"The Hottie" - '69 (dood) Ghia Resto - VZi, Europe's largest VW forum, community and sales

Tomarse · 20-05-2007, 05:53 PM

"Re re cap, bo selecta" I hear you say. Well ok then, here's the low down...

US Ghia imported from PA, USA in '91. Was exposed to English weather and early 90s quality resto work. Must have been a builder as the pointing was great.

I tell the right person at the right time that my dream car was a Ghia and after the most complicated arrangement involving money, engines and multiple favours in both directions, the deal was eventually agreed to have been completed.

Spade and socket set at hand, the Hottie was set free:

I was feeling kind so I left them a little souvenir. Perhaps they'll make a nice mosiac decoration out it, who knows. (Baby Jesus may have cried at this point):

Be free my hot one:

But not for long:

Checked the adjusters worked - they do:

Lack of wing = good view of beam:

Uh huh, could be lower.

Tomarse · 20-05-2007, 05:56 PM

I've fixed a couple of couple of 'leccy gremlins just to get the engine running. Also bolted up the exhaust. Thought I'd drag it out of the garage to see how it looks.

Note: I'm only doing the lowering honours so that I know it'll all work before I fix and paint everything. As it stands, the rear tyres are srubbing on the inner edge of the outer wings and I'm only getting about 1cm or 2 of suspension travel out back before bottoming out on the spring plates and stub axle join. I'm happy with the height now though, so I'll just work some clearance solutions into it.

Front end will be narrowed (3-4 inches probably, not decided yet) and fitted with dropped spindles etc etc. That's next on the list.

beetlecharles · 20-05-2007, 06:12 PM

Looks like you've got your work cut out there, it looks a bit like filler city

Still, its a nice looking car to start with so it should be great when its done. Please tell me you are keeping that colour, its my favourite

L30D Clementine right?

ghia thing · 20-05-2007, 06:17 PM

Ive noticed the bottoms of your front wings have gone, let me know if you find any repair sections for these . ps i love the stance.
Paul.

Tomarse · 20-05-2007, 06:19 PM

Yeah there's a LOT of work to do it. I've already got a fair few of the big repair panels I need - both heater channels, both sills, 1 lower inner skin wing section, 1 lower outer skin wing section and 1 floor pan.

Just need 1 more floor pan, 3 lower wing corner sections, 2 lower front wing rear sections, 1 grill section and both headlight surrounds. The rest I'll fabricate.

As for colour, ages ago I made this quick mock-up in Potatoshop:

I'd always been a big fan of the brown but it seems everyone's doing it now so I'm very tempted to do it the original orange, possibly with a black roof. I think it's Clementine, but I'm not 100% sure.

beetlecharles · 20-05-2007, 06:26 PM

The orange with a black roof and lots of chromey bits would look pretty awesome me thinks - I have never seen a Ghia with that colour combo before

The brown is nice too but it has been done quite a few times. When i've stumped up the cash my beetle will be turning Clementine as it seems to be quite a rare colour and a nice change from all the 'brilliant orange' 70's bugs there seems to be around.

Tomarse · 20-05-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghia thing

Ive noticed the bottoms of your front wings have gone, let me know if you find any repair sections for these . ps i love the stance.
Paul.

Paul, VW Heritage do them. Number 8 on this diagram:

£56.40 per side.

As for the stance, the front will be coming down a bit more.

soup · 20-05-2007, 08:27 PM

Not a big fan of brown

i really like ghia as it is okay i now it needs a bit of metal here and there but i think with that stance it looks bang on

p.s whats happened to your bug

CRAGS · 20-05-2007, 08:42 PM

no way dude you've got a ghia! Im well jelous.

Tomarse · 20-05-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soup

Not a big fan of brown

i really like ghia as it is okay i now it needs a bit of metal here and there but i think with that stance it looks bang on

p.s whats happened to your bug

Thanks dood. Like I say, I doubt I'll go for the brown now. I'm liking the orange right now. Not sure I'll keep those wheels although they do suit it.

Still got the bug. It's undergoing a bit of a refresh and new look at the moment:

CRAGS, I'm pleased to have a Ghia too! I've always wanted one.

Gonna need deep pockets for it though.