Replacing Convertible Support Rails Explained

[Daverham]

After digging around the web a bit more, I believe I've found that the tube would contain the wiring harness. Odd to me, since a hardtop car doesn't even have that support rail... so I don't know why the wiring harness wouldn't just go in the same place as it does on the hardtops... unless it goes through the roof maybe!

[far rider]

Wire harness ran thru it.

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67 zenith blue sunroof

Contentment; when what you have is what you want.

[jeffff]

Would it be possible to just replace the support rails (weld them to the bottom of the channel) without seperating the body? Assuming of course the heater channels aren't rusty as well...unlikely but you never know haha.

The picture above makes it look like the support rails are not only welded but attached, in a groove.

[Temo]

I'm replacing the heater channels on a '72 SB convertible.

Do you recommend that keep the doors?

If my pillars are rusted away, doesn't that mess up the proper fitting of the door?

Is there a measurement that I can go by?

Thanks.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[buntist]

Has anyone found reinforcement rails with a bulge in the front on the passenger side? This is where the wire harness runs.
WW just told me theirs doesn’t have one.

[esde]

SOoooo,
I'm getting ready to install new floor pans, heater channels, and support rails on a 65 beetle. The original parts were pretty well rotted away, so not much evidence on how things were originally. I currently have the Klassic Fab channels bolted to the Wolfsburg West rails and floor pans to make sure the holes all line up. I assume the factory had the rails welded to the heater channels, can anyone comment on the number of welds and spacing? It feels like drilling the rails so I can plug weld would be the right way, but for all I know Karmann just stitch welded the edges. Any help is appreciated.
SD
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modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

[esde]

Rather than add to this post, which seems to be mostly questions and pictures with dead links, I've started a new thread on the 65 convertible I'm fixing. Pictures and descriptions are here
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=776759
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modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.