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55 3fold Samba Member
Joined: November 12, 2016 Posts: 10 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 9:13 am Post subject: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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Hey guys just thought I would share my experience with the installation of my ragtop mechanism and canvas on my 55' in hope this can help anybody else doing the same.
I purchased the vehicle with the roof in pieces so I didn't have the opportunity to disassemble it.
Finding out info on the net was limited.
I new I had all the pieces for the mechanism from pictures on Grumpys metal website.
I did searches on the samba for 3 fold ragtops and found a thread in the 38-53 forum.
This gave me the much needed info on starting the install of the tension straps with proper spacing and to have the canvas have its correct 3 folds.
The bow nearest the back of the car is 324mm from the finishing screw to the middle of the tension strap where the screw goes through.
The Next bow forward is 376mm from the finishing screw on the middle bow to finishing screw on the rear bow.
Thanks to Rich with these measurements I was able to fasten the tension straps with this correct spacing and get the mechanism all installed and sliding.
Next was the canvas! This was another thing that I couldn't find too much info on. One thing I did realize was that I was missing the seal that runs along the front and sides of the front header bow. It wasn't listed in the parts on Grumpys for the bug but is in the Bus parts section.
I attached the seal with spray glue and then proceeded to install the canvas.
In the rear I lined the tension bar up at the back and punched some elongated holes so I could create more tension on the canvas if need be.
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, aside from some slight wrinkles in places. I'm hoping maybe with it out in the sun it will flatten. If not I will loosen the tension strap screws at the back and pull it tighter.
I will post some more pics with it folded back! Cheers! 
Last edited by 55 3fold on Mon Feb 12, 2018 4:12 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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aa390392 Samba Member

Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 3601 Location: So.Cal
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 10:18 am Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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Thanks for that detailed information , I know it will help in the future to all of those that will attempt the task.
Cheers Thomas _________________ .
getting grumpy & less tolerant!
55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet |
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greek_tony Samba Member

Joined: February 12, 2013 Posts: 243 Location: Athens, Greece
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:43 pm Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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Thanks very much for the info. It'll come in handy in the next few months!
How did you attach the canvas to the header bow? Glue? Rivets?
What about the headliner? How do you fit it? _________________ 1963 Karmann Ghia - Sold
May 53 Ragtop - Resto started
October 65 Fastback - Almost there. |
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55 3fold Samba Member
Joined: November 12, 2016 Posts: 10 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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I used 3M spray glue on both sides, decided to not use the rivets as I don't think they are needed.
I haven't installed the headliner yet so sorry no info on that yet. |
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lovethatconvertible Samba Member

Joined: August 22, 2008 Posts: 1434 Location: Las Vegas N. V.
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 8:18 pm Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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55 3fold, you really should upload your pic's on The Samba. Otherwise this thread in the future will probably turn into dead links. Making it useless. Which would be a bummer. _________________ 1960 Convertible |
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Erik G Samba Member

Joined: October 16, 2002 Posts: 13480 Location: Tejas!
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Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 9:00 am Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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lovethatconvertible wrote: |
55 3fold, you really should upload your pic's on The Samba. Otherwise this thread in the future will probably turn into dead links. Making it useless. Which would be a bummer. |
yep - already dead on my screen, lots of places block imgr _________________ Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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greek_tony Samba Member

Joined: February 12, 2013 Posts: 243 Location: Athens, Greece
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Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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55 3fold wrote: |
I used 3M spray glue on both sides, decided to not use the rivets as I don't think they are needed.
I haven't installed the headliner yet so sorry no info on that yet. |
Thanks for that  _________________ 1963 Karmann Ghia - Sold
May 53 Ragtop - Resto started
October 65 Fastback - Almost there. |
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55 3fold Samba Member
Joined: November 12, 2016 Posts: 10 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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Ok pictures are back up, thanks guys for letting me know about posting them on Samba! No more imgur!! |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 70936 Location: Phoenix 602
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Splitdog Samba Split Personality

Joined: February 16, 2004 Posts: 4133 Location: Planet VW
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 8:18 pm Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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The 3M spray adhesive you can buy at the stores is nowhere near robust enough to glue that canvas for any length of time. Lenny's shop uses this when they're out of regular bulk spray adhesive.
This stuff is awesome. ~$15 _________________ CH³NO²
Z = z² + C
Der Blitzkrieg Kafers
#notacallooker |
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mcvw Samba Member
Joined: July 31, 2006 Posts: 12
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:09 am Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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Hi, would you be able to share where you got the new sunroof mechanism parts (the plastics etc that fit on the ends oof the bows, and also the runners/sliders). Thank you, Mike |
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jitbba Samba Member

Joined: August 20, 2013 Posts: 192 Location: Schulenburg
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tmdenis Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2010 Posts: 16
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Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2024 1:23 am Post subject: Re: 3 fold ragtop install! |
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Hello I’ve installed mine with a bit of your help from what you’ve posted. I’m wonder is there any adjustments to the front header bow. Mine is a little high and it needs to tuck down a bit tighter to the body. Let me know if you could assist with my questions. I’ve checked all over and there is not info on adjustments to the front bow, thanks in advanced.
-54 VW bug ragtop |
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