• Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Topic: Been busy this week!

After a half dozen trips, I finally met up with the paint guy from the NAPA store who can match the paint on our Karmann Ghia; Got the base coat, reducer, and clear coat for about $125 US. The paint guy threw in mixers, filters and a few odds and ends, and gave my son a free pop while waiting. Also washed the car for the first time... it was too dirty for detailing spray. Also degreased and cleaned the engine for the first time. Also switched to full synthetic oil. Also installed an EMPI sump to bring the oil capacity to 5 quarts and fabricated a new sump pickup tube. Also got the ignition timing and carb jetting right after three hours of testing. Also picked up another wheel to replace the right front which had a curb dent in the edge. Also got a new tranny that is waiting for install. Also got tired of the fancy radio quitting regularly and replaced it with a cheap one that fits perfectly. Also pulled the fuel tank to track down which hose is giving me fumes when I turn left hard with a half tank or more. Also replaced the steering box, and will replace the tie rods and ends tomorrow or the next day.

By the way, I took pictures and wrote a how-to on the sump installation. There were hidden problems with the kit! It should be posted in a day or so as well.

Phew! I need some sleep!

Paul

Last edited by Altema (2010-06-24 06:20:47)

  • Registered: 2005-06-02
  • Posts: 427

Re: Been busy this week!

Yeah wow!  Crawled all over it!!   Busy busy!!

Patty B.
'69 stock bug
  • Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Re: Been busy this week!

Patty B. wrote:

Yeah wow!  Crawled all over it!!   Busy busy!!

And not one busted knuckle! I was kind of bothered by having to MAKE parts for the oil sump install. I sort-of miss the stereo I worked so hard to fit because it looked so cool, yet still looked like it belonged there. At least the new cheapie went in smooth as butter, and at last I have a real volume KNOB instead of buttons. I don't have any tapes except one I found in the car when I bought it, but it does have an MP3 player jack on the front. In a way, that works better for me than CD's because I can keep my little iRiver player in the Ghia, and it fits right in the little grab handle recess on top of the dash  cool

The steering box has been a concern because the car wanders a bit a high speed. No danger of failing, but it gave you an unsettled feeling. The tie rod ends are worn and did not help either. I would have had them done last night if I did not have to play taxi driver for the kids. I was planning to have the car drivable again when I started, but I pulled the fuel tank and got two bolts out of the steering when the kids had to be dropped off. They also brought their friends over, so I had to make two trip for the seven people. Then when I thought I could go back to wrenching, my daughter calls and is ready to be picked up from work, and my wife is on her way home from class. I could have worked on it more, but spending time with my wife comes first.


Paul

Last edited by Altema (2010-06-24 06:19:09)

  • Registered: 2005-06-02
  • Posts: 427

Re: Been busy this week!

You're a good man Paul!!

Patty B.
'69 stock bug
  • From: City of Roses
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 793

Re: Been busy this week!

Hiya Paul,

Altema wrote:

And not one busted knuckle!

Obviously you are doing something wrong!

Mike

1970 AS Bug
1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck
  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,585

Re: Been busy this week!

Sounds like it's all coming together.

Did you try adjusting the steering box? Also the smell of gas when turning left is usually the filler neck seal(s) or the cap.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
  • Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Re: Been busy this week!

Bookwus wrote:

Hiya Paul,

Altema wrote:

And not one busted knuckle!

Obviously you are doing something wrong!

Well thanks for mentioning it! A wrench slipped and pinched my hand when I was finishing up the next night, and it's all your fault!...

wink


Paul

  • Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Re: Been busy this week!

jamesdagg wrote:

Sounds like it's all coming together.

Did you try adjusting the steering box? Also the smell of gas when turning left is usually the filler neck seal(s) or the cap.

jim

I adjusted it, but the lower bushing on the shaft is worn, You can se the shaft move back and forth when you move the steering wheel.

Thanks for the tip on the fuel smell, I'll check there first. When I originally got the car, the 1/2 inch hose under the fender leaked, so I replaced that. Should have replaced them all!

Paul

Last edited by Altema (2010-06-25 21:38:46)

  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,585

Re: Been busy this week!

The only way to eliminate all the gas smell is to do the vapor lines as well. At least up to but not including the charcoal can. You only need the can connected if you care about the environment or park in a small garage.

I can't find a diagram of the Ghia vapor system. If there is a steel vapor line running the length of the car it may not be one piece. It may be in sections with short (3") pieces of fuel line connecting them. These will surely be rotted off. Also blow air through the steel lines. Mine were plugged with dirt and rust.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915