Let's Discuss Windlacing

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:22 am Post subject: Let's Discuss Windlacing

I haven't seen a thread on wind lacing before so I thought I would start one.

I didn't know what this even was. So here is what I learned from SewFine and the forum

What is it? Windlacing is a vinyl lined piece of "rope" (I am not sure what it is made of - rubber, tubing , etc.) that goes on both the front and rear of the doors such that when the door is closed, it creates a sort of wind barrier.

Apparenrly since this is a part that easily wears out, I have found a lot of Ghia's are missing them altogether. I myself have searched the forum and only found a terrible condition one a few times.

So I am going to make make one. I have seen a few Ghia's that do in fact have them intact, but cannot tell what the color should be.

Do they match the vinyl on the seats (i.e. if you had brick red and off-white upholstery would the wind lace be one of those colors?) or was it originally a black vinyl?[/b]

Air-Cooled Head · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:48 am Post subject:

Typically matches your headliner
_________________
Everything known to man has been written.
Readers are Leaders!

sputnick60 · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:04 am Post subject:

Black was OG for '66 Bermuda. It matched the seats

Details for your edification..

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Colour details for your year can be found here
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/paintcodesghia.php
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/62_63ghiacolors_various.php

Nicholas
_________________
'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the photos. A couple of interesting things:

1) The lacing appears to be held on with carpet tacks/nails as opposed to screws

2) I looked at that color chart and if what you are saying is true that it would match the seats, then my wind lace would be brick red. I am inclined to think it should be off-white though to match the parcel shelf per the color guide...

I saw a guide somewhere else that indicated the shelf was supposed to be off-white, but it didn't mention the lacing.

3) Inside the wind lacing is just a plain ol rubber hose - my plan is to go to auto zone, buy some rubber tubing with the same diameter and have my seamstress sew the vinyl around it.

4) The board in your photo is the kick panel - I will be posting a photo with accurate template dimensions this evening. I was able to source an untouched one I can use to recreate.

sputnick60 · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:31 pm Post subject:

1) The lacing appears to be held on with carpet tacks/nails as opposed to screws

Mostly yes for the lock pillar. There are a few screws at the top as part of the chrome trip. At the bottom is an "L" shaped piece of metal that is nailed in over the top of the windlass that gets covered up with the carpet
At the Kick panel, its all held in with screws

2) I looked at that color chart and if what you are saying is true that it would match the seats, then my wind lace would be brick red. I am inclined to think it should be off-white though to match the parcel shelf per the color guide...
I saw a guide somewhere else that indicated the shelf was supposed to be off-white, but it didn't mention the lacing.

I'd be inclined to have it match the hinge cover panels. Maybe you want that contrasting look. Some people go for that, even putting piping on the seats to make the edges stand out.

3) Inside the wind lacing is just a plain ol rubber hose - my plan is to go to auto zone, buy some rubber tubing with the same diameter and have my seamstress sew the vinyl around it.

It is hollow soft rubber tube. She'll need an industrial strength machine to sew it up. It is a fold of vinyl over the tube and sewn tightly. It tapers at the ends having the tube a bit short and running the stitches to the outside edge.

4) The board in your photo is the kick panel - I will be posting a photo with accurate template dimensions this evening. I was able to source an untouched one I can use to recreate.

I've installed mine already, otherwise I could measure them up for you once I get back to Australia.

Keep 'em questions coming.

Nicholas
_________________
'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Woreign · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:38 pm Post subject:

After installing my Newton Commercial carpet kit, I've had people ask where I purchased the windlacing from... I didn't. That's the cloth binding on the carpet:

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:58 pm Post subject:

Karly · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 3:04 pm Post subject:

It seems they do match the seats/door panel as mine is also beige I was going to contrast but thought it does tie in nicely matching the door panels...my upholstry guy also used a rubber tube and stitched vinyl over it.
_________________
1960 Beetle ''Heidi" daily driver
1964 Karmann Ghia project

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 4:30 pm Post subject:

I could use some help from you gurus again. I was able to source an old windlace set from the front and rear of the door. The one in front is easy to re-make. It's 18.25 inches and straight.

But the rear vert windlace I procured was in horrible shape and broken. I need to remake it, but I can't tell how many inches past where the rubber hose ends there should be. Not sure if my photo helps...

Woreign · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 6:37 pm Post subject:

Here's a source for the windlace:

http://www.stockinteriors.com/Windlace.asp?Itemid=...fgodVkYApQ

CiderGuy · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 7:11 pm Post subject:

I do believe that Sewfine sells windlace.
_________________
----------------------
Cars Currently Owned:

1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe
1973 Karmann Ghia Coupe - Project car for sale
1970 Karmann Ghia Convertible (Body off restoration)

Timing is everything

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 7:20 pm Post subject:

Looks like sewfine it is. It's actually very reasonably priced.

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 7:26 pm Post subject:

From StockInteriors Website:

"2. Select the Length of your Windlace
From our experience, we have found that most 2 Door cars require 7 yards of Windlace "

7 yards?? Whatever they are smoking give me some LOL. There's only a total of about a MAX of 100 inches or ~2.5-3 yards. Those must be some giant doors to use 7 yards Smile

tri356 · Samba Member Joined: December 28, 2005 Posts: 335

Paul, what year is your ghia? What are the first several #'s of the VIN? Last weekend I took some pictures of an original, late 1962 (I think November/December 62) ghia. Red seats, white piping. Hinge covers and rear parcel shelf are the off-white color. The windlacing is red though.

Mike

Mscdman · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 7:59 pm Post subject:

565xxx. I think it's a July 63.

Red lacing huh? Hmm. That may have to be the ONE thing I'm willing o not go factory on if that's the case. I just think off-white would look better there.

That's really good to know though Tri. Thanks.

O2COOLED · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:52 am Post subject:

This has been covered in several posts previously. This is the most recent one I followed:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...mp;start=0

John might want to give us his thoughts/direction on whether to combine and maybe put it in in the stickies?

BTW in my case I just had my upholstery guy make me a set. He knew exactly what I needed and gave me instructions on how to fit etc. Came out nice. Cheap too.
_________________
"Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"

"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"

Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug

John Moxon · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 3:12 am Post subject:


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Ghia	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1