Cal look or not

[Rev. Bob]

I am not sure if my car meets the "cal look" criteria, so I will let the lounge decide. It is a 1971 with all steel body mods. The engine is a 2276 with megasquirt FI ( sorry, no 48's).

[Bryan67]

I would say not.

[SlingShot]

Sorry Rob, but the body mods are what kill the cal-look persona.

[JeePee/DVK]

I think it is more a "German looker".

[gizago]

I think it is more a "German looker".

I wouldnt have said that, but It's not cal-look either in my book. More like a late 70's /early 80's custom, but with added big motor.

[Rev. Bob]

Well now I know, dont I. Sorry to intrude.

[jick]

hey Bob,

dont worry about it too much dude, we're a pretty purist bunch on here when it comes to what constitutes a cal-looker.

its your car, and i bet you have a ball tearing around in it.



cheers....jick

[speedwell]

welcome aboard bob 
yes a bunch of  purist here  , so the real thing is that you wil enjoy the place like us , and your friend marc buehler

 
fabs

[Jon]

Wow, that front fender really got me going!! That's very AC Cobra looking...
About what's cal-look and not, that's a mine field... there is a lot of stock cars with lowered fronts on here that "is" cal-look... and then there are some roof shoped bugs that also "is" cal - look. Based on this I would say that you are in good shape... it's more about what you what it to be... hang out and judge for yourself

[j-f]

Wow, that front fender really got me going!! That's very AC Cobra looking...
About what's cal-look and not, that's a mine field... there is a lot of stock cars with lowered fronts on here that "is" cal-look... and then there are some roof shoped bugs that also "is" cal - look. Based on this I would say that you are in good shape... it's more about what you what it to be... hang out and judge for yourself

Words!
(Even is my car is only front lowered with Fuchs. )

But, I like how this Ghia looks. Maybe not Cal look, but a nice car though. Congrats Bob 

[JS]

I like it!

[Lee.C]

I like it!

Glad I'm not the only one guys - there is just something "Cool" about it, Nice ride Bob

So How's Marc car coming along 

[j-f]

I like it!

Glad I'm not the only one guys - there is just something "Cool" about it, Nice ride Bob

So How's Marc car coming along 

The more I look at, the more I want to take it for a drive!
Looks like a road race car.

[Rev. Bob]

Thanks guys, I had a blast making the body mods from steel. It runs and drives great. Glad I finally did one the way I wanted.

[Nico86]

Looks badass ! I would only put modern Porsche wheels or BBS, turbo visors and original chrome bumpers on it.

[Rev. Bob]

Well I found the old Anson Sprint wheels with new tires for cheap, so I made the flares to fit the old style wheels. They were around when the car was new, so? The paint is black with red pearl and changes in the sun. I molded the bumpers to fit the body lines, but they were not up to chrome plating. The rear air scoops go to the engine. I bought the car from Marc Buehler in very rusty condition after he gave up on it.

[vwcab]

Must have been a lot of work those flared fenders,but it turns out real good.Daring to be different.
Nice car. 

[EspenX]

Your car looks awsome - very well proportioned with all the body mods.

Personally I don't like cal look Ghias without bumpers, so I think your solution looks very good. And being a 1971, you must have done a bunch of welding giving the front and back an earlier look.

Just my personal opinion, but even bigger tires at the back would fill out the arch nicely and give it a more aggressive stance perhaps.

If it is Cal look or not? Who cares really Go to any VW meet or pick up a magazine and you see a bunch of bugs all looking the same. People spending lots of money getting a "cal look correct" car that ends up being "the thirteenth in a dozen" (tried translating a Norwegian expression there... )

Your Ghia looks unique, be proud of it. Innovate, don't replicate

[Lids]

Ghias with subtle mods are cool. END.

Bernies Ghia was to die for, then he ruined it with a new interior!!!

[Rev. Bob]

Thanks Everyone. I have owned about all the VW's and still like the Ghia best!

[yvre]

I think it looks butt ugly...
But I wouldn't mind a FI 2276 engine.

[Rev. Bob]

Hey monkiboy, I didn't mean to ignore your question about Marcs car. I just keep pounding metal and finding more issues. It will be ready for paint in a couple of weeks. Would like to have it painted before He and I go to the classic. Of coarse Marc would like it done today. LOL

[Lee.C]

Hey monkiboy, I didn't mean to ignore your question about Marcs car. I just keep pounding metal and finding more issues. It will be ready for paint in a couple of weeks. Would like to have it painted before He and I go to the classic. Of coarse Marc would like it done today. LOL

Thats cool dude, I kinda hi-jacked your thread anyway 

Can't wait to see the progress shots though

[marc1951]

The pictures Bob posted of his car don't do it justice.  I watched him build this thing and transform it from a rust bucket to a beautiful, unique car that as you examine it, you keep discovering little modifications and say "wow". The talent fabricators like Danny or Bob demonstrate astounds me. They make it look so easy.

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Here is how you take a '71 Ghia with the large tail lights and stick earlier lights on.

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The same with the front stock wrap around turn signals

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hand formed flares made with little metal, compound angled plates and welded together

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One of my favorite mods is the functional air scoops

[marc1951]

But wait. there's more!

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Here is the inside part of the air scoops

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and where the air ends up.....in the engine compartment

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The heater channels were rusted out so Bob rebuilt them using exhaust tubing

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Here's the Reverend wiring up the custom made console

[marc1951]

only 4 more.....................
This is a car that if you don't know VWs, you think it's some exotic sports car. If you know VW, you find yourself scratching your head, trying to figure out what year it is.


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The custom dash......

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The tiny turn signals look so much better than the huge stock ones....and they are frenched in

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those air scoops.....very subtle
you can see some of the running board that is molded in

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add a 911 air grill

[speedwell]

great work bob   

[Zach Gomulka]

I like the 911 decklid vent

[empicolector]

nice work and welcome

[vwcab]

Nice work,looks awesome.