At The Ghia Gab, where We Speak Karmann Ghia, we like to shine a light on the parts you rarely see — but absolutely depend on.
Today’s subject?
Convertible top tension cables.
They look simple.
They are not.
Not All Cables Are Created Equal
Twisted wire cables can be made as cheaply as a budding capitalist’s conscience allows… and still look impressive at first glance.
But construction matters.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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1x19: One central strand with 19 similar strands twisted around it.
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7x7: A core of 7 fine strands with 6 similar bundles wrapped around it.
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7x19: A core made of 19 very fine strands, with 7 of those bundles forming the cable.
Assuming all three cables have the same overall diameter, which is most flexible?
7x19 — by a huge margin.
More strands mean more flexibility.
But here’s the rule of thumb:
The more flexible the cable, the less raw strength.
And truly strong, highly flexible cable?
That’s expensive.
Material Matters
Now let’s say each strand is made from mild steel.
Suddenly that beautifully flexible 7x19 cable becomes the one with the shortest lifespan. Why? Because each tiny strand is more susceptible to corrosion.
More strands.
More surface area.
More opportunity for rust.
So why not use stainless steel?
Cost.
Of course.
Want even more strength? Braided wire can be incredibly strong — but again, price climbs quickly.
The “Aircraft Cable” Myth
You’ve probably seen the term “aircraft cable.”
Sounds impressive.
Unfortunately, it’s meaningless.
There is no universal industry standard attached to that phrase. It could mean surplus Albanian Air Force wire… or something far less inspiring.
The label alone tells you nothing about:
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Strand configuration
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Material grade
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True flexibility
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Long-term durability
Why This Matters for Your Ghia
On a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, top cables do more than just “hold things in place.”
They:
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Maintain proper top tension
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Support smooth operation
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Help preserve correct fit and alignment
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Reduce stress on surrounding components
Cheap cable may look fine during installation.
But long term? Stretching, corrosion, stiffness, and premature failure tell the real story.
No Games. No Shortcuts.
At House of Ghia, we do not play games with cable quality — or pricing.
We use cable that exceeds OEM specifications in:
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Strength
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Flexibility
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Longevity
Because when your top is latched tight, aligned correctly, and operating smoothly, you should feel confidence — not compromise.
The details you don’t see are often the ones that matter most.
And here at The Ghia Gab,
We Speak Karmann Ghia.