Hinge covers, convertible. How to install?

[BenneGu]

Can anyone explain how these hinge covers are installed? Maybe a picture of a successful installation?

Just bought them, never had them. Expensive stuff so don't want to make a mistake. Should they come on the outside of the top fabric or inside? Not even sure in which direction they shall be installed.

My fabric is secured with a screw just below the 3 hinge bolts, so it interferes with the cover I guess. Maybe the screw shall instead be attached to the new plastic cover?

Have searched for while but fail to find a picture of the installed cover. Pictures of my car attached. Maybe I hold the cover with wrong orientation? Thanks in advance!

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1973 1303 Convertible, 1974 1303S Limo/Sedan, 1971 Motobecane motorbike

[Cusser]

These help? Original ones on my 1971.

Maybe I could shoot a photo with the seat folded forward...
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[BenneGu]

Thanks! That clarifies the orientation! Great start. I can also see that the fabric is fitted to the outside of the cover. The shiny metal fitting, is that for a top cover?

Are they attached just with the 2 bolts also used for the seat clip/fastener? Or also some other way? I'm guessing the covers would be a bit flimsy with just 2 bolt quite centrally on the cover? Lovely forum!
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1973 1303 Convertible, 1974 1303S Limo/Sedan, 1971 Motobecane motorbike

[finster]

looks to me like you're holding it upside down, the scoop with the two holes should face the front and the lip goes behind the side trim panel

just held by the two seat bracket screws and the press stud is for a cover
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

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

[Cusser]

[BenneGu]

Thanks a lot for your help! My new cover arrived today so hope to post pictures of a successful installation of cover and cover panels soon!
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1973 1303 Convertible, 1974 1303S Limo/Sedan, 1971 Motobecane motorbike

[BenneGu]

Again thanks for all help. The covers are now installed, looks and works well. Note that the back seat is not original, but I think the covers are installed in the same place as with original seat. Just had to cut the hole for the cross beam a bit larger.

Note: the cover plates with VW logo are home-made (3D printed). I think they give a good support (spread loads) and reduce the risk for cracks if the covers are exposed for some forces. Will also paint the screw head black.

This forum is so useful, thanks to the admin guys and all contributors!

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1973 1303 Convertible, 1974 1303S Limo/Sedan, 1971 Motobecane motorbike

[BenneGu]

And finally, a picture with back rest reinstalled. The 3D printed cover plates turned out to be hidden by the seats..... anyway I know they are there....

Very pleased with the result.

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1973 1303 Convertible, 1974 1303S Limo/Sedan, 1971 Motobecane motorbike

[William G]

I bought the same item for my 1971 Super Beetle Convertible. Unfortunately, the pre-drilled holes to not match the hardware in my car. Unless someone has another idea, I will have to cut larger holes in the plastic. I am disappointed that the vendor lacks sufficient knowledge to sell the appropriate parts.

After configuring [cutting] the covers to fit over the back seat stop and latch hardware, I discovered that the covers interfered with the operation of the hinges. I gave up. The vendor in California should have known better.

[Maltboy!]

My covers used to rub the hinges as well. I had to remove some if the lip where the cover bends in 90 degrees where they cut the hinge opening. The openings are pre cut from the factory but they require additional trimming. I was able to get them to look good and work perfectly with some trimming.
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76 Super Beetle convertible, Ford Chrome Yellow - body-off restoration, 100% of work done by me

59 Beetle convertible, future project - 25,000 actual miles, original interior