Need help with my 1966 vert top.

[Rgl1100]

I'm pretty confused and can't seem to find any easy answer. My top to my convertible just won't stay latched while driving. Luckily, its mostly used only during the summer with the top down but as it gets cooler I enjoy putting it up. Problem is every time I travel any distance the hold downs pop open and the front of the top comes open about 2 inches. I guess my question is about the 65-66 latches. I have found pictures of them but no information. Mine seem to latch fine but don't "rotate" enough to securely engage. The handle seems to hit the roof slightly allowing for it to easily disengage if I hit a bump. I've never quite seen my particular catch set. The latch looks like what I've found on the internet (chrome) but the catch has the visor rod built into it. Any help would be appreciated.

[finster]

a picture tells a thousand words so a photo of your set-up would be good.

see this thread
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=439598&highlight=#439598

do you have a decent screen frame to header bow rubber seal in place? that could affect the fit.
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[Rgl1100]

I've added two pictures of the catch on my convertible. I don't have a picture as yet of the latch mechanism but if you look up '61-'64 convertible latch you'll see the chrome latch found on my 66. I'm pretty sure this latch was only found on the 65 and 66 years. Anyway, as I said, they're just not staying latched in place. I'm pretty sure it has to do with the wooden bow. However, I have no idea how to fix this. I don't want to disassemble the cover since its in perfect shape and I fear I'd ruin it if I start cutting of altering it. I will post updated photos over the next few days. However, as you see, the sunvisor post is incorporated into the catch mechanism and I've yet to ever see this before.....

[finster]

that does look like the catch plate shown in the owners handbook for the 66 year

you can also see the latch style
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[Rgl1100]

That’s amazing. I’ve never seen this. Yes those are the exact latches I have. I just wished I could figure out how to make them work a bit better.....

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

65 66 67 Beetle Convertibles use the early style header bow latch and 65 66 67 specific combined sunvisor mount receiver.

They work on an over center latching method.

If you find the tension of the latches are loose... you need to replace the header seal..

Other possibility ...they are the wrong latches like.. 58-60... so IMO thats doubtful.


https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=577112


I bet its a tension issue.. takes the header seal to give resistance to the latch.


PICTURE OF LATCHES WITH TOP LATCHED MAY HELP...
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_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

[finster]

yes, those over centre catches should be tight and take a good pull and push to operate. do you know what repair/replacement work has been done on the hood? wondering if the latches could have been refitted too low...?

is the bodywork sound and solid? too much flexing of the body can cause the hood to pop, had that happen to me in an old 181 (thing) on a motorway once!
_________________
"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[Rgl1100]

I'm sure the top has been done in the recent past(last 5-7 years) Its in outstanding shape likely due to the car only sees summertime driving. It's entirely possible the latch was placed too low but it doesn't really solve the problem if I were to reposition them. I feel it has more to do with the amount of "throw" with the latch. It doesn't seem to have the room to "close" because it hits the roof too soon. I suppose shifting the position may improve that. I'm a bit reluctant to start messing with the latch because it will cause damage to the liner but I guess I have no choice if I want to fix it....

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

The latches have specific placement and alignment bolt holes.... unless the header plates were patched or replaced I doubt they are placed incorrectly.

https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D151%2D898%2D271%2DLR

If you think its as simple as latch depth....shim the latches out with shims..



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_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

[bigdog1962]

I have a 65 if you need me to take any pictures. Just let me know.
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Oprn wrote: I'm getting to the age that any self propelled woman (no wheel chair or walker) looks HOT!! Oooo! look at that Babe! She made it from the dining room all the way to the TV room without help!! Hubba, hubba!!

[dutch1967]

I had same issue on my car the latch releasing itself. Unfortunately it is not an easy fix. The lower hatch has a spring loaded tensioner underneath that keeps the lever locked in position. See pics below.

And in many occasions these start rusting away over the years and need to be replaced. The small spring plates are riveted to base plate. So check if they are still there and in decent shape.

[Rgl1100]

I'm going to take a look and see if those tabs are actually there on my latches. Thank you.