Read through the detailed description below and then click on a link above to browse the restoration photos.


This restoration started by completely disassembling the car down to the last bolt. The pan was completely restored to better than original. New floors, new front end with new suspension, bearing, ball joints, all new steering components. All new bearings and seals front and rear. All brake components are new including calipers, rotors, drums, master cylinder, and all brake lines. New floor pan was welded in, seam sealed, and completely sealed with epoxy paint. Tranny was detailed and has new CV bearings, boots, and joints. Height adjusters were added to the front beam to bring the front end lower. No detail on pan and drive train left untouched.

Body was stripped to bare metal and all rust was cut out and new metal mig welded in. Filler was only used to blend weld areas and slight imperfections. Rockers and heat ducks are new, repaired, or in already excellent condition. All internal body components were saturated/treated with rust prevention and coated with epoxy paint. After initial body work, entire body was painted with two coats of PPG epoxy paint to seal and protect from future rust. Car was then painted with House of Kolor paint and has 3 coats of base and 5 coats of clear. Car was color sanded and buffed to a high gloss finish.

Interior is all new from TMI. Under the carpet, headliner, and in the doors, sound deadening was placed for insulation and noise reduction. New seat foam on top of the restored seats covered by smooth vinyl upholstery front and back. All three gauges are VDO. Oil pressure, Oil Temp, and speedometer with integrated fuel gauge. New JVC CD player and two speakers. Heater and defrost blow very good and produce considerable warm air when needed. Seat belts are original and have been refurbished and work excellent.

All weather stripping, rubber, seals, gaskets, etc are new from front to back. Because of the sound deadener and the new weather stripping, doors shut solid with no rattle. Chrome is all original and looks nice. Bumpers are all complete, shinny and show only limited wear. All wiring front to back is new from Wire Works.

Stock 1600 engine was built by Ontario Brothers. Engine starts cold at 65 PSI and after warming up idles at 12 PSI. Kennedy stage I clutch and new TOB. Engine runs great, drives great, shifts great, and starts with a single turn of the key.

Every bolt on the car from the front to the back is new. This car is not 100% in that the bumpers were not rechromed because they were already very nice. Bumpers do show some small dings and imperfections in the chrome but not bad. Wheels are all very nice chrome with all new hub caps. All the glass is original except the rear window. The driver’s side glass has a scratch line in it. The list of parts is long and expensive, but this restoration was planned to do it right from the ground up. Only parts not replaced were those that were inspected and determined to be in excellent condition. This car has only 25 miles on it since it was assembled. One oil change after the original 25 miles, valve adjustment, and then placed under the custom canvas and felt car cover.

This car is a very nice restored Ghia that can be driven as an everyday car or entered into car shows. If you are looking to buy a very nice restored Ghia, this is a car to consider.

Please call or email me with any questions.



Site Designed and Hosted by:
Emerald Coast Webs
© 2008 Emerald Coast Webs LLC
If you would like your Karmann Ghia featured next on this site, contact us here.