The Cal-look Lounge

This car earned its name. It was originally Granada Red '68 Fastback. Sometime in the '80s it recieved a bright florecent pink paintjob with glitter sprinkles thrown in for good measure. Bigger than metallic, smaller than metalflake; glitter! It was also half filled with trash and other nasties. Thus the moniker, Stinky Pinky. I have has this car for about 2 1/2 years, I was originally planning on giving it the resto cal treatment, I tore the car apart, then it sat for the last year and a half awaiting my return from school. It is very straight, pretty much rust free, and it was cheap. It also came with California Black plates. Thanks to Ideaman for picking it up for me.

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I thought about selling it again (probably the best idea!), but I have aquired too many cool parts for it, and I want to build this car just to get the artistic desire out of my head. Plus, you never see a well done, traditionally styled, cal look type 3 these days. I plan on selling the car soon after completion- so I hope I dont get to attached to it!

I will return it to its original Granada Red glory, but this time the trim will be shaved on the beltline, the rockers, and the moustache. The rear reflectors and the front turn signals will also be removed. I have a NOS rear apron for it. I will use American style window rubber, but without the chrome trim installed (this will better match the pop out window rubber that I already have). The vent windows will remain, as will the chrome headlight rings, door handles, bumpers (with guards removed. I hate how Type 3's and Ghia's look without bumpers!) and tail light trim (using genuine Hella flat Euro lenses). Scat USA license plate frame- ever seen one of those?? I found it in Mexico! Hurst Equipped badge will go on the decklid, to give a bit of a muscle car feel, as will the H/Wagen sticker on the quarter window. I have 2 options for wheels- I have a set of detailed Mahle baby gasburners, or stock 4.5" wheels in front with 5.5" steel 914 wheels rear, powdercoated silver/grey with stock hubcaps. Either way, 175/65 tires in front and 205/70s rear. Im leaning towards doing the "stock" wheels, since the staggered tires will fit the staggered wheels better, give it a muscle car feel, and match the interior better. Lowered 1 notch in the front, stock height rear.

I will use the original engine from the car as it runs well, with a few changes. As I plan on selling the car, I dont want to get too crazy with engine upgrades. I have already removed the fuel injection, and installed my Berg 42 Specials on Berg manifolds with CSP bellcrank linkage and a 009 distributor with Pertronix 2. I will add my ceramic coated Berg 1 3/8" header and heaterboxes with custom 2" A-1 Magnaflow (if it doesnt run like a real cal looker, at least it will sound like one!!). I will also install a Type 4 oil cooler, and my powdercoated engine tin (left over from my Type 3 1776). Also a few extra Race-Trim bits that Ive had lying around- Valve covers, deep sump, breather box (I need to trade the one pictured for one that matches the valve covers, anyone???), and the cast aluminium air cleaners (looking for one more!!).

The interior will of course feature a Hurst shifter, but not the more common trigger version- I have a Hurst Indy with a black ball knob- more muscle car feel. Hurst Floor Shift badge will be installed on the dash. The steering wheel is a EMPI VDM coach wheel that has been refinished in black, with a VW button. I never liked the look of these wheels until I saw this one, I had to have it! Type 3 trip speedometer (100mph), and reproduction type 3 rev counter will replace the clock (never works anyway!!). I also have 3 small vintage VDO gauges (amp, oil pressure, oil temp), that I am considering installing in a custom gauge cowl in the hood- like the one I have for my Beetle. As I am a interior trimmer by trade, I will take care of the upholstery personally. German Square Weave "salt and pepper" carpet, grey headliner, and black vinyl seats (stock high backs) and door panels will both have grey plaid inserts, front and rear.

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Cool, make it pure 70ies cal-look! 

Here is the early breather box that I want to trade, Im searching for the later box with the script that matches the valve covers and the air cleaner top- I also need one more of those!!

I have that breather box you are looking for but its not up for swap  ;) :P

I also just sold my spare one of those aircleaners - sorry dude  :)

Sounds cool Zach. But if are planning on buiding it just to sell you`ll probably lose money on the deal. Paint, interior and rubber won`t be cheap.

I know, I know. Thats why I said I probably should sell it! I do have a good friend that can take care of the bodywork and paint for me in trade for interior work on his '64. And I can get materials for the interior for cheap. Hopefully I wont loose my ass too much on this one ;)

That car came from probably the worst neighborhood in Sacramento.  I was scared shitless the whole time I was there.  Actually witnessed a man smack his "old lady" for being late and forgetting the beer.  He then asked me what the f&@k was I looking at.:o   Couldn't load that car on the trailer fast enough.  The inside of that poor thing was so filthy it smelled like a landfill.  Zach, you are right it has lots of potential. 

Luke, remember the title? You've got it, Im going to need it!!!

I forgot to mention- with this project Im inspired by the old cal lookers who kept the original color of the car, but shaved the chrome like Dean Kirsten's VW Blue and Arnie Mohlman's Savannah Beige '67 sedans. Ive always liked how that looked, and if built "back in the day" it would have definitly been more cost effective. I cant wait to see how Granada Red will look sans chrome :)

cool project Zach.......that scat plate frame will look shit on that car though....it just doesnt look right.

you should probably sell it.

i would be interested in it, if you decide to take my advice...... ;) ;)

That's I like to see... One Lounger giving of himself to help out another.

Thanks Jick, Ill keep you in mind ;)

cheers dude......its a cool piece!  :)

:Dnice way of picking up parts jick!

I just got a 3rd(!) job at a bodyshop- that means I can now take care of all aspects of the build, and not have to source anything out. Should save me quite a bit of money as well. Will be making progress soon... ;)

Where did this go?  ;D

Yup, I did it... I revived a three year old thread.  :D :D

Sold it, along with my other '68 Fastback, and all the goodies for it. Too many projects. Now I'm selling off the parts for my 67 project, too. I've decided to simplify my life, and just keep the GTV :)

I need to get my act together and get the '63 rag up and running again, six volt cars hate to sit without being driven for long periods of time... and then I need to get it sold.  One bug is all I can handle right now.  ;D

Umm... why not drop the 2 liter in the rag? ???

Nahhh... I just want to keep it complete and sell it as a nice, original car.  Plus I don't think the six volt electrics would benefit from a big stroker motor. Lol  :D  Nor would that little puny 4.37 box last very long...

Zach dude :) wanna drop me a PM to have you make me a hurst shifter leather boot ? they look the nuts and your the man for the job :)


Cheers
Rob