Possible to convert a hardtop beetle (older) to a rag top?

[Cross]

Is it possible to convert a hard top beetle to a rag top? I am looking in the market to buy a beetle rag top or convert a hard top. If possible, is there a kit or a web site to visit? Thanks Cross

[stevethefolkie]

There are a lot of differences between a hard top and a cab - the pan is different (stronger), the body bracing is more substantial (to make up for the lack of a structural top), the doors don't have window frames - the rear windows roll down - so - can it be done - well - after a fashion - but it won't be a true 'vert - it'll be a roadster. Let me explain.
You'll be sacrificing a lot - you'll have to fabricate a frame and top, fabricate side curtains, add structural supports to the body after you lop off the roof, fabricate panels to fill-in behind your rear seat, add structural materials where you lop the top -
What you'll end up with - if you're really talented as a fabricator - if you plan well - if you take your time - measure - weld - bend - stitch and sew you might end up with a VW roadster with a top you can take down and stow (along with the side curtains) in the boot up front OR perhaps in a storage compartment you make where the rear seat was. It'll leak like hell when it's raining - won't be safe if you flip and may shake and shudder at speed.
That's if you're good.
If you're not good you either end up with a ruined Beetle in your garage - or a very dangerous cruise missle on the road that doesn't track straight 'cause it's flexing and which will, eventually, break at one of those flex points. When vehicles frames break on the road it's a bad thing.
I don't know where you're located - but you can find project 'verts - running and rolling - you'll probably be a lot happier if you restore an old 'vert than if you try to roll your own - it's one of those things that looks simple - but when you start adding up all the bits - it's a bitch.

[Cross]

You answered every question I had. Thanks. After I posted this I actually went out and bought a 1974 vert. It needs the interior completly redone, but from what I can tell the engine, trans, clutch, rails, exhaust and body has been redone. Any ideas on where to find good-reasonable interior parts? i.e. carpet, dash items, seatbelts, etc... Thanks again Cross

[stevethefolkie]

Glad to help - trust me - it's hard earned information (yeah - we'll just lop the roof off and ...... awww sh*t man ....) -

Anyhow - J.C. Whitney used to sell carpet and seat cover kits for VW's that were pretty damm good - meaning that they actually fit and the contours were right - you might try them - or pick up an air-cooled VW rag - chances are there'll be ads for interior kits in one of them -

Funny thing - looks like I'll be getting back into A/C VW's in the near future - eldest daughter just fell in love with a 1967 KG coupe ...

[Cross]

Will do. Thanks. Where is New Oxford? I have family in Ligonier, southeast of Pitt. Cross

[sLaab]

JC Whitney is your friend. DB had a beetle and almost built his whole bug out of that mag. Good luck in your build!

Jon

[stevethefolkie]

Originally Posted by Cross

Will do. Thanks. Where is New Oxford? I have family in Ligonier, southeast of Pitt. Cross

New Oxford is about 3.5 hours East and a bit South of Ligonier - 8 miles East of Gettysburg - I only know here Ligonier is 'cause I did a consulting gig in Murraysville a few years back and passed the exit twice a week! Looks like a nice area -