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'72 Convertible Top
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brooksinc1976
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:19 pm    Post subject: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

Really wasn't planning on rebuilding the top but here I am. I need some big help. Mainly where do I start and where do I get good parts? These pics sux I'll get better when I get over to the interior shop tomorrow. Should I pull the frame off or leave it on to mess with? Thanks. Many more questions/pics to follow.
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cwatts
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:32 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 very top Reply with quote

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Just doing my hood at the moment and have ordered and received a shipment from Chuck’s Convertibles - new bows and a bunch of other items. Loved the quality of the bows, they are beautiful and although early days I do not see much to modify to fit. Take the hood off, clean it up, replace bolts and plates etc, trial fit, remove and paint - then final fit and follow these instructions...

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
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cwatts
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:39 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 very top Reply with quote

Sorry my mistake...

Follow these awesome instructions - many thanks Ghiaaddict from those of us who have read your post over and over again. From my side you have given me (rightly or wrongly) the confidence to do this and your guidance is muchly appreciated!

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
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djkeev
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 11:33 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

I haven't rebuilt mine just Yet but it is something that I will need to do.

The frame is like an angry octopus when it is not fastened into the Ghia.

Leave it in right now and spray every joint, screw, bolt and pivot point with a rust buster product.

Slowly work the top up and down being 100% sure that bits are moving and pivoting...... not bending!

Once it is freely working evaluate if you need to media blast it before paint or just sand and paint the frame. The frame needs to be a smooth painted surface for the top rubs against it and some parts are glued to the frame as well.

It is quite easy to remove the topless frame for paint, just six bolts, three on each side just inside the door....... you will need a 17mm wrench/socket. If you still have them there are plastic side panels that are covering the mechanism. These are often brittle and fragile...... and expensive!
Be very nice to them!
The glass bumpers, the seat belt upper mount and a number of screws need to be removed first.

I have used Chuck's Convertible in the past when I worked on my old Super Beetle top.

A nicer, more honest or more helpful person you will not find.
Yes, other retailers will sell you parts, maybe even a dollar or two cheaper, but Chuck KNOWS these tops and will offer his customers help and advice.
My experience was that he has a decent inventory of used parts too. You need something? Just ask.

Plan on spending $1200, possibly more on parts for this project. If it us badly worn possibly more depending on your individual needs.

M&T among others sell Convertible Parts too.

Post lots of photos for us to enjoy!

Have fun!

Dave
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brooksinc1976
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PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 12:57 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

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Not too bad. Gonna need the front wood and a hook. Can you get a replacement spring for the back window?

Thc
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djkeev
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PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 1:01 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

You can get the latch.
Springs are easy to make.

Call Chuck, tell him what you are doing, get some pricing from him, he might just have one!

Dave
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PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 5:33 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

Having done this job, and it is a bear of a job......
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........ I would recommend this approach

1/ remove the frame off the car.
2/ disassemble the frame and clean every part of it.
3/ paint every metal part with primer and top coat ( black or anthracite)
4/ replace all the rubber and bushes on the frame
5/ refurbish the front bow as much as possible and coat it with Epoxy
6/ reinstall the frame on the car paying action to the setup per the body manual
7/ install the door rubbers and align the windows to seal on the frame correctly
8/ proceed with the head liner padding and roof installation.

But if you don't need to that thorough at least replace all the rubber and bushes

Nicholas
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 6:05 am    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

Are you installing this top yourself?
It seems to be in an upholstery shop?

If so, is he buying a top to install or making you one from scratch?

Dave
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kman
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 9:29 am    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

The only money I spent on mine was for the top. I made a bunch of the parts myself including most of the wood bows, some of the frame linkages and arms and some bushings. I also made a rear window hinge.
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NOVA Airhead
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 11:16 am    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

There are several threads in the stickies on convertible top repair:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=433752

As for that latch. These things are like a swiss watch in their precision and complexity. They are also easy to break. As far as I know they cannot be repaired...or at least they are not easy to repair.

KGPR has repros from time to time but they are not cheap.

I did my top without ever having done one before by following these instructions.

Good Luck!
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brooksinc1976
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:34 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

Yes It's at an interior shop, once he saw the wood bows he called because that was outside of the quote. I guess my biggest question is if it is functioning properly should I clean it up and paint it on the car and just fix the bow and that hook or should I pull it off and do a major rehab?
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:57 pm    Post subject: Re: '72 Convertible Top Reply with quote

I would do (and what I plan to do) .......

Make sure the top functions as it should right now.
All pivot points pivot, all latches latch, all hinges hinge......

The broken hooks are the hold down hooks when folded so it doesn't bounce while driving.
The hooks are easily replaced and readily available.

Once you know it functions, remove the top.

Clean the old glue and top bits off....

Remove the rotted wood.....

Disassemble what you can, wire brush it, treat it for rust and paint it.

Reassemble the assembly and fit it onto the body.

Install the new wood, adjust and fit the assembly to fit and operate.

Now install the top.

Dave
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