Karmann Ghia Ragtop Class?

[lukesdaddy]

Hello Everyone,

I am building a 1968 Karmann Ghia that has a hole cut in the top for an after market rag top.  I am not positive yet which class I will fit in but I think I am going for CC or ALT.  My question is, can I leave the rag top frame in an remove the canvas and replace it with either aluminum or lexan?  Or, can I cut the top off completely and make it a roadster?  If I can't do this and fit in the CC or ALT class, which class can I fit in?

Thanks for any comments and hope to see you all in El Mirage and Bonneville.   

[Jonny Hotnuts]

I would fill the roof in with sheet steel making it as it was originally. If you were to use plastic it, I am sure it would have to be Lexan or other high impact poly that are designated for windshields. Plexiglass is easy to break; always forms jagged triangles and in the event of a roll over could ruin your day. If the top was completely removed, imo, because it was not originally a convertible would be changing the contour and make such a modification illegal unless the class designated that removing of the top is legal (MS for instance). Because the Giha was offered in convertible form I don’t know how the SCTA views calling it a convertible and removing the top and installing a whistle cage.....I have seen cars that were non original versions of cars offered....like the Dodge Daytona that I am fairly sure did not begin life as a million dollar Daytona.
(Could be wrong!)

From an aerodynamic standpoint I suggest keeping the top....lowering it as much as is legal but definitely keeping it.

[Stan Back]

I'll chip in that filling it with aluminum would be alright -- just make sure you don't change the contour of it.

Stan

[Milwaukee Midget]

I, too, would keep the top.  The Ghia has a nice slope coming off of the back and I suspect that it would be more aero than a roadster, even with a tonneau.  And as long as you're considering opinions, I'd fill the hole with steel.  It doesn't weigh that much more, you'll regain a little bit of structural integrity, and you'll be welding and doing body work at about the level of a kitchen table, which makes it easy.  If you're good, or know somebody who is, that patch could be done so smoothly that nobody would ever know - not even the wind. 

One other thought with regards to the sunroof - do you really want to pre-heat your interior at Bonneville in August?  Sun overhead at noon, being magnified into your interior as you wait in line to run?  Shade is your friend.

[JackD]

Locate a hulk and cut out the body panel you need to restore the original contour, and save your resources for something else.

[wolcottjl]

Here is a Ghia Hardtop that ran pretty well at Maxton.

[lukesdaddy]

Thanks everyone for your responses.  I have come to the same conclusion.  I talked to Doug Robinson of BMR racing and he says the same.  I can't run it as a roadster but I can probably get away with filling the hole.  It sure looks ugly though.  I think I have found a replacement roof.  I will be talking to the junk yard today.  I will be starting a build diary soon.  I think this is going to be a fun project.  I have already got a couple of sponsers.  My ultimate goal is to push it beyond 200 mph.  Don't know if it is possible but it won't be from a lack of power or trying.

Thanks again.