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Thu Feb 12, 2004 8:44 pm

:?: I was interested in purchasing a 78 Convertible, but it needs a new top. How difficult would it be to replace it myself :?:

:?: Also, I never owned a VW with fuel injection. What type of engine modifications can be done to increase performance :?:

Thanks

Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:46 am

I suggest you go to an auto upholstery place and see what they do to replace a top. Then decide if you can do it yourself. I was trying to decide and one visit to such a place convinced me I didn't have the time, skills and patience to do it. But that's me.

When tuned properly a late model FI super performs adequately to keep up with traffic. I drive mine around NJ and NY and they eat slow cars for lunch over here, but I am able to hold my own. You're kind of limited in the modifications you can make to a stock system because it's old-style electronics. But you could replace it with a modern FI system or carbs and then you could do more with its performance. I've never tried it.

Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:33 pm

Last year I bought a video on how to replace a convertible top. After watching it a couple times and taking copious notes, it gave me the wisdom and courage to get someone else to do it. Unless yer dirt poor, or up to a tremendous challenge, consider a professional. I've seen a few home jobs that generally looked ok, but on closer inspection, the fit wasn't quite right, or the owner complained or leakage problems.

If yer up for it, lemeknow, I'll send you the video. I've had my vert for 20 years and owed it to her to have it done right.

As for performance, 79SuperVert said, keep it tuned, and it should keep you outa harms way and get you where ya need to go.

jeffrey