Ragtop vinyl replacement question.

[fenterline]

When replacing the vinyl or canvas on your ragtop, do you install weather stripping and carpet padding like I see done on "Build a bug" (see pics) on YouTube or just glue the vinyl directly to the metal?

[mukluk]

It's been over seven years since I installed my canvas cover so my memory may be a bit fuzzy. I definitely did use weatherstrip on the underside of the front header, but I don't recall using any padding on top, just contact cement.
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[Dake]

I put the padding on the top bow but had to remove it would not close. I did leave the weather stripping and felt on the bow. I put padding on the side of the handle . I would put it on the car Cleese the sunroof it will need to be aligned before glueing or you can end up with a loose and tight side . The loose side will have wrinkles.

[rcooled]

I use a dense, self-adhesive foam weatherstrip on the underside of the front header. No padding and nothing on the rear stud plate at all. Then I just glue down the canvas or vinyl right over the foam and on to the header.
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'63 Ragtop (current)
'65 Ghia coupe (totaled)
'67 Ghia convertible (current)
'69.5 Ghia convertible and
'62, '63, '65, '69 Bugs (all long gone)

[jitbba]

Weather stripping under the front bow, nothing on the top of it
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My other ride is a Zildjian

[aircooled60]

I know this is an old thread, but who has the best replacement Ragtop Covers (vinyl fabric). Wolfsburg West, or someone else? I need one for a 57 Bug.
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57 Oval, 69.5 mm Stroker, w/ W.W. Okrasa Kit (WW36 Bonneville Record Holder),
57 Oval Ragtop w/ WW Okrasa Kit,
66 Ghia Project
2 '68 Honda CL90 Pit Bikes

[pastellgreen]

What you mean with "best"?
On the market, there aren't any covers that look factory. They are all sewn. Here in Germany is only one company that has the right tools to make it look as original with welded seams and gather.
I understand that this is too complicated for people in the US to order. You choose the right pinpoint vinyl from the Haartz Corporation, they order it. You have them to tell, which length your original ragtop has.

I do not know, why there isn't any from the known sepcialists in the US, who would work togehter with this company to create the right ragtops. Here in Germany we also wait half a year to get our ordered stuff from TMI.

[aircooled60]

By “best” I mean made from good material and proper fit when installed on the car. I have heard TMI’s quality is not that great. I was hoping to hear back from someone with their experience with different manufacturers fit and finish. My car is a nice driver, not a concourse show car, so the perfect seam pattern compared to original is not a deal breaker.
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57 Oval, 69.5 mm Stroker, w/ W.W. Okrasa Kit (WW36 Bonneville Record Holder),
57 Oval Ragtop w/ WW Okrasa Kit,
66 Ghia Project
2 '68 Honda CL90 Pit Bikes

[rcooled]

Sewfine uses quality materials and turns out very nice products. I've installed several of their sunroof covers over the years...they fit perfectly and look great.

https://sewfineproducts.com/userfiles/1259/files/Sewfine-Catalog_ghia-big-home-update.pdf
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'63 Ragtop (current)
'65 Ghia coupe (totaled)
'67 Ghia convertible (current)
'69.5 Ghia convertible and
'62, '63, '65, '69 Bugs (all long gone)

[shano63]

Sewfine has some really nice stuff. I've used them on my old westy and on my beetle. WW is also a great choice, I used them for my sunroof cover
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63 T1 Ragtop Gulf Blue
08 Civic 5spd
22 Wrangler 6spd
78 F250 4x4 4spd

Chris

Take it as it comes-- Morrison

[dames]

[pastellgreen]

Here some pics of the car with the new ragtop

The direct link to the company and the product:
https://www.cabrio.de/en/softtops/car-models-price...ded-detail

[dames]

Thank you. That looks fantastic and I am sure I will buy one for my project when the time comes.