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My Ragtop
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LaxFh11
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Joined: May 08, 2015
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 4:41 pm    Post subject: My Ragtop Reply with quote

Hey all,
I got this bad boy this weekend! I've been in love with VWs for as long as I can remember (have a passat wagon as well) and have always wanted a beetle. I've gathered a lot of information from this sight and am a frequent forum and classified section reader,lol.
Anyways, here it is. I have a few questions as well.
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I want a different shifter, not too fond of this one, any ideas what to look for?
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How can I smooth out the window fairings?
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And, There is a hump in the rag top, can this be fixed?
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Thanks all,
A new owner
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bugandxbandme
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 11:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The bug I bought came with that same type of shifter, and I hate it too!
I know that is not any help.
Nice bug! I want a ragtop in the worst way.
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GB2S
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 2:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you decide to go back to stock, make sure you get all the parts for it. It would work best if you could remove the part from the car you're getting it from so you know how to put it back together.

Geoff
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Air-Cooled Head
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 2:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd swear, in that first picture, the car is smiling! Smile Must be glad to get a new home.

You'll want a stock shifter. I haven't found an aftermarket shifter that is better.

It's gonna be tuff to straighten those window shades. Thin metal that gets distorted upon install. Looks like yours are screwed in. I just squeeze them between window channel & frame, w/o screwing in.

"Bumps" are pretty normal. I don't think I've ever seen a rag lay perfectly flat. The "ribs" make humps.

Still, a damn nice, happy car!
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LaxFh11
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 6:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the responses!
He does look like hes smiling! Having a ragtop is the best of both worlds! Thats the first pic I took of him, I was way too excited. Definitely has a personality, especially when compared to my wagon.

But I will be on the hunt for a stock shifter, I like the looks of those better. And imagine it feels better

The window fairings are screwed in, I'll have to mess woth them in the moring.

Thanks guys, I'm excited to be an owner
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glutamodo Premium Member
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 3:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is not unusual for sunroof covers to pull up at the front and to not lie flat all along the length when closed - the tops stretch and wear over time and the mechanism itself pushes them up. Sometimes you can re-tension in the back, but often times you'll find the rear adjustment (the rear header bar mounts in slotted holes) is already at the end of its travel. I would be more concerned about the way the front doesn't lay flat than the hump by the first bow.

Also, I notice that you have typical Bad Stitching on there. And it's starting to tear. I would replace that top.

Interesting that you have a white top on there - you don't see that color very often. I custom ordered an off-white canvas top for my 62 from Sewfine. (which was Not Cheap) Sewfine doesn't use stitching except for a bead around the very outside edge.

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As for the shifter - I like the stock one but used with a "quick shift" kit.

-Andy
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LaxFh11
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 5:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for that info, Ill check it out. Just bothers me looks wise, because the top still functions and I plan to only drive it on nicer days. Once winter comes and I garage it, I plan to make more physical adjustments (if that makes sense).

I dig the white with my tealish paint, think its a cool combo.

Also, I dig your bug too! I like the color too, perfect look in the snow.
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BLAU GEIST
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Regular old stock shifter with a quick shift kit and a fresh bushing is a good setup. Maybe a cool woodgrain knob or a billiard ball or something Razz
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jhicken
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Vintage speed sells a nice sport shifter with cool vintage look and feel.

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Vintage-Speed-11-1-2-Speed-Shifter-155-795-50900-p/155-795-50900.htm

-jeffrey
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LaxFh11
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 12:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I like the looks of that! thanks.

Anybody have an opinion on whether an original shifter vs reproduction is best?
didnt see your post Blau! That may be the route Ill go down.

Would love to have an original, but I'd also would rather have funtion over that (who wouldnt?).
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