About how much would it cost to put a convertible on a new beetle?

About how much would it cost to put a convertible on a new beetle?

i got a beetle for my first car and i hate it! so i thought the only way to really make it look cute would be to make it into a convertible. can anyone answer this? lol. and i dont wanna hear "just go buy a convertible beetle." cause ive already customized this one alot. HELP!?

Asked by: Alyssa @ 2009-07-10 07:50:28

Answers ::
liek 4000

James A

you cant make a car a convertible unless you want to spend thousands of dollars. Ive never heard of anyone making their car a convertible after market. Maybe you could get a sunroof installed. That'll still cost you though.

senorrobertoe

more than the car is worth. probably 7-8 (probably more) grand a lot of custom work. best bet is to find a totaled convertible beetle and use it as a parts car might be better off with a big moon roof convertibles require ALOT of extra bracing because you lose the strength the roof supplies, more headaches than it's worth

Ryan C

Hi Alyssa,
If you were Red Green, you'd just take a chain saw and cut the top off. Seriously, call a VW dealer and ask.

Alexis

ide say about 30,000 dollors good luck on buying it ,my dad bought his car for 60,000 dollors

Muatasem

If it's a hardtop right now it is simply to expensive to justify turning into a convertible.

Unless your Bam with that chop top hummer of his. Some people shouldn't have a lot of money like that...

ian h

You're going to find a lot of different prices if you do some digging. I don't think that's something that would be a "set price". The price for something like this is going to have a lot to do with what the price for labor hours is, not just parts. Different shops are going to quote you a different price for labor hours.

One thing I am certain of is that it would be a pretty big undertaking. Converting a vehicle to a convertible is something that needs to be done right. You have to be sure that the car will be water tight in the long run, re-cut the trunk to a different size, change the size of the frame of the car and the structure itself. I would only do it if you are willing to spend the right amount of money to have someone do it. And only have them do it if they are absolutely certain that it's something they can do right.

With all the money it would take, you might also consider how long you're going to have the car. It would be worth keeping for several years if you're going to do this type of work to it.

Call different body shops or dealerships and mechanics, let them know what you're interested in and ask who they would recommend. A lot of shops have trusted vendors and such. If you or anyone in the family has a mechanic that they see regularly I'd start there.

chadchadbinks

im really sorry to say this but just go buy a convertible beetle. the reason is if you COULD convince a body shop to do this not only would you void the warranty on your car but it would cost an OBSCENE amount of money money you could use to buy a, u guessed it, a convertible beetle. im guessing the amount it would cost is close to 10k-15k because the body shop not only has to rip off the entire top part of your car off they need new parts for the door frame, windows, windshield, tail lights, not to mention rerouting a lot of the electrical equipment also this would take approximately 3 weeks to complete. If you want a hot looking car that is the most fun you will ever have driving get a VW GTI mkV:

http://www.exchange3d.com/cubecart/images/uploads/aff2194/////Render_VW_GTI_MKV_0001.jpg

turning a car into a convertible is impractical, and extremely expensive

o did i mention you would have to put the top up and down by hand?
unless you want to spend more money.

Matt

like a ton of money!!

micle

The biggest thing that you need to know about how to do it correctly is that you must know where all the wires are, where all the structural supports are, and where the balance points are on the car. Based on these three things you can cut the car into a convertible. You will need to decide whether you want a rag top, hard top, or open t-top with drop down capabilities. Also, you will need to decide if you want a power convertible or a manual one.

The first thing you will need to do is remove the battery and all electrical power from the car. You will then need to reroute any wires that are in the roof and in the trunk, and you must consider where you are going to store your roof. You may have to drop it down in sections and pancake layers in the trunk, or you may have to rotate it down based on the configurations.

Next, if you are going to have a mechanical convertible, you must decide how and where are you going to bolt on the motor the guides, the new supports, and the new rails. Also, if you installed a sunroof in your roof, you must be cautious about not not crushing the glass. You will also need to have the window glass on an automatic power circuit that drops all of your windows down so that your roof doesn't destroy you door windows. One other thing, you will need to upgrade the body rigidity of the car in order to handle the added weight. I also suggest installing roll bars in your headrests so that in the event of roll over you have some protection for your head.

Finally, about the balance of the car, you must be careful with this. Properly balanced you will be able to go 200 mph and not worry about a thing. Improperly balanced and you are going to be lucky to make it out of your driveway. You are going to need to upgrade your shocks and springs, and to maintain your thrust to weight ratio you will need to upgrade your transmission and engine horsepower. You may want to consider multiplexing wires in order to cut down on weight. Afterall, you don't want to bottom out the car. Also, remember that with the top in the trunk or wherever you are going to put it, you are going to have that much less storage space. Make sure that you keep that in mind. You don't want to crush your groceries into your sexy lingerie. You don't want your eggs stuck to your roof. Beyond that, installing a convertible top is easy. Just get a torch and some locking clips and you're golden. Good luck.

Edward

would a VW Passat be a good first car?

I'm 15 and turning 16 soon. My mother and i have been looking at the new 2009 vw passat and thinking about buying it. she is going to use the car till i'm 17 and then give the car to me. I'm just wondering if that car would be a good first car.
thanks

Asked by: flguy11493 @ 2009-07-09 17:05:26

Answers ::
yes. volkswagens are great i have an 87 and it has hardly given me any trouble.

Kim

i think so, their comfortable and have turbo

need help

Excellent choice.

dingodevil

no those car's have issues if you have the money to fix them all the time then no.i have 2 friend's that have bought them and now wished they haden't.good luck.

Sunshine

I've got a V6 and it's got a top speed of 230 ks per hour,it's a rocket.

Abbuzzy

Volkswagens are great made vehicles. Their like number 1 in Europe. But ya its a good first car. But obviously your mom has some money to buy you a new car. Make sure you get warranty because the maintenance is very expensive because its a import.

Luke

It's OK but compare it to the Scion TC, it's cooler and less money.

BillyTheKid

I would sugest something smaller and maybe second hand.The Passat is an exelent car, top of its class but carries too much UMPH! for an inexpierienced driver, not to mention the insurance excess. My advice start small, work up a no claims record, gain expierience and you will enjoy the bigger cars when you have more confidence.

buddy

I'm getting a VW too!
im just getting a 4 door rabbit!
I think VWs are great, my mom has the passat, its luxury that you can afford!

Alex

Is it better to buy a classic old VW bug rather than a new one?

I have been in love with bugs forever and am getting to the point where I need to buy a car. I can't decide whether or not to get a new bug or an old one. I need to know pros and cons if buying either way please.

Asked by: Amapanda @ 2009-07-09 09:30:18

Answers ::
If you get a new one then its prlly more expensive than an older one, but you dont have the history that you would have in an older one. If you got an older one it would be cheaper but then you will have to put some money into it but you still have a classic

The 500 Free

new ones are more comfortable and have mod-coms in like air conditioning.
old ones are only worth getting if you like the nostalgia of them.
Also, an old one is likely to be a heck of a lot cheaper than a (brand new) new model.

My advice is that if you have the money, go for a brand new one (that you can customise to fit your needs), otherwise buy an old model. I would not advise buying a second hand new model.

arrrrrrrrrrr

Both are great cars, but if you are a new driver I would recommend the new one.
I have had two of them, they are super safe, very reliable, and fun to drive.

The older ones are also great, but more expensive to take care of and restore, and if it gets hit by another driver, expensive to repair that way too. The older ones are collectible and much better suited to someone who is mechanically inclined and can do their own work and such.
Keep in mind that they haven't been made for 30 + years and you don't want to pay a mechanic $80 per hour to learn how to fix one.

The new ones are really great, I love mine.

Matthew

The new bug is a Golf with a "ladybug" shell on it. Not made in Germany. Since it is a Golf, I'd rather have the Golf.

The classic bug, be careful. 1948-1974 is German and after that, it's Mexican. Parts are surprisingly easy to get. Some body parts you have to go to VW swap meets. If you put an electronic governor on those things it will surprise you. VW Beetle is easy and simple to work on and you have to love that part about owning one.

deonejuan

I have a 71 Bug with a 34 Pict 3 carb. It won't idle?

I checked filter and pump squirts good. Throttle cable hasn't moved. AS SOON as I take my foot off the throttle it dies. Is it a jet that may be clogged? Which one? the problem got bad over one day. If I keep throttle open, it runs great. Not practicle when shifting or when stopped obviously. Thanks for the help!

Asked by: MrNeutral @ 2009-07-09 11:07:05

Answers ::
It sounds to me like it is getting too much air so it won't idle.

Look for leaks in the intake manifold around the boots and the end castings where they bolt to the heads.
Use a can of carb cleaner and spray it at the two areas, when you hear the engine improve you have found your leak (carb cleaner is very flammable)

Matthew

Want a laugh. Read your question with a mindset that does not know what on earth you are talking about. *grins outrageously*

Practicing Shaman... quantum physics rocks.

Val

You have 2 possibilities. First is the electronic jet for idle cut off. It is wired to the coil and the choke. Turn on the ig-- and pull the wire. If it clicks, it is most likely OK. They did like to loosen up. Next is the idle restricter jet on the top of the carb near the electric choke heater,-- It had a small jet hole that would plug up. If you just ream it out some- that would usually fix it. Some even had an electric jet like the cut off jet.

williamM

how can I get instructions to repair heater/cooler on a vw polo 02 have spare part main dealer will not help.?

Asked by: buddy @ 2009-07-09 17:39:41

Answers ::
It's best not to try to work on German cars. You will save time and money if you pay a professional to do it.

Cougars & Texans

plenty of sites on line with repair manuals for this vehicle but you got to search through them to find what you want. not sure were you live but you can buy the books from the garages and car shops in uk.

J

Haynes list a manual for your Polo.
The link is below.
http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=34532&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=14543&top_category=10001.

Good luck.

Mike the mech

Volkswagen Transporter T5 Spares?

does anyone know any good sites that sell Transporter T5 spares. Im looking for a drivers side wing mirror heated and eletric

Asked by: Brian C @ 2009-07-09 08:28:16

Answers ::
There are several, you will have the best luck if you google it by title i.e. Vanagon, Eurovan etc

Matthew

Hi i vw garage in surrey and i have some for sale if you want to give me a call ..mike07828647840

mike & Jo

There's a guy on eBay sells replacement mirror glasses for Volkswagen T5, I needed a driver's side one about a year ago it was about a half the price as buying from a dealer, and is still ok

Gizzard Puke

1974 VW Bug maintenance help Please?

I have a 1974 VW bug (Not Super) that when I stop at a stop sign or red light it dies. I have replaced the air filter and fuel filter, tightened the alternator belt and it still does it. any suggestion before I pump too much money going the wrong direction?

Asked by: T D @ 2009-07-10 06:03:30

Answers ::
it could be anything you need to be more specific see if you have any vaccum leaks and you need to be careful tighing your belts to tight it can hurt your car

dani

WIll it idle? Look and listen for vacuum leaks- that's often a culprit of idling issues. Another is low fuel pump pressure.
Check your timing, make sure your carb's jets aren't plugged and that it's properly adjusted.

tennisballeddie

My friend Adam had the same problem.

All he did was sit and rev the engine, not loud or anything just enough to keep it from dying.

Assuming its standard of course

ian h