TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu May 12, 2016 8:46 pm

Ive had lots of VWs in my life, and many years ago had a 1960 ragtop. Now I want another one. An oval. Looking at 1954-56 ragtop. I want an original one with matching numbers to restore. Anybody got any insight? I think I want a 3 fold top but I'm really just digging in to the differences between 54 and 56.

Fri May 13, 2016 2:47 am

Information in Oval faq:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275275

Fri May 13, 2016 3:24 pm

... two fold ovals are mid-1955, 1956 and 1957... lots of parts around and are pretty common.
Three folds are really the one ones to get... they are 11G sunroof models are a great investment, but sunroof parts are more difficult to obtain... are my favorites, by far... have had a 1950 and 1955 11G. They were distinctively different.
DEPENDS what you want.

Fri May 13, 2016 4:21 pm

Two fold rags are 1956 year and newer. No 1955 model beetle was made with a two fold or without ribbed doors.

1956 model year started in approx August 1955. 1955 was the last year VW started the new model year on January 1.

Sat May 14, 2016 8:44 am

Ultramoron wrote: Two fold rags are 1956 year and newer. No 1955 model beetle was made with a two fold or without ribbed doors.

1956 model year started in approx August 1955. 1955 was the last year VW started the new model year on January 1.

yes, the sliding sunroof changed from 3 fold to 2 fold at ch. 929746, August 1955, the intro of the 1956 model, but still, in 1955... semantics.

Sun May 15, 2016 6:58 am

Thanks for the replies, the search for a 3 fold is on!

Tue May 17, 2016 2:54 am

Better get your wallet topped up :D , a 3 fold rag top car will cost you.
Not only because of the rag top itself :lol: , but also because of the other (anciently old) parts on such an older model car like for instance heart (or may be '54/'55 US only) tail lights, ribbed doors, batwing steering wheel and such which can come into play.
The (slightly younger) 2-fold rag top cars are relatively easier to find, and cheaper to buy. And the fun in any rag top is the same, be it a 3 fold or 2 fold rag (I bet you that you won't really feel the difference between them while driving cause a rag top is a rag top, it's just the number of folds in the rag top that makes you a 3-fold-er or 2-fold-er...).

Tue May 17, 2016 6:12 am

Try to find a complete car. You might pay more up front, but you won't be stressed out finding parts that are ridiculously over priced and hard to find.
I've been on the hunt for 7 years now for parts for my 55'. I've learned a lot along the way, but I'd much rather be driving it right now! Good luck!

Tue May 17, 2016 6:52 am

motofly196 wrote: Try to find a complete car. You might pay more up front, but you won't be stressed out finding parts that are ridiculously over priced and hard to find.

QFT

Wed May 18, 2016 8:05 pm

Thanks, I am looking for a complete car with matching numbers..

Thu May 19, 2016 8:13 am

... practicing patience will pay off... sounds like advice from a fortune cookie.