28 December 2009
24 December 2009
01 December 2009
Exciting!
Cody sent me this pic message while I was at work today
Just EXCITING...Beautiful from the inside out!
15 November 2009
A Groovy Ghia Cover- Thanks Michele!!!
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!
Michele you are AWESOME!
13 November 2009
08 November 2009
03 November 2009
A Face Lift!
The Guys at Word! VW Repair & Restorations started working on the Groovy lil Ghia's great Make Over today!
23 October 2009
16 October 2009
05 October 2009
02 October 2009
01 October 2009
A new Utah Plate- Available today!
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!
28 September 2009
25 September 2009
Utah Historical Standard Issue License Plates
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!
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!
24 September 2009
23 September 2009
A Great Ghia Couple!
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. *~
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
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!
20 September 2009
New Door Hinge! WOOHOO
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!!
19 September 2009
Amazingly Great Gas Milege
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.
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.
17 September 2009
What a find "the 1971 US Sales Brochure for the Karmann Ghia"
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!
This will be a strong guide in my learning and restoring my lil Betty!
15 September 2009
VIN/Model Plate
The diagram below shows where I located the VIN/Model Plate, in my 71 Karmann Ghia.
X marks the spot.
13 September 2009
Speaker Boxes for the Groovy lil Ghia
11 September 2009
08 September 2009
Betty is ready for a Night on the Town!
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!
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.
07 September 2009
My Lil Ghia gets her GROOVE on!
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!
05 September 2009
People like her!!
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!!!
02 September 2009
The Origional Volkswagon Automatic Stick Shift
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.
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%
01 September 2009
31 August 2009
Bringing the Ghia home!
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?"
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?"