TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:34 pm

A friend of mine has a top he bought dirt cheap at a swap meet years ago. He said it was likely an "early '70s" model.

How can I tell if it's the right top for a '71? I can't exactly do a "contrast and compare" with mine since the new one is still intact. :) I'd be tickled pink if I can get it for what he paid for it!

Thanks!

Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:59 pm

I believe that 67-72 are interchangeable. These years had a wooden
front bow that fits into a pocket in the top...the rear is attached with
a cable.

From '73 and on, the front bow is metal (part of the top "skeleton") that fits
into a pocket in the top...and will be narrower pocket than the earlier years.
The rear still attaches with a cable.

If you can ascertain that the "early 70's" was 1972 or older, you're in luck.
If it's 1973 or newer, it will probably not fit due to a change from wooden bow to metal bow beginning in '73.

Hopefully someone else can confirm this and maybe provide more info.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:12 pm

Thanks!

http://www.convertiblespecialties.com/vwconvertibles.php is a little confusing. The vinyl is listed as 68-72 and the canvas is 65-71 and a different one for 68-72.

Hopefully, there's a tag on it somewhere. He hasn't yet found it. :)

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:03 pm

72 and earlier convertibles had flat windshield (even the 71 and 71 Supers). The later convertible windshields were curved, should be able to tell from the shape of the front bow.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:52 pm

Since I have Both......

The 1971 Super top has one less bow than a 1972, AND... The top mounts Vertically behind the rear windows. The 1972 top mounts to side of the body, inside. I believe 1971 Super Vert tops are not interchangeable with any other year.

For more info, check out chucks convertible tops. He is the best around.