Convertible Top Question

[swantzilla]

I am new to the group. I bought an '05 Convertible a couple months ago. I recently noticed that the rear window has become detached from the fabric. The dealer is offering no help. I have read that there are some temporary fixes but they do not last very long. I also see that there are different types of materials available. I believe that factory/OEM is always the best but not the cheapest. I will be doing the replacement myself. Any recommendations on what type of top to buy? Thank you for reading.

[boogety boogety]

There are a number of posts here, if you Search a bit. Here is just some of several:

Replace Top?

Cabriolet Complete Roof Change

roof/rear window problem

[pencilneck]

Depending on the type of top your car has, a special tool might be needed. Some tops have 3 zippers on them to help secure them in place, special pliers are used to do the zippers.

I've installed many OEM tops over the years, and 1 aftermarket top. I will never do an aftermarket top again, it was a major pain in the @$$ to install and looked like crap, a very poor fit.

There is also a special tool (brackets) used to keep a track that the rear of the top is fitted into up and off the paint of the body. If you don't have these brackets, it will be "fun" to slip the new top into the track.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Here's the thread of a gentleman that recently changed his top using a used OEM.
Cabriolet Complete Roof Change

MORAV

[swantzilla]

I ordered a Robbins top from Tops Online. Thanks for all that replied.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Keep us posted on the fitment and your progress/ease or problems with install.

Thanks for updating!

M.

[swantzilla]

Any update on the progress? I need to do one on an 05 with a power top. I also bought the Robbins top. Any special tools needed and any advice before I start?

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by swantzilla

Any update on the progress? I need to do one on an 05 with a power top. I also bought the Robbins top. Any special tools needed and any advice before I start?

The paper Bentley ('98-'07) has a complete section on this.

M.

[CGK]

Well, glad to see you opted for the Robbins top. You won't be disappointed.
I have used them on air cooled verts and NB's for a few of my friends.
Several things you seriously need to consider if you attempt to do the job yourself:

Definitely invest in the following:
Volkswagen Technical Self-Study guide for the NB Convertible
Volkswagen Technical Service Training - Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Top and Window Repair Self-Study Program *-* Bentley Publishers - Repair Manuals and Automotive Books

There are a couple special tools that are worth the investment and will make the job much much easier to do.
You will need the brackets and the closing pliers to properly insert and zip the new top onto the frame.
You can get these from Home Page
The installation also calls for special staples to secure the zippers.
You can use an industrial strength wide staple to accomplish this because the VW stapler and staples are way too expensive to purchase and you only need a few staples anyway.
Take your time and you should'nt have any trouble with the installation and the new top will look as good as or even better than factory.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by CGK

Definitely invest in the following:
Volkswagen Technical Self-Study guide for the NB Convertible
Volkswagen Technical Service Training - Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Top and Window Repair Self-Study Program *-* Bentley Publishers - Repair Manuals and Automotive Books

This is probably the same Self-Study guide that is in the '98-'07 paper Bentley

The NBC Self-Study Guide Intro Page from the Bentley is attached below.

I have a DVD-ROM available FS. $50 plus shipping. P/m me with interest.


M.