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fitting convertible top to my ghia
blompod - October 2nd, 2003 at 07:31 AM

I peeled the convertible top off my ghia during resto work, who can refit if for me in Brisbane?

geodon - October 2nd, 2003 at 08:16 AM

We are talking factory convertible, right? If not ignore this post.
The installation of factory roofs is not a simple task if you want them to fit properly. They are very complex things & have heaps of different places for adjustment where if the installer has no experience, the results can be poor. I'd be worried that you got someone to (try to) do it & they stuffed it up, you don't want to pay, yada yada yada = a bit shit-fight!
Try these sites:
http://www.convertiblespecialties.com 
http://w1.telia.com/~u31614242/cabkey.html 

The best one I don't have anymore. (Haven't had a cab for a long while!) But if you do a search for Chuck's Convertible Supplies in California ( where else??) he was selling replacement roofs world wide BUT he also supplied a fitting video which he may be prepared to sell.
Good luck!!

[Edited on 1-10-2003 by geodon]

[Edited on 1-10-2003 by geodon]

geodon - October 2nd, 2003 at 08:24 AM

Sorry! 2nd one does not work but it's not impt- it's only for beetles.

Menangler - October 2nd, 2003 at 05:37 PM

I read somewhere that it took 2 guys in the Karmann factory 6 hours to fit a convertable roof to a cab Ghia, and that was when everything was new!

blompod - October 2nd, 2003 at 05:53 PM

Oh shit maybe I shouldnt have taken it off. but it came off so easily, its the one with the glass back window, 71 model, there must be some one that can do it for me and not charge me what I payed for the car.

vdbleu2002 - October 2nd, 2003 at 06:33 PM

Don't be scared . If you research it enough and you are handy with the right tools then you can do it yourself. Cabrio roof parts can be bought in kit form and done at home. Don't let the experts bluff you into spending thousands and tell you its too complex.

blompod - October 2nd, 2003 at 07:19 PM

Thankyou that has eased my mind I little. The top is new, the hood bows are a little sad but all there. I have the new padding too. but no head lining. yet. the top was on it when I bought the car, I guess someone in the states fitted it, it was a pretty poor fitting, the glass rear window didnt line up. is it possible to get a set of instructions here in Australia. I know you can get them overseas

vdbleu2002 - October 2nd, 2003 at 10:10 PM

I think the best way to get info is from the states.
Try convertible specialties . He is very helpful

geodon - October 3rd, 2003 at 03:14 PM

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

Look in the "Links" section.

[Edited on 3-10-2003 by geodon]

karmannghia60 - October 3rd, 2003 at 09:21 PM

I have done mine myself about 6 years ago. I would never do it again. Too much hard work and it doesn't look professional, although it lasted long enough. There is a guy selling them for a reasonable price on eBay. I was going to buy a new top and front bow for my KG from. Maybe if we team up and buy more than one he will offer us a discount
Raf

blompod - October 6th, 2003 at 03:38 PM

sure, I have the glass window top, is it supposed to have a cable around the rear window? I dont think it does but someone told me it did. the new top I have hasnt got one in it. just a rubber edged hole where the glass presses up to.