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Phone: (585) 889-8780
Kabriolett
1957 Volkswagen Karmann Semaphore Cabriolet Project
This 1957 beetle convertible is one rare vehicle, with lots of cool documented history, and we just
bought it for one of our own signature frame-off photo restorations. Highlights are rare Semaphores, Dehne fuel gauge, all original keys, locking glove box, rare accessory grab handle, dome light, door hinge covers, ALL original glass, original deck lid, rust free floors, original engine, 94,471 original miles on the original engine and transaxle, and authentic documented original Jamaican License plates and registration. Did we mention that it's the first known Volkswagen Cabriolet ever registered in Jamaica?
Click on any photo to enlarge. Enjoy! More coming soon.
11/07/2006
Finish Photos!
This project has been a pleasure for all of us. We hope you've enjoyed following along!
We are offering this beautiful example for sale, if you are interested in purchasing this or any of our projects
please Contact Us. Thanks!
11/01/2006
Interior is complete!
10/19/2006
Interior pieces being installed
9/19/2006
Fall Photo Shoot 2006
We took our 1957 'vert for a first drive and photo shoot.
We anxiously await the restored interior pieces from West Coast Classic.
7/10/2006
Convertible Top Installation Complete!
Gary has done a fine job with this one, we're all very proud of it! Dan installs the original dome light.
The original rear glass sparkles like new!
6/23/2006
Convertible Top Installation
Gary, our master upholsterer, installs the headliner and padding kit.
5/28/2006
More Assembly
The convertible top is being installed, and wiring is complete.
4/28/2006
Rebuilding the top
An exercise in patience, and an expensive venture on an early Karmann Cabriolet. Not for the inexperienced!
4/18/2006
Assembly begins!
After polishing the fresh paint to perfection, the assembly has begun. Wiring harness, dash, windshield, have been
installed. The body is returned to the fully assembled chassis.
4/08/06
Paint Day #2
Original color, L-316 Almond green metallic sprayed with PPG Deltron two-stage system.
This beautiful gem-like finish looks different in every type of light! The chassis has been completed and
awaits the body.
4/07/06
Paint Day #1
Our painter, Chris, applies a coat of sealer (gray-green) before laying down the top coats.
3/22/06
Bob Mohler expertly restored this early split-case transaxle to perfection.
3/16/06
2/24/06
Spraying Primers part 3
The body shell has been primed, and will now cure for a few weeks.
The engine is complete and ready to go.
2/22/06
Spraying Primers part 2
The body shell is now ready for primers
2/10/06
Spraying Primers
Our painter, Chris, sprays a coat of over-metal primer on the doors, lids, and trim.
12/15/05 - 1/23/06
Chassis restoration, Engine rebuild, and More!
The original floors were still intact, and we were able to repair them seamlessly. Front beam looks like new!
Original engine was rebuilt to spec. and is now being meticulously reassembled.
12/15/05
Bare Metal!
The body has been chemically stripped and sandblasted in places,
removed from the chassis, and metal work has begun!
Below: The crew rests after lifting the body from the chassis.
Below: There were many layers of old paint on this car.
11/25/05
Disassembly Continues
We're getting back to basics- Fenders have been removed, as well as the engine, and we
will be breaking down the doors and window assemblies next week. There are very few
repairs necessary on the body, which will make restoration a breeze!
Below: This is about as simple as wiring gets, folks. This special semaphore convertible harness will be
carefully removed, and an exact duplicate will be made.
Below: Koch's of California restored this very valuable mirror to it's original beauty. Nice job!
11/17/05
Initial Disassembly
We've begun the restoration of this beauty, and it's every bit as nice as we thought!
At least 3 of the 4 door panels had *never* been removed from the car;
Rust damage is indeed minimal for a car of this age.
Below: even the rear parcel shelf, prone to rust on convertibles, is rust free!
6/24/05
It Runs & Drives!
Click on photo below for video!
6/17/05
On Arrival:
Thanks for visiting!
