Top And Boot
From Volkswagen Cabrio Wiki
Contents |
Types of Tops
All Cabrio GL models were sold with vinyl tops, and all GLX models were sold with canvas tops. GLS models, however, were sold with either. Although this would make it seem that canvas tops are better than vinyl tops, which is better is a highly debated topic. Both types of tops are equally waterproof, and both types of tops look great when they're clean. So ultimately it's up to you to decide which type you want.
Cleaning & Care
There are many convertible top cleaners and protectants available on the market. OEM Volkswagen tops are not particularly unique, so any vinyl top cleaner should work on your vinyl top, and any canvas top cleaner should work on your canvas top. Simple car wash will also work on either type of top, but may remove any protectants you have applied. Cleaning a canvas top is similar to cleaning cloth upholstery in a car. You want the canvas to be clean and resistant to water. Therefore, you can use many of the upholstery cleaners on the market. Haartz makes cleaners and protectants specifically for convertible tops, called RaggTopp [1].
Power Tops
Cabrios equipped with power tops have an electrically controlled hydraulic pump to raise and lower the top. The hardware for the power top is located in the trunk on the driver's side, with a removable cap about 4 inches in diameter. On North American Cabrios, the hand brake has to be pulled with the BRAKE light showing in the cluster for the switch to activate the power top. On European Cabrios, there is no switch for the hand brake, but the engine has to be switched off.
Replacement & Aftermarket Tops
As mentioned above, there is no "cut and dried" best type of top material. Cabrio World [2] offers aftermarket tops for mk3 and mk3.5 Cabrios, in four different materials, in many colors. You can also check Ebay [3] and custom essay for a replacement top, keeping in mind the varying quality of ebay products.
