TheSamba.com :: View topic - Hi fellow Oval Sambaians . newbie just sayin hi . got a ?

Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:27 pm

Hi everyone ... starting a project and figured I'd say hey and ask a question ...

I have read quite a bit about it seems the general feeling of cutting up an oval is DON'T DO IT ...

well, I bought a 57 that has a rag top (transplanted) and a 55 solid hard top. The 57 has been wrecked front and back and was repaired ok. The 55 is in pretty good shape all around and lowered all ready about 4". My question is this, should I transplant the rap top from the 57 to the 55 ? I am having a very hard time trying to decide.

mike

click here for a picture: http://www.titantalk.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6938

Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:44 pm

Id say no because it isnt a correct three fold top(or is it?) and people would be able to tell.

Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:36 pm

yeah. Keep your solid roof solid and turn your 57 into a beater rag. The 55 sounds awesome, don;t screw it up. :D

Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:38 am

since the roof on the "black " car is so wavy i would graft the ragtop in. if i can see waves in picture, just think what i could find in person. use a 56 rear tensioner,can be made. as some real late 55 production had 2 folds.

Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:48 am

If your asking should you put a 3 fold rag in a later 56-57 no I wouldnt. Its like putting a 2 fold rag in a 55. Its not right.

Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:09 am

bill may wrote: since the roof on the "black " car is so wavy i would graft the ragtop in. if i can see waves in picture, just think what i could find in person. use a 56 rear tensioner,can be made. as some real late 55 production had 2 folds.

The waves are from the hood coming unlatched some time in the past and slamming in to the roof. The roof dents are easy fixes.

i posted the 57 up for sale hoping that it might ease my delima. I guess that moves on to the question having nothing to do with the 57 ... should I graft a rag in to the 55 ?

Couple yes, couple no ... I'm leaning towards yes for the coolness factor during the summer. I'm a newbie and take what you guys recommend pretty seriously

Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:14 am

I would graft in a rag....Only 'cuz I wont drive a hardtop!But to be correct,you will need to find a three-fold which is major$$$!Good luck

Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:21 am

It's your car; do what makes you happy.
That being said-
Early Ovals are getting harder and harder to come by. If your '55 has the ribbed doors, door and window winder handlles, 100mm gas cap, early seats, and all the other "pre-'56 changes" then from a financial point of view, as in "if you ever go to sell it," it is almost always worth more with correct parts.
However, I have seen people on the Samba crucified mercilessly for welding-in a 3 fold ragtop to a Split, too (but that could have just been the guy that did it, not the fact that it had been done...) And when/if you go shopping for a complete 3-fold clip- be prepared, they aren't like the typical 3 or 4 hundred dollar 2-folds.
Again, it's your car.
<donning flame suit>

Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:16 pm

How can i tell if the rag top I have is a 3 fold ? There is nothing but the opening grafted in.

The 55 has original doors and gas tank ... not sure when the seats are from, but if you guys can give me some things to look for, I can check very easily. It also has a front beam with adjusters welded in ... MAJOR LOW !!!

Thanks a bunch guys !!!