cabby rear screen frame-with or with out?

I am going t change the hood, but I don't want  the new hood to be cut for the window, the question is do I still have to have the frame in place, or can the roof be fitted without it?

It probably is possible to fit a frame afterwards but access to the top of it to attach it to the straps will be difficult.

I have a similar query, we have had a lot of heavy rain today and I have noticed the dreaded leaks coming in around the rear window frame. The hood is brand new on the car, the guy I bought it off only had it fitted in march. He paid ?385 for a new roof and they used the original window frame and seal, well as I said it leaks like a sieve :cry:
I have read the window horror story on the buying a cabbie guide and it says it will be impossible to replace the frame and seal without replacing the hood aswell. This would be a nightmare as it would cost me the best part of ?500 to do this as well as scrapping a three month old mohair hood!!
Does anyone know of a roof replacement company that would take this job on without replacing the roof?? I know its gonna cost about ?250 to replace the frame and seal but i'm just goanna have to stand that one!!
I live in Doncaster in south yorkshire so a company somewhere in Yorkshire would be helpful. Any suggestions greatly appreciated because I can see this costing me a bloody fortune and I think i'm gonna cry as i've just spent ?250 on a new exhaust :cry:

I'd say it is possible, its just going to be difficult to pull the hood tight when it comes to stapling the hood to the rear window frame. Thats said the hood might have taken shape to the frame so you can see where the hood lines up around the frame.
The straps at the top would be a bit more easy to get at with a hole already in the hood. Having the hood open a bit will make access even easier as it will releave some tension in the hood.

Is the frame rusty then? maybe it just needs more sealent? Its an easy job to pop the hood in and out to clean the seal and treat rust on the frame. The frame is too rusty when the metal lip has rotted away. Also if the frame is very bad it will lose its strength and bow at the bottom so the screen and seal don't fit up to it properly. Rust should be visible from inside the car, peel the lip of the seal up to check the metal lip.

Is that a YAY or NAY :dontknow:

I'm 90% YAY so a bit of a gamble. Have a look at the hood guide I wrote for a better idea of whats involved. As I say its the straps that are my concern.

If it came to the worst and it didnt work then you could detach the rear of the hood with not too much bother.

Link to Guide…
http://www.vwgolfmk1.o…ht=hood+replacement+guide

Cheers! Will have a looksee at the guide

Rust is visable inside the car. Don't even have to peel the seal back to see it. the water comes in around where the rear heater connections are.

Hi, There is a Hood company near you at Ballam & Thurlow.
3 Brooklands Road, Adwick Le Street, Doncaster, DN6 7BA 01302 337298.
Hope this helps. Keep Smiling. J.

Sorry about this last posting as I see on the telly the place might be
badly flooded. My sympathy if it is. J.

Speaking from very bad experience, I would NOT recommend Ballam & Thurlow. Had mine into him for a new hood - TWICE and its still not fitted properly. The headliner doesnt fit right either and he tied it to the frame with string! the roof is baggy in places and looks shocking. How gutting is that!

Hi, Thats a heartbreak..I know its not an easy job but nows decided to have a go myself using the forum guidelines. I used to think it was a black art but just been quoted ?800 fitted this morning inv vat for a ?250 vinyl hood!
Thanks for the advice I shall steer clear..I was thinking of giving them a go myself so that's a non starter. Keep smiling. J.