vaults.
If you live somewhere off the beaten path, and you have knowledgeable help to aid you in learning about oil changes, setting timing, valve adjustments, and drum brake rebuilds, you might really enjoy having a Karmann Ghia. I think it would be a dangerous choice anywhere particularly populous though.
Maybe you could consider a first generation Miata. They’re relatively easy to work on by modern standards, they can keep up with modern traffic, and they have some degree of crash protection engineered into them.
Q: Can I put the engine and transmission from a 1974 VW Super Beetle into a 1970 VW Karmann Ghia?
I would like to take the engine and transmission from my 1974 VW Super Beetle into my 1970 VW Karmann Ghia. The Super Beetle has the manual transmission, and the Ghia has the autostick transmission. Will the engine and transmission from the 74 Super Beetle fit into the 1970 Ghia? What kind of work will I have to do with the electrical system?
A: you shouldnt have any electrical problems. you will probably need to get a 1970 ghia shift rod. the auto-stick tranny has a different nose cone and the linkage will not work. you can use the 74 shift assembly though
Q: karmann ghia?
A: Check out this link for a basic history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VW_Karmann_Ghia
Basically it’s just a Beetle with a different body. There was a demand by the late 50’s for sporty looking and cheap (price not make) euro cars, so this was Volkswagens answer to that demand. As well it fit that market very well and was a very popular car. Now someone else above talked about the TYPE 3 Ghia (TYPE 34 true name), now the thing to keep in mind is that the goal for that car was not the same as the Karmann Ghia. VW wanted to get in the higher cost sport market of cars like Porsche; problem is that most buyers at the time couldn’t get past the name (VW) and their image as a budget car (not the image the Porsche buyer is usually going for). So, the car was basically an over priced flop for them. Personally, I love the Type 34, but it’s not for everyone.
As far as the rust issues, Karmann is a very well respected German coach builder, so it wasn’t due to cheap steel, or poor quality control. From what I understand they were not able to make the cars in huge panels like other VW models, which lead to more panels, seams, etc and in this is the root cause of rust problems. Even with rust problems, they where much less than other euro auto companies of the same era. Some of the British cars from back then where known to rust on the car lot, since the metal quality was so bad.
Really not my favorite VW by any means, but it’s just a Beetle with flashy body. So, if your looking at one just keep that in mind.
Q: Where can i find parts for a 62 Karmann Ghia ?
I need bumpers for my 62 Karmann Ghia and don’t know where to find them.
A: This should point you in the right direction. Try looking at the junk yard also. Good Luck 
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/
http://www2.cip1.com/default.asp
http://www.bfyobsoleteparts.com/
Q: Does anyone have a Karmann Ghia project car for sale?
I am a high-school student and I am looking for a Karmann Ghia to restore. A 1956-1959 would be awesome but anything is fine.
Or any suggestions where to find one?
A: Saw a “Project car” listed on eBay/motors on sundat 08/24 today!
Q: How much does it cost to repaint Karmann and Ghia?
i have a 1970 Volkswagen Karmann and Ghia, about how much would it cost to get it repainted?
A: It will cost less if you call it by the correct name, Karmann Ghia. figure $350 for crap, $800 to $1500 for decent and $3000 and up for custom, it also depends how much bodywork it needs.
Q: Is a Karmann Ghia a good car for a new driver?
It seems like a reliable car and has recieved many great reviews. Do you think insurance would be a pain?
Just let me know what you think!
A: Maybe, maybe not.
Insurance should be cheap, and the cars were very reliable when they were new.
That said, the newest Ghia available is 34 years old.
The mechanical parts of a Ghia are mostly VW Beetle, but the cosmetic parts are Ghia specific and cost much more than Beetle parts.
Also, newer drivers tend to bump and rub a little more than more experienced drivers and Karmann Ghias don’t really like that too much.
You see, a ghia’s body panels don’t unbolt like a Beetle or most other cars’ panels do, so any dents and dings have to be worked out of the sheet metal. You can’t just replace a fender or apron because the body is mostly just one piece. The hood, deck lid, and doors are the only removable body parts.
Ghias are also entering that area of collectability that may make them a poor value for a new driver. The initial cost of a Ghia in good condition is way above the cost of cars that could be seen as superior values.
(And may be much safer and more reliable)
Just some things to think about.
: )
Q: Where is the hard point on a Karmann Ghia?
I need to change a flat, but there’s no hard point visible. Does the pan need to be removed to put it against the steel beams?
A: Huh????????
I’m not sure I understand. Are you trying to change a flat tire on some kind of vehicle? Since you posted it here and what I VAGUALLY understand of your question, that’s what I’ll assume. Remove the lug nuts a pull the tire and wheel assembly straight out. On some utility vehicles (don’t know what a Karmann Ghia is), there are no lug nuts. You have to unbolt the center bearing nut and take the entire assembly off.
Q: How long and wide is a volkswagen karmann ghia?
I’m looking to use the smallest trailer possible to move one.
A: Zack is spot on, but is quoting the book. Add 12″ to width, and 12″ to length for a workable inside trailer dimension. Park it as far to the right as possible on the trailer so you can get in and out of the car.
EDIT: I have towed and trailered my Ghia around the country for more than 30 yrs, & have even shipped it overseas, in accordance with my orders with the US Navy. It is a very well travelled Karmann Ghia. It got a chance to visit Sicily.
WARNING: Whatever you do, don’t use a 2 wheel dolly, the clearance on the other end is less than 2-3 inches.
Q: What is the current value of a 1960 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
Body is straight no accidents, paint in good condition little rust nothing major. hard top, manual trans.
A: check out www.thesamba.com for comparison prices… old VW’s are worthless on the blue book or as trade-ins. But they are priceless to the average buyer… Prices vary so wildly for Ghias.
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