The resurrection of my 1960 karmann ghia

[Antoine_P]

Thanks a lot, that's exactly the point, I am having a lot of fun in this build :-)

Time is rare but the heater channel is now fully welded and in epoxy primer :
















Driver's side comes next!

Bests

Antoine

[devin1]

Nice job Antoine, looking great!

[Antoine_P]

Thanks a lot Devin!

Looking at the driver's side, fun times are coming:






Starting (as the other side) with the back. I do have parts I did order at the start of the project so will save some fabrication time for this part of the car. So, let's start:






Really nice here ahah:




So let's remove the corner by cutting every weld point:


In order to weld this part:


Here:


I hope to have time next week for it.. let's see !

Antoine

[Antoine_P]

So, I did continue a bit, first by removing the end panel I needed to replace:


You can also see that the bottom corner of the panel next to it was also to replace, that's why I marked it.
Then I removed the whole heater channel :




You can see why they all rust from inside-out, you find bare metal inside the heater channel..




I then started on the little corner :


Making the patch:


Adjusting:


And fully welded:


Then adjusting the end panel:




And welding:


Some epoxy primer:






And some before/after, always good for the motivation :




Bests

Antoine

[rockable]

Nice work! It's not particularly fun but it sure is gratifying when you replace that old termite infested rusty metal with new panels that you made and you welded into place, isn't it.

[Antoine_P]

Yes it is, really feeling good putting fresh metal back !

So, I did make some progress here :
Turned my attention to the A-pillar :


Removed the connection to the fender on the bottom:


And draw the minimum amount of metal to replace:




Made some space:




And repaired the part in the wheel well:












Stay tuned,
Antoine

[Antoine_P]

Quick check how the back part of the pillar will look:


So,in order to adjust well my A-pillar and confirm all my measurements, I started by positioning my heater channel:




And then adjusted with the pan, screwed to it :


And a couple of spotwelds, it's in position:




To be continued!

Antoine

[Steve Hamilton]

nice progress

[cliffrod]

I like seeing your progress Antoine but am honestly in awe of your old barn workspace. Every time I see it I am speechless. That is such an an amazing space to have for a workshop. You’re a lucky man to be part of its history.

[Antoine_P]

Thanks so much guys! @cliffrod: true words, love this barn !!

So, after the heater channel was positioned, I could adjust the A-post:


And after all checks, put some welding primer, made some holes for the welding..and go:




And here we are, the A-post is already looking quite better:






And finally, after 5 years, no more braces at the door opening!! The body stays square alone !!






Next will be to finish the A-post with the part enclosing the hinges..

Stay tuned!

Antoine