Top frame question

Eric Goodman · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:40 am Post subject:

I decided to order a new frame from the Thing shop back in Jan 09 and it was the best money I have ever spent on my Thing. I have won many awards with my Thing (1st place Bug in, Irvine classic, etc.) and everyone always says my Top looks amazing. Fits perfect! Good luck.
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1970 Bug (VolksRod)
1973 Thing
2002 Bug

locky · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:28 am Post subject:

Hey, whatever happened with this? K-Mann? Thinking of fabbing one myself, but if K-mann has one I will go that route.

kubelmann · Samba Member Joined: April 13, 2003 Posts: 2949

While trying to find a way to build the reinforcement arms by getting someone local to fab the support material. I gathered up a few set of the TS reinforcement kits and have used them to restore some nice soft top frames. media blast, power coat reassemble using the killer lit and install the new soft top cover. I also have a very nice set of soft top support starts and retention straps for when the top is down that I have put together. Fun stuff.. Still have not produced a useable reinforcement material.

dells68 · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 12:28 pm Post subject:

I reinforced my top using 1/2" square tubing. I cut it to fit on the inside of the top frame rails on the little "shelf" made by the factory bends. I then drilled holes in the original frame where this tubing is installed and rosette welded them in. So far, it has really helped with strength and is barely noticeable. Larry Dustman even looked at my frame and thought it was one of theirs. I considered that a compliment! Anyway, that was my cheap a_ _ way to fix it!

poptop · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 7:02 am Post subject:

dells68 · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 6:20 pm Post subject:

I've got the car stored in the garage at my parents' house. I'll be there tomorrow and will try to snap some pics.

poptop · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 6:38 pm Post subject:

Not to hijack but what's the best way to try to clean ad make supple an original or old top material! Mine is shrinking a bit but with some restitching and resupplerization I can get some years from it. I am am afraid to open the top till I treat it so maybe it won't crack?
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So what I drive the short bus!

locky · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:52 pm Post subject:

Hey guys. Just ordered a new top and glass slider curtains today from the thing shop. While on the phone with Ivan I asked him if they had any re-inforcement kits for the frame. He said he thought he had a couple left and checked. To my surprise he had 4 in stock. I ordered one with the rest of my order. $90. So if anybody wants one, give him a call.

kubelmann · Samba Member Joined: April 13, 2003 Posts: 2949

I have one more of the TS reinforcement kits still on hand. I am gong to build another (straight as an arrow) soft top frame media blast and powder coated with the stainless steel hardware. Then for comparison I am going to rebuild a soft top frame using the 1/2" square stock. This will allow we to compare the two systems. i grind off/ drill out the old rivets, straighten all parts. Repair or swap out any damaged sections. Then I have the frame media blasted. Next I clamp the reinforcement sections to the frame and weld it in place. This forces the individual sections to become straight and true. Then the frame is reassembled and the top is carefully riveted in place on a nice warm day. Prior to attaching the soft top I align the top with the side curtains using the tension straps that I designed. They have nylon sliders that allow for complete adjustment of the tension/alignment. These straps provide a way to pull the tension bars into the correct position for alignment.

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