Convertible Top Wedges: The Part You Didn't Know You Needed! There's nothing more frustrating than completing a project only to find that the problem still persists. That's especially true of restoring Air Cooled VW convertible tops. Mid America Motorworks recently uncovered the key to proper fit and function on your Convertible VW Beetle or Ghia: Wedges! We'll help you determine which wedges you need and where they belong on your Volkswagen. Convertible Top Wedges keep out wind and weather. Just like seals on the rest of your VW, they will dry out and crack over time, creating leaks and incessant wind noise. We were surprised to find that some convertibles are missing their Convertible Top Wedges, simply because the owner never realized they were there. No Two Wedges Are Equal Just as you wouldn't use a deck lid seal on the door of your VW, different Wedges have different applications. 1. Alignment Pin Sleeves These Alignment Pin Sleeves fit the windshield frame, helping align the pins on your convertible top. They provide a cushion that protects the paint from chips and scratches when putting your top up or down. 2. Front of Door Wedge & Rear of Door Wedge Front of Door Wedges fit the front of the door on a VW Beetle, while Rear of Door Wedges fit the rear of the door, just behind the window. Both wedges are designed to minimize vibration and ensure the proper seating of windows. 3. Front of Quarter Window Wedge & Rear of Quarter Window Wedge Front and Rear of Quarter Window Wedges eliminate that annoying rattle when your rear windows are rolled down, it may be time to replace your window stops. 4. Quarter Facing Base to Body Wedge Quarter Facing Base to Body Wedges are a must for ensuring proper spacing of the convertible top frame. They mount on the bottom of the wood quarter facings and seal to the body. These wedges were used on all Convertibles with wood outer quarter facings. Main Bow to Base to Body Wedge Main Bow to Base to Body Wedges play an important part for your VW Beetle. They act as a proper spacer for adjusting clearance on the top frame edge of your Convertible Top. 6. Front Top Corner Wedge For proper alignment and seating on your windshield, the Front Top Corner Wedges are a must. They also protect your VW's paint job from scratches and chips. Keep in mind that rubber seals are made using a soapstone-based mold release solution during the manufacturing process, which can cause the seals to take on a gray color, instead of the anticipated black. The solution helps the rubber pieces pull out of the molds more cleanly and also helps the workers separate them when dealing in large bulk quantities. This coating is normal and can be easily removed with soap and water. After installation, a light coating of silicone grease will help protect the rubber by preventing it from drying out, thus extending its useful life.
Beetle and Karmann Ghia Convertible Top Technical Tips When replacing your Volkswagen Convertible Top, it’s a good time to replace the following items as needed: Side Tension Cables, Rear Tension Cable, Side Window Frame to Top Seals, Header Seals, Rear Window Seal, Top Pad, and Headliner. Even if your tension wires aren’t broken, we strongly suggest replacing them to prevent breakage during or shortly after installation. Remember to check your Wood Bows. Karmann Ghia Note: The convertible top for 1967-1969 will also fit your 1969-1974 Karmann Ghia. The difference is that the 1967-1969 has a plastic window. If your glass window is missing you may not want to incur the expense of a replacement. A good alternative would be the 1967-1969 plastic window top. Air Cooled VW Convertible Window Restoration Tip Tech Note for VW Bug & Karmann Ghia If you have a 1/2” gap or more near the center of your windshield where it meets the top, then your header bow is probably warped and needs replacement. Tech Note for VW Bug Only If your rear window no longer fits tightly inside its frame, check to see if the window insert has deteriorated and needs replacement. Bow, Above Rear Window, Wood or Synthetic. Cabriolet Top Cover with Half Moon Plastic Window, Canvas.