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Posted by: Chris Meintjes - 29 January 2009 19:42:16
Me again, asked 2 months ago for advice on a book to refit complete cabrio roof on my 57 RHD CAbrio, found a great CD at revolks in USA and busy on it allready, problem is reality strikes back.... I fitted al the new wood header bow (made myself from original part) and when i close the top (frame only) the front 2 x hooks/latches that retain the roof to the A pillars is +_ 12 mm too much forward, causing the roof latches to rest on top of the windscreen frame. I measured all the wood compenents and all are within 1 mm, and later resroted to make spacers 12mm thick, to fit between the body and the roof main attachment points (just behind rear seat) to space the roof back. The roof now close and latches well on the front pillar with very little effort , taking in account it is still only the frame (no roof liner or outer fabric). Questions what could have gone wrong : a. I did "bend" the body back when i refitted new bottm reinforcement channels to have a even door gap, but gap is still even (top to bottom) and doors close/open easily, so doubt if i overdid it. b. The roof never left my garage, so there was no cutting/welding/bending or swapping of components Question, is there any other adjustments to compensate for this error, and have anybody else stubled on this problem before ????? Your thoughts please tx Chris Meintjes South Africa

Posted by: Chris Meintjes - 29 January 2009 19:42:16

Me again, asked 2 months ago for advice on a book to refit complete cabrio roof on my 57 RHD CAbrio, found a great CD at revolks in USA and busy on it allready, problem is reality strikes back.... I fitted al the new wood header bow (made myself from original part) and when i close the top (frame only) the front 2 x hooks/latches that retain the roof to the A pillars is +_ 12 mm too much forward, causing the roof latches to rest on top of the windscreen frame. I measured all the wood compenents and all are within 1 mm, and later resroted to make spacers 12mm thick, to fit between the body and the roof main attachment points (just behind rear seat) to space the roof back. The roof now close and latches well on the front pillar with very little effort , taking in account it is still only the frame (no roof liner or outer fabric). Questions what could have gone wrong : a. I did "bend" the body back when i refitted new bottm reinforcement channels to have a even door gap, but gap is still even (top to bottom) and doors close/open easily, so doubt if i overdid it. b. The roof never left my garage, so there was no cutting/welding/bending or swapping of components Question, is there any other adjustments to compensate for this error, and have anybody else stubled on this problem before ????? Your thoughts please tx Chris Meintjes South Africa

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:05:23
Hi, sorry I have never had an early kab or fitted a hood! I assume that you have fitted it all now? Did you have a scan of the blue vw factory manual? Like this? If it helps and you are still stuck in a day or 2 I can scan the section of my oval one about fitting the hood and email you them, but I dont have a scanner here so it would not be until Sunday. Or I can photo any of the particular measurement details now? But maybe try posting the question on the samba oval forum also first? [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/ovalhood.jpg[/img]

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:05:23

Hi, sorry I have never had an early kab or fitted a hood! I assume that you have fitted it all now? Did you have a scan of the blue vw factory manual? Like this? If it helps and you are still stuck in a day or 2 I can scan the section of my oval one about fitting the hood and email you them, but I dont have a scanner here so it would not be until Sunday. Or I can photo any of the particular measurement details now? But maybe try posting the question on the samba oval forum also first? [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/ovalhood.jpg[/img]

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:08:48
We have that book! Also I have a scanner! If you want a copy just give'us a shout and im sure I can be persuaded to get my arse off the sofa!:wink:

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:09:55
Hello Chris An interesting question. I assume a 57 hood mechanism is the same as a 55 because if it is, then I think the only adjustment you can make is where it attaches to the body. I've just had the work completed on my 55 hood mech and this is the last item to have been worked on. New heater channels and chassis strengtheners were fitted first. Replacement doors were fitted so the door gaps were "tweaked" next and then finally onto the hood mechanism. There was some closing issues but it was due to some of the hood frame being bent where it had been forced open and closed in a semi-seized condition. Not really helpful I'm afraid, perhaps some of the other Cab owners can advise. Love to see a photo of your car by the way!:wink:

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:09:55

Hello Chris An interesting question. I assume a 57 hood mechanism is the same as a 55 because if it is, then I think the only adjustment you can make is where it attaches to the body. I've just had the work completed on my 55 hood mech and this is the last item to have been worked on. New heater channels and chassis strengtheners were fitted first. Replacement doors were fitted so the door gaps were "tweaked" next and then finally onto the hood mechanism. There was some closing issues but it was due to some of the hood frame being bent where it had been forced open and closed in a semi-seized condition. Not really helpful I'm afraid, perhaps some of the other Cab owners can advise. Love to see a photo of your car by the way!:wink:

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:11:18
:d :beer: Actually I have never even looked at that section of the book before and quite frankly it is just plain bloody frightening! :shock: :shock: I am glad I have never had to replace a hood on an early car!!

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:12:17
[quote=mrsherbie]I have never had an early kab[/quote] You'll have to get Mr W to find you one then won't you!:lol:

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:14:13
[quote=54 Gertie]We have that book![/quote] If that is the 53-55 workshop manual then I'm looking for one (preferably UK dealer version) if you know someone that has one they want to move on???:beer:

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:16:38
[quote=55Kab] You'll have to get Mr W to find you one then won't you!:lol: [/quote] He already gave me his 79 kab, so I think maybe that would be too cheeky just yet :lol:

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:19:56
[quote=55Kab] If that is the 53-55 workshop manual then I'm looking for one (preferably UK dealer version) if you know someone that has one they want to move on???:beer: [/quote] Yes it is! I am nor sure where we got ours!:roll: Also dont know anyone that sells them, for reasonable prices anyway!:wink:

Posted by: Chris Meintjes - 29 January 2009 20:20:38
Hi 54Gertie and MsHerbie Tx for your offers, will really apreciate scan of relevant pages. I actaully want to post photo's but mis the trick. Can i possible mail it to either, and then help me post the pics from the office mail, where my camera software reside. My emial are [email protected], if you can send me a "ping", i can forward you phot's tomorrow morning, ZA time.

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:21:01
[quote=mrsherbie] He gave me his 79 kab, so I think maybe that would be too cheeky just yet :lol: [/quote] Just go down a decade each year!:wink: 79 69 59 [b]49[/b] :wink: Just an idea, you can [i]ease[/i] into it! :d 8)

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:22:52
[quote=Chris Meintjes]Hi 54Gertie and MsHerbie Tx for your offers, will really apreciate scan of relevant pages. I actaully want to post photo's but mis the trick. Can i possible mail it to either, and then help me post the pics from the office mail, where my camera software reside. My emial are [email protected], if you can send me a "ping", i can forward you phot's tomorrow morning, ZA time. [/quote] No probs! Ill have a hunt for it! I can only be in about, wait, 40 odd places!:wink: If its in the garage, I may need to put my jacket on!:lol:

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:22:52

[quote=Chris Meintjes]Hi 54Gertie and MsHerbie Tx for your offers, will really apreciate scan of relevant pages. I actaully want to post photo's but mis the trick. Can i possible mail it to either, and then help me post the pics from the office mail, where my camera software reside. My emial are [email protected], if you can send me a "ping", i can forward you phot's tomorrow morning, ZA time. [/quote] No probs! Ill have a hunt for it! I can only be in about, wait, 40 odd places!:wink: If its in the garage, I may need to put my jacket on!:lol:

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:23:58
[quote=Chris Meintjes]I actaully want to post photo's but mis the trick. Can i possible mail it to either, and then help me post the pics from the office mail, where my camera software reside. My emial are [email protected], if you can send me a "ping", i can forward you phot's tomorrow morning, ZA time. [/quote] Send them to me Chris and I'll post them for you. Will send you a mail now.:wink:

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:25:48
[quote=54 Gertie]Also dont know anyone that sells them, for reasonable prices anyway![/quote] Think VW books do some kind of repro book but it's not the proper 53-55 workshop manual and anywaz, I would like to find an original.

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:27:01
[quote=55Kab] Think VW books do some kind of repro book but it's not the proper 53-55 workshop manual and anywaz, I would like to find an original.[/quote] Ours is a new one, but I am led to believe that they are more or less identical to the og ones!:wink: :?

Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:28:56
[quote=54 Gertie]Ill have a hunt for it! I can only be in about, wait, 40 odd places!:wink: If its in the garage, I may need to put my jacket on!:lol: [/quote] "If its in the garage".....:shock: Surely a bit too valuable to have the garage???

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:31:06
No, this one here is an old tatty og one but 52-57 but it has all year cars inside looking at the photo's(interior shots give it away) some heart tailight/split and later oval. We have some more of these books that have different years on the cover, but I have never sat and compared them page for page to see if the content does actually vary or not? I see vw books sell a Bentley reprint of this 52-57 book for £60. I would assume the content is the same? I have never looked at the Bentley ones. [url=https://www.vwbooks.co.uk/index_vw_ac_cars_man_handbks.htm]52-57[/url] There are 2 whole pages with pics purely on adjustments of the hood, I think thats the useful bit you are after! I love the idea, but I just dont think he would go for it! He would just leave me instead! :lol:

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:31:06

No, this one here is an old tatty og one but 52-57 but it has all year cars inside looking at the photo's(interior shots give it away) some heart tailight/split and later oval. We have some more of these books that have different years on the cover, but I have never sat and compared them page for page to see if the content does actually vary or not? I see vw books sell a Bentley reprint of this 52-57 book for £60. I would assume the content is the same? I have never looked at the Bentley ones. [url=https://www.vwbooks.co.uk/index_vw_ac_cars_man_handbks.htm]52-57[/url] There are 2 whole pages with pics purely on adjustments of the hood, I think thats the useful bit you are after! I love the idea, but I just dont think he would go for it! He would just leave me instead! :lol:

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:35:14
[quote=55Kab] "If its in the garage".....:shock: Surely a bit too valuable to have the garage???[/quote] Thats why the cover is falling off this one I have because its my one that lives in the garage and the pages are grubby. We have got clean 'indoor ones' too :lol:

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:38:29
[quote=55Kab] "If its in the garage".....:shock: Surely a bit too valuable to have the garage???[/quote] Well it is not supposed to be, in case it get oily!:wink: And after togging myself up it is not there after all!:( Where can it be.........:shock: BTW Anna, another advantage to my decade a year theory is that when you reach the "49" stage, you cant say that a Heb would be easier to find!:wink: You know you want to!:d

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 20:38:29

[quote=55Kab] "If its in the garage".....:shock: Surely a bit too valuable to have the garage???[/quote] Well it is not supposed to be, in case it get oily!:wink: And after togging myself up it is not there after all!:( Where can it be.........:shock: BTW Anna, another advantage to my decade a year theory is that when you reach the "49" stage, you cant say that a Heb would be easier to find!:wink: You know you want to!:d

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:47:14
[quote=54 Gertie] Ours is a new one, but I am led to believe that they are more or less identical to the og ones!:wink: :? [/quote] Bit of overlapping posting going on :lol: I think you are right, I believe they are direct reprints, so ideal for actually using. They are by far THE best vw manual in existance. Personally I have never been able to understand a SINGLE thing in a Haynes manual! :lol: all that multi-year stuff is a nightmare! :shock: Its nice to have the right year old one too, kind of like an accessory item for the home :d . And you can still pick them up pretty easy at swapmeets.

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 20:47:14

[quote=54 Gertie] Ours is a new one, but I am led to believe that they are more or less identical to the og ones!:wink: :? [/quote] Bit of overlapping posting going on :lol: I think you are right, I believe they are direct reprints, so ideal for actually using. They are by far THE best vw manual in existance. Personally I have never been able to understand a SINGLE thing in a Haynes manual! :lol: all that multi-year stuff is a nightmare! :shock: Its nice to have the right year old one too, kind of like an accessory item for the home :d . And you can still pick them up pretty easy at swapmeets.

Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 21:40:17
[quote=mrsherbie]Personally I have never been able to understand a SINGLE thing in a Haynes manual! :lol: all that multi-year stuff is a nightmare! :shock: [/quote] Yeah I struggle sometimes! :wink: I find it amazing that they can make a manual from 54-79 and making a 1/4 of the size of an original manual that would cover about a three year gap!:lol:

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 21:42:12
Chris I expect you have passed this info already but maybe there is something here of use, I just took pics of a few things I thought relevant. Hopefully someone will post who has had the same problem. The car used in this section is a 55-57 non heart oval so should be the right car. [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/1.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/2.jpg[/img] Under this pic it says that these measurements are critical for closing the hood and must be correct [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/3.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/4.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/5.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/6.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/7.jpg[/img]

Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 21:42:12

Chris I expect you have passed this info already but maybe there is something here of use, I just took pics of a few things I thought relevant. Hopefully someone will post who has had the same problem. The car used in this section is a 55-57 non heart oval so should be the right car. [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/1.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/2.jpg[/img] Under this pic it says that these measurements are critical for closing the hood and must be correct [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/3.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/4.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/5.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/6.jpg[/img] [img]https://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/skippy53/7.jpg[/img]

Posted by: 55Kab - 30 January 2009 10:32:53
Here's the photos Chris sent me overnight. He says he's going to send some better photos at the weekend. Having looked at these, I can't wait! She looks fantastic Chris!:wink: [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp2.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp5.jpg[/IMG]

Posted by: 55Kab - 30 January 2009 10:32:53

Here's the photos Chris sent me overnight. He says he's going to send some better photos at the weekend. Having looked at these, I can't wait! She looks fantastic Chris!:wink: [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp2.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]https://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee352/UK55Vert/General%20VW%20Photos/ChrisOvalCabp5.jpg[/IMG]

Posted by: VW Stan - 30 January 2009 10:54:47
Is That Ford Electric/Monza Blue from the 70s? :shock:

Posted by: pre67vw - 30 January 2009 13:59:32
looks a bit like an 80's cal-looker :shock: He could park it next to yours Malc :wink:

Posted by: VW Stan - 30 January 2009 14:24:37
[quote=pre67vw]looks a bit like an 80's cal-looker :shock: He could park it next to yours Malc :wink: [/quote] That's just what I was thinkin'! :wink: [ATTACH]2456[/Attach]

Posted by: Chris Meintjes - 30 January 2009 19:25:28
Thank you MsHerbie for the copies, appreciate the effort thus far. I am still not a lot closer to the riddle, bit also note that they make mention of some spacing methods, and that the roof tend to arch more with a new top cover ( I must add that the old cover were vinal, not the proper stuff) and that could have coused the roof to engage at in increased arc than the free frame at present, will check as i progress with roof. To the vw Mathematician, VW Stan , I was also a purist (51 RHD Split, 53 LHD Sunroof Std Split) i got a live afterwards, and started liking myself with the car, not that car on a photo alone. Your opion being you own, honered and noted x nuthing! tx Chris

Posted by: Chris Meintjes - 30 January 2009 19:25:28

Thank you MsHerbie for the copies, appreciate the effort thus far. I am still not a lot closer to the riddle, bit also note that they make mention of some spacing methods, and that the roof tend to arch more with a new top cover ( I must add that the old cover were vinal, not the proper stuff) and that could have coused the roof to engage at in increased arc than the free frame at present, will check as i progress with roof. To the vw Mathematician, VW Stan , I was also a purist (51 RHD Split, 53 LHD Sunroof Std Split) i got a live afterwards, and started liking myself with the car, not that car on a photo alone. Your opion being you own, honered and noted x nuthing! tx Chris

Posted by: GKL 7 - 30 January 2009 19:39:59
[quote=Chris Meintjes] To the vw Mathematician, VW Stan , I was also a purist (51 RHD Split, 53 LHD Sunroof Std Split) i got a live afterwards, and started liking myself with the car, not that car on a photo alone. Your opion being you own, honered and noted x nuthing! [/quote] Someone please tell me i'm reading this all wrong.

Posted by: VW Stan - 30 January 2009 20:48:22
[quote=Chris Meintjes] To the vw Mathematician, VW Stan , I was also a purist (51 RHD Split, 53 LHD Sunroof Std Split) i got a live afterwards, and started liking myself with the car, not that car on a photo alone. Your opion being you own, honered and noted x nuthing! tx Chris [/quote] Chris, thats just my signature (a quote from the TV series Firefly) not a reference to your car! The blue 1968 Call look beetle with the Porsche wheels in my post above is one of my cars, and I was just wondering if it is the same colour as your 1957 convertible? Mine is painted a Ford colour from the 1970s called Electric or Monza blue... :roll:

Posted by: VW Stan - 30 January 2009 20:48:22

[quote=Chris Meintjes] To the vw Mathematician, VW Stan , I was also a purist (51 RHD Split, 53 LHD Sunroof Std Split) i got a live afterwards, and started liking myself with the car, not that car on a photo alone. Your opion being you own, honered and noted x nuthing! tx Chris [/quote] Chris, thats just my signature (a quote from the TV series Firefly) not a reference to your car! The blue 1968 Call look beetle with the Porsche wheels in my post above is one of my cars, and I was just wondering if it is the same colour as your 1957 convertible? Mine is painted a Ford colour from the 1970s called Electric or Monza blue... :roll:

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