Hi all well hears a lovely 21 vw window samba !!!!! Yes it is.... with a fully rebuilt full length rag top sun roof.
This is a gorgeous bus that i have fully re trimmed in two tone leather.... This part is all about the re trim and re fit of the sun roof.....The windows in the roof are there in the inside but not been cut through in the outer roof... this is a very rare as i believe this was ordered of military use . Below is a selection of pictures showing the make up and fitting of a full length rag top roof. I hope you enjoy and any questions you may have please contact me and i be happy to help. telephone : 07794978914
This is Malcolm's gorgeous bus waiting to be picked up by the customer I'm sure he will like it.
Just a different angle showing the bus in all its glory a lovely choice of colours for the paint.
Here is a roof shot showing all the old roof removed and all the fixing holes cleaned and ready for the new roof to be fitted.
Here is all the new bits ordered in from the USA. the quality of the product is superb , the cost was not the cheapest but well worth it as it all fitted without and alterations needed.
There are many parts to this roof, the best tip i can give is to take loads of photos as a reference and keep every part just in case, For this job the customer has decided to replace all the parts at a very high cost but i am very pleased with the result . The photo above shows the laying out of the front locking mechanism and all the sliding roof bows fitted to See if all works and at this stage before fitting any cloth you can sort out any problems.
Here you can see the runners in the track with the new nylon bushes fitted and running smoothly. Also showing the top bow working as it should, which allow the roof to close and container together.
A photo showing how the top bow lifts to allow the roof to open onto the next roof bow as pictures will show. If not using new like i was its very important at this stage to make sure all parts are working and using a good lube like WD40 will help free and stuck parts, If this dose not work replacement parts are recommended. A overhaul of the front locking arm is very important , in most cases a good clean and oil will make it work almost like new.
Here you can see me adjusting the tensor, These two screws depending on how they are turned allow the upper runner to run smoothly in the track, Again care is needed and take your time in getting this right as the smoothness of operation relies so much on this adjustment.
A nice new stainless track in place again the tip here is to make sure all the fixing holes are clean and if needed clean the thread with a matching die , New fitting screws are a must and when fitted make sure the screws are fitted flush and any metal burs should be sanded off. I also fitted thread seal on these as they are prone to allow water to leak into the bus.
The pen shows the metal griper teeth ready to take the new marital, I always get these as level as i can as it relay helps to get a even tension on the cloth when fitting.
Just a different angle showing the front header unit and one of the bows all ready now for the marital.
You can see here the fixing strip that fits into the slots shown in the above photo. If you cannot use the old headliner as a pattern I would recommend getting a new one made . You can buy these or get your local auto trimmer to make one for you.
This is the start of the fitting of the materiel starting with the header unit and working your way back and take your time as a mistake can be costly.....
Once fitted gently tap down the metal barbs working your way along and doing this two or three times is better than trying to hammer them home in one go.
With that done you now can work your way back, one bow at a time, you are looking at the fitting of the inner headlining cloth.
Once this is set in place use ca strong contact adhesive and bond the two fixing sections together as shown above, do not glue the roof bow bar as this still needs to hang free to allow for the best opening and closing of the roof.
This is the roof layed out on a bench and all ready for its first fit to see how it works....cross fingers...loll seriously take your time and it will work out great. The trimming of the surplus fixing cloth is done on the first bow, then the next ones can be done and so on .
There you go , all fitted and working OK....at this stage you can do any adjustments needed to get the inner lining tension right.
This is the rear of the inner liner , this is the last part to be fitted as this part is the all important part to get the tension correct so i temporary use double fixing tape here to allow for adjustments till its right.
Once you are happy with the tension you can use the fitting bar , again i would start from the middle outwards and temporary fit the screws and then fit down fully when happy.
Here you can see top covering being put to the upper part of the tension bars making sure they all fit and look right.
This shows you the inner headlining all done and ready to be used....bring on the summer.
This shows the top cover all tensioned and ready for the side fixings to be put in place, the webbing you can see runs up both sides and this allows you to pull it to the correct tension ready for the final fixing.
You can seethe lower part of the fixing fitted ready for the top to be secured... great care is taken here as a hole in the wrong place would mean start all over again....
Marking with a wax pencil so no mistake were the hole and fitting needs to be... this is repeated along both sides.
There we have it.... all fitted and ready for its final cheek......looking good.
After many cups of tea and long nights its all done.....Now the customer has many years of leek free and great fun.
One final part to be done... smear some Vaseline along both tracks this helps the runners to slide more easy ....JOB DONE....
As you see the sun roof sliding back smoothly and it all works great,
A close photo of the handle locked in place making sure there are no snags....all OK here.
A wider angle photo showing the inner liner all in place, Note bellow you can see some custom lights we fitted in the bus for the customer.....nice.
Again a photo showing the inside with the sun roof fully open and you can see how it all folds into each other.
A picture from above of the finished job.......
A great photo ,as you can see what a lovely bus this is......
Well I hoped this helped any one who is trying to fit or is about to under take fitting a full length rag top to a 21 window samba.... good luck.... If you need any info or help or you would like me to price on supplying and fitting one for you please contact me : Colin on : 07794978914 or email me on : incavilla@aol.com
See you all soon
Colin...
