turning a Ghia into a JagGhia

**chris0626** · 01-08-2004, 09:58 PM

We`ve embarked on a thoroughly silly project to turn a 1970 Karmann Ghia into a half-Ghia/half-Jag beast, using a Ghia we bought for a song on ebay, and using parts from a series III Jaguar XJ6. Pix of the transformation -- from the "sale pix" in June, thru my efforts to resuscitate the paint in August, to the currently-in-progress full refinish/restoration are on my Fototime site at Ghia transformation.

Now I need your input. We`ve remolded the front end to accept the Jag grille. Right now, the area behind the grill is red, but I don`t think that looks right. I`m inclined to think we need to paint it silver, grey, or black. What do you think?

Pix of its current "look" are here:

So ... what would you do with this red space behind the grill?

And thanks to those of you who take the time to look at the pix. (I tried, but failed, at posting the pix directly into this thread.)

**urban1.8t** · 01-08-2004, 10:06 PM

I would paint it black, that way it would like a "normal" car with a radiator behind the grill.

Thats my 0.02c worth

**JustinR32** · 01-08-2004, 10:11 PM

I agree, and also it looks like you guys are having an absolute BLAST on this project.

Tom

**chris0626** · 01-08-2004, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by urban1.8t

I would paint it black, that way it would like a "normal" car with a radiator behind the grill.

Thats my 0.02c worth

Hmmmm ... so you think the black would essentially "disappear" and not draw attention to itself? Basically, we just want the stuff behind the grill to seem-to-disappear. But since we don`t have any experience with this sort of thing, that`s why we`re asking Autopians for advice. :wavey

Originally posted by Mosca

I agree, and also it looks like you guys are having an absolute BLAST on this project.

Yeah, Tom, we are, actually. It`s funny to make a "joke car."

**tkr128** · 01-08-2004, 10:47 PM

I agree, painting it black will make it "dissapear" Silver is probably too light and will make the grille dissapear.

It looks like you`ve spent a lot of time and effort with the car! Excellent job! I can`t wait to see to see what`s next!

**Nikon** · 01-08-2004, 11:01 PM

Flat black might be best since it would avoid any reflection

**meGrimlock** · 01-09-2004, 10:02 AM

Yeah, I think the flat black would be the best bet.

Perhaps you could rig up a small acetylene tank in the front compartment, and have the car shoot flames out the grill.

Oh, and pic 63 of 65 - shiny butt, LOL!

**AndyC** · 01-09-2004, 10:09 AM

Sweet custom and very unique!

How about attaching some dark coloured mesh behind the grill? Maybe honeycomb style (like the XJR) as it would then IMO simply blend in nicely.

Sorry to be nosey but are you retaining the stock VW engine/trans and what wheels etc are you planning when it`s finished?

**medic159** · 01-09-2004, 10:11 AM

Flat back paint would make the world of difference, but also add a couple of nice round driving lights behind the grill, find ones about the same size or slightly larger than the headlights. I think that would look sweet!

**ccreamer** · 01-09-2004, 10:22 AM

To get an "idea" of what it would look like you might be able to quickly paint some cloth or paper very quicky and place it behind the grill. It`s not exact, but you will definitely know if it isn`t going to achieve the desired results.

Just a thought.

Cory

**Brad B** · 01-09-2004, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by AndyC

Sweet custom and very unique!

Sorry to be nosey but are you retaining the stock VW engine/trans and what wheels etc are you planning when it`s finished?

I`ve seen the plans. She is planning on stuffing a twin cam XK engine in there. It will be tight but boy will it run away from the other Ghia`s at the stoplights!:shocked

**6cyl's_of_fury** · 01-09-2004, 03:50 PM

Can you "modify" the grill to be easily removalble and jst leave it body colour red? Ease of removal will aid in polishing/waxing etc during a detail.

Whatever you decide to do, it should look great! :xyxthumbs

**chris0626** · 01-09-2004, 10:12 PM

Thanks for all your input, guys! I think I`m now sold on black, but I think we`ll take Cory`s idea of doing a "mockup" on paper to check it out.

And ... about the engine ... Yeah, what Brad said! :LOLOL (Yeah, right!) And -- Hey, Brad, you were serious that you`re gonna give us your XK knock-off wire wheels, weren`t you????

Seriously, though, we haven`t even thought about the engine/tranny. At this point, we plan to leave them mostly intact -- except that I prolly need to spend about 30 hours detailing this engine, which doesn`t seem to have been touched in its 34-yr-life

For now, we`re more concerned with silly looks than jazzed-up performance. You guys are the ones who know about that stuff; we`re just plumb ignorant about engine mods.