Hi all,

Just wondering what the Britax sun roofs are any good as I just won a 72 model with rag top on ebay, mainly only want it for the roof and can sell off any other usable parts.

Not planning on it going in current project, just keeping for a rainy day. I think !!!!!


Kev

when they're in good nick they're great
i had a car with one for years, when it's shut you wouldnt even know it's there, theres no wind noise or drafts, never leaked a drop, although in rain it does sound like your sitting in a tent

only problem is when the vinyl gets old and brittle it cracks where they fold and they can start leaking

be sure to keep the tracks sprayed with lubricant every month or so as well

I had one on my old Bug, it was ok, never leaked & no draft.

Good quality. My uncle's has lasted for nearly 15 years before the vinyl started to show signs of falling apart.

Thanks guys. Starting to wonder if I should fit this to my car that I am building. Perfect time as the body is still back to bare metal, just not sure if I really want one when it comes to the crunch. However, I'm going to pick it up tomorrow so I may have some other spare parts for sale in the near future.

Kev

Yep, I carn't knock em. Had one for the last 7 years almost now. Inside the lining is in need of replacement. But hey, never leaked. No draft or anything from it. Was happy as when you open it up and enjoy it.

Personal opinion here

You are doing a grade 1 rebuild on an early 60's

Britax sun roofs are definitely 70's - just look at the handle

They are no where near as strong as a Golde - a Golde has a 1" frame that supports weight. A Britax just clamps to the hole you cut. Have a dif for Black Betty by Che Castro (jonathon) He cut a Golde in and it shows the strength.


Here is Jon's post
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=24785&page=5 

and here is one Bugboy did
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=6283&page=5#pid563003 

All i am is saying is be 100% this is what you want - I just think every time you sit inside and see that big black plastic handle you will think "did thay HAVE plastic in '63???"

Additionally - i find it hard to believe a Britax wont compromise the integrity of the stiffness of the body

This is a Golde handle

There was a pic in the ebay link that shows the Britax handle - large and plastic

OK - here is Britax


As i said - it is only my opinion

they made them electric in the early 90s but ive only seen the manual style in bugs

mine was 19 years old when i sold the car in 2007 and only fault with it aside from the winddeflector breaking off was the top cover was just starting to get perishing cracks where it folds when open

and that was on a car that lived outside alot

theres a guy on here that had an 2 tone Sbug with one that he had recovered with merc cabrio material which looked ok
cant remember his AVD handle is but the car got cut up

For me it's the bolt in flimsy nature of the Britax. They are not bad for what they are, but you can definately notice the reduction in rigidity with either roof, the Golde not so much though as the welded/pressed metal structure is prety strong. Put bars, shocks, low profile rubber and a big engine etc etc and all of a sudden the car isn't so stiff anymore.

very true
worse yet are those sardine tin rollback top bugs
they're like driving around a fold up deckchair with half the bolts missing and a dak dak in the back

Yep, perfect analogy. I know more than just one car like that.

got one in my 72 notch and love it. I don't have the wind deflector tho.

Although I just bought this car, I am going to try and sell it complete in the new year. If not will dismantle and sell as parts, starting with the roof section. The body has rust, but from a quick look the doors are good (hinges are tight & good alignment), front and back guards look ok, also sell glass, headlights etc - just take a bit of work.

Hope you all had a great Christmas, Kevin

got your other photos come thru kevin, can you please get some dimensions for me