Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 531

 

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Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 531

 

 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT

Convertible Top - New Beetle 

CONVERTIBLE TOP 

SECURITY RULES 

Open convertible top by activating the open/close button 

Security instructions when dealing with the electrical convertible top 

TOOLS 

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VAS 6138 Closing Pliers.  

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VAS 6148 Staple Pliers.  

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VAS 6148/1 Staples.  

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VAS 5072 Pop Rivet Pliers.  

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V.A.G 1887 Fitting Brackets. 

NOTE:

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Observe safety instructions for electrical convertible top.  

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Before opening or closing convertible top, observe that there is enough 
room above convertible top to operate it.  

WARNING:

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For security reasons convertible top must only be opened or closed 
when vehicle is parked.  

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If opening or closing process is interrupted, convertible top may 
spring and thus be lowered.  

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Never drive the vehicle if convertible top is not opened or closed 
completely.  

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Do not attempt to close convertible top when rollover bar is 
activated.  

WARNING:

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When opening or closing convertible top, observe that nobody gets 
injured by convertible top, convertible rods or moving covers at rear 
side windows.  

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Do not open or close convertible top when vehicle is over a lifting 
platform, over a trolley jack, or over one side on curb.  

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

Fig. 1: Identifying Special Tools 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

CONVERTIBLE TOP, ASSEMBLY OVERVIEW 

1. Convertible top frame 

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Removing convertible top, see CONVERTIBLE TOP, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .  

2. Convertible top fabric cover 

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Replacing, see CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRIC COVER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .  

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Rear window is part of convertible top cover.  

3. Padding material 

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Replacing, see PADDING MATERIAL, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .  

4. Nut 

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10 N.m.  

5. Bolt/screw 

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Qty. 12.  

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10 N.m.  

6. Sealing cord  

7. Convertible top lining 

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Replacing, see CONVERTIBLE TOP LINING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING  

8. Bolt/screw 

NOTE:

The following list refers to items in Fig. 2 .

NOTE:

Rear window is part of convertible top cover (not serviced separately). 
Entire convertible top fabric assembly must be replaced if rear window is 
damaged.

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

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50 N.m.  

9. Convertible top front latch 

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Removing, see CONVERTIBLE TOP FRONT LATCH, ASSEMBLY OVERVIEW  

10. Front retaining latch 

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Removing, see CONVERTIBLE TOP FRONT LATCH, ASSEMBLY OVERVIEW  

Fig. 2: Exploded View Of Convertible Top 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

CONVERTIBLE TOP, REMOVING AND INSTALLING 

Removing 

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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 . 

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

  

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Open convertible top latch to remove pressure from convertible top.  

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Remove insert beading -2- from water guide -1-. 

Fig. 3: Removing Insert Beading From Water Guide 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Remove convertible top lining -2- from convertible top fabric cover retaining frame -1- in direction of -
arrow-. 

Fig. 4: Removing Convertible Top Lining From Convertible Top Fabric Cover Retaining Frame 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 

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Remove bolts/screws -3- (10 N.m) and nuts -4- (10 N.m) from body -1-.  

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Press convertible top frame -2- off body -1-. 

Sealing band between convertible top fabric retaining frame and body can lead to convertible top 
retaining frame bonding slightly. 

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Remove luggage compartment side trim on left and right. 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Convertible Top - New Beetle

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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