Wrecked Karmann Ghia

[syncroid]

My buddy, DL wrecked his Karmann Ghia last night. He is majorly bummed out about it. I owned this car back in the early eightys then sold it to a guy in San Francisco. Four years after that I met my soon to be wife. She bought the car from the guy I sold it to. A few years later she sold it to DL. Now this. Arrrrg!
What do you think? Is it still worth fixing? The whole nose is pulled down and it will most likly need a front clip. The tow truck guy let us use the hooks to pull the fender away from the tire so that it was at least driveable.
Hopefully Thom aka widebody911 is reading this and will have some input.

[widebody911]

Looks like you're going to need at least a fender and nose clip. Without seeing the underside, I don't really think it's that bad. The hood and bumper (HTF Euro) don't appear to be hurt at all, which is a good sign.

A really good body guy could probably save the existing metalwork.

What year is the car? Looks like 70 or 71.

It really comes down to how much you're willing to put into it to make it right. A late ghia doesn't carry a huge cash value, but it might be worth it sentimentally.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Fix it. That's a real car, not the plastic throwaway junk of today. If you scrap it you'll hate yourself for life.

[syncroid]

Its a 1970. Yes the car has a lot of sentimental value. He actually has owned the car longer then either my wife or myself owned it. I have many fond memories of Baylands Raceway in that car. It used to have a 2176cc screamer in it. It humiliated a guy out there one night that had a dodge 440 in it. I hope he decides to fix it.
Thanks for the encouraging input Thom. I'll pass the info onto DL.

[Flatbutt1]

absolutely try to fix it. I say that w/out knowing the financial reality of it but machines like that are keepers.

[bt1211]

That can(and should) be fixed. I've owned about 6 different Ghias. I've had a Ghia (different ones) for the last 25yrs. Go to
www.thesamba.com for parts, info,etc. Big community on that site.

The parts are going to be cheaper than you think.

Bryan

[KevinP73]

It looks bad but those cars are very easy to repair. I'd suggest replacing the nose as a whole (doors forward). It won't be too expensive. Insurance will probably want to total it but if you don't care about having a salvage title fix it.

[carambola]

fix it, com'on now, is there any other option?
looks like an offset hit, what is the extent of the hidden damage? and being from jersey, i goota ask, how's the rust?

[wrecktech]

Easy fix, I would not even think twice, especially if parts are available. If you were close I would be happy to help out.

[Wil Ferch]

My first car was a 1970 , Bahia Red Karmann Ghia...

....fix it...I had a fender-bender like that once too and it is a relatively easy fix for the body guy.

- Wil

[bigchillcar]

no-brainer...fix it.

[Z-man]

If you don't fix it, we'll get the Pelican-Mafia to give you a small visit...

Definatley fix it - definately worth it.

-Z

[syncroid]

Its not my car any more! I will try my best to convince DL to fix it. If it were still mine....I WOULD FIX IT!

[boboli]

Originally posted by syncroid
Its not my car any more! I will try my best to convince DL to fix it. If it were still mine....I WOULD FIX IT!

Maybe you should talk DL into selling it back to you

[Cornpanzer]

Or just sell it to me!

[syncroid]

Originally posted by boboli
Maybe you should talk DL into selling it back to you

The thought did occur to me.....but.....I already have four cars at the moment and a single file driveway.

Originally posted by CornpanzerOr just sell it to me!

If you guys are serious about wanting the car, I'll ask him how much he wants and pass on the information.
He has been doing a lot of tinkering on the car over the last couple weeks until this happened. Things like; a new rear disc brake set up, low fuel warning light, hand brake warning light, more functional brake fluid reservoir...etc. You can check out that stuff here.