Air Cool VW

[Bonemaro]

Do we have any members here knowledgeable of air cooled VW mechanics?

Looks like Project Ghia might be starting up soon and I'll probably have questions.

[1LOMARO]

I don't personally but I do have a few friends that have played with Beetle's for years. I'm sure I can get any questions you have answered.

[Atrum Rosa]

Take a look at the other car

www.fquick.com/Atrum_Rosa

[Bonemaro]

Take a look at the other car

www.fquick.com/Atrum_Rosa

You and I sir will be talking. I acquired a 1973 Karmann Ghia some time back, 48K original miles and plan to do a full frame up show restoration. I'd like to aim for 175 - 225 HP... maybe a 2332cc turbo build.


...as she sits now...

[Throwback Bird]

i have a 1960 vw manx thats on pause right now.

[Atrum Rosa]

I don't know much about that model, but some basic VW things before you start:

Convert to 12v if it isn't done already

your pushrod tubes will leak, get adjustable ones

don't lose the pins for your door handles

multiple carbs are a royal pain to tune, but provide good HP

try to be sparing on how many times you remove and reattach body panels, especially the fenders. The bolt holes will stretch out and become useless

The brakes all suck. Best to replace the master cly and slaves right off the bat and get new shoes and drums. It'll save you some (more than some) headache down the road.

It doesn't take very much HP to make these cars almost too dangerous to drive. Just my 1835 will pick the front wheels off the ground and scare the crap out of you.

Watch your oil. If the oil light ever comes on your engine is already trashed, and they seems to go through a lot of it.

[Throwback Bird]

hahaha, hes right.

[Bonemaro]

Convert to 12v if it isn't done already

It already is.

don't lose the pins for your door handles

Shaving the handles.

try to be sparing on how many times you remove and reattach body panels, especially the fenders. The bolt holes will stretch out and become useless

The body is one piece on the Ghia

The brakes all suck. Best to replace the master cly and slaves right off the bat and get new shoes and drums. It'll save you some (more than some) headache down the road.

4 wheel discs

It doesn't take very much HP to make these cars almost too dangerous to drive. Just my 1835 will pick the front wheels off the ground and scare the crap out of you.

Danger is my middle name.



Good info though. Thanks!

[1LOMARO]

Only thing I have to contribute is that I've seen a couple modified ones run high 10's in the 1/8th mile.... I had more fun busting my buddies 64 Beetle with my 89 RS V6 Camaro....

[black heartbeat]

I have a guy at work thats a vw finatic if you have any questions I'll relay them to him. and i work in a salvage yard now so if you need something I can keep an eye out for it. and btw thats NOT a green light for everyone that wants something to ask me to get it for you cheap. Bone and i go way back....like a little over a year....and he's a beautiful man so I'm at his mercy