Page 25 - Karmann Komment Vol42 Issue 2

Karmann Komment Volume 42 | Issue 2
MY THIRD AND CURRENT GHIA continued...
tank out and replace the factory filter. The fuel tank condition was unbelievable, still in its original paint that I just polished and waxed !!
Electrics and lighting
All of the electrics were checked and repaired as necessary with new switches, indicator stalks. The American spec headlights were swapped for UK H4 halogen lamps and
the all-red tail-lights were changed for UK orange indicators. The American orange running lights were modified to UK spec but were installed with Italian spec clear lenses. The wiring was mildly modified to make this happen.
The twin horns were refurbished, cleaned and painted satin black and together with a new horn loom were reinstalled with a new rubber carrier.
Body and paintwork
Body work has been really minimal but included paint-less dent removal and tiny localised repairs to scratches and stone chips. Under the wheel arches has been painted body colour and the floor pan has been stripped and painted with semi-gloss chassis paint. But no welding was required anywhere.
All mechanical floor pan fixings and bolts were zinc plated before being reinstalled.
The inner wing splash guards were simply stripped, painted black and reinstalled.
The Nostrils were cleaned and painted with new seals then treated to Dynax clear wax treatment.
New door seals and window scrapers were installed together with a good service of winder mechanism and door locks.
Interior - Seats and Carpet
The interior is mostly original, I chose to replace the door cards with new OEM style as the originals were saggy and deformed. The rear seat was in lovely condition, but the front seats had damaged frames and broken springs.
I entrusted the seats to Stuart at VHS, (Vehicle Headlining Specialists), in Droitwich, to repair and recover the front seat. He rebuilt them
in the traditional manner as original and they look and feel spectacular, I recommend him highly for anyone requiring interior trim, carpet or head-linings.
The original carpets were washed, and I carefully reinstalled them, at the same time I added sound deadening matting and wired- up speakers for my Sony, new head unit.
New 3-point Inertia seat belts were also installed.
I wanted to personalize the interior, so I installed an original Formula/Speedwell steering wheel, a Hurst Copper Shifter, and a few Bug-In Plaques from the 70's.
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