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Posted by: Andy Sparks - 27 July 2006 14:34:30
Guys amongst you, you all seem to have loads of experience with all things convertable. If i was looking for a project, what sort of things should i be looking for. I suppose the reason i ask is that everything i seem to find has already been through the hands of a collector, so is missing all the rare kab only parts. Are there issues finding some of the rare parts like tack strips, etc, also what are the lower body repair panels like to find? Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers Andy

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 27 July 2006 14:34:30

Guys amongst you, you all seem to have loads of experience with all things convertable. If i was looking for a project, what sort of things should i be looking for. I suppose the reason i ask is that everything i seem to find has already been through the hands of a collector, so is missing all the rare kab only parts. Are there issues finding some of the rare parts like tack strips, etc, also what are the lower body repair panels like to find? Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers Andy

Posted by: pre67vw - 27 July 2006 15:12:06
What sort of year are you talking about?

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 28 July 2006 14:41:37
Oval really, would love ribbed doors though, and just love heart lights. Really want a semaphore car as well, so i suppose look round Germany or UK, although i don't really think that i will find a good selection over here What I’m after is peoples thoughts on what would be a no-no. I know that I do not want a car that has been stripped of all the good bits, as finding them will be a nightmare, unless a donor car turned up. Cheers Andy

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 28 July 2006 14:41:37

Oval really, would love ribbed doors though, and just love heart lights. Really want a semaphore car as well, so i suppose look round Germany or UK, although i don't really think that i will find a good selection over here What I’m after is peoples thoughts on what would be a no-no. I know that I do not want a car that has been stripped of all the good bits, as finding them will be a nightmare, unless a donor car turned up. Cheers Andy

Posted by: pre67vw - 28 July 2006 14:57:43
In my opinion, by far the most important thing is it being structurally solid. The only Karmann strengthener parts that are readily available are the rails that run below the heater channels. There are quite a few others (next to bonnet hinges, front inner wheel wells, cross brace under rear seat, and 'webs' in the door corners) that are not available. Next on the list without a doubt is the decklid/engine cover, those are pretty expensive to replace although you could always go for a wolf made replica. Then it would be the rear window, pretty hard to get hold of. Tack strips for the hood are available although I've heard the quality is not great. Personally I wouldn't be too worried about the rarety of any other bits on an oval cab. If it was a split cab then its a whole different ball game.

Posted by: pre67vw - 28 July 2006 14:57:43

In my opinion, by far the most important thing is it being structurally solid. The only Karmann strengthener parts that are readily available are the rails that run below the heater channels. There are quite a few others (next to bonnet hinges, front inner wheel wells, cross brace under rear seat, and 'webs' in the door corners) that are not available. Next on the list without a doubt is the decklid/engine cover, those are pretty expensive to replace although you could always go for a wolf made replica. Then it would be the rear window, pretty hard to get hold of. Tack strips for the hood are available although I've heard the quality is not great. Personally I wouldn't be too worried about the rarety of any other bits on an oval cab. If it was a split cab then its a whole different ball game.

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 28 July 2006 15:24:43
Cheers. Think i will be looking for a while, i really do not want to bite off more that i can chew on this. The main reason why i do not want a stripped car is the expence of the bits. I've see early kab parts rocket in price recently. i got offered a good Kab rear view mirror a little while ago for just over £200. Oh well lesson learned i suppose. Also will wait to see what happens with work, No point in buy a restoration if you cannot afford to restore it, and i cannot imagine that it will be cheap. Although important lessons were learned on my last resto. Andy

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 28 July 2006 15:24:43

Cheers. Think i will be looking for a while, i really do not want to bite off more that i can chew on this. The main reason why i do not want a stripped car is the expence of the bits. I've see early kab parts rocket in price recently. i got offered a good Kab rear view mirror a little while ago for just over £200. Oh well lesson learned i suppose. Also will wait to see what happens with work, No point in buy a restoration if you cannot afford to restore it, and i cannot imagine that it will be cheap. Although important lessons were learned on my last resto. Andy

Posted by: six-o-one - 31 July 2006 13:17:16
There's a nice oval vert for sale on the bbt website... [url=https://www.bbt4vw.com/Car%20sales/Autoverkoop/cabrio/cabrio1955blauw.php]https://www.bbt4vw.com/Car sales/Autoverkoop/cabrio/cabrio1955blauw.php[/url]

Posted by: six-o-one - 31 July 2006 13:30:42
It's got 'Andy's cab' written all over it! :wink: [ATTACH]1115[/Attach]

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 31 July 2006 16:08:35
Ooooh this is a lovely Kab. But ribbed doors and snowflake lights is that correct? Cheers Andy

Posted by: six-o-one - 31 July 2006 16:32:46
The doors are right, not sure when the rear lights changed though?

Posted by: 2splits - 31 July 2006 19:08:16
I can help here. That BBT car looks to be a US export model. In April 1955, US (Canadian as well) cars had the optional bullets and snowflakes with semaphores removed (boxes filled in). In May 1955, all US bound 55's had snowflakes and bullets. I recently restored my 55 convertible. I can't stress enough how important it is to make sure the convertible is as solid as possible. Unlike a sedan, water can (and does) get in over the years, you won't know it until you take the car apart! Another thing to be aware of is the cost of doing the top. I bet I have $5,000 wrapped up into my top, by using correct materials and highest quality wood. The effect is outstanding, but it was way more expensive than I had expected. Regarding the tack strips, original ones are next to impossible to find. Luckily, my Kab at two of the three originals, and I was able to locate the other. But I know people look for years for the correct strips. The repros are junk and require shaping and grinding. It is worth it in the end. An oval cabrio is probably one of the most beautiful of all VW's in my opinion. Good luck!

Posted by: 2splits - 31 July 2006 19:08:16

I can help here. That BBT car looks to be a US export model. In April 1955, US (Canadian as well) cars had the optional bullets and snowflakes with semaphores removed (boxes filled in). In May 1955, all US bound 55's had snowflakes and bullets. I recently restored my 55 convertible. I can't stress enough how important it is to make sure the convertible is as solid as possible. Unlike a sedan, water can (and does) get in over the years, you won't know it until you take the car apart! Another thing to be aware of is the cost of doing the top. I bet I have $5,000 wrapped up into my top, by using correct materials and highest quality wood. The effect is outstanding, but it was way more expensive than I had expected. Regarding the tack strips, original ones are next to impossible to find. Luckily, my Kab at two of the three originals, and I was able to locate the other. But I know people look for years for the correct strips. The repros are junk and require shaping and grinding. It is worth it in the end. An oval cabrio is probably one of the most beautiful of all VW's in my opinion. Good luck!

Posted by: 2splits - 31 July 2006 19:09:38
Actually, I think I notice on that BBT car the Canadian badging on the rear passenger side fender! So, yeah, its an export model.

Posted by: 2splits - 31 July 2006 19:18:49
Here is my 55 vert: Before Resto [img]https://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/68673.jpg[/img] [img]https://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/196514.jpg[/img] After: [img]https://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/274692.jpg[/img] [img]https://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/275586.jpg[/img]

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 01 August 2006 18:09:13
2 Splits, your Karmann is lovely, i need to stop looking at these, i know i'm going to spend money. :wink: As i thought though, you have egg shell lights on yours. Not the later later snowflake 56-61 lights. Still not convinced that these are correct. I think that yours are correct for this car??? Looks like this car as single tail pipe as well, and most other early parts, straight gear shift, big filler cap/flat tank, steering wheel. shame no semafores, gutted. Still have enquired about how much

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 01 August 2006 18:09:13

2 Splits, your Karmann is lovely, i need to stop looking at these, i know i'm going to spend money. :wink: As i thought though, you have egg shell lights on yours. Not the later later snowflake 56-61 lights. Still not convinced that these are correct. I think that yours are correct for this car??? Looks like this car as single tail pipe as well, and most other early parts, straight gear shift, big filler cap/flat tank, steering wheel. shame no semafores, gutted. Still have enquired about how much

Posted by: 2splits - 01 August 2006 18:17:43
[quote="Andy Sparks"]2 Splits, your Karmann is lovely, i need to stop looking at these, i know i'm going to spend money. :wink: As i thought though, you have egg shell lights on yours. Not the later later snowflake 56-61 lights. Still not convinced that these are correct. I think that yours are correct for this car??? Looks like this car as single tail pipe as well, and most other early parts, straight gear shift, big filler cap/flat tank, steering wheel. shame no semafores, gutted. Still have enquired about how much[/quote] Andy, trust me on this. I have done a TON of research on this as 1955 is the trickest year for US bound cars. Take a look at the UNRESTORED picture of my car. Notice the snowflakes and bullets? My car was built in April 1955. When I restored the car, I found the semaphore boxes welded up. The option codes for my car from VW indicated the car was built with optional "blinkers". When I restored the car, I opened up the boxes, shaved the bullets and put a NOS set of eggs for taillights. Which is still technically correct for a US bound April 55 car. If my car was built in May, I would not have done so. Gunter from BBT confirmed the car is an export model, so it is very correct. The price he quoted my was about 20,000 euro. I VERY strongly believe this is a VERY VERY original car and has never been touched. Its a pretty fair price as well. If you are serious, I could be talked into parting with my kabrio.... :) Good luck!

Posted by: 2splits - 01 August 2006 18:17:43

[quote="Andy Sparks"]2 Splits, your Karmann is lovely, i need to stop looking at these, i know i'm going to spend money. :wink: As i thought though, you have egg shell lights on yours. Not the later later snowflake 56-61 lights. Still not convinced that these are correct. I think that yours are correct for this car??? Looks like this car as single tail pipe as well, and most other early parts, straight gear shift, big filler cap/flat tank, steering wheel. shame no semafores, gutted. Still have enquired about how much[/quote] Andy, trust me on this. I have done a TON of research on this as 1955 is the trickest year for US bound cars. Take a look at the UNRESTORED picture of my car. Notice the snowflakes and bullets? My car was built in April 1955. When I restored the car, I found the semaphore boxes welded up. The option codes for my car from VW indicated the car was built with optional "blinkers". When I restored the car, I opened up the boxes, shaved the bullets and put a NOS set of eggs for taillights. Which is still technically correct for a US bound April 55 car. If my car was built in May, I would not have done so. Gunter from BBT confirmed the car is an export model, so it is very correct. The price he quoted my was about 20,000 euro. I VERY strongly believe this is a VERY VERY original car and has never been touched. Its a pretty fair price as well. If you are serious, I could be talked into parting with my kabrio.... :) Good luck!

Posted by: 2splits - 01 August 2006 18:35:17
https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wired/wired_08_01/wired_08_01.htm You may find this helpful.

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 01 August 2006 18:38:03
Hiya, cheers. i must admit to not knowing an awful lot about USA 55s, cheers for your advice. Don't think my bank manager would like me buying your car. Did you ay Gunter wants 20,000 Euros for this car? Andy

Posted by: 2splits - 01 August 2006 19:09:21
19,950 to be exact.

Posted by: JD - 02 August 2006 12:41:16
20,000euro should get you into a nicely restored car in Germany, not just a project, no matter how good. 2splits - Should my `58 Kabrio have a front tack strip on the roof or only the two at the back? (Its a bit "late model" for you, I realise!!)

Posted by: six-o-one - 02 August 2006 12:50:03
You could have bought a '51 cab from BBT a couple of years ago for not much more! :shock: It does sound a bit expensive to me too :?

Posted by: 2splits - 02 August 2006 15:15:01
Consider these prices: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?submit=yes&keywords=&type=text&stype=all&username=&yearfrom=1939&yearto=1957&model%5B%5D=Bug+-+Split+Window+-+Convertible&model%5B%5D=Bug+-+Oval+Window+-+Convertible&section%5B%5D=&wanted=show&zip=&zipdist=0&state%5B%5D=&usaregion=&country=&sort=date&sort_order=DESC&submitButton=Search 20,000 is not out of the realm. Of course, it is BBT, so the prices are always at a premium (especially when being quoted to Americans I suspect). And yes JD, I believe you should have all three tack strips. If you can find a nicely restored oval convertible for 20,000 Euro's, you let me know! P.S. - That 51 cabrio I believe was a mess. Its for sale now for 36,000 euro.

Posted by: 2splits - 02 August 2006 15:15:01

Consider these prices: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?submit=yes&keywords=&type=text&stype=all&username=&yearfrom=1939&yearto=1957&model%5B%5D=Bug+-+Split+Window+-+Convertible&model%5B%5D=Bug+-+Oval+Window+-+Convertible&section%5B%5D=&wanted=show&zip=&zipdist=0&state%5B%5D=&usaregion=&country=&sort=date&sort_order=DESC&submitButton=Search 20,000 is not out of the realm. Of course, it is BBT, so the prices are always at a premium (especially when being quoted to Americans I suspect). And yes JD, I believe you should have all three tack strips. If you can find a nicely restored oval convertible for 20,000 Euro's, you let me know! P.S. - That 51 cabrio I believe was a mess. Its for sale now for 36,000 euro.

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 03 August 2006 11:49:38
20k is top dollar (well Euro) for a car that needs a new hood etc. When i see more presentable US cars for $20K and i get $1.8 = £1, instead of 1.4e = £1. I know you get what you pay for, but i was offered a lovely 1955 for £10k. Think i know where my money is going. I agree about the 1951, i have seen this in the flesh and it has had a hard life. Thanks for all your help, will keep on looking, maybe at Camberg . Or failing that £10k is a good start to a doposit to a house.

Posted by: Andy Sparks - 03 August 2006 11:49:38

20k is top dollar (well Euro) for a car that needs a new hood etc. When i see more presentable US cars for $20K and i get $1.8 = £1, instead of 1.4e = £1. I know you get what you pay for, but i was offered a lovely 1955 for £10k. Think i know where my money is going. I agree about the 1951, i have seen this in the flesh and it has had a hard life. Thanks for all your help, will keep on looking, maybe at Camberg . Or failing that £10k is a good start to a doposit to a house.

Posted by: 2splits - 03 August 2006 14:18:33
Agreed. Best to keep your money ready and find that perfect car!

Posted by: JD - 04 August 2006 17:27:02
2 splits - I suspect you and I may have differing opinions about what constitutes "nicely" restored! :D I'm a bit more "what the hell - it goes" myself. :D :D The tack strips - can they be comfortably installed after the rest of the top is completed? I can see myself having a really hard time getting hold of any and it would perhaps be useful to be able to fit them later.

Posted by: JD - 04 August 2006 17:50:49
Any good? www.autoscout24.de/home/index/detail.asp?ts=6405511 Edit - ach - sorry, bad link. Anyway, search on the site, theres an Oval Kab there, for 22,800euro, might not be too rubbish. :D

Posted by: six-o-one - 04 August 2006 18:38:08
[quote="JD"]The tack strips - can they be comfortably installed after the rest of the top is completed? I can see myself having a really hard time getting hold of any and it would perhaps be useful to be able to fit them later.[/quote] Mine is missing the front one too so I'm on the lookout as well. They can be fitted after you fit a new hood, they are just secured with small tacks. :D

Posted by: 2splits - 05 August 2006 00:35:59
[quote="six-o-one"][quote="JD"]The tack strips - can they be comfortably installed after the rest of the top is completed? I can see myself having a really hard time getting hold of any and it would perhaps be useful to be able to fit them later.[/quote] Mine is missing the front one too so I'm on the lookout as well. They can be fitted after you fit a new hood, they are just secured with small tacks. :D [/quote] Exactly. Another option is to get the wolfsburg west ones, and fool with them and see if you like them. They may just do. Good luck! If I see a set (and I have seen them come up), I'll buy them and offer them here. It was funny, when my top guy restored my top, he couldn't believe I wanted them on (and spent a TON of time restoring them). He said he "threw out hundreds of them" over the years!

Posted by: 2splits - 05 August 2006 00:35:59

[quote="six-o-one"][quote="JD"]The tack strips - can they be comfortably installed after the rest of the top is completed? I can see myself having a really hard time getting hold of any and it would perhaps be useful to be able to fit them later.[/quote] Mine is missing the front one too so I'm on the lookout as well. They can be fitted after you fit a new hood, they are just secured with small tacks. :D [/quote] Exactly. Another option is to get the wolfsburg west ones, and fool with them and see if you like them. They may just do. Good luck! If I see a set (and I have seen them come up), I'll buy them and offer them here. It was funny, when my top guy restored my top, he couldn't believe I wanted them on (and spent a TON of time restoring them). He said he "threw out hundreds of them" over the years!

Posted by: JD - 07 August 2006 09:19:25
I was at a small show here at the weekend, and I may have a source for these strips in brass, or aluminium. They need chroming and a bit of shaping apparently but its better than a poke in the eye.

Posted by: JD - 07 August 2006 12:26:00
Oh yes - This weekend I also learned that Cabrio semaphores are not the same as normal ones. Great! :roll: Anyone have any they want to sell me? The bloke I was talking to (proud owner of both a `54 and a `49 Kabrio!! :shock: ) said that he had an idea that someone was remaking the lenses for these semaphores. Anyone know who? He seemed to think that you could get away with modifiying a regular set, if you had the lenses to fit them to. Second choice for sure, but a mans gotta do... cheers

Posted by: JD - 07 August 2006 12:26:00

Oh yes - This weekend I also learned that Cabrio semaphores are not the same as normal ones. Great! :roll: Anyone have any they want to sell me? The bloke I was talking to (proud owner of both a `54 and a `49 Kabrio!! :shock: ) said that he had an idea that someone was remaking the lenses for these semaphores. Anyone know who? He seemed to think that you could get away with modifiying a regular set, if you had the lenses to fit them to. Second choice for sure, but a mans gotta do... cheers

Posted by: 2splits - 07 August 2006 15:28:00
Yeah, they are different. Longer than the sedans so they can be seen past the rear fender. Finding a set is really tough, and really expensive. Best guy to ask is Matt at Matt's Bug Parts in Canada. https://www.mattsparts.com/semaphores/semaphores.htm He has original ones from time-to-time. Also regarding the repro lenses, here you go. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=332801

Posted by: JD - 07 August 2006 16:04:59
Thanks 2splits! I've a feeling I'd be stuffed without your help!!

Posted by: six-o-one - 07 August 2006 18:40:16
[url=https://web.telia.com/~u31614242/cabrio/sembuild.html]How to modify saloon semiphores to fit a cabrio...[/url] Have fun! :D

Posted by: JD - 08 August 2006 08:59:41
Wow! Great. Thanks. :D

Posted by: Jules - 08 August 2006 19:35:11
[quote="JD"]Oh yes - This weekend I also learned that Cabrio semaphores are not the same as normal ones. Great! :roll:[/quote] I remember spending a quiet moment with a Pair of NOS Kabrio semaphores, it was a while ago! I also remember having a box of 10 (or might have been 20) NOS normal type semaphores. It was one of those cool blue box's and each semaphore was wrapped in paper.

Posted by: 2splits - 08 August 2006 20:21:50
[quote="Jules"][quote="JD"]Oh yes - This weekend I also learned that Cabrio semaphores are not the same as normal ones. Great! :roll:[/quote] I remember spending a quiet moment with a Pair of NOS Kabrio semaphores, it was a while ago! I also remember having a box of 10 (or might have been 20) NOS normal type semaphores. It was one of those cool blue box's and each semaphore was wrapped in paper.[/quote] Yeah, no kidding. Too me a LONG LONG time to find a NOS set for my 55 vert; [img]https://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/51919.jpg[/img]

Posted by: 2splits - 08 August 2006 20:21:50

[quote="Jules"][quote="JD"]Oh yes - This weekend I also learned that Cabrio semaphores are not the same as normal ones. Great! :roll:[/quote] I remember spending a quiet moment with a Pair of NOS Kabrio semaphores, it was a while ago! I also remember having a box of 10 (or might have been 20) NOS normal type semaphores. It was one of those cool blue box's and each semaphore was wrapped in paper.[/quote] Yeah, no kidding. Too me a LONG LONG time to find a NOS set for my 55 vert; [img]https://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/51919.jpg[/img]

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:26:40
Thats right - taunt me with pictures of your rare stuff! :( :D A bloke I was talking to at the weekend was telling me that he fixed the rear wooden bow onto the body of his car with some big bolts from underneath. This meant that he can now remove the roof from the car to do paint or bodywork without having to pull out one hundred nails. Seemed like a good idea to me, since I need a roof pretty soon, but I'm not really ready to do any body work just yet. Any comments? Or is this a daft idea? cheers

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:26:40

Thats right - taunt me with pictures of your rare stuff! :( :D A bloke I was talking to at the weekend was telling me that he fixed the rear wooden bow onto the body of his car with some big bolts from underneath. This meant that he can now remove the roof from the car to do paint or bodywork without having to pull out one hundred nails. Seemed like a good idea to me, since I need a roof pretty soon, but I'm not really ready to do any body work just yet. Any comments? Or is this a daft idea? cheers

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 12:28:53
Mine is held on with bolts, how is your's held on?

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:35:13
On my 63 its nailed through tabs IIRC. Guess the `58 is the same. Maybe its bolted as well. I could have lost something in translation (happens!). Maybe he just meant leave the nails out and only use the bolts. Are they accessible from underneath without pulling the headliner out? It would be very handy.

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:38:51
As promised earlier, a link to a source for brass tack strip profiles. The first one on the page I guess. Need to fit the nails, solder and shape the ends and get them chromed afterwards, but it looks like the proper stuff. https://www.dbnachfertigung.de/Profile3.htm Anyone fancy getting a batch of finished strips made up (for the shop Jules!! hint hint!! :D ) as it looks like a lot of work to do individually. And here for ally versions, under "Alu Leisten" https://www.seidel-profile.de/

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:38:51

As promised earlier, a link to a source for brass tack strip profiles. The first one on the page I guess. Need to fit the nails, solder and shape the ends and get them chromed afterwards, but it looks like the proper stuff. https://www.dbnachfertigung.de/Profile3.htm Anyone fancy getting a batch of finished strips made up (for the shop Jules!! hint hint!! :D ) as it looks like a lot of work to do individually. And here for ally versions, under "Alu Leisten" https://www.seidel-profile.de/

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 12:43:18
[quote="JD"]On my 63 its nailed through tabs IIRC. Guess the `58 is the same. Maybe its bolted as well. I could have lost something in translation (happens!). Maybe he just meant leave the nails out and only use the bolts. Are they accessible from underneath without pulling the headliner out? It would be very handy.[/quote] They must have changed it then? My '65 its bolted on and I'm not aware of any tabs or nails on mine. Mine didn't have a headliner, but I would think that it would cover up access to the tops of the bots. You'd have to modify somehow so the bolts were captive and you didn't need access to them.

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 12:43:18

[quote="JD"]On my 63 its nailed through tabs IIRC. Guess the `58 is the same. Maybe its bolted as well. I could have lost something in translation (happens!). Maybe he just meant leave the nails out and only use the bolts. Are they accessible from underneath without pulling the headliner out? It would be very handy.[/quote] They must have changed it then? My '65 its bolted on and I'm not aware of any tabs or nails on mine. Mine didn't have a headliner, but I would think that it would cover up access to the tops of the bots. You'd have to modify somehow so the bolts were captive and you didn't need access to them.

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 12:47:03
[quote="JD"]As promised earlier, a link to a source for brass tack strip profiles. The first one on the page I guess. Need to fit the nails, solder and shape the ends and get them chromed afterwards, but it looks like the proper stuff. https://www.dbnachfertigung.de/Profile3.htm Anyone fancy getting a batch of finished strips made up (for the shop Jules!! hint hint!! :D ) as it looks like a lot of work to do individually. And here for ally versions, under "Alu Leisten" https://www.seidel-profile.de/[/quote] Cool... the 2nd site has aluminium ones (Alu-Leisten) - would these polish up with no need for chrome?

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 12:47:03

[quote="JD"]As promised earlier, a link to a source for brass tack strip profiles. The first one on the page I guess. Need to fit the nails, solder and shape the ends and get them chromed afterwards, but it looks like the proper stuff. https://www.dbnachfertigung.de/Profile3.htm Anyone fancy getting a batch of finished strips made up (for the shop Jules!! hint hint!! :D ) as it looks like a lot of work to do individually. And here for ally versions, under "Alu Leisten" https://www.seidel-profile.de/[/quote] Cool... the 2nd site has aluminium ones (Alu-Leisten) - would these polish up with no need for chrome?

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:55:16
Probably, and they'd certainly be easier to do, but I have doubts about the strength and longevity of ally ones. They are only thin hollow sections after all. I can see them going all wobbly when you nail them on. My last remaining tack strip is pretty bent up and thats brass. I wouldn't want ally tack strips near a non black coloured top either! You could never polish them without leaving black streaks!

Posted by: JD - 09 August 2006 12:55:16

Probably, and they'd certainly be easier to do, but I have doubts about the strength and longevity of ally ones. They are only thin hollow sections after all. I can see them going all wobbly when you nail them on. My last remaining tack strip is pretty bent up and thats brass. I wouldn't want ally tack strips near a non black coloured top either! You could never polish them without leaving black streaks!

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 13:02:01
[quote="JD"]Probably, and they'd certainly be easier to do, but I have doubts about the strength and longevity of ally ones. They are only thin hollow sections after all. I can see them going all wobbly when you nail them on. My last remaining tack strip is pretty bent up and thats brass. I wouldn't want ally tack strips near a non black coloured top either! You could never polish them without leaving black streaks![/quote] I was wondering about them going wobbly, my hood had the one left on it and that was pretty bent. This meant that the chrome chipped off because it doesn't bend too well, you wouldn't have that problem with ally - nothing would chip off. Strength wise I think they'd be fine, I was thinking that if they needed a re-polish you could lay down some 2" masking tape each side of the strip and polish away without getting it on the material.

Posted by: pre67vw - 09 August 2006 13:02:01

[quote="JD"]Probably, and they'd certainly be easier to do, but I have doubts about the strength and longevity of ally ones. They are only thin hollow sections after all. I can see them going all wobbly when you nail them on. My last remaining tack strip is pretty bent up and thats brass. I wouldn't want ally tack strips near a non black coloured top either! You could never polish them without leaving black streaks![/quote] I was wondering about them going wobbly, my hood had the one left on it and that was pretty bent. This meant that the chrome chipped off because it doesn't bend too well, you wouldn't have that problem with ally - nothing would chip off. Strength wise I think they'd be fine, I was thinking that if they needed a re-polish you could lay down some 2" masking tape each side of the strip and polish away without getting it on the material.

Posted by: 2splits - 09 August 2006 16:04:52
If you can swing it, go with brass like the originals. Wolfsburg West's are aluminum and as I said, are pretty low quality. I know a bunch of people who would be interested (shit, I would take a set), if the price was decent and quality was there.

Posted by: JD - 16 August 2006 20:05:17
C'mon Jules! How about having a bunch of these things made up for the shop? Seems like theres more than a few of us interested. 8)

Posted by: six-o-one - 17 August 2006 19:03:09
[url=https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1955-VW-Beetle-Convertable-RHD_W0QQitemZ300018315722QQihZ020QQcategoryZ18303QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]'55 RHD cabrio on UK Ebay...[/url] Could be a good start if the price is right!

Posted by: 2splits - 17 August 2006 20:04:48
[quote="six-o-one"][url=https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1955-VW-Beetle-Convertable-RHD_W0QQitemZ300018315722QQihZ020QQcategoryZ18303QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]'55 RHD cabrio on UK Ebay...[/url] Could be a good start if the price is right![/quote] Ouch. That thing is a mess!

Posted by: JD - 18 August 2006 08:54:18
I was talking to the guy who had just bought that thing on another forum only a few weeks back. Have to wonder why he's moving it on already!

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