looking for aircooled VW experts

[SoCal_S60R]

So, here's a little story.

In my garage sits a 1973 Ghia hard top. Wifey's 1st car that her dad bought her at 16. Also same year as her b-day. Her father passed when she was about 19 from the big C :(. Car has major sentimental value to her and I've promised to make it a thing of beauty for her.

It basically needs to be stripped down to bare metal, material blasted, some body work, and then rebuild from scratch.

I've found a million VW parts stores. I also found a guy in Lancaster who builds nice 1600's for sand rails.

She wants it a little custom, not bone stock. I'll be looking for some 15x7 or 15x8 chrome globes for it. Some custom interior work. And she likes the idea of removing the bumper and doing the CA bumpers on it (cobra style).

Anyway, I thought this would be a good spot to get some info from you old schoolers. I can search all day, but a few good shop or vendor recommendations will go a long way.

Pre-emptive Thanks to anyone who has some good info.

[alexiou68]

It's been a while since I had my bug...if I were you, I would definetly start with some magazines (Hot VWs or VW trends). There are two really good shops in the Long Beach/Lakewood area that sell aftermarket VW parts. If I could only remember the names....if I think of them I will post them up. Hope this helps.

[Slapshotnerd]

VW trends went under about a year ago :( Their website is still up - http://www.vwtrendsweb.com

if you'd like, I think I can get you in touch with one of the old editors.

Some of the brands I remember:
EMPI
Gene Berg
Eastwood
Mid American Motorworks

[alexiou68]

Here are a few I thought of; Jay Bugs in Hawthorne and Old Speed in Paramount. Not sure if these are near you!

[SoCal_S60R]

I'm in Temecula/Murrieta area. There's a couple local shops here, but I think they are overpriced.

I'll definitely pick up some mags.

Thanks for the info. As I get things put together on it, maybe I'll drag it out for some local meets. Or host some install meets and get some wrench time off you guys with experience. Beer fridge is always fully stocked!

[Skwurlz]

I have a Turn Key 1835 for sale. Only has 100 miles on it.

Alternator swap, all polished and chrome bits. Here's the kicker, it has an old school dual weber progressive carb kit, with linkage. Way better than the dual 40's or 44 kits out there as the Progressives have secondaries so your gas milage stays high, but still has power when you goose it.

Weber stopped making the manifolds for them years ago. This motor has an Engle Engineering 120 camshaft, ratio rockers, 044 heads, high flow oil pump with external cooler, and a 8 dowel flywheel. Good for about 120-130 Flywheel horsepower.

Asking $2000, OBO.

[FunkTron]

I have a Turn Key 1835 for sale. Only has 100 miles on it.

Alternator swap, all polished and chrome bits. Here's the kicker, it has an old school dual weber progressive carb kit, with linkage. Way better than the dual 40's or 44 kits out there as the Progressives have secondaries so your gas milage stays high, but still has power when you goose it.

Weber stopped making the manifolds for them years ago. This motor has an Engle Engineering 120 camshaft, ratio rockers, 044 heads, high flow oil pump with external cooler, and a 8 dowel flywheel. Good for about 120-130 Flywheel horsepower.

Asking $2000, OBO.



DULY NOTED!

my bug could use a little scoot....:corn:

[mike]

West Coast classics is the word, if you want it done right, it will cost you. Ghia is one of the most expensive dubs to restore. there are other boot leg shops out there, but be careful. Koch in canyon country is good, too. pay more and have it done right the first time. here is a pic of the 58 ragtop I restored for my mom a few years ago
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/vwman70/DSCN2087.jpg

[DzlBunny]

Hi -
I'm slowly working on restoring a 59' Ghia coupe.
Don't forget about Karmann Ghia Parts & Restoration http://www.karmannghia.com/home.asp They have some good articles for restoring Ghias :)

[vr6gtiguy]

i got a guy i work with whos a HUGE bug guy. he can prolly hook up a 1776 turn key for a few 100 bucks. i picked up my 1833 from him for 500 turn key with duel weber 45's. gettin ready to drop that girl in soon :D

[daygoVR6]

check out this forum

www.thesamba.com - alot of so calers on there tons of info

[tpotp]

I have a Turn Key 1835 for sale. Only has 100 miles on it.

Alternator swap, all polished and chrome bits. Here's the kicker, it has an old school dual weber progressive carb kit, with linkage. Way better than the dual 40's or 44 kits out there as the Progressives have secondaries so your gas milage stays high, but still has power when you goose it.

Weber stopped making the manifolds for them years ago. This motor has an Engle Engineering 120 camshaft, ratio rockers, 044 heads, high flow oil pump with external cooler, and a 8 dowel flywheel. Good for about 120-130 Flywheel horsepower.

Asking $2000, OBO.

o geez, i'm a couple years late... *crosses fingers* any chance you still have this?
i need to do a motor swap and ditch the 1300cc motor :[

[SocalVdubz.com]

if you need any help in the classic departmant go to SocalVdubz.com (http://www.socalvdubz.com). Parts, accessories, clubs, events. Your one stop site for the aircooled enthusiast. watercooled welcome also. :tup2: