Thing hardtop

[ud40]

I wonder if any of the big part business such as The Thing shop or Mid America ever gave any thought to having the hard top reproduced. Maybe get then done in China at a good price. I sure would like to have one especially a new one. Just my thoughts. What do you think?

[Shoyrtt]

Too bulky for China to build and ship them. How many hard tops could be safely shipped in a 40 foot container? I have a friend who used to export motorcycle parts from China. In 2006, business was booming and exporting was cheap. He sold the business in 2012 due in part to the increased costs of manufacturing and shipping.

Fiberjet used to be based out of Northern California (Sacramento area, I believe). Many if not all of the fiberglass manufacturing here left the state due to the crazy regulations and worker's comp. Maybe a US or Mexican company that makes camper shells could do it, but I would guess the demand isn't there to justify the building of the molds and other r&d.

[oasis]

I agree with Shoyrtt.

I would add I have a great admiration for The Thing Shop for being successful in a niche market of something that effectively hasn't been produced for 35 or more years, and doesn't have the base numbers like the iconic Beetle. I would worry for them to take on something that would be both a low volume item and a pricey one at that. The mark-up may scare off some potential buyers, and a reduction in a mark-up may eliminate it from being worthwhile.

As for Mid-America, do they make anything? Maybe they do, but I thought they were more a retailer of other companies' products.

The only hope would be a company already in the business of glass fiber production willing to go through the process. Once the mold and process was set, they might be able to make small batches as they are requested.

Let's face it ... the dated Mulholland Look is still available because the mold is still in existence. I'm sure there aren't tons of requests for it these days. The question becomes how does one spark such interest in an existing company.
_________________
Now: 2003 New Beetle Turbo S / 1990 Single Cab Transporter / 2014 Tiguan R-Line 4motion / 2013 Tiguan S / 2002 Golf GLS TDI
Past: 1974 Thing Acapulco / 2009 Eos Komfort / 1997 Jetta GT / 2002 Cabrio GLX / 2002 Passat GLS / 1971 Super Beetle / 1993 EuroVan MV Westfalia / 1981 Pickup LX / 1985 Vanagon / 1986 Jetta GLI

[Nick Schiro]

if I'm not mistaken Mid America started out as a Corvette parts distributor ,then bought out the old Rocky Mountain and grew larger over the years they do however now manufacturer interiors and carpeting for some volkswagen models. as far as the hardtop goes maybe Creative Car Craft would take an interest? I know they're based in the Midwest and already make front fenders for the thing. I have the their fenders on one of my bugs and have to say it's the best fiberglass fenders I've seen.

[Nick Schiro]

http://www.creativecarcraft.com/index.html

[Metal Twister]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/pts/4765853839.html $350.00 or best?