Bonemaro's '73 Ghia

[Piledriver]

What appealed to me was they said with this rear one could run a 17x7 with a 215/40 tire.

...On a Karmann Ghia??? 215s... I can just about see that with the perfect offset wheel and some clearancing.

I could easily jack that (and much more) on my square front and rear right now, doable on most T1s as well with the right wheels... The heim joint "spring plate" they use provides a bit more clearance on the inside.
...it does also force you to go coil over, which >triples the price tag.

There are ways of getting that clearance that do not cost $3K.

...but on a Karmann Ghia? I would take a tape measure to it before buying anything, no two were exactly alike leaving the factory, much less after 40+ years in the real world...

Perhaps if you remove the inner fenders. (the rears are two layers)

The Mendeola stuff is like jewelery for your car.
It sure is beautiful but do not count on it going any faster.

[Bonemaro]

On a Karmann Ghia??? 215s... I can just about see that with the perfect offset wheel and some clearancing.

Their rears have been narrowed 1.125". That has to help.

The Mendeola stuff is like jewelery for your car.
It sure is beautiful but do not count on it going any faster.

Perfect for a show car. It is pricey though fo sho.

[Fiatdude]

I've got 225's on the back of mine -- -- BUT the fenders are rolled a little (lip flattened) and one adjustment bolt head on the torsions has been ground down about half for clearance and it still occasionally rubs a little -- -- especially when I take my buddy with me and there's almost 600 pounds in the front seats (it mostly him LMAO)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss30 ... rz0ye3.jpg

[Bonemaro]

Badging question...

I went to this VW show today and I noticed none of the Ghias had the Karmann Ghia badge on the driver side fender... only on the passenger side. I though mine was missing it because of some repair panel, but... is it true? Do Ghias not have a badge on the driver side?

[sideshow]

One Karmann badge per car on the passenger side is the normal

[Bonemaro]

That makes me feel better.

[Bonemaro]

I'm getting the distinct impression, due to posts on forums, that folks don't care for early model bug headlights on Ghias.

[crazy tarzan]

I like them. In fact, I was putting them on my last ghia, and I'll probably put them on my next one too! I like the way they flow into the lines better. Matches the nose better in my opinion, and gives a sporty look (though I would NOT do that to a low light ghia. . . ).

[Piledriver]

I have briefly even considered doing it on a T3, buuut it probably looks better on a Ghia.

The main issue is that everyone and their dog has done it by now, and reverting to stock is serious work on a Ghia, with the hand made welded on fenders...

It IS a great rust repair technique, so you have a good reason to do it.

[Bonemaro]

It IS a great rust repair technique, so you have a good reason to do it.

This is true. It would get rid of that much more damaged metal in my situation for sure.

[Ol'fogasaurus]

I sure like the look of it if that means anything.

Lee

[Bonemaro]

I feel better (not that I wouldn't do it regardless). I love the look.

[mountainkowboy]

356 lights look even better!

[Bonemaro]

356 lights look even better!

Oh? I thought they were the same.

[Piledriver]

There were aftermarket Porsche outer lenses that were not simply smooth, they actually have some light pattern effect.
IIRC the lenses swap if you like the look.
Other than that AFAIK there were only differences in part # between Porsche and VW lenses.

the earliest cars probably used the same parts.