Convertible top material questions- 1962

[mrsoup]

I have a 1962 Beetle convertible that needs a new top. I am having a difficult time finding information regarding what is correct material. Did VW use canvas or vinyl for the '62 model year? Were the color options either white or black only? Is there a link that I am missing to access convertible specific information?

I am also looking for a good source for a quality top kit, any recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks

[hitest]

Both my '60 and '62 convertibles came with Haartz pinpoint vinyl new from the factory- blue match on my gulf blue car, green on Sargasso green.

Compare how Chuck's Convertibles treats these cars vs. West Coast Classic Restoration. They are just two of vert authorities.
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[mrsoup]

Thanks for the response-
So many were color matched to the exterior color of the car, interesting

What would be correct for my Ruby Red?

[rcooled]

[hitest]

[rcooled]

[hitest]

I've seen first-hand their covers are super tight. A friend's '52 ragtop was so tight to open everyone KNEW something would tear or a handle would break! They ship them inside-out because that's how they are easiest to install on the headers. If you roll them onto the header the sewn seam automatically stays to one side of the header or the other (like a pillow case). Seat upholstery is shipped I/O from WCCR and installed the same way. Everything I've received from Lenny requires a lot of steam.

WCCR sell their kits primarily to upholstery shops but TMI and Sewfine are definitely a little more end-user friendly. I turn their kits inside-out as well- just to make install easier. Sadly, Sewfine also does not have or offer the right Haartz pinpoint vinyl for the anthracite roof. I may resort to canvas- but it goes against every fiber of my being.

Thanks for the tip of veteranco! I've never seen those folks.
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[Brunofld]

Hi Everyone, I don't know if this is the right place to post this questions but let's try. I have a 1962 Sedan Lomousine , the original color was Pearl White , than my grandfather painted it with pacific blue and now I'm looking forward to paint it with a GULF BLUE L390. My doubt is in this colour. On the Technical section of TheSamba, the image for gulf blue is a really bright blue, really close to pacific blue but in fact the table shows a huge diffence between them.

This is the table for 1962 Sedan

This is the Image for Gulf blue , on technical section

This is the Image for Gulf blue in other places:

This last one is the closest I can find for the colour preview on the table , but it isn't not even close to the image that shows up in that table (first bug).

Can anyone help me understanding and identifying the correct colours for each image ? What is the true L390 ?

Many thanks

[hitest]

You really can't compare two photos of repainted gulf blue cars and choose the closest. You need to look at original cars- type 3s included and get a round of cars to compare. There are tons in the galleries.

Both my gulf blue cars are more similar to the second photo. I would characterize it as having a drop of yellow to bring a hint of green to the blue- making it slightly greener than a dove blue as seen on bugs and buses. Further, the top photo looks like it is clear coated- which will always skew the base color in most lights.
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[hitest]

Here's Joel's beautiful OG GB beetle from the l390 gallery:

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[bugmandave]

Ruby vert would have either a black or grey top. Look on WW color charts for correct info. Mine was canvas from factory

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'63 Karmann Cabriolet L456 Rubin (Ruby Red)
'71 Westfalia campmobile tourist delivery
January '59 SWR panel
'63 Karmann Cabriolet L54 Poppy Red

[BryanNunes]