1970 Convertible Top Replacement

[G Falk]

I've been dealing with this same header bow issue as everyone is experiencing when replacing. My '58 original bow was completely unsalvageable. This car has been a long, several year process of rebuilding and as such I have made many parts purchases which I duplicated because I forgot I had already purchased! In this case, I had inadvertantly purchased 2 wood headers from M&T. Well, that was an expensive but worthwhile mistake as the first attempt at installation was a fail with too much taken off, split wood etc.
As it turns out, after installing the second poorly shaped bow, the fix to close the gap was to remove the leading edge from the first replacement bow and glue and screw it to the second. Now it's still a little tight on the ends, but I can continue to sand down until the 2mm gap is correct. But the center is almost perfect now. The beauty here was that the curvature was correct when attaching it to the second bow. A costly but necessary lesson to be able to have the top installed.
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'58 black ghia 'vert
'58 amazon green ghia 'vert
'61 Samba Sold 3/27/20
'56 beetle amazon green 'vert Sold 7/19/21
'61 pacific blue ghia 'vert Sold 1/6/24 to FL.
'61 Turkis Standard sold 7/22
‘62 pacific blue survivor ghia sold to HI
'66 Velvet Green Doublecab sold
‘59 cognac ghia coupe
'61 Pacific ghia 'vert 42k orig. miles
'61 Mango Singlecab
'54 Barndoor Deluxe
'54 strato silver beetle ragtop
'58 PGSG Standard

[68 Ghia Vert]

Does anyone know if these measurements work for a 68 ghia with Center crank.

[rbsurfguy]

Thanks Nicholas re Vince, I figured what the answer would be but didn't want to assume anything, and I did note it had been around 2013-2014 when he last posted. Sad.

Braukuche, I hear you, I worked out most of the issues already with my top frame and header, for now, my header was an original that I had to do some repair work on, noted on my build thread. I've had to make a lot of adjustments and know I will have more with padding and readjusting the weather strip rubber around the frame. Sure I could pay someone to do it, but as you and many others, trying to do as much as I can. I put a top on it around 25 years ago or so and it didn't come out too bad, didn't have near the experience/knowledge I have now, so more confident in my skills...Hey I got my windshield installed in 3-5 minutes, so....
Jeff
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1971 Ghia convertible (Body off rebuild)
2019 VW Atlas 4Motion
2012 Passat-Sold


See my build on The Samba at:
Jeff's 71 Vert Restoration/Reassembly http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=

[sputnick60]

[Braukuche]

[rbsurfguy]

Since I am getting close to attempting to install my top and headliner, I've read through this whole thread, again..(ok 8th or 9th time).

First, was there ever a resolution on what happened to Vince? The thread mentioned no one had heard from him due to to some illness, but it fell off after that.

As I have done with much advice and examples of how to do things from other Samba Members, following their builds, I have printed off pages of things for my own workbook. So what I have done with this awesome Convertible Top Replacement is to cut and paste all of the pictures, instructions, and responses to questions in clarifying how to follow these step by step instructions. I took out all of the comments, questions, and kudos. I now have my Expert Convertible Top and headliner Install Workbook.

I've got this on a Word doc and can also save to pdf. If the moderators would like to post it somewhere I would be happy to send it, just tell me which address to send.
Jeff
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1971 Ghia convertible (Body off rebuild)
2019 VW Atlas 4Motion
2012 Passat-Sold


See my build on The Samba at:
Jeff's 71 Vert Restoration/Reassembly http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=

[sputnick60]

[Volkstuning]

Can anyone help with this part? Thanks

[johnnyniceguy]

Thanks to all that contributed to this forum.
I cannot believe the how this will help me.

[sputnick60]

Interesting...I notice he has the wooden bows as well.
The prices aren't super crazy either, for a European supply.
Nicholas
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'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Karmannwil]

This paddind I bought at a German supplier. Maybe you can buy this here appart.

https://cabrio.de/de/

Triumpf tr4 1963
Karmann ghia 1969 (in restauration)

Wilfried.

[sputnick60]

[Bleyseng]

Who or what is Rugier Huber? Have a link?
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70 Ghia Black convert-9/69 build date-stock w/133k 1600 SP-barn find now with a rebuilt tranny and engine
77 Westy 2.0L w/Ljet, Camper Special engine-95hp and with LSD!(sold)
76 Porsche 914 2.1L L20c, 120hp Djet (sold)
87 Syncro Westy Titan Red 2.1L 2 knob 100k miles

[sputnick60]

That thickness is correct. The material is coconut husk sandwiched with a modern furniture padding. It is way better that using foam that will decay in a few short years. I would prefer using 100% husk but that might be difficult to find. I know Rugier Huber did stock it, but I've not seen any other supplier. Maybe if you know a furniture restorer that might provide a clue of where to get that stuff.

Nicholas
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'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Karmannwil]

Padding in 3 parts with in the middle horsehair(coconut)
Does anyone have experience with this?, what is the top.
Total thickness is 4 cm is this normal?

[NOVA Airhead]

[tlambert]

[Brisyb]

Hi Ghiaaddict, do you happen to have a softcopy, or know where I can get, of the Convertible Top, Model 14 manual you show in your post.

I have a 1971 model and am rebuilding the top so correct measurements etc. are needed.

[veedub13]

[crocteau]