Chopped roof question?

DubbyFan Wolfsburg Wizard

518 posts · joined Nov 2010 · 15 Nov 2012, 6:48 am

#931251

Wondering if those roof chops where people have chopped out just the roof and left the sides, windscreen and rear window frames still in need to be engineered in NSW?

I guess I am talking a cheapy home done rag top, not a full blown convertible. I am guessing most of the strength is still in the vehicle therefore no need for engineers approval?

Am I correct? Thanks.......

vwo60 Veteran Volks Folk

2,036 posts · joined Feb 2007 · 15 Nov 2012, 7:37 am

#931258

It will need to be engineered as a lot of strength is in the curved shape of the roof.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 17 Nov 2012, 4:27 pm

#931575

DubbyFan wrote:Wondering if those roof chops where people have chopped out just the roof and left the sides, windscreen and rear window frames still in need to be engineered in NSW?

I guess I am talking a cheapy home done rag top, not a full blown convertible. I am guessing most of the strength is still in the vehicle therefore no need for engineers approval?

Am I correct? Thanks.......

YIKES

a lot of the strength of the beetle body is in the roof...
Cut the roof off and open the doors...
and You will find out what happens..
plus when driving the car, the doors will be making/taking a lot of the strength to hold the car up and the locks will be rattling...

You need a LOT of EXTRA support from steel bars welded underneath the chassis from front to back..

The genuine VW beetle convertible has a lot of extra weight to carry around..

and it will all depend on the engineer how much is needed..
He may go overboard and You will have to use a LOT of re-inforcing steel bars etc...

And with modifying cars laws like they are...
I wouldn't do it...

LEE

The Cloth type sunroofs that were in beetles in the 50s and 60s were all re-inforced with steel around the opening...

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 17 Nov 2012, 6:12 pm

#931588

It's just a sardine tin conversion Lee, it's only the sheet metal of the roof thats cut out, the side strengthening is all still there.

A friend owned one by Sunbug in the 90s, they are much sturdier than a full convertable.

Same design as the Mexican factory OpenAir Beetles.

Although most aus converted ones just have button on tops.

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 17 Nov 2012, 7:06 pm

#931600

Tin top to rag top conversion does not legally require an engineers report. It is still a sedan vehicle. It is only if you convert a Beetle from being a two door sedan to a 'convertible' or 'roadster' that you need an engineers report. This is what I do for a job every day on cars, V8 conversion, 4 wheel discs, chop, convertible, coupe, stretch limo etc. I deal with engineers reports on motor cars based on the NCOP and VSB14 in VIC in the VASS scheme. Other states are similar.

It is a way to get a fun car happening for a budget price. Cut, chop I am always for it. You do not need an engineers report to do a rag top.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

vwo60 Veteran Volks Folk

2,036 posts · joined Feb 2007 · 18 Nov 2012, 7:55 am

#931685

If there is no extra support put in place there would be a reduction of torsional strength, that panel has a lot of strength and removing it would comprosmise that as it no longer ties the two sides of the roof together.

bluebaja Officially Full-On Dubber

233 posts · joined Oct 2003 · 13 Feb 2013, 2:18 pm

#943526

I would be keen to see any photos of whats involved with a sardine top or if there are any kits around.
I bought a convertible and found the channels and other sections totally stuffed with rust I have a sedan body which is good but i really wanted the open top. Perhaps this IS the answer!!