Official Oval Convertibles thread and Registry

[finster]

what thickness is the plastic? looks like it could be moulded by the same method used to make model aircraft cockpit canopies...
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

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

[BulliBill]

I don't have it in hand at the moment, but as I recall the nice one that I have (I assume that when I got it a decade or two ago) is a reproduction. I think it was fairly thin gauge plastic, and that it should be fairly simple to have molded by someone who reproduces lenses and parts for VWs. I'll try to dig it out and measure it up.

Bill
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[aa390392]

Keep me posted.
Also reasonably priced sunvisors.
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getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[56Cabrio]

Here is my lens,picked it up a couple years ago.

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1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
1963 Hard Top

RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[aa390392]

Thats the one, did you pick up few of them? Bill and I could sure use em
_________________
.
getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[BulliBill]

To be clear, I had the original warped-beyond-use plastic lens (which from memory seemed quite thin, but I can't even find it right now) and 10-15 years ago I bought another one when i saw it, probably at Bad Camberg or somewhere like that. I just dug out my stored interior dome light fixture stuff for my '57 Kabriolett. The original to my Kab wooden base block for the domelight had a broken off ear and a talented buddy of mine, Roy Jonas (who is now a new-to-him Oval owner too) used the original to make a new block and he fabricated a new metal base for the bulbholder (removing and re-mounting the bulbholder ends to the new plate) as my original was somewhat a mess. Da guy has skills!

Enjoy the photos...

The exposed domed side that you see when installed is smooth. It is thicker around the edges that I remembered, averaging about 2mm thick around the outer edges...

Check out the textured underside of this lens. Anyone else have this texture on their lens? I'm guessing that it might have been molded to get that texture under there.

That is a roughly 37mm long 6 volt 5 watt torpedo bulb. I'm wondering if there is a 6 volt LED buld that is 36 to 37 mm long that could be used here to reduce heat, provide a bit more light, and last forever?

If we can either locate someone out there who has new ones (NOS, new, repro) for sale, or can reproduce this relatively simple-shaped plastic lens, I would certainly buy one or two more for "just in case" reasons for the future. Sounds like Tom P. needs one, and I'll bet a bunch of other Oval Kab owners out there have weathered, cracked or missing lenses and would be happy to also stock up! How about it someone?

Bill Bowman
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[56Cabrio]

Bill i can get a hold of the guy i got mine from to see if he has anymore,mine doesn't have the texture on the inside though.
_________________
F#CK CANCER
Make a donation

1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
1963 Hard Top

RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[BulliBill]

Sure, if your buddy still has those lenses for sale I'd buy a spare and it sounds like Tom P. needs one too. Hopefully someone out there repro's them or might do so soon.

Bill
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[aa390392]

Im all in..
Thank you.
Thomas
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.
getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[empiracer]

I’ve been poking around in here for a bit figured I may as well properly introduce myself and my car , I’ve been on the Samba since about 2000 and this is my first convertible, about 5 years ago bought the former rkilbury car out of Florida and since then been picking away at it to make it more my taste

Early 1955 Congo green US delivered

[BulliBill]

Well, for your first Kabriolett, you've done it right! Beautiful car, nice paint and upholstery too. Now drive the hell out of it. Sweet!

Bill
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[empiracer]

Thanks Bill , i first saw this car when attending Winterjam in 2010 , it definitely left an impression on me

Aside from the obvious stance and running gear adjustment , i deleted the center mount antenna, repaired some rust issues in the floor pan , removed and added several accessories , this winter I hope to replace the wiring harness
Im also piecing together a autotechnik kit for the engine

[BulliBill]

Simply out of curiosity, what issue made you change out the center mounted antennae. Seems like a fairly rare option. I actually have a NOS one that I'm considering using on my project '57 Kabriolett so I'm interested in hearing about what you disliked about that antenna set-up. Thanks! That's a gorgeous Convert!

Bill

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_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[empiracer]

I thought it looked really cool but The 2 primary issues that lead me to undo it , the car originally had the side mount on the front quarter and had metal plugs over the holes, #2 the biggest issue was that the roof would hit the antenna when opening ( the antenna was cut / modified , you’d have to remove top section of antenna and then open roof ) and ultimately I felt the center mount is more of a split beetle detail

This photo shows how the roof would hit

[BulliBill]

Wow! Makes perfect sense! I wondered also about top bow clearance when opening/closing the top frame. While I've thought about that issue, I've never mocked it all up to check that issue out on mine, as I bought my Kabriolett fully dis-assembled and in boxes, and so far I haven't even put the convertible top frame back onto my body to be able to try that antennae fit issue out. Your photo clearly shows the issue. Ha ha, maybe I can find some youngster with skills and a 3-D printer to make a slightly longer plastic standoff! Thank you for your comments and illuminating photo! I want a ride in your beautiful Kabriolett someday...

Bill Bowman
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[empiracer]

[aa390392]

Very nice Kab...very nice!
I like the ride height.
_________________
.
getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[empiracer]

[BulliBill]

Allrighty! Anyone know what this rubber seal goes to on an Oval Convertible or Sedan or ??? The inner diameter of the hole is about 19.5 mm.

It was in a box of parts for my project '57 Kabriolett. Don't remember seeing this goodie on my '55 Sunroof. Help if you recognize it!

Bill
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[Mack Griffith]

Looks like the rubber piece that goes behind the rear view mirror on a sedan. Not for a kab.

Mack