Forrest Gump 9 Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 After lusting over some Porsches and I ended up with another AMG, I'm kinda wanting something different. I want to get into some classic VW. I've never own a VW, so I don't even know where to start. But an old beetle or a Karmann Ghia is not too complex right? Please school me on those two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 The pedals are REALLY close together. With my foot (size 11.5 New Balance) on the Gas Pedal, touching the "hump"... I scrape the Brake. Not a whole lot of legroom for 6', but not bad. $3k will get you a decent, running project. :thumbup: KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Ghia > Beetle. Would love to see a cool swap in a Ghia... WRX Swap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Brian Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 I thought only 90 year olds with diapers wear newbalance shoes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10phone2 Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 I have owned several of them. This may sound somewhat odd but to make it easier, I would buy engine/transmission/suspension before getting the car and look to buy a clean shell. The money you spent on a stroker engine that comes with the car will more than likely end up down the drain. The good thing is that there are still shit tons of parts available for them. The magazine's you would want to read are hot vw's and vw trends if they are still around. Thesamba and shoptalkforums are great forums to ask around on. I havent been around aircooled vw's for over 5 years so I know other sites may have popped up. The engine I would honestly go for in a street car is a turbo 2332cc low compression engine with a mild cam. It would be streetable and you could still run the stock gears ratios in the trans. The problem with big cam/high compression engines and trans with shorter 3rd/4th gears is that you have to drive about 50 mph on the freeway and can only get about a good 20-30 minutes of driving before let the engine cool down... shit gets old quick. It honestly doesn't matter if you go ghia or bug body wise due to you can order just about any sheet metal you need to replace the bad spots. It's fairly easy to run a decent size tire in the back, you can narrow the housings and get stub axles. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure CB performance has valve train now that allows you to run higher lift cams without having to constantly replace the springs every 5-10k miles at best. If your engine swaps, you can buy a kennedy adapter plate and run the sti engines. The benefit is you have a dohc engine, but the downside is you have less control over the cc size of the engine. Lots and lots of options for you. Just depends which route you want to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 I thought only 90 year olds with diapers wear newbalance shoes I thought only secretaries drove mustangs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acklac7 Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Ghia > Beetle. This. Errrrybody and there brother does a beetle convo. Those ghias are the sexiest cars to ever sport a VW badge, and you hardly ever see them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Ghia > Beetle. Would love to see a cool swap in a Ghia... WRX Swap? Disagree, grab a beetle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 The engine I would honestly go for in a street car is a turbo 2332cc low compression engine with a mild cam. :megusta: KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Disagree, grab a beetle. Peanut gallery, please exit left. :dumb: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_Panic1647545539 Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 (edited) http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/album.php?albumid=891 I can get you in contact with the owner of this. He parked it some time back in the 70s in a shed. I have gotten in it a few times. Seems like it would be a lot of fun. Edited May 15, 2014 by Captain_Panic Added album Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patterson Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Buy a Beetle, but get a southern car or from out west. They are easy to work on, and the parts are dirty cheap. I wish I still had my 69. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 /end this thread. Buy this. http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117773 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauren Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Ghia > Beetle. Would love to see a cool swap in a Ghia... WRX Swap? Ghia is one of the most beautiful body styles ever created. Google search the ghia with a viper engine. That's a badass car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forrest Gump 9 Posted May 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/album.php?albumid=891 I can get you in contact with the owner of this. He parked it some time back in the 70s in a shed. I have gotten in it a few times. Seems like it would be a lot of fun. Intrigue, what is it? /end this thread. Buy this. http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117773 That's lovely but too nice for me. I'm a speed freak at heart so I want something to play with. Have anyone crazy enough to do a rotary swap in one of these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost1647545489 Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 My uncle is selling this FYI http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4467087488.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Wandered into this thread, thought "dafuq is a Ghia?", googled, now in love. WHY THE FUCK HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS CAR? Freaking sexy.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Wandered into this thread, thought "dafuq is a Ghia?", googled, now in love. WHY THE FUCK HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS CAR? Freaking sexy.... Coupes are Sexy.... Verts.... meh. :thumbup: KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted May 15, 2014 Report Share Posted May 15, 2014 Whether you buy one before or after this is worth checking out. http://www.covvc.org/volksfest.htm I went a couple years ago just to check it out, lots of nice stuff and I'm sure lots of info to be found. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supplicium Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 Find 2 Ghia's and I do 1 with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 I have a 1970 Beetle. You want a 67, the bumpers are cooler. I did a new motor in mine from Scat. I have 4 wheel discs on it as well. I haven't driven it in a while but I am happy I did the work on it. Ghia is a "more fun" car but I have pulled into places with my 70 and my friends 427 390hp 67 Vette Convertible and I have gathered a crowd. Central Ohio Vintage Volkswagens can probably help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonrottes Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 VW Thing! DO IT! They are the WWII German Jeep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Karacho1647545492 Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 VW Thing! DO IT! They are the WWII German Jeep I was going to post this, but since you already did, I'll suggest a VW Taro. Badge engineered Toyota Hilux. Legendary durability, VW style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rice Eater Posted May 17, 2014 Report Share Posted May 17, 2014 I have a '76 Super Beetle convertible, triple white car. I have had it since '84 and people love them. Ghias are cool. If you don't want a modified VW, a later fuel injected Beetle doesn't have the "Beetle sound", is quieter and has a much better heater due to improved heat exchangers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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