The top is made up of three parts. The outside cover, the padding and the head liner. All three can be gotten off the web. There atr also several cables and springs located in the body and the frame work. If your not too well versed with the whole operation I would suggest to have a body shop look at it for you. I am going to replace mine and have found that by doing sa search for VW top replacement proved to be the best. I have e-mail Denise at EZ Softtops and included a photo. He was wery helpful. I have never used them befor but the responce was fast and truthful.
The biggest difference is the 74 has energy absorbing bumpers that the 73 is lacking.
between the rear wheels
Someone put one on it.
NO
check jbugs.com
Mine didn't have any.
1974 was the first year of energy absorbing Beetle bumpers. You can't use earlier bumpers on 1974s.
Machine 7 or Just aircooled
correct it will fit. be sure to take lots of pictures before you pull all of the wires off. so you have a diagram of where they go after.
First unhook the battery. Then put the key in (you need it!) and turn it to "on." Remove the steering wheel and the ignition switch just slides out.
Call a locksmith he can make you one on the spot.
J C Wwitney has manuals