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Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:19 pm

Would a 1960 ragtop clip work for a 1963 bug? Just wondering if the smaller back windows is the main hurdle with determining the compatible age for a replacement clip?

Thanks.

Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:27 pm

I have a 63 ragtop. Both are 2 fold tops. the only difference that I know of is a 63 clip has a folding golde handle. I also think there were different plastic stops at the rear. I think it should be fine though.

Geoff

Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:31 pm

The 2 fold clips should be the same. The tracks are different, but interchangeable. Was 63 the only year for the folding handle? My 62 has the more common, plain chrome handle.

Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:55 pm

Do you have the entire top mechanism from your crushed '63? If you have that in good condition the question would be, what year sunroof sedans have the same sunroof body metal as a '63?

That way you could use your top. A sunroof clip without the sunroof is likely to be cheaper. It will also keep your car sheet metal stock for future value.

Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:34 pm

esde wrote: Was 63 the only year for the folding handle? My 62 has the more common, plain chrome handle.

Yes, folding handle is '63-only part

Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:48 pm

Good questions. I have all of the complete ragtop parts (fortunately I was able to strip those as the car was getting prepped for paint), but I need the sheet metal clip to weld in. You know how there were slight changes as bug moved on. I want to avoid buying a clip and then the roof doesn't line up with the doors, front and rear windows etc.

Cheers.

Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:10 pm

The rear window, B pillars, A pillars and window sizes where the same from 1958-1964. The '64 wouldn't work for you because it has the metal sunroof. Hopefully others here can say if there are any other subtle changes to the sheet metal, sunroof or other wise, that may effect the fit or appearance.

I try to figure out the right questions to ask. However, I'm not a fan of sunroof cars -- probably has something to do with living in the Pacific North Wet (err, West.) My first thought was the unfortunate accident gave you a good reason to put a sedan roof on it. :wink: It just seemed out of place right after your loss (though it didn't take long for someone to ask about the condition of the tarp.) :D

Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:20 pm

RareAir wrote:

Yes, folding handle is '63-only part
So VW went extra-fancy with a folding handle, but down graded the rails with the plastic short rails? I wonder what was up with that? And who was "Golde" the handle manufacturer? Sorry to hijack, but curiosity has me.

Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:31 pm

EV - You're right. I forgot about the '64 > metal sunroof. :oops: Make's it easier on the end point. Yeah, I thought that the tarp comment was cute.... real cute! :lol:

Cheers!

Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:29 pm

I put a late '63 clip (I say that because it had one piece rails) in my '59 and it fit just fine.

Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:26 pm

May 1956 to August 1963 use the same "hole". The jaws for the headliner are smaller on early clips but thats it.

Long one piece rails were also used on late 63, 64-67 standards and as replacement pieces.

RareAir wrote: Yes, folding handle is '63-only part

True for type I, the same folding handle was used on deluxe bus up to 67

Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:09 pm

Perfect. Thanks everyone.

Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:31 pm

I welded an oval clip into a 64. As long as the clip and parts you use have four round corners your good. I think there is a one year only 56 that has square corners in the rear and round in the front.

Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:19 pm

The difference in the early clips (aug 55-april 56) is the rear bow mounting nuts. In the early clip the nuts are welded to the roof while the later clips have slots to adjust the tension. The mechanisms and bows are another story