T3: RE: Type III ragtop ?

["Erkson, Toby" <toby.erkson@intel.com>]

Hmm, this may need to become a FAQ...

I have a black, canvas sliding ragtop that runs the full length of my
Squareback
(I believe it's StreetBeat's Bus model).  August of 1996 it cost me
about $650 
for the kit.  It came with instructions.  I gave it to my body shop and
they did
it during their free time and cost me about $700 (by the hour charge,
ouch!, I 
hope others will do better).  Yes, if you have a garage and something to
cut the
sheet metal with you could do it yourself with a friend in a single
weekend.  I 
didn't have a garage or tools or time to do it myself, otherwise I would
of.

You can get vinyl as well and it comes in, what?, six colors I believe.
I got 
canvas because I think it looks better and it lasts longer.  The new
models have
a real handle now for locking the rag closed.  The unit is water tight
(within 
reason, like you don't spray a hose under it) and looks great.  Couldn't
tell ya
about what to watch out for during installation.  I did a little of my
own work,
like giving the overhanging tabs on the ribs a slight bend so they
overhang the 
outside railing; put felt padding on the runners where they meet the
rail so it 
keeps the noise down at high speed; put rubber end caps on the end of
the 
protruding screw ends for cosmetic reasons.  There is no headliner, you
see the 
ribs and such.  I'm quite sure that an upholstery shop or a motivated
owner 
could Velcro or glue (not recommended) a headliner.  My kit did come
with an air
deflector but it was cheap quality and I don't think it's really
necessary but 
if you want one get an after-market one.

Please contact StreetBeat in Arizona at 602-254-4332 for more
information.
    Toby Erkson
    air_cooled_nut@pobox.com  <-- Please use this address for email
responses
    '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
    '75 Porsche 914 1.8L, ORPCA member
    Portland, Oregon, http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8501/

______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: Re: Type III ragtop ?
Author:  Ross O'Shea [SMTP:Ross.Oshea@med.monash.edu.au]  at MSXGATE
Date:    3/3/98 2:36 PM
...
Lots o' questions about this [sliding canvas ragtop Toby Erkson owns].
Out of interest, how much did this top cost originally, or what are 
they charging for them now?.  How did you go about the installation? 
What are the things to watch out for when installing, etc?  What 
would a panel repair type place charge to install it?

Thanks,
Ross
70 Notch (Cilla)