intro and questions

[roqueweiler]

Hello All

Got this forum from guys at cali imports.  A long time vw owner (71 superbeetle and 86 Scirocco + audis and an old mercedes), I have recently purchased a 1968 Karmann Ghia.  It's awesome and I have lusted after one for years!

Unfortunately it has the dreaded autostick and I believe the 1500 single port engine engine.  My advice today was to keep it stock until the trans blow apart and then install a manual, keeping the engine and building it.

questions
1.  How do I tell it's actually the 1500?  The single port is easy, I assume its the one port that is visible?

2.  Is the 1500 single really the best to build up?  What should I do do build it into a decent reliable highway cruiser?

3.  What do I need to get to turn it from auto to manual?  Cali imports said to ask and find it here instead of just buying a tranny from them!!

thanks

[Bruce]

Look at the engine number under the generator stand.  It should start with an "H".  That is a 1500 engine case.

The 1500 engine case isn't the best, but there's nothing wrong with it either.  If you just want a stock engine, rebuild it.  You will have to upgrade it to 1600cc because the original 1500 pistons and cylinders haven't been available for at least 3 decades.

If you don't like the autostick and you want to convert to a 4 speed, it makes no sense to drive it while waiting for it to blow up.  Convert it now.

You'll have to rip out all the autostick parts, including the tank on the right.
Besides getting a manual gearbox, you MUST buy a shift rod from a manual trans car.  Only one from a 68-72 Ghia/Beetle/Super Beetle will work.

A set of 4 speed pedals.

You need to look into your pan to see if it has a clutch tube in it.  If it doesn't, you will have to install one. 

[slammedbus]

There is a kit I believe to turn it into a hydraulic clutch set up. You have to cut an access hole into the opposite side of the tunnel from the pedals. I had one in my 71 squareback. Worked great.