Early 1955 3 fold sunroof rails

[nlorntson]

What range year did the sunroof rails with the plastic insert run? 1952 to early 55 or something else?

Would a May 1955 have rails with the insert or rails without the insert?

Picture borrowed from gallery:

[Mark Evans]

I also have a May '55 sunroof car. I don't remember there being any plastic inserts (currently dismantled) but can check.
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'63 Ragtop

[55 3fold]

When you say plastic inserts are you talking about the black guide trim that runs down the outer channel? (they are missing in photo) I believe first couple months of 53 they were added! My May 55 definitely has them!

[nlorntson]

Yes, missing in the above photo. So it sounds like a May 55 had the plastic strip.

When did it stop?

[Jonnyla]

My May 4th car does too. 🤘🏼
Although I don't know if mind are the originals to the car.
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'55 3 fold sedan, stock with lower stance (project)
'57 sedan, future old speed outlaw style (project)

[55 3fold]

They would have run until the end of the 3 fold assembly, early Aug 55. with the introduction of the roller system instead of a friction sliding roof mechanism.

[Mark Evans]

Mine do indeed have the outer nylon strips as well. Been packed away for over ten years...
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'63 Ragtop

[nlorntson]

Mark, thank you for checking!

I've heard the plastic strip is the same as the stuff used in deluxe trim. Does anyone have a source of just the small amount needed?

[EverettB]

[john7]

[Bruce]

It's vinyl.
At one time WCM had it.
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[Chip]

My July 55 has the plastic inserts.

[mr white]

Can someone tell me when the three fold cut off was in 1955? I know of a ribbed door bullet fender car made in Nov- Dec 55.

[Bruce]

[mr white]

1955 is the year of magicians regarding VWs. This is old news! This car is real. Robbed doors. I suspect two fold. Vin starts -1 10 from what I recall.

[OvalinAz]

I helped restore a late july or early august of 55 bullet fender 3 fold. no semi's and not a graft
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[mr white]

Are you saying all -1 prefix 55 bugs are three fold ragtops? This particular( I have terrible pics in the gallery) is a Nov- Dec 55 bug. Bullet fender, no semaphores, ribbed door car. Two fold! Early 1956 model year. Snow flake car. Vin is -1 10 something from what I can read. Pics of the three fold opening in 54-55 would help with measurements. Regarding 1955, I have a few type 2s that defy logic- rules!

[AlteWagen]

My Oct 55 has a vin with 1-0998** and is a non ribbed car. A friend has a Aug 55 build vert 1-0924 that uses a 55 pan which SHOULD have come with ribbed doors but came with the new non ribbed stuff as well.

A ribbed 2 fold NEVER came built from the factory, not sure if the CKD had the possibility of that combo.

Back in the day a a few buddies build early ovals (54 and 55) with 2 fold rags, one job was almost undetectable due to great install but again done after the fact.

Agreed that 55 was a crazy year for VWs, so many changes to the cars especially with the YOM starting that year, for Type 2 they were moving from Wolfsburg to the new location so Im sure some growing pains as well.

With as much PO hackery being done since the beginning Ive seen many "factory" cars that were pan jobs with crazy hacks to try to fool the unknowing.
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[Jonnyla]

Is the car your referring to the one in your gallery labeled "sept-oct 1955"?
If so I don't see door alignment wedges in the 'b' pillars. So that would mean not original door. I agree with altwagen as well.
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'55 3 fold sedan, stock with lower stance (project)
'57 sedan, future old speed outlaw style (project)

[nlorntson]

Who knows what size screws are used to hold the rails down? M4 but how long?