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Sat Feb 21, 2004 10:39 am

I am restoring a 62 beetle convertible and I am installing the top right now. The top bows are hanging about 1/4 inch past the windshield frame. The door gap is very good so I think the car was put back together properly at the body shop but I need to solve this problem. Any one have any advice?

Tue Feb 24, 2004 1:19 am

All I know is I will soon have the same job, so I got the book on the top from CIP1 - it actually comes from West Coast Metric. I strongly suggest you get one - looks like the best $10 you could spend. It says that the rear edge of the header bow should be 6-8 mm (1/4 -5/16 in) ahead of the rear edge of the windshield frame. Because when you put the top together it has a certain amount of tension which pulls the frame back. If you don't have that overhang, or if you put too much tension on all that fabric, you won't be able to put the top up at all!

Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:48 am

That's definitely true. We've done alot of tops at our shop and you gotta have it hanging over, because once you get everything on (especially vinyl), it's going to have a crazy amout of tension and want to pull back.

Another tip would be to roll it outside in the sun (if you have any) and let the vinyl relax before you put the top down. It will make it easier to close and stretch into place. Once you get it latched, let it sit out there to stretch into place for a while. Good luck

Anthony
The Volks Shop

Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:13 am

Thank you both for replying. So, you're saying that the overhang is ok and when I put the top on it shoulw pull it back? One note,I am using canvas rather than vinyl. When we put the webbing on it did seem to help a little.

I don't have the book you mention but I do have the Robert Bentley book that gives very specific instructions. I've given that to the upholstery shop to use.

Thanks.

Brendan

Fri Feb 27, 2004 3:10 pm

Yeah, the overhang is definitely normal, even with canvas. The material will always be a little shorter than need be (except the sides), but it will stretch and fit like a glove in a few weeks. If you find that it doesn't fit to your satisfaction, there is adjustment where the top frame bolts to the body behind the rear seat. Your book will probably give a good description of that too.
Anyway, congrats and hope you enjoy your top. That's always an exciting thing.

Anthony