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Woreign Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: Crestview FL
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:32 am Post subject: Proper soft top storage |
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I've seen many Things with their soft tops folded back with the canvas folded in between the frame. Is this OK? The owners manual suggestes that you pull the canvas out of the frame and fold it neatly over the top of the collasped frame. If you fold it neatly, you will have more access to the rear storage area. And I imagine that the top will have less chances of getting torn or scratched.
I've also seen some tops "rolled" up under the last frame member. So what's the acceptable way to store the top? |
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LEJ Samba Member
Joined: May 13, 2006 Posts: 115 Location: Ontario, Calif.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:45 pm Post subject: |
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I called the Thing Shop in Arizona and asked for a catalog and material color swatch selection. Along with those things, they send me a CD with instructions on how to fold the top. I'd suggest you give them a call and ask for the CD. It's very informative. _________________ The more you know, the more you know you don't know. |
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bucko Samba Member
Joined: December 09, 2004 Posts: 2617 Location: Coppell, Texas
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:58 pm Post subject: |
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I'd do as the owners manual states. VW wrote up the proceedure for a reason.
I've learned not to second guess the VW engineers. |
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15 windowdelux Samba Goober
Joined: February 06, 2001 Posts: 432 Location: Hastings, Nebraska
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Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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When I owned my thing I always had two towels with me to place over the rear window to protect it from scratches. I also folded it up. Worked very nicely. _________________ My last fortune cookie said:
"A short saying oft contains much wisdom."
Why is it all I can think about now is George
Carlin's "Seven words you can't say on television"???? |
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Ferretkona Samba Member
Joined: December 03, 2005 Posts: 1306 Location: Columbia, CA
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Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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Too bad the rear window does not zip in or off. A real glass window would have been nice. |
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MedicTed Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2005 Posts: 2110 Location: King of Prussia, PA
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:53 am Post subject: |
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I fold my top with the frame all the time. I don't like to remove the top from the body, as it screws up the paint. Other than protecting the plastic window, I have not had any problems. Now, I also do not leave it in that position for long periods, as the window will get a memory. _________________ Ted Wojton
70 VW Bus Westfalia camper
2003 GMC Sierra |
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Woreign Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: Crestview FL
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:00 am Post subject: |
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The soft top on my Triumph Spitfire has to be folded in a specific way or you risk pinching, tearing, or creasing the top or windows. When that top is folded properly, the clear windows are flat and are not damaged.
Maybe VW engineers didn't give much thought into the Thing top? According to the directions, the window is in contact with the outside of the top. Any dirt will have the opportunity to scratch the window in no time.
15's idea of using towels to protect the window is a good idea. I'm thinking that flanel would be a suitable material, either cut from an old sheet or bought from the fabric store. Flanel would be less bulky than a towel too, and easier to store with the top up! |
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