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Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

151 messages,  Last post on Aug 13, 2012 at 5:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Cabrio, Convertible

Messages Page 16 of 16

#142 of 151 Sewing split seams on Cabrio convertible top by selbytx

Nov 12, 2011 (5:10 pm)

Thanks so much for your detailed instructions! I had concluded that sewing the seams was the answer but wasn't sure what kind of needle and thread to use. ANy pis of the awl and needle would be helpful.
 
Robin

#143 of 151 Re: NEED NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR MY 2001 [momjenni] by sushi3

Nov 23, 2011 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: momjenni (Jul 21, 2007 1:41 pm)
I do not usually post anything. But, so many people have the "split seam" problem on convertible tops, I could not resist. There is a very simple fix for most such problems. Use McNetts Seam Seal. You can get it at outdoor stores such as Gander Mountain, Marine supply stores or on-line for about $10.00. This stuff is clear and was designed for such things as tents and backpacks. It will hold up in extreme temperatures and should be stored in a freezer after being opened. For a VW Cabrio, the problem seam is across the top of the rear window continuing down both sides to the body. First put the car in a garage and raise the top to about 45 degrees. The likely separation is probably from near the top to part way down the side. That is caused by the top folding back and forth in that location. With the top part way down you can easily manipulate the separated pieces. Use a cheap artist type small paint brush to paint both surfaces, that have separated, with Seam Seal (Do not get any on the exterior area of the top). Let it set for a couple of minutes, then just fold the pieces together tightly and clamp them together with one inch spring clamps from Lowe's or Home depot, if the separation is short. Continuous clamping is necessary for the repair to look right. If the separation is longer than a few inches you may have to use other clamping methods or do the repair in sections. Let the repair cure overnight. When you put the top up it should look like new. Even better, it will be weatherproof and will last when you put the top up and down. This has worked well for me on a 2002 VW Cabrio GLX.

#144 of 151 Re: NEED NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR MY 2001 [sushi3] by joesf

Mar 31, 2012 (11:11 am)

Replying to: sushi3 (Nov 23, 2011 3:45 pm)
Thanks for the great tip about McNetts. I bought a tube of it at REI and it worked like a charm to fix the split seam on my Cabrio's top .

#145 of 151 vw cabrio 2001 glx by derwagenhaus

Apr 07, 2012 (4:12 pm)

Hi dear,
I believe in your hardworking,and I wont fix hardtop too,almost split complete.
Please if You can send some picture or where I can buy instructions to take off
and saw that on professional machine. Thanks,
Sincerely
Derwagwnhaus

#146 of 151 Re: Hydraulic repairs [theimpalaman] by dumkof

May 02, 2012 (10:10 am)

Replying to: theimpalaman (Jul 18, 2011 7:15 am)
I am currently troubleshooting my hydraulic leak problem on my 99 cabrio.
 
I have my rear seat and the carpet in the trunk. I have remove the screws and clips to remove the rear side panels but I am having trouble removing them. I do not want to damage the panels so is there a book or someone to explain the removal process.
 
Thanks so muck
 
Mike

#147 of 151 99 VW Cabrio Hydraulic issues by reyes271

Jul 23, 2012 (6:48 am)

I have 1999 VW Cabrio. Hydraulic pump on the convertible top is leaking under the passenger side, what do I do?I have a 99 VW Cabrio. The hydraulic pump for the top is leaking under the passenger side. What can I do to fix this? Can you change it from an automatic top to a manuel?

#148 of 151 Re: 99 VW Cabrio Hydraulic issues [reyes271] by hallkane

Jul 23, 2012 (9:26 am)

Replying to: reyes271 (Jul 23, 2012 6:48 am)
Greetings. The motor for my 99 GLS (cloth top) convertible died a few years ago. Luckily for me, it did not leak. Yes, you can convert it to a manual convertible top. I had to drain the hydraulic fluid out of the motor, and leave out the "plug screw (?)" in order to raise and lower the top. Putting the plug in made the pistons work too hard. Now, (without the plug or fluid) it can be raised and lowered by one person. My 19 year old daughter, now the principal driver, does it all the time. Good Luck!
AHK

#149 of 151 1999 Cabrio convertable motor problem by fowvey

Aug 13, 2012 (2:51 pm)

My 1999-1/2 Cabrio GLS just developed a similar problem--
--Roof motor will NOT retract roof (only a clicking sound...no sound of motor running)
--Roof motor WILL raise roof without problems
 
Any chance this could be an issue with the hand brake not indicating that it's set?
Any chance that there's an electrical fix that doesn't involve replacing the roof hydraulic motor?
Any other ideas that would lead to a less expensive fix?
 
At least I now have the top in manual mode and can put it up/down by hand.
 
Thanks for any assistance.

#150 of 151 Re: 1999 Cabrio convertable motor problem [fowvey] by hallkane

Aug 13, 2012 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: fowvey (Aug 13, 2012 2:51 pm)
Hi Fowvey-
Wish I could offer more help. Worth it to check handbrake issue. Sounds logical. You might get lucky. Your problem sounds different than mine. I had my local VW Mr-Fix-it to investigate my problem, verify motor issue and provide a quote for replacing it. That's when the $800+ parts price tag arrived and decision to live with manual operation. Junk yard could offer no help for part.
 
Just looked in my VW Repair book for you (Bentley Publishing), could find nothing detailing parking brake link to convertible top motor. Sorry.
Hallkanea

#151 of 151 Re: 1999 Cabrio convertable motor problem [hallkane] by fowvey

Aug 13, 2012 (5:32 pm)

Replying to: hallkane (Aug 13, 2012 3:11 pm)
Thanks Hallkanea...I appreciate the response.
I'll keep looking into this and let everyone know if I figure it out.

Messages Page 16 of 16

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