How do you tell if it\'s a factory convertible?

Bertie_64 Casual Dubber

25 posts · joined Nov 2006 · 23 Aug 2007, 9:35 pm

#608153

I'm looking at buying a Beetle Convertible at the moment. Not sure what year it is yet. Apparently it's all there and has been stored in a shed for a few years. The owner said it was used for promotional work. I'm beginning to wonder if it's an actual factory cabrio. But, the problem is, I don't know anything about the Cabrio's. Are there any tell-tale signs of knowing if the roof is factory and the entire car? Because they're asking for a very small fortune for it, and I don't think they're aware of the value of Cabrio's.
I'd appreciate any help on this.
Cheers!
Mandy

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 23 Aug 2007, 9:43 pm

#608154

The rear side windows roll up & down for starters

65 Meyers Manx
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helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 23 Aug 2007, 9:44 pm

#608155

What year is it?

Factory Volkwagen Karmann cabriolet is very different to an aftermarket convertible.

This is the Karmann, quite few picture here, with a quick web search, you will find more

http://www.beetlecabrio.co.uk/top_classifieds.htm

Convertibles are a sedan with the original roof removed, with varying degrees of quality.

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11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 23 Aug 2007, 9:46 pm

#608158

65 Meyers Manx
68 Country Buggy (KO 367)
68 Country Buggy (KO 669)
68 Country Buggy (KO 789)
68 Country Buggy (KO 815)
68 Baja Bug
76 Baja Kombi Twincab

vwtyp2 Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,504 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 23 Aug 2007, 10:20 pm

#608167

chrome frames around windows too

Most people seem normal, till you get to know them.

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

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Aug 2007, 9:25 am

#608198

Karmann cabriolets have different doors to the normal beetle.
the small quarter window on the door is always FLAT on
the top on a Karmann cabriolet...
it should have a Karmann badge on it....

back yard convertibles aren't worth much and every one is different... photo of Non genuine convertible...

Karmann made cabriolets are money in the bank...

cheers

Lee

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squizy Thinking about another dub...maybe

4,082 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 24 Aug 2007, 1:30 pm

#608225

Underneath the hood, the rear metal work does not run flush - it actually steps down. Most aftermarket chops are flat all the way around. Also there will be no rear vents above the engine lid.

Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,610 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 24 Aug 2007, 2:40 pm

#608234

There are big box strengtheners running underneath each of the heater channels. You can see these when you look under the running boards. The windscreen is flatter along the top edge. The rear side windows roll up and down, the quarter windows are flat on top, the rear window is glass and the top has a liner and padding as well as the outer canvas/vinyl.

The engine lid has vents in it, there are little strengthening fillets at the bottom of the A and B pillars. Underneath the front edge of the rear seat bottom, the rail it sits on is a structural piece that runs from side to side of the car and is about 100mm high. Under the fron hood, there is also some metal about 20mm wide by 150mm long welded from the top of the inside of the quarter panel going to the area near the wheel well. The karmann badge should also be there on the drivers side only. The chassis number should also start with a 15 with the 3rd number (either a 1 or a 2) being for left or right hand drive so a 151 is left hand drive and 152 is a right hand drive (from the factory).

I think that lists all the differences.

Cheers

Yogie

megalania Insano Dub Head

722 posts · joined May 2006 · 24 Aug 2007, 4:04 pm

#608248

I thought the 10k price difference would be a give away.:P

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 24 Aug 2007, 10:03 pm

#608323

easiest way to tell is cabs dont have roll bars to stop them ratteling to pieces
plus its pretty obviuos a choptop u can tell around the windscreen has just been hacked off and welded up

cabrios have a nicely finished windscreen frame and chrome frames round the door glass

i highly doubt its a cab
mis-informed ppl are under the impression these days that there crappy hack job convertables are worth money
just have a look at ebay LOL

-Joel

Twokombies Seriously Crusin Dubber

193 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 24 Aug 2007, 11:30 pm

#608329

If it looks like a malnourished cow with all it's ribs protruding, then it is a chop shop job.
The genuine article is a smooth double skinned setup and the rest of the beetle is of equally high finish.
The rear windows winding up and down is another genuine feature.

ancientbugger Custom Title Time!

1,986 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 25 Aug 2007, 6:14 am

#608335

I'm just too emotional at the moment to respond to this, sorry!