soft top stuff

clay ford · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:46 pm Post subject: soft top stuff

how do I get the soft top to attach to the rail that runs along the perimeter of the windshield frame of my buggy? I have been brainstorming methods of attachment, so far I have decided I can sew a long strip of flexible plastic into the soft top material I plan on using,it will then slide into the rail.
Is this how it is typically done?
I have the part I am trying to figure out circled
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dan macmillan · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 2:28 am Post subject:

Yes, that is how it is done.
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73SpeedBuggy · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:36 am Post subject:

Yes, exactly. If you have access to a Jeep Wrangler, they're done the same.
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kustoms · Samba Member Joined: November 20, 2003 Posts: 1708

Yes, use snaps one the sides for safty.
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1madmanx · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 1:37 pm Post subject:

streetbuggy8804 · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:51 pm Post subject:

I remember a while back there was a source out there for that plastic strip. Anyone have that link or info. I will be at this stage soon and would like to pick one up. Thanks.

BL3Manx · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject:

A 1/16" soft aluminum strip, 5/8" wide and 41 1/2" long, sewn inside a folded over fabric "hem" works perfectly. Round the ends and smooth the edges.

I think most hardware stores have 1/16" by 3/4" strips. I clamped it to a table with a straight edged piece of steel along the line I wanted and cut it to width.

clay ford · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:08 am Post subject:

that strip is something I have been looking for
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BL3Manx · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:26 pm Post subject:

You can take a piece of 1/16" thick flexible plastic and sew it inside a folded over fabric lip, however, just a piece of flexible plastic sewn onto the front edge of the roof will not work. If its thin enough to sew directly on, its to thin to hold in the slot. The piece that goes into the slot on the front of the frame needs to be a close fit. I had a top with just a plastic strip sewn on the front. I knew it was a real loose fit so I tried to shim it. After it blew loose on the freeway, I took it to an upholstery shop, removed the plastic strip and I had a folded over fabric lip with a metal strip inside, sewn on. It cost $30. I've done 80+ many times since with no problems.

What the strip is made of isn't important. It just needs to be 1/16" thick, flexible and sewn inside a folded over lip of convertible top material.

vincent9993 · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 3:40 pm Post subject:

I used a 1/8th aluminum sew inside the fabric. Took us to Alaska and back...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=462299

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kustoms · Samba Member Joined: November 20, 2003 Posts: 1708

BL3Manx · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 8:46 am Post subject:

Yes, but it sounds like you have it fixed on your new tops.

buggyboyshane · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:02 am Post subject:

i use a strip of aluminium, sewn into the front edge and curves down the posts slightly. works a treat and can have total confidence in it. im sure i would have a lot of faith in a piece of plastic.

streetbuggy8804 · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 8:42 am Post subject:

Already have the plastic strip but does anyone have a close up picture of the plastic strip sewn in? Also a detailed shot of how it connects to the channel would be great. Thanks

dan macmillan · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:42 pm Post subject:

Simply fold the top over the strip and sew the top {just like hemming your pants. Then sew the ends shut. You do not sew through the strip. To install the top, lay it upside down on the hood. Stuff the strip into the slot. Pull the top over the windshield and secure it at the back of the car.
_________________
Licensed Automotive Service Technician
Licensed Truck and Coach Technician
Licensed Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
CFC/HCFC/HFC A/C handling and installation license
Alignment specialist
66 Modified Manx,68 Kyote,74 Thing,74 Beetle, 76 Transporter,75 self made Double Cab,65 Meyers Manx,78Westy,68 Ghia, 79 Bradley GT2
Current projects:
Built for others:69 Manx Clone

BL3Manx · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 5:46 pm Post subject:

I have the folded over "cuff" section made out of a separate piece of material, 2 1/4" wide.

There should be two rows of stitching, one right next to the back edge of the flexible strip which just holds the strip snuggly in the cuff. The second row of stitching is the one that attaches the cuff to the top and it is approximately 1/4" back from the first seam. It is also 1/4" back from the front edge of the top. The 1/4" distance between rows of stitching allows the cuff to be folded backwards without also folding the front edge of the top under.

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CrashedAgain · Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:15 am Post subject:

See this: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=425410

A year later the materials had relaxed enough that we had to sew through the plastic. We were able to hand stitch through it.

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