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Posted by: JD - 23 September 2008 12:55:37
Just wondering if anyone knows what the outer tops were originally made of. I have seen very early cars with original cloth tops, but I wondered when they changed to vinyl. Anyone throw any light on this?

Posted by: pre67vw - 23 September 2008 13:09:59
I vaguely remember it being '65 that Vinyl was available, but I'll look it up tonight... Cloth looks so much nicer though :wink:

Posted by: JD - 23 September 2008 14:09:00
[quote=pre67vw] Cloth looks so much nicer though :wink: [/quote] Until you look at the price!:shock: :d

Posted by: pre67vw - 23 September 2008 15:56:43
[quote=JD] Until you look at the price!:shock: :d [/quote] true.. I got mine second hand, but unused. The guy had bought it for his car but never got round to fitting it and then had sold the car. It was cheap!! :wink:

Posted by: JD - 23 September 2008 17:37:07
Which is it? Sonnenland, or normal cloth? Stroke of luck either way.

Posted by: pre67vw - 23 September 2008 18:01:54
Sonnenland...

Posted by: GKL 7 - 23 September 2008 19:48:55
[quote=pre67vw]Sonnenland...[/quote] You really are into modifying cars aren't you Rob.[-x

Posted by: JD - 23 September 2008 23:09:10
[quote='50 Karmann] You really are into modifying cars aren't you Rob.[-x [/quote] So what is correct then?

Posted by: pre67vw - 23 September 2008 23:15:10
[quote='50 Karmann] You really are into modifying cars aren't you Rob.[-x [/quote] I only do it to upset the vintage purists... :wink:

Posted by: GKL 7 - 23 September 2008 23:27:45
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Posted by: pre67vw - 23 September 2008 23:40:09
[quote=JD]Just wondering if anyone knows what the outer tops were originally made of. I have seen very early cars with original cloth tops, but I wondered when they changed to vinyl. Anyone throw any light on this?[/quote] According to Keith Seume's essential VW Cabrio: The hood remained basically unchanged until 1965, when overall shape was altered, allowing it to sit lower when folded down. ... In Europe, the material used to cover the top was changed to PVC.

Posted by: pre67vw - 23 September 2008 23:40:09

[quote=JD]Just wondering if anyone knows what the outer tops were originally made of. I have seen very early cars with original cloth tops, but I wondered when they changed to vinyl. Anyone throw any light on this?[/quote] According to Keith Seume's essential VW Cabrio: The hood remained basically unchanged until 1965, when overall shape was altered, allowing it to sit lower when folded down. ... In Europe, the material used to cover the top was changed to PVC.

Posted by: mrsherbie - 28 September 2008 14:17:27
[quote=pre67vw] I only do it to upset the vintage purists... :wink: [/quote] :lol: :lol: I think if I had your car I would also be torn with the decision as cloth is so much nicer on a beetle kab. Our 59 samba has its original vinyl cover but it is getting very tatty now and I would love to replace it with cloth, but even though it is a messy bus, we are sticking with the beige vinyl :? (boo) Also the 79 has beige vinyl and that hood also needs replacing and we are sticking with beige vinyl for this too as it is 100% stock og and I want to keep this car that way. Sometimes stock is not my first choice but I suppose am thinking about the cars this time not me :shock: :lol: Anyone have any better supplier suggestions for absolute correctness and og quality? I want to fit it myself :shock: :lol: [url=https://www.cabrio.de/Englisch/navi.htm]Klaus Mayer[/url]

Posted by: mrsherbie - 28 September 2008 14:17:27

[quote=pre67vw] I only do it to upset the vintage purists... :wink: [/quote] :lol: :lol: I think if I had your car I would also be torn with the decision as cloth is so much nicer on a beetle kab. Our 59 samba has its original vinyl cover but it is getting very tatty now and I would love to replace it with cloth, but even though it is a messy bus, we are sticking with the beige vinyl :? (boo) Also the 79 has beige vinyl and that hood also needs replacing and we are sticking with beige vinyl for this too as it is 100% stock og and I want to keep this car that way. Sometimes stock is not my first choice but I suppose am thinking about the cars this time not me :shock: :lol: Anyone have any better supplier suggestions for absolute correctness and og quality? I want to fit it myself :shock: :lol: [url=https://www.cabrio.de/Englisch/navi.htm]Klaus Mayer[/url]

Posted by: mrsherbie - 28 September 2008 14:30:19
Saw this today, any use to anyone? I have no idea what they cost myself. (Also just in case you are wondering, I think those fuel cans are to sit in 14" wheels, as I have one and its very cool but doesnt fit anything I own! :lol: ) [url=https://www.volkszone.co.uk/VZi/showthread.php?t=493046]58 beetle Hood cover & bag for sale on v**[/url]

Posted by: Ovalbug - 29 September 2008 01:39:17
[quote=mrsherbie]Saw this today, any use to anyone? I have no idea what they cost myself. (Also just in case you are wondering, I think those fuel cans are to sit in 14" wheels, as I have one and its very cool but doesnt fit anything I own! :lol: ) [url=https://www.volkszone.co.uk/VZi/showthread.php?t=493046]58 beetle Hood cover & bag for sale on v**[/url][/quote] I have one of those fuel cans in my cabrio, it fits quite nicely in the spare wheel well (flat of course :lol: ) and having made a 'band' out of foam to go around the can fits quite snugly in the 15" spare wheel...... Personally I would be very dubious of buying any hood-related parts where you don't know exactly where they are made..... My cab has a KHM vinyl og-spec hood (fitted by a previous owner in 1997) and it is still in very good nick, but I've recently bought a KHM hood cover in black sonnenland and the quality is superb. I can't afford (or justify tbh) a complete new hood in sonnenland as my car rarely gets driven with the roof up (come to think of it it rarely gets driven at all :( ) , but if I had to have a new hood I would go for sonnenland...... I like to think that I'm a stickler for originality too , but when you compare a vinyl and a sonnenland-hood cabrio side by side the sonnenland wins hands-down every time in my book, it just looks so much classier :lol: .

Posted by: Ovalbug - 29 September 2008 01:39:17

[quote=mrsherbie]Saw this today, any use to anyone? I have no idea what they cost myself. (Also just in case you are wondering, I think those fuel cans are to sit in 14" wheels, as I have one and its very cool but doesnt fit anything I own! :lol: ) [url=https://www.volkszone.co.uk/VZi/showthread.php?t=493046]58 beetle Hood cover & bag for sale on v**[/url][/quote] I have one of those fuel cans in my cabrio, it fits quite nicely in the spare wheel well (flat of course :lol: ) and having made a 'band' out of foam to go around the can fits quite snugly in the 15" spare wheel...... Personally I would be very dubious of buying any hood-related parts where you don't know exactly where they are made..... My cab has a KHM vinyl og-spec hood (fitted by a previous owner in 1997) and it is still in very good nick, but I've recently bought a KHM hood cover in black sonnenland and the quality is superb. I can't afford (or justify tbh) a complete new hood in sonnenland as my car rarely gets driven with the roof up (come to think of it it rarely gets driven at all :( ) , but if I had to have a new hood I would go for sonnenland...... I like to think that I'm a stickler for originality too , but when you compare a vinyl and a sonnenland-hood cabrio side by side the sonnenland wins hands-down every time in my book, it just looks so much classier :lol: .

Posted by: JD - 29 September 2008 19:30:37
Thing is - the comparison is not really between vinyl and Sonnenland. I´m really interested in the comparison between regular cloth and Sonnenland. Anyone advise me either way?

Posted by: GKL 7 - 29 September 2008 19:46:14
[quote=mrsherbie] I want to fit it myself :shock: :lol: [/quote] Please tell me when this is happening,i would love to be there and watch:shock:

Posted by: Ovalbug - 29 September 2008 21:26:12
[quote=JD]Thing is - the comparison is not really between vinyl and Sonnenland. I´m really interested in the comparison between regular cloth and Sonnenland. Anyone advise me either way?[/quote] As I understand it , sonnenland is made from acrylic fibre and is very resistant to wear and fading. Not really sure what 'regular cloth' is; perhaps its made from natural fibres ie cotton/canvas, if so it will not be half as durable as anything synthetic? Think the problem you are going to have is finding anyone who will supply a ready-made hood in 'regular cloth'; unless you are having a bespoke hood made? :wink:

Posted by: Ovalbug - 29 September 2008 21:26:12

[quote=JD]Thing is - the comparison is not really between vinyl and Sonnenland. I´m really interested in the comparison between regular cloth and Sonnenland. Anyone advise me either way?[/quote] As I understand it , sonnenland is made from acrylic fibre and is very resistant to wear and fading. Not really sure what 'regular cloth' is; perhaps its made from natural fibres ie cotton/canvas, if so it will not be half as durable as anything synthetic? Think the problem you are going to have is finding anyone who will supply a ready-made hood in 'regular cloth'; unless you are having a bespoke hood made? :wink:

Posted by: JD - 30 September 2008 00:05:39
Well maybe I will!:p

Posted by: pre67vw - 30 September 2008 01:21:29
[quote='50 Karmann] Please tell me when this is happening,i would love to be there and watch:shock: [/quote] you didn't want to come watch me... [ATTACH]2034[/Attach]

Posted by: pre67vw - 30 September 2008 01:26:00
[quote=JD]Thing is - the comparison is not really between vinyl and Sonnenland. I´m really interested in the comparison between regular cloth and Sonnenland. Anyone advise me either way?[/quote] Not too sure what 'regular cloth' is either, but Sonnenland appears to have a slightly ruberised back to it. I assume it makes it more waterproof but it also makes it a bit stretchy.

Posted by: JD - 30 September 2008 09:42:55
You are right - I misunderstood/misread something when looking at hood outers. What was described as "German OE" only means vinyl - even though it was never OE on a `58.:roll:

Posted by: mrsherbie - 30 September 2008 11:04:40
[quote='50 Karmann] Please tell me when this is happening,i would love to pop round to fit it for you [/quote] OK, that would be fantastic Thanks! Thats a very kind offer indeed :beer: :d Actually Rob doing his has made me think I can do mine! and I have the original to take off first which should make it easier. There is very little stretch in my Sonnenland, but yes a small amount, I am making a handbag with the offcut from Owens sunroof at the moment, and it is really tough to sew through 2 layers on folds, even with my industrial machine with its big old clutch motor that will sew up to 10mm thick leather. It is exactly 1mm thick and looks and like it is 2 layers of acrylic/synthetic cloth with rubber sandwiched in the middle, hence it does'nt leak through the stitch holes as I guess the rubber closes around the thread, Owens sunroof does'nt leak and it has been out in torrential rain to test. My old black 1303 Kab was Italian '74 I think (around 1990?) and had its og cloth hood that was beautifully soft, almost like moleskin? I know it was og and the hood was beautifully faded but getting worn. That hood was definitely cloth not Sonnenland. I think that is what I would like on a pre67 car, I will find a pic. If our 03 had a black hood, I would go Sonnenland without second thought. But as it is a 100% og paint 30k mile uk car, I think we should keep it pretty correct ( Although saying that it might get some mint og paint all black 16" Fuchs? ( :oops: [-x :lol: ) Also, I found these fabulous pic of this years Cabriolet Owners Club International trip, and I want to do this meet!! :beer: :d It seems to me, that because 03 cabs are not 'cool' amongst most under 40yr olds, they mostly seem to escape the choppers and modifiers and stay stock! :d :idea: Photo's from Cab OC GB, Terry Coldicotts photos :beer: : [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2848824583_5792ba4d00.jpg[/img] [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2848826239_8503aac383.jpg[/img] [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2848827779_b3b969ca53.jpg[/img] [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2849697650_8d2b894383.jpg[/img] Looks great does'nt it!! And you know, we could ALL do this meet either next year or 2010? :idea: Or just Etzhold and ourselves will go to represent the "pre67-1303Cab Club" :lol: :wink: [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/Colibri79w1.jpg[/img]

Posted by: mrsherbie - 30 September 2008 11:04:40

[quote='50 Karmann] Please tell me when this is happening,i would love to pop round to fit it for you [/quote] OK, that would be fantastic Thanks! Thats a very kind offer indeed :beer: :d Actually Rob doing his has made me think I can do mine! and I have the original to take off first which should make it easier. There is very little stretch in my Sonnenland, but yes a small amount, I am making a handbag with the offcut from Owens sunroof at the moment, and it is really tough to sew through 2 layers on folds, even with my industrial machine with its big old clutch motor that will sew up to 10mm thick leather. It is exactly 1mm thick and looks and like it is 2 layers of acrylic/synthetic cloth with rubber sandwiched in the middle, hence it does'nt leak through the stitch holes as I guess the rubber closes around the thread, Owens sunroof does'nt leak and it has been out in torrential rain to test. My old black 1303 Kab was Italian '74 I think (around 1990?) and had its og cloth hood that was beautifully soft, almost like moleskin? I know it was og and the hood was beautifully faded but getting worn. That hood was definitely cloth not Sonnenland. I think that is what I would like on a pre67 car, I will find a pic. If our 03 had a black hood, I would go Sonnenland without second thought. But as it is a 100% og paint 30k mile uk car, I think we should keep it pretty correct ( Although saying that it might get some mint og paint all black 16" Fuchs? ( :oops: [-x :lol: ) Also, I found these fabulous pic of this years Cabriolet Owners Club International trip, and I want to do this meet!! :beer: :d It seems to me, that because 03 cabs are not 'cool' amongst most under 40yr olds, they mostly seem to escape the choppers and modifiers and stay stock! :d :idea: Photo's from Cab OC GB, Terry Coldicotts photos :beer: : [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2848824583_5792ba4d00.jpg[/img] [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2848826239_8503aac383.jpg[/img] [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2848827779_b3b969ca53.jpg[/img] [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/2849697650_8d2b894383.jpg[/img] Looks great does'nt it!! And you know, we could ALL do this meet either next year or 2010? :idea: Or just Etzhold and ourselves will go to represent the "pre67-1303Cab Club" :lol: :wink: [img]https://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155935/Colibri79w1.jpg[/img]

Posted by: mrsherbie - 30 September 2008 11:17:23
[quote=Ovalbug] My cab has a KHM vinyl og-spec hood (fitted by a previous owner in 1997) and it is still in very good nick[/quote] I'd really like to see a pic of your hood? Especially showing rear window and around the edges? If you could post or mail me one? [quote=JD] Until you look at the price!:shock: :d [/quote] cheapskate :lol:

Posted by: pre67vw - 30 September 2008 11:42:01
[quote=mrsherbie] Actually Rob doing his has made me think I can do mine! [/quote] When you see mine you'll probably change your mind... :wink:

Posted by: JD - 30 September 2008 12:13:50
[quote=mrsherbie] cheapskate :lol: [/quote] Yeah, I got kind of demoralised when looking at Heritages catalogue and going "Need one of them....need one of them...need one of them...need one of them...need one of them..." If only it was just a hood outer that I needed! Alas, the price of the glamourous, cabrio, movie star lifestyle is indeed a high one!

Posted by: GKL 7 - 30 September 2008 20:15:45
[quote=pre67vw] When you see mine you'll probably change your mind... :wink: [/quote] [-x They are easy, those late models,try an early one without the tensioning wire at the back :lol: :lol: :lol:

Posted by: pre67vw - 30 September 2008 21:51:35
[quote='50 Karmann] [-x They are easy, those late models,try an early one without the tensioning wire at the back :lol: :lol: :lol: [/quote] No tensioning wire on a '65 [-x I also made my own rear bow :wink:

Posted by: GKL 7 - 30 September 2008 22:13:39
[quote=pre67vw] made my own bow :wink: [/quote] Quite the ROBin Hood aren't we:wink:

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