VW Convertibles

1 post · joined Sep 2005 · 3 Sep 2005, 9:05 pm

#403966

Hi

I heard that a sedan configured to a convertible can alter the stability of the body and more importantly, change the airflow/air-cooling. is this right? I am looking at a 69 convertible (non-manufactured) and the owner says he has not had any trouble. Should I steer clear or what?

Appreciate any advice, thoughts etc

blutopless2 DAMSLO

2,457 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 4 Sep 2005, 8:30 pm

#404183

many years ago i was looking at converting a 69 sedan to convertible and was told by the mechanic that to pass the engineers certificate it would need structural improvement up both pillars (behind the doors) and accross the floorpan as it would be severely weakened by making it into a convertible. I guess as long as it has passed the necessary regulations on modifications etc it should be ok.
it would be interesting to see what changes vw made between the sedans and convertibles.
as for the cooling etc... not sure if it would be effected...
good luck and hth

see.... air and water do mix 😉

1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Sep 2005, 7:32 am

#404276

Yep u have read correct STAY clear of it... spend your money on a good sedan or save up n buy a real Cabrio

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

mscabrio Cabriolet Queen

2,308 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 8 Sep 2005, 1:55 pm

#405482

blutopless2 wrote:many years ago i was looking at converting a 69 sedan to convertible and was told by the mechanic that to pass the engineers certificate it would need structural improvement up both pillars (behind the doors) and accross the floorpan as it would be severely weakened by making it into a convertible. I guess as long as it has passed the necessary regulations on modifications etc it should be ok.
it would be interesting to see what changes vw made between the sedans and convertibles.
as for the cooling etc... not sure if it would be effected...
good luck and hth

WHAT ?????? WHEN ???????? i hope that it wasn't one of mine that you were planning on chopping the roof off!

I agree with VW54, buy a genuine cabrio ..... believe me, it is so worth it

🤘

Fossil Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,649 posts · joined May 2004 · 14 Sep 2005, 5:17 pm

#407874

Go the cab - some out there for the sale all you got to do is find themnn[ Edited on 9/14/2005 by Fossil ]

Let me out, When I call my name
IGOR is ALIVE !!!! 😎

sugarlips Seriously Crusin Dubber

103 posts · joined Oct 2003 · 24 Sep 2005, 6:39 pm

#411261

...it was 'converted' in 91. They had to put lots of extra metal underneath for stability (which can be a pain over speedhumps etc), there are still a number of them on the roads so long as it has all the right paperwork you shouldnt be too worried, yes its noisier in the wet & wind but it depends on how good a job it was & how well the hood fits, id be more concerned that its roadworthy & has a strong rollbar. I bet the one you're looking at is inexpensive & you'll love it to bits in summertime!

Wouldnt want to be in a smash with one tho - the rear of mine is mostly fibreglass post-chop...
Regards

S

MISS VDUB Administrator Mrs KOMBIBOB

2,565 posts · joined Sep 2005 · 2 Oct 2005, 8:12 pm

#413794

I have never had any problems with mine, nor has anyone else i know that has one. Mine was chopped professionally years ago by the Bug Factory, so it was strengthened as well, some back yard jobs may not have this extra strenthening? Those who have complained about roofs leaking is only due to the fact they are too cheap to find a decent upholsterer who knows what they are doind (and there are alot of upholsterers who have no idea how to make a convertible roof for a beetle that fits or looks right)

Plus not everyone can afford a new cabrio guys, so we have fun with what we've got, and i love mine! :thumb

1963 Single Cab Ute: "El Concreto"
1962 Baja Beetle: "Peanut"
1968 Porsche 912 SWB: "Pip"
1972 Kombi Snail: "The Snail"
2012 Skoda Octavia Scout: "Scout"
2016 Scirocco R: "Rocco"

Bug26 Learner Dubber

14 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 5 Oct 2005, 10:00 pm

#414677

I brought mine 18 months ago, when it rains I get wet, when its cold I freeze, with the roof on the wind comes in everywhere, but its the best fun to drive. The kids love it and the wife is starting to come around very very slowly:P