my 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia - Groovy Ghia Girl

2010-09-19T08:03:00.000-06:00

Wasatch Classic 2010 from Josh Clason on Vimeo.

The Wasatch Classic 12

2010-07-19T00:08:00.008-06:00

The Wasatch Classis was a great event, having more to do on the “Groovy lil Ghia” I was skeptical to register her for a car show, But Brian registered her for me. Friday night Brian and I went out to wash her and get her all ready for her big day. Shortly after we started Bob, and Dave came right over to assist, we got her all prettied up, and made plans for the next day. Betty is a very lucky girl to have such wonderful support. It was well worth it, we got to see some amazing cars and meet some great people from the Northern Utah VW Club!!

Betty Gets a Free Ride!

2010-01-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

After my error in ordering the wrong windshield, and the original windshield breaking during install, I decided it would be best to call in the big guns, and have a professional install the windshield... Well he broke #3. They ordered a new one, I had Betty towed to my parents garage, where we are going to give windshield #4 a shot tomorrow! The tow truck driver was sure to inform me several times that I have a "Sweet Ride!"

P.S.
I do have a windshield 17 1/4 inch for sale!

Another Night with "Wes the Windshield Wizzard"

2010-01-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Brian and I spent another night with "Wes the Windshield Wizzard" The guy is amazing, I am always learning something new from him. Tonights accomplishments include installing the chrome in the back windshield, (Its amazing what a piece of string can do...) installing the horn boot, re-installing the glove box, learning that I read wrong therefore ordering the wrong size windshield, and cracking the old windshield during install. 3 steps forward and one step back! This is all still such a thrill.

Kudos to Wes for letting me keep him out all night and still taking second place in his BMX race today!

Betty's Dash Enhancement Finally Happens!

2010-01-20T10:45:00.007-07:00

My hands are so sore but I can't wait to finish! Just a little more left
Brian and I went and worked on the "Groovy Lil Ghia's" new dash for the past two nights, all that is left is to add the a/c compartment, and I can't wait to finish! ::::::WOOHOO:::::::

Smooth!

2010-01-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

The new door panels are installed! YEAH!

SUB ZERO!

2010-01-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

OMG As cold as it has been Wes actually drove the Groovy lil Ghia to the paint booth w/o a front winshield! BRRRRRRR!

LQQN GOOD!

2009-12-28T21:09:00.007-07:00

What a GROOVY GIFT from the "GRAPHIC GURU!"

2009-12-24T20:36:00.003-07:00

Thank you Austin! I LOVE IT!

http://adesign4all.com/

Out with the Old and In with the New!

2009-12-01T23:07:00.005-07:00

Exciting!

2009-12-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Cody sent me this pic message while I was at work today
Just EXCITING...Beautiful from the inside out!

A Groovy Ghia Cover- Thanks Michele!!!

2009-11-15T20:51:00.002-07:00

The Groovy lil Ghia got a perfect burgundy blanket today to protect her and keep her warm in the garage! Can't wait to get her back so she can try it on!

Michele you are AWESOME!

Botox for Betty!

2009-11-13T22:46:00.002-07:00

Karmann Ghia Blue Print

2009-11-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

A Face Lift!

2009-11-03T22:11:00.006-07:00

The Guys at Word! VW Repair & Restorations started working on the Groovy lil Ghia's great Make Over today!

2009-11-03T01:17:00.003-07:00

2009-11-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

2009-10-27T05:48:00.001-06:00

The Pussycat.

2009-10-23T23:46:00.001-06:00

Oh What a Feeling!

2009-10-16T20:17:00.002-06:00

Amazing Karmann Ghia!

2009-10-05T03:10:00.001-06:00

The Groovy lil Ghia keeps the Bus Company as the Weather gets Colder!

2009-10-04T12:31:00.001-06:00

A classic Karmann Ghia commercial-

2009-10-02T20:01:00.001-06:00

A new Utah Plate- Available today!

2009-10-01T06:37:00.009-06:00

Share the Road

Check it out- a new plate to promote awareness! Not the one I will get but what fun for all those bikers out there!

On the Big Screen

2009-09-28T21:02:00.004-06:00

Utah Historical Standard Issue License Plates

2009-09-25T17:22:00.003-06:00

I don't just want any licence plate on my "Groovy lil Ghia" and I already have custom plates with my nick name on my other car. So I was thinking it would be fun to put Historical Standard Issue License Plates from 1971 on Betty. Utah DMV allows Vehicles of a model year 1973 or older may display original-issue license plates issued during the same year the vehicle was manufactured. In order to display the plates you must find a set and take them to the DMV when registering your vehicle.

Today I found online and purchased a 1971 original-issue license plate. Not sure if the DMV will allow me to register with just one plate or not... But it isn't looking good! Passed up a set for 127.00 on Ebay!

It's About the Drive...

2009-09-24T20:11:00.005-06:00

A Great Ghia Couple!

2009-09-23T22:19:00.002-06:00

Check out this beautiful lil Ghia! Tonight my son, his girlfriend and I went out for ice-cream.
My son spotted this Ghia at Checker Auto. The kind couple had just purchased their Ghia in Washington and are driving it home to Missouri, and their fuel pump had gone out on them. Wishing them the best of luck to Andrew & Meridith on their journey- You can follow a blog of their trip on thesamba.com>>Ghia>>Washington to Missouri

~* Karmann Ghia; A timeless classic that remains beautiful through each decade. *~

The Parts have Arrived

2009-09-23T11:26:00.001-06:00

Just as I get to work today, my son calls to inform me that the parts for the Groovy lil Ghia have arrived. And he is going to install the new visors and door alignment wedges before I get off work today. I am so thrilled. Everything about this lil car is so exciting to me!

New Door Hinge! WOOHOO

2009-09-20T18:05:00.004-06:00

The left lower door hinge was broken when I got the car. Brian had ordered a new one before I picked up the car. Today Matt (my son) with coaching of the Master Mechanic Bob, replaced the door hinge and now the door aligns perfectly!

Thank you Brian, Matt & Bob!!

Chrome on Doors

2009-09-20T15:58:00.000-06:00

Today I added the Chrome back on the Groovy lil Ghia's doors!
WOOHOO!

An Alluring Ad

2009-09-20T15:13:00.003-06:00

Amazingly Great Gas Milege

2009-09-19T09:46:00.003-06:00

Betty has a 10.6 gallon fuel tank, the gas gauge appears to be in working condition, although I have not let it get to close to the R. When the fuel gage hits the R it means that there is approximately 1 gallon of gasoline left and it is time to refuel. It is suggested that regular gasoline with at least 91 Octane be used, if this is not available premium fuels should be mixed with the regular fuel. The gas tank access is located in the front boot of the car, along side of the right front fender. To release the door you simply pull the airplane latch located under the dash on the right side. The owners manual gives a friendly reminder that the auxiliary heater must be turned off when fueling the car. I will be sure to do that as I don't want my Betty to become Betty BOOM!

Since Aug 29th when I picked up my "Groovy lil Ghia" with her optional transmission she has gotten 31.84 mpg using supreme gasoline.

This surpasses the 1971 Sales Brochure which states:
PERFORMANCE: With standard transmission: maximum and cruising speed at 84 mph. fuel consumption: 27 mpg. With optional transmission; maximum and cruising speed 81 mph fuel consumption: 26 mpg.

2009-09-18T10:08:00.002-06:00

Just Damn Sexy!!

What a find "the 1971 US Sales Brochure for the Karmann Ghia"

2009-09-17T21:19:00.012-06:00

I was searching the web looking up colors for my "Groovy lil Ghia" when I found reference to http://thesamba.com/. An amazing site, with tons of information & images of the entire sales brochure including colors and options. For me an amazing find!

This will be a strong guide in my learning and restoring my lil Betty!

VIN/Model Plate

2009-09-15T21:19:00.001-06:00

The diagram below shows where I located the VIN/Model Plate, in my 71 Karmann Ghia.
X marks the spot.

Speaker Boxes for the Groovy lil Ghia

2009-09-13T21:27:00.002-06:00

When I took the Ghia into "Best Buy" it ended up being a joke, they were not able to additional speakers other than replacing the origional behind the dash. So my youngest son Matthew is making speaker boxes for below the seats. Woohooo after my son showed me how to wire the additional speakers the Groovy lil Ghia has Sensational Sound!

Betty's Dash Enhancement Evaluation!

2009-09-11T18:49:00.000-06:00

Me & My Groovy lil Ghia

2009-09-08T23:00:00.001-06:00

Betty is ready for a Night on the Town!

2009-09-08T22:52:00.004-06:00

I borrowed my mom’s steam cleaner yesterday, and spent well into the evening cleaning and detailing the interior of my lil Betty… she feels so clean I just want to drive her around for hours. So today I was determinded to work on her body, tons of elbow grease, wax and some chrome polish. She is looking amazing. As I was finishing up my friend Marcia came over to say how my labors made her shine. Soon afterwards her husband Bob, the Master Mechanic came over, and I asked him about the lever for the engine compartment was for, (the latch didn’t work when I got her) a few simple adjustments Bob showed me and he had it aligned and locking properly! - I have got the greatest friends! Thank you Bob- you are are the GREATEST!!!

She's got Zest!

2009-09-08T20:01:00.000-06:00

I stopped by AutoZone today to get some supplies to continue detailing the inside of my Groovy lil Ghia, and when I was checking out, the cashier was sure to share his enthusiasm about my beautiful lil car, and a couple behind me chimed in with their excitement. I went out to my car, when the lady from behind me came up to my car and invited me to the car show, my third invite in less than a week, I figured what the heck, she’s not perfect yet but people admire her! It was amazing! People of all sorts were adoring and taking pictures of my lil Betty.

My Lil Ghia gets her GROOVE on!

2009-09-07T15:00:00.000-06:00

When making an appointment at "Best Buy" to get some tunes, the young man asked for the make and model, my reply was simply "Volkswagon, Karmann Ghia." His reply was "No- I didn't ask your name, what is the model of your car?" bahahahaha! Now this is a kid that knows cars!

Detailing the Dash!

2009-09-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

Using a steam cleaner I started to detail my girl, she's lookin good!

People like her!!

2009-09-05T17:30:00.002-06:00

My groovy lil ghia must be stiring up some fond memories, Bringing her home, a gentleman in an SUV was sure to shout "GREAT CAR" as they pulled up next to us, several comments as we made our pit stops! And I seem to get a thumbs up everywhere I go!! What charisma!!!

The Origional Volkswagon Automatic Stick Shift

2009-09-02T20:29:00.002-06:00

This 3-speed transmission only has 2 pedals, but still has a 'stick shift.' The shift knob responds to the touch of your hand, engaging a vacuum, which performs the function of the clutch. It also allows the car to idle in gear like an automatic.

This automatic stick shift was offered as an option or upgrade in the 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.
"Put into Drive 1 and drive around town all day without shifting, or clutching because there is no clutch petal. On the open road or above 55mph put in Drive 2, relax and save gas.

Maximum cruising speed 83 mph, 0-50 approx 14.5 seconds

Climbing ability Driving range L 35.5% Driving range 1 28.5% Driving range 2 20.5%

New Tie Rods for the "Groovy lil Ghia"

2009-09-01T05:30:00.001-06:00

$24.75 from partsgeek.com

Bringing the Ghia home!

2009-08-31T11:10:00.000-06:00

The great shouts, stares and comments let me know that this Groovy lil Ghia indeed has a head turning personality.

I didn't take many pictures bringing the Ghia home; the focus was just getting my baby home!

A pit stop in Surprise, Arizona (for a boom box as the shorted AM radio just wasn't cutting it.)
It was then that we found out that the starter was for an automatic, and with each stop from there on my baby needed a bit of foreplay to start! Today her personality shined through as she must have realized it was the B'mans birthday- No foreplay necessary today, she started right up!

University of Pheonix Stadium

A Beautiful Arizona Sunset

Vegas in a Blur

Burning hot Southern Utah

A tearful stop for my Miss Cyndee!

"Really, in Utah?"

The Once Over-

2009-08-29T17:28:00.000-06:00

We took my Groovy lil Ghia in for an oil change and a once over before taking her home. The first two stops were at "Jiffy Lube", both they stated that they couldn't change the oil because they didn't have the proper filter. So we stopped at a small Full Service Shell station, and the guy was friendly and immediately looked her over and looked in the parts catalog, and he also told us he didn't have an oil filter for my baby, so we asked him if he was willing to service her if we went and got an oil filter for him. We then hit a checker auto store they also didn’t have the necessary filter. When then headed out to Chirco Air-cooled VW parts and service, the gentleman from there came out and looked at the car and explained that it was a screen and not a filter. ( I am amazed that we have talked to so many professionals who didn’t have a clue! )
We then took Betty back to the Shell station for her oil change he the mechanic did an entire once over to be sure we would be okay on our trip to Utah. He stated that everything was in order but that Betty would need new tie rods, yet they would be fine for the trip and then some.
The Groovy lil Ghia is ready to roll! We have the Def Leppard concert tonight in Phoenix, then off to Utah.

My Groovy lil Ghia!

2009-08-29T14:00:00.000-06:00

She is finally mine! And I am naming her "Betty"
::::doing happy dance::::
(_/_) (_|_) (_\_)
Thank you, Thank you, Brian "MWAH"

Betty’s first accessory- white fuzzy dice OH YEAH!

Can't wait to get the Groovy lil Ghia-

2009-08-21T20:47:00.000-06:00

I found this place looking for parts for the "Transporter" it’s very close to home and he can get you anything you need for your VW.

Today I ordered the Ghia hood Script and new floor mats.

WOOHOOO!

Happy Birthday Topher!

2009-08-14T21:20:00.002-06:00

It's time to restore your bus!

Classic Ghia Colors!

2009-08-09T04:00:00.001-06:00

I am still debating, yet I like these colors best...
The colors are Karmann Ghia - yet from different years rather than the 1971.

Here are the colors from the 1971 Karmann Ghia Sales Brochure, that align with my VIN, the Groovy lil Ghia's origional color is L 80 E (11) light ivory.

Volkswagen Type 14

2009-08-01T20:01:00.000-06:00

Production Germany 1955–1974
445,238 built
Coupé: 364,401
Cabriolet: 80,837
Brazil 1962-1975
41,689 built
Coupé: 23,393
Cabriolet: 177
TC: 18,119
Assembly Osnabrück, Germany
Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil

Successor Volkswagen Scirocco

Class
Sports car

Body style(s)
2-door convertible
2-door coupe

RR layout

Engine(s)
1.5 & 1.6 L F4

Related Volkswagen Beetle

Designer
Luigi Segre

2009-07-26T16:00:00.000-06:00

50 Years - Karmann Ghia (March 13, 2007)

2009-07-24T20:31:00.005-06:00

This is an awesome video posted to YouTube! Check out all the beautiful lil Ghias!

Excitement!!!

2009-07-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited that this groovy lil car is mine, and I am not the only one-
When I spoke with my oldest son today, I immediately told him about the Karmann Ghia... His voice showed great enthusiasm as he said "WOW mom, that is so awesome, you have wanted one ever since I can remember!!! He then gave me his best advice as to what colors would look best on her.

"A Groovy lil Ghia for me!"

2009-07-18T18:00:00.000-06:00

Designed by Ghia and built by Karmann, this classic German/Italian Cabriolet Type 14, has got class and style. It’s the car I have wanted ever since I first laid my eyes on one. Today- Brian called me when I was at work, and asked me "How bad do you really want a Karmann Ghia?" “BAD!!!" My simple response!As you can imagine, I was overwhelmed with excitement, then the pictures came I was amazed it appears to be in great shape!

Its just beautiful!

2009-07-17T23:38:00.005-06:00

Less than $2500 New!

My Ghia Quote~

2009-07-16T22:24:00.001-06:00

~* Karmann Ghia; A timeless classic that remains beautiful through each decade. *~

2009-07-16T15:18:00.000-06:00

Spot your VW!!

2009-07-15T20:20:00.001-06:00