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istewart
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: Tracy, CA
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 Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 4:03 pm Post subject: Top |
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My family has owned a '73 Thing for almost 30 years. In that time, the top has only been replaced once. There was a rollbar on the car but it was removed since it was wearing out the top. Unfortunately I have no idea how to fold down the top, and can't find the owner's manual if I even have it. I can detach it from the windshield and fold it back, but I can't get the front part to fold down with the rest.
Can somebody help me out from here? Thanks. |
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Towel Rail
Horizontally Opposed
Joined: April 15, 2005
Posts: 4622
Location: SE CR IA US NA PE
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| Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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The hinges here should bend, allowing the top to fold the rest of the way:
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istewart
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: Tracy, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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| They only bend partway. Perhaps I should lubricate them? I don't want to get oil on the top. |
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amishman
Samba Member
Joined: March 09, 2004
Posts: 3239
Location: California
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| Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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Would be kinda cool driving around like that. 
Hope these help. tj
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Towel Rail
Horizontally Opposed
Joined: April 15, 2005
Posts: 4622
Location: SE CR IA US NA PE
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| Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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| Yeah, free up those hinges with some Liquid Wrench or similar, then get some grease in there. |
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edgy
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2003
Posts: 424
Location: Bel Air, Maryland
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| Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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Be sure to pull the fabric back out of the way. Once you get the frame folded down, then fold the fabric on top and lay it in place. Then tie down the fabric and place the covers over the ends of the bows. If you get WD 40 on the top, it shouldn't hurt it unless you let it soak in the stuff. If will probably evaporate back out the first time you drive it on a hot day. Keep in mind that WD 40 will penetrate rust and provide some lubrication but it won't last long. Once you get the hinges freed up, oil them.
_________________
62 Single Cab (Work Truck)
63 Bungartz Tractor VW powered |
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markie61
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2005
Posts: 583
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 4:29 am Post subject: |
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The first time I tried I had problems because I didnt unhook the clips from the side rails. I think I read there are supposed to be between 4 and 8 clips that hold the canvas top tight on the sides of the frame.
Mark
_________________
Whut is that-there Thang!?
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Chicks dig my Thing - so what if it's little and yellow...!? |
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istewart
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: Tracy, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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| Those instructions from the owners manual are a bit hard to understand, but thanks anyway. Do I need to completely detach the canvas from the frame? Most of the clips are secured quite tightly. |
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edgy
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2003
Posts: 424
Location: Bel Air, Maryland
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| Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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The only part of the fabric top that doesn't have to be released is held by rivets. That is at the front bar. You may get away with leaving a clip attached but you are risking a torn top and a bent frame. That would equate to about $1000.
_________________
62 Single Cab (Work Truck)
63 Bungartz Tractor VW powered |
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istewart
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: Tracy, CA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 1:27 am Post subject: |
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My problem was, in fact, the clips. I hope I haven't already bent my top frame since it seems slightly bowed. However, it's working perfectly now.
Next question: does anybody have any suggestions where to stow the sidecurtains when driving with the top down? I'm currently laying them in the back seat and covering them with towels, but that's not going to work if I have 3 people riding. The trunk and the space behind the seats don't seem large enough.  |
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ztnoo
Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2005
Posts: 801
Location: Indiana
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markie61
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2005
Posts: 583
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:18 am Post subject: |
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Leave 'em at home  !
_________________
Whut is that-there Thang!?
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Chicks dig my Thing - so what if it's little and yellow...!? |
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edgy
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2003
Posts: 424
Location: Bel Air, Maryland
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| Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:34 am Post subject: |
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Ours fit nicely in the trunk just behind the front panel (where spare goes in a beetle). We do use the bags to avoid damage to teh windows. Have done it for 6 years and they look good.
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62 Single Cab (Work Truck)
63 Bungartz Tractor VW powered |
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