Beetle Convertible hole in body?

[harrymarlin]

Putting on the top for my early 1967 Beetle convertible, the upholsterer noticed there was a hole near the top, but that the top didn't seem to cover it. Talking with Chuck, he said some convertibles had the hole, and some didn't, but they were to attach the trim which goes along the bottom of the top (if the trim was screw on). The "some had them, some didn't" seems a bit strange for a company that built thousands of these every year, so I wanted to see if others had this hole, and if their trim was screwed into it (I know the trim in my picture needs to be trimmed, no pun intended).

Chuck suggests the top needs to be stretched down over the hole, but it really doesn't look to be enough material to stretch. Does anyone have thoughts on how they have handled this?

Thanks!

_________________
-Harry
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1967 Ruby Red Convertible Beetle ("Becky")
ISO Albuquerque "Imported Motors" dealership paraphernalia

[KTPhil]

I think there is supposed to be a metal snap fitting there, perhaps used to secure the top's boot when the top is folded open?

[Glenn]

[harrymarlin]

I'm sorry - I should have been more specific. I know the hole in the center of the picture is for the snap. I'm asking about the small hole right next to the existing trim (on the right side of the picture).
_________________
-Harry
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1967 Ruby Red Convertible Beetle ("Becky")
ISO Albuquerque "Imported Motors" dealership paraphernalia

[Glenn]

To hold the trim to the body.. hence a hole in the trim.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
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[harrymarlin]

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

Define early 67??? Pre or post Sep/Oct VIN 157250033..hence the change

The change... basically means... the change to the rear U channel and a different rear chrome trim....
It also is why Chuck answered some had the holes some didnt. Early trim was heavy chrome and nailed on.. later trim was anodized like the side trim and pinched with screws at the end .

The hole is certainly for the end trim screw retainer.

Chuck is correct....Your top vs trim looks mispositioned. (see below)
Whether early without U channel or later with....the top should be pulled over over the body edge as to not allow introduction of water.. That way the top creates a drip edge.



Here are a few excerpts regarding rear trim change around 1967

[aircooled]

Here is a picture of the snap position on my Aug 66, 1967 convertible. Hardware and top are factory original.

_________________
67 Sun Roof / Born Sept 66 / Second Owner
67 Convertible / Born Aug 66 / Second Owner

Member of 67 Posse
Omaha Volkswagen Club
Neb VVWCA Chapter Rep
Volkswagen Club of Nebraska

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

Prime example ^ of the early 1967 pre U channel.. hard chrome nail on trim.. no screws at the end..

Thanks aircooled.

.
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[aircooled]

The car was the the end of August 1966 according to the Factory Birth Certificate. The top also doesn’t have tension cable, but is stapled on. 🙂
_________________
67 Sun Roof / Born Sept 66 / Second Owner
67 Convertible / Born Aug 66 / Second Owner

Member of 67 Posse
Omaha Volkswagen Club
Neb VVWCA Chapter Rep
Volkswagen Club of Nebraska

[harrymarlin]

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[Cusser]

[67conv]

Harry, judging by the original picture you posted in this thread it looks almost as if there isn't enough actual top material to pull down, and towards the front to properly cover the baseline profile and the screw/nail hole in the body. How does the other side look in comparison? Is there excessive material over on the right side? Something just doesn't look right there. I attached a couple pics of my very early production 67 convertible (Aug. '66) showing the two chrome tack strips, including the one above the window which was dropped "mid year" along with the change over to the "U" channel / cable attachment arrangement. My top is not a factory original top as is Aircooled's, I installed it myself back in the late 90's. However, it retains the original chrome strips which did NOT have holes on the ends of the base perimeter tack strips - as yours shows. Mine are exactly as the close up of Aircooled's shows - no screw hole. However, the trim strip above the window has factory screw holes on either end to aid fitment.

I'm sorry I don't have a really close up picture of that area on hand at the moment, as my top is currently down with the boot in place. I'm hoping these pics of my car with top up might be of some reference for you since I think you have an early production model year '67 too?

_________________
1967 VW Convertible, owned /driven /pampered for 34 years.
1957 DKW 3=6, owned /driven /risen from the dead for 20 years.

Previously owned: 72 "Baja Champion SE" Spec. Edition Super Beetle bought NEW; 79 Convertible bought NEW; 67 type 1 savanna beige; 67 2.0 911S; 73 2.4 911T; 63 356 T6 B Cabriolet; 64 356 SC sunroof coupe; 72 Type-3 Squareback; 68 + 69 Type-3 Fastbacks; 87 Vanagon GL Wasserboxer

[aircooled]

Here is a picture of my factory original top, with the three chrome strips.

_________________
67 Sun Roof / Born Sept 66 / Second Owner
67 Convertible / Born Aug 66 / Second Owner

Member of 67 Posse
Omaha Volkswagen Club
Neb VVWCA Chapter Rep
Volkswagen Club of Nebraska