Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 539

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Press beading into roof leading edge.  

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Align marks on the padding material with the marks on the convertible top frame.  

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Slide clamping profile, tensioning belt, padding material into bracing hoops 2 and 4.  

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Install securing bolts/screws into beading along sides of bracing hoops 2 and 4.  

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Secure elastic strap to convertible top frame with a bolt/screw.  

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Install securing bolt/screw for guiding rubber cable and padding material loop to bracing hoop 3 for 
convertible top frame tensioning cable.  

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Guide wiring for heated rear window and hinge through padding material.  

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Pull rubber cable through loop on convertible top lining.  

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Press padding material clamping beading into convertible top fabric retaining frame and secure with 
bolts/screws.  

CONVERTIBLE TOP LINING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING 

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Remove side trim panel. 

See SIDE PANEL TRIM, REMOVING AND INSTALLING . 

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Remove head restraint cover 

See BACKREST (CONVERTIBLE), REMOVING AND INSTALLING . 

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Open convertible top to half open position.  

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Observe security rules, see CONVERTIBLE TOP .  

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Remove roof leading edge trim, see CONVERTIBLE TOP FRONT LATCH, ASSEMBLY 
OVERVIEW .  

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Remove bolts/screws -arrows- from roof leading edge. 

NOTE:

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On models with an electro/hydraulic convertible top the motors for the rod 
flaps must remain connected to the wiring harness so that the convertible 
top may be moved hydraulically.  

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Position side trim panels in the vehicle so that the rod flaps can move 
freely.  

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The servo motors may be disconnected from the flap motor.  

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Protect the vehicle against possible paintwork damage with suitable 
protective covers and textile reinforced adhesive tape.  

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

Fig. 58: Removing Bolts/Screws From Roof Leading Edge 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Pull clamping beading -1- out of bracing hoop. 

Fig. 59: Pulling Clamping Beading Out Of Bracing Hoop 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Pull clamping profile -1- off bracing hoop 2. 

WARNING:

For security reasons, hold tension on elastic strap while removing 
screw

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

Fig. 60: Pulling Clamping Profile From Bracing Hoop 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Pull insert profile -1- off dart out of bracing hoop clamping profile. 

Fig. 61: Pulling Insert Profile Off Dart Out Of Bracing Hoop Clamping Profile 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Pull darts between bracing hoop 3 and retaining frame. 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

Fig. 62: Pulling Darts Between Bracing Hoop And Retaining Frame 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Pull clamping profile -1- off bracing hoop 4. 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle