I purchased this 1958 Karmann Ghia (built Sept 57) on July 3, 2004. I've wanted a lowlight KG for a very very long time. This car will NOT be for sale unless at the time I know of where to get another lowlight in better shape (right now I don't for the money).This Ghia's name is Max. Awaiting installation is a 1914cc (AH block). 10/10 C/W Crank (8 dowel), lightened flywheel, Big thrust 20 main case, double thrust cam (Engle 110), RB & Bal rods, S/S push tubes, GERM lifters, 94mm pistons, cool tin, race ring, dual 40mm Dellorto carbs, ported and polished mini d heads, and headers. Headwork and case done by Tommy Bridges (formerly of Bolin's VW shop) and engine block assembled by Wayne Jones (formerly of Volksupply).
********************************************************
7/12/04 - Ordered quarter window seals and door window to quarter pillar seals so I can put the quarter windows in properly. Chemically treated the exposed rust spots and spray painted the car to help protect against further rust not to mention it looks worlds better being one color. Hopefully moving this car to my friend's shop next Monday since my 70 Ghia is almost roadworthy again. Looking forward to getting this car out of the weather.
7/29/04 - Got a replacement p/s taillamp lens with chrome in great condition and a nose emblem (incorrect but at least I've got one). Another day another dollar. I was told when purchasing this car was a 57, but looking up the vin # it is a 1958 year model built in Sept 57. I'm still very undecided on which direction I want to take this car. It would look sweet with a set of Empi 5 spokes (black) or BRM's. That would make me want a big engine too. I can get a 36hp engine for $100 from a friend if I decide to keep it stock. This car is a long term project and I've plenty of time to decide.
10/10/04 - Removed the hood. Treated the rust (minimal) and painted the bottom of the hood. Looks much better. I guess next I'll treat the gas tank and paint it.
11/22/04 - Been cleaning up the front end. Sanding and chemically treating rusty areas. Gas tank looks clean, no need to treat. Car was last driven in 2000 I believe.
1/10/05 - Removed the brake drums to see if I could see why the car has no brakes and to determine the brake system on the car. This car was built in Sept 1957. My chassis # is 4875 cars earlier than when the factory was supposed to switch to the 58-64 brake system. After getting into it, turns out my car has the later (58-64) system. There was minimal fluid in the reservoir. The front brakes broke free after working with them a bit. The front pads were in excellent condition as well as the hardware. However the rear springs were broken which helped explain why the brake pedal stuck. I do plan to go ahead and put new wheel bearings in while the drums are off. I also freed up the rear decklid which had been stuck since I got the car, just never made an attempt to open it til now. Rust hole around battery tray.
4/3/05 - Bought a set of window cranks with black handles to match the car. Also bought a black heat button.
5/9/05 - Got the proper screws to hold the turn signal lenses in place. Originally had only two mismatched and incorrect screws. New seals for the front turn signals as well. Got brand new headlamps and installed them a couple weeks ago, forgot to post it.
9/29/05 - Sent the ignition to Gabriel's VW Locksmith (TX) to cut a pair of original keys for it. One of the mounting brackets is broken off the ignition and there was a piece of key broken off stuck inside as well. Unsure on how the broken mount will affect use, but the new keys fit great. He said the ignition is well worn and may need to be replaced before long. I'll deal with that later.
11/04/05 - Replaced inner and outer pass side wheel bearings and seal. Put the car back down on the ground finally.
1/25/05 - Got new window felts and scrapers, engine weatherstrip, locking shifter, taillamp seals.
2/13/05 - Installed door window to body weatherstrip. Too cold to do much else.
3/11/05 - Removed old decklid weatherstrip and engine compartment weatherstrip. Cleaned and painted engine compartment.
4/15/05 - Scored a set of black 5 spoke Empis with lugs on thesamba for $275.
5/08/05 - Got paperwork for title from Broadway Title Service.
5/15/05 - Welded in sheet metal where the battery tray used to be.
6/16/06 - New master cylinder installed. Turns out I did need new wheel cylinders. Also got two rear drums as these were crap. Car now has brakes!! Ordered tires for the new rims.
6/26/06 - New tires came in, had them mounted. Engine compartment weatherstrip installed.
7/3/06 - Reproduction horn button came in today as well as a spare clutch and accelerator cable to keep in the trunk.
9/13/06 - Exchanged the festoon style taillamp bulb holders (56-57) with normal bulb holders (58-59) from the House of Ghia. They are mounted differently so I may have to fabricate something but at least I can run normal bulbs that I can get at any auto parts store.
10/2/06 - Engine installed. VERY tight fit as the lowlight Ghias have smaller engine compartments. New 1700 lb pressure plate and 200mm spring clutch. Discovered that the ignition switch is bad.
11/20/06 - Installed roller style pedal assembly, new clutch cable. Starter needs replacing. Small leak in the fuel reserve tap thingy. Empi wheels put on.
1/8/07 - Replaced starter
4/11/07 - Window felt strips installed on doors, window cranks lubricated, got taillamps working, dash lights, horn, installed working lowlight ignition switch.
4/20/07 - Quarter windows and posts installed at The Buggery. Fuel reserve thingy replaced.
4/21/07 - Just drove the car on its maiden voyage, first time on the road under its own power in at least 8 years.
4/26/07 - Front and rear windshield weatherstrip replaced at The Buggery.
4/27/07 - Installed an early Sapphire I radio that I bought some time ago from another 58 Ghia. Its still 6V so I'm not gonna plug it up, just wanted to fill the hole and look good.
5/7/07 - Got a stud/lug nut kit to replace the lug bolts. The lug bolts were only getting around 3 threads holding the wheels on. Not good.
5/25/07 - Shift coupler broke. Rubber boot was just plain rotten. Managed to nurse the car home.
5/30/07 - Got a new coupler and replaced it. The early style is sooooo much easier than the later style to change out. Sweet!!
6/10/07 - Installed lap belts. There were exisiting holes, someone may have added (and removed) them over the years. Also installed new wiper blades.
12/24/07 - Sanded and painted the dash. Going to hopefully redo it in the spring but was tired of looking at it looking bad.
1/14/08 - Had a set of Continental 175/55/15's mounted and put on the front. Bought the tires a week ago. Planning to get 2.5 inch dropped spindles soon and will need these tires so they don't rub.
3/21/08 - New 2.5 inch dropped spindles, new king and link pins, and CB Performance disk brake kit (front) all installed at Monkey Nut. Front wheels scrub, will need a narrowed adjustable beam.
3/31/08 - Recovered back seats.
7/2/08 - New 2 inch narrowed/adjustable front beam installed to keep front pass side fender from rubbing tire. New transmission seal on pass side. Front motor mount replaced.
2/7/09 - Oil cooler seals replaced. Long time coming. Broke accelerator cable when reinstalling fan housing and generator. Replaced it as well.
Needs: lotsa bodywork, window scraper chrome, beefed up transmission, 2 liter plus engine!!
Pics below are upon arrival.
