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Volkswagen Cabrio Convertible Top Problems

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

You are in the Volkswagen Cabrio Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Cabrio, Convertible

Messages Page 10 of 15

#91 of 151 Re: 2001 VW Cabrio Convertible Canvas Roof Coming Unglued!!! [remission] by shelbsassy

Aug 31, 2009 (7:58 am)

Replying to: remission (May 06, 2009 8:52 am)
The seams on my 97 Cabrio Co nvertible Top are also coming apart , well they are already apart on both sides and are racing towards the middle in the rear. Mine is doing iexactly what yours is, when I try and bring them together they don't seem to stretch far enough and I don't think glue will hold them, and then I am afraid if I ever do get them together, will I be able to get the top dopwn again without them breaking? Just wondering if you had any luck repairing your yours. I have a ton of problems with my car lately too, with the same amount of mileage, 2 flat tires in a week is the latest issue! I have replaced all 4 tires in the last 2 weeks, and cannot afford to buy a new top. Anything you have found out would be great, I share in your anxiety about everything!

#92 of 151 Re: Replacing 1999 Cabrio Power Roof Motor - Cost? [ambrocked] by ltiffany

Dec 10, 2009 (6:31 am)

Replying to: ambrocked (Oct 24, 2008 7:29 pm)
It's a mineral based fluid and only available thru VW about $20 for a quart.

#93 of 151 Re: Convertible boot cover [topper2] by chryle1219

Jul 21, 2010 (6:08 pm)

Replying to: topper2 (Jul 13, 2008 9:14 pm)
I just wanted to say thank you for posting the installatiom information. It is truley amazing the detail you used. I am a girl so most people think I can not do this. So i'll let you know.
Sincerely,
Cheryle

#94 of 151 Re: Reattaching rear window on my Cabrio convertibl [topper2] by chryle1219

Jul 21, 2010 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: topper2 (Jul 23, 2008 9:09 am)
Hi, I was just wondering if the rivets you use are the regular aluminum type?

#95 of 151 Re: Convertible boot cover [chryle1219] by jlucaslamar

Jul 22, 2010 (8:17 am)

Replying to: chryle1219 (Jul 21, 2010 6:08 pm)
Cheryle
 
I just wanted to say thank you for posting the installatiom information.
 
Could you tell me where it's posted. I need it also.
Cheryl Lamar

#96 of 151 Re: guide to roof replacement of Volkswagen Cabrio Highline 1997 [zabadava] by mrmachine

Jul 24, 2010 (6:24 am)

Replying to: zabadava (Jul 12, 2009 9:27 pm)
Try these Links:
 
http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/index.php?sid=bcae20114ed2ecc9e7a6925c72391d4f
 
http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9566
 
I don,t really know how to use this forum but maybe you can copy & paste these links like I did. Got them from topper2, ThanX to him. I'm pretty sure that topper2 said in a later post that the installer should have glued the back window area.

#97 of 151 97 Cabrio Top Replacement by mrmachine

Jul 24, 2010 (6:51 am)

Where are some good sites to find a quality replacement top for my 97 Cab, also are there any suppliers for adhesive, the inside of the top & the padding???
ThanX in Advance Steve.

#98 of 151 Re: guide to roof replacement of Volkswagen Cabrio Highline 1997 [mrmachine] by topper2

Jul 24, 2010 (7:29 am)

Replying to: mrmachine (Jul 24, 2010 6:24 am)
This link is for removing the top on MKIII
 
http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9514
 
This link is for installing
 
http://www.cepavw.org/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9566
 
You can order the top from here
 
http://www.topsonline.com/
 
He mentioned that this place is about $60 less than cabrioworld.

#99 of 151 Re: guide to roof replacement of Volkswagen Cabrio Highline 1997 [topper2] by mrmachine

Jul 24, 2010 (7:49 am)

Replying to: topper2 (Jul 24, 2010 7:29 am)
ThanX, topper2. any recomendations for the best procedure & adhesive to re glue the seam without R&R the top?

#100 of 151 Cabrio Owners of the world unite! by cabriomy

Jul 31, 2010 (10:29 pm)

Thank you so much to everyone who has posted information on this forum! I just came across your posts tonight and have read all 99. It's amazing that so many of us have had the same problems.
 
As a 99 Cabrio owner, it's been 11 years and I'm trying to hang in with a top that is no longer automatic (leaking hydraulics, then burned out motor, I think), leaky windows, and a splitting top on both sides, unfortunately compounded this week by someone with a knife.
 
But in deference to VW,over time, I've appreciated the strength of the car's frame and that fabric top. The six or so layers of fabric must have been a challenge for the person with the knife because despite cutting into the top in several places, including a large 3-sided box shape at the driver's side window, the knife was either not up to the task or not sharp enough. Result - it took too much effort or so much time that Lancealittle never made it all the way through to break in (assuming that was the ultimate goal).
 
Anway, obviously, the top has to be replaced, luckily, the splitting sides were already pretty bad. Amazingly I had just updated my insurance to include comprehensive with a $50 deductible. So, a question to you all: should I go thru Geico or foot the bill myself? I've been quoted $1250 by the shop that all the VW repair shops in the DC area recommend, including my mechanic. I'm up for attempting to replace the top myself, as well, so am not sure which way to go. Any thoughts?
 
NOTE on STOPPING the SPLITTING: There is a clear tape-like repair material for boats' canvas tops that works very well. The name, I believe, is Mend It, comes in a small box for $10 at a boat accessory store. NOTE 2: Duct Tape isn't a good idea - it would be a very temporary measure, for example, to stop the rain from getting inside your top. It will definitely leave white marks behind and doesn't last long at all, requiring frequent replacement, plus it just looks bad. So basically, unless you plan to replace the top in the near-distant future, the tape isn't a good solution.
 
By the way, I was told the frequency of the top's usage (especially when being openned) and weight of the window, coupled with poor manufacturing (gluing highest stress point but not stiching it!) is what promotes the splitting
 
Ladies, on closing the top manually - two additional tricks: when you are standing behind it - hold your stomach in to gather your core strength and help you push the top up and over. Also, try to bend your knees and power up with your legs to a full standing position as you push the top up and over. It may sound strange, but give either one or both, if you can, a shot and let me know what you think. I was always fairly proud once I learned to use more of my body because I knew how heavy the top was and yet people didn't see me struggle nearly like I had before. Basically, these two moves use the bigger, stronger muscles of your body, rather than just the strength in your arms. Good luck!
 
And if any of you have thoughts on the best path to take to get the happy back in my Cabrio, I'd really appreciate it!!

Messages Page 10 of 15

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