It’s no Rembrandt, but it’s a couple modifications I’m considering.
Capping Off the Doors
Looks good to me.
Considered Mods
I’ve been sitting in the garage tonight considering a couple of mods that I would like to get started on while I’m stripping the rest of the body down. One that I have spoken about already is shaving the drip rails. My gut is telling me that is probably trickier than it sounds, but I believe if I take my time with it, I can pull it off just fine.
Hey… they did it.
The next modification I’m considering is repositioning the tail lights so that they are further in than the deck lid.
Lastly, since I am going to be capping off the doors and not having any side glass, I would cut these pillars out and go with a hardtop look.
I think this should keep me busy for a while.
1961-66 Dash Mounted Ignition Switch
I’ve always liked how the early 60’s Ghias had the ignition switches in the dash. Perhaps I’ll add this to my mod list.
Reverse Tilt Hood Mod
Source for RHD Pedals
Try Mathew at mat_thomo@hotmail.com
Right Hand Drive Conversion
I wonder just how much would be involved to pull this off. I have a source for the RHD beam. Is most everything else just cutting and welding?
73 Ghia with custom 60’s Bodywork
This is similar to some of the things I’ve been planning. I love the smaller tail lights of the older Ghias.
The original Facebook post of this can be found HERE.
Installing a Porsche 5-speed Transaxel in a Ghia
Build Advice from Airkewld
…from an email dated 7/17/17.
Thanks for the email Jim, the renderings, and the information. It will allow me to understand your vision and give you the best recommendations I can.
So, if you are building this for show use, anything can be done because expectations are about fit, finish and accomplishing your vision. Love the photoshops, it looks incredible. I need to be the devil’s advocate though. 19’s on a late model ghia, that is going to be tough. You really only have 7″ total width to play with, so finding a wheel that fits exactly, before paint is key to the entire equation. Air Ride and high performance are polar opposites. High performance applications need stability, firmness, less sway and body roll. Air Ride is plush, soft, floats like a butterfly, etc. But if you are building a show car, totally bitchin’! In my opinion, you will need to go one route or the other if you have expectations of one or the other, as having both is not an option.
My opinion, 4″ Narrowed PRObuilt Beam with air ride, front and rear disc brakes in a porsche bolt pattern and a mild 1914cc and below engine. This is one route. The other route, 4″ Narrowed PRObuilt beam with adjustable shocks, big BAD Series Brakes, adjustable shocks in the rear and the big 220 horse engine. Both are cool in their distinctive looks but function completely different.
What do you think?
Airkewld LLC
Pete Skiba – Founder & COO
In retrospect, 220 ponies really would be over-kill for a 95% show Ghia. Realistically, am I going to spend 100’s of hours getting the body perfect to hit the road and beat the snot out of it? I’m guessing that 1914 would produce what, 110 – 120HP? Still a drivable VW. Probably save a couple grand on the engine build as well. I’ll need that, as I’m really stuck on the 19’s and I’m certain I’ll have to get them custom made.
Here’s what they suggested…
EDIT NOTE FROM 2/27/2020
Perhaps consider this. A custom made Avant Garde F230, 17×7 and a 205/50 17 tire. Per Pete Skiba, an 7 inch wheel with a backspace of 5.125 to 5.5 inches will work with their Probuild 4″ narrowed beams. You will need to check with AG to see what offsets they can do on this wheel.