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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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 Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:36 pm Post subject: Bus Depot's Pop Top Canvas "In House Brand" |
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There are many many many many many.......did I mention MANY Pop Top canvas threads on here. I've read most of them!
They involve discussions with Everyone saying that Go Westy is better than CIP who is better than Van Cafe who is better than ............????
I agree, from all that I've read that Ateliers http://www.atelierspk.com/west_english.html
is undisputabily at the top of the top makers list.......but...... Many $'s are required and literally months of waiting!
For the amount of time this Vanagon will actually be used,
I've pretty much settled on a good old fashioned canvas top. one should probably last me the rest of my life before my kids take my drivers license away! I've settled on either an OEM top as sold by several retailers or I'm seriously looking at Bus Depots in house canvas. I want the 3 windows and I want it in Tan.
http://www.busdepot.com/253070704a
I called them and expressed my concern about fit, that in online discussions they have been mentioned as selling ill fitting canvas, probably Just Kampers brand?
The guy on the phone assured me they no longer sell Just Kampers tops and that this home brand fits well and they even have a guy who opens all new inventory and measures each top for proper size before they sell them.
Their web site states that they are "sick of" (my paraphrase reading between the lines) ill fitting canvas tops.
Bus Depot is a reputable company, no one would argue that fact.
So my question is......Has Anyone actually put one of these lesser cost units in and how did it fit?
I've an 86 Vanagon using the screws, not stapled.
Now lets not get into so and so is a better top, I've read all of that. The last thing we need is ANOTHER thread pointing out various retailers, fabric choices and fit. I read all of this until my eyes went blurry!
I'm asking about Bus Depot's own make canvas.
I just want to hear about this particular top please.
Thanks for your time.......
Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Last edited by djkeev on Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:44 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9939
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Bus Depot's Pop Top Canvas "In House Brand" |
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I just installed one a month ago. 86 Westy, 3 window tan, Bus Depot under $300 canvas. It fit fine and was slightly easier to install than one I did from another source a few months earlier.
The canvas seems a little lighter weight than most.
Mark
| djkeev wrote: |
There are many many many many many.......did I mention MANY Pop Top canvas threads on here. I've read most of them.
Their web site states that they are sick of ill fitting canvas tops.
Bus Depot is a reputable company, no one would argue that fact.
So my question is......Has Anyone actually put one of these lesser cost units in and how did it fit?
I've an 86 Vanagon using the screws, not stapled.
Now lets not get into so and so is a better top, I've read all of that. I know that, I'm asking about Bus Depot's own make canvas.
I just want to hear about this particular top please.
Dave |
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Jbeverly1
Samba Member
Joined: February 02, 2013
Posts: 53
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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I installed the gray busdepot 3 window version last month and couldn't be happier with the quality, fit and price. I have an 81 so it was the stapled version.
Feel free to check out my blog for installation pics:
http://1981vwcamper.blogspot.com/ |
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joetiger 
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:32 pm Post subject: |
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I bought the tan one and am hoping to have time to install this weekend. I'll let you know...
_________________
Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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Sir Sam
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2009
Posts: 1690
Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 6:00 am Post subject: |
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This is not a direct answer to your question but my recommendation is to compare the dimensions of ANY replacement top to your existing one before trying to install it. It is not that big a deal to return it before you have tried to install it, compared to swearing at the replacement for a few hours during a futile install... Any manufacturer can make a misteak that gets through QC. 
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9810
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:23 am Post subject: Re: Bus Depot's Pop Top Canvas "In House Brand" |
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| djkeev wrote: |
...Their web site states that they are sick of ill fitting canvas tops.
Bus Depot is a reputable company, no one would argue that fact... |
I probably helped them get that sickness. To their credit, they kept sending me tops until I got one that fit -- would have liked the first one to have been right but at least the last one was correct (and of better quality than the first 3).
If you do go with their top you'll know they stand behind what they sell. |
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joetiger
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:09 pm Post subject: |
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I think this is a good place to record my pop top tent installation for posterity since I decided to go with the Bus Depot in-house model.
Before I start, I'd like to say that this is a great product. The fit and finish is very nice and the zippers and screens seem to be very high quality. The front panel is about an inch longer than my old canvas, so you definitely have some wiggle room there. As others have said, it's not as taught as the OEM one, but I knew that going in and I'm fine with it. It's super nice.
First off, after doing the research, I decided to take the top off. This required enlisting a very generous neighbor for the day as well as Sambanistas SoonerDave (who stopped by to help re-attach the roof) and SMaurer, who brought his daughter for an impromptu playdate with my daughter, which luckily gave him time to help out. Couldn't have done it without those guys.
After measuring, measuring, comparing, and measuring again, I removed all of the screws in the bottom of the tent. Straightforward, very simple. After that, I disconnected the lift mechanism, gorilla taped the lift arms for safety, and propped up the top with a 2x4.
I labelled and cleaned the bottom aluminum strips with 409.
For two people, getting the top off was a little bit intense. The thing likes to flop around. We got it done, though.
This is not proper use of a ladder.
OK rain, please hold off until we get this thing reattached.
We took off the upper rails and removed the old tent, then layed out the new one and attached it. We started by pulling it tight (it was a pretty tight stretch) and stapling narrow staples into the little wood blocks (sorry no pic of those) then screwed in the aluminum rails.
So far, so good:
We used painter's tape to roll up the new canvas to avoid ripping it when we put the roof back on the Vanagon. Also, we slapped some Gorilla Tape on the hinges to keep them from extending.
Three of us had no problem getting the roof back on, although I was surprised by how floppy that roof is. It likes to flex and twist quite a bit. I attached the poptop mechanism first, because it allows you to work the back a bit to get the back hinges reattached.
Then...Tragedy strikes! My good samaritan neighbor was tightening down the hinge bolts and one snapped off in the body. I felt really bad for him. He headed to get a new bolt and an extractor kit while I got to work on the front bottom attachment.
Mistake #1: Notches have to be cut in the corners. I cut notches based on the position of notches on the old canvas instead of lining the new canvas up...Dumb, but certainly not a deal breaker. Extra notches are not a big deal.
Notches on the old canvas:
*Incorrect* notches on the new canvas:
Scott and Jared extract the broken bolt while I work inside.
From there, it was just a whole lot of tugging and screwing in little bitty screws. I did the front of the base first, and then (mistake #2) I SHOULD have done the back strip. I did the passenger's side next instead, and it made fitting the back a bit more difficult. We didn't have a lot of give in the canvas because connecting that whole side rail eliminated any extra slack in one whole side.
We ended up getting the back in by unbolting one of the rear hinges so that the roof would move around a bit. In the end, it all worked out.
Here, Scott puts some screws in while I take a break.
Here's the finished product:
Many thanks to my neighbor, Scott, Dave, and the fountain of knowledge that is The Samba.
This project is just one of those time-consuming, thought-provoking adventures that requires you to go slowly and patiently.
...And I'm glad it's over with!
_________________
Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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BillM
Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 1381
Location: Stonington,CT
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:22 pm Post subject: |
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Good job Joe. Bet your glad to have it done. I have that same
"work bench"
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Bill M
87 Westy |
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joetiger
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:30 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Bill! That work bench also doubles as my camp table...It folds in half and fits perfectly on top of the back mattress.
_________________
Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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DubNuts
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2009
Posts: 194
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| Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:34 am Post subject: |
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Guys..
As I'm sure most are aware Bus Depot now sells 3 Types of PopTop Canvas Tents. The Orginal German Canvas in 3 Windows. The Bus Depot "NEW" Version 3 Window Tent, and the Sunbrella Tents in exotic colors "not for everyone"
I'm fairly familiar, with there tents, and have installed many of each.
In my personal opioion I beleive that the Bus Depot new 3 Window Tent is an excellent product. It is almost indetical to the German 3 Window Tent. They both have removable and replaceable screens, and quality zippers. The German tent is only slightly heavier canvas and when side by side hard to tell the difference.
About a year ago Bus Depot did have a sight problem with there new 3 window tent. Bus Depot pulled those tents, till the company who made them came and picked up the tents to correct the problems. I know because I personly hit the problem early with the new batch and helped to identified the problems to Ron @ B.D. and he quickly worked to correct and resolve the problems with the Tent maker. The New Tents are dead on..
When I install a Tent I found that it's easier to remove the tops, it makes for a better work condition and neater install. Plus while you have the Top upside down it's easy to install your new PopTop seals. It usually takes me about a day to do the install, sometimes slightly longer depending on what pops up. I find the tuffest part of the install is installing the rear bottom while laying on your belly on the top bunk which I normally remove the pads from to provide more wiggle room to access the rear tent hold down screws. Trust me this is not something you want to do on a hot full sunny day, your have limited air cirulation and shouldn't open the window flaps untill the tent is fastened and finished, or at lease I don't to help hold shape and eveness of the product. If it is a sunny day heat builds quickly inside to bunk area so I'll hook up a box fan towards the front area and blow air towards the rear of the back of the bunk. Trust me it helps.
I normally do this job myself, if your determined you can do so easily. But I will call on assistance to place the top back on the Van so I can begin the finial install.
Both Bus Depot Tents are excellent products and varry only about $100 in price between the German and Bus Depot Product. It all comes down to a Personal Choice, Tuff call..
.
Last edited by DubNuts on Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:05 am; edited 1 time in total |
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joetiger
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:46 am Post subject: |
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| DubNuts wrote: |
| I find the tuffest part of the install is installing the rear bottom while laying on your belly on the top bunk |
Agreed!
_________________
Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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DubNuts
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2009
Posts: 194
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| Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:03 am Post subject: |
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| joetiger wrote: |
| DubNuts wrote: |
| I find the tuffest part of the install is installing the rear bottom while laying on your belly on the top bunk |
Agreed! |
BTW... Great Write-up, and Documentation.. Joey-T
. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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Dang! These BusDepot.com folk are FAST!
I ordered the Westy tent on March 18th at 4:07 PM.
I chose cheap take your time freight and the package was placed in my hands at 8:45 am today, March 20 2013! Not even 41 hours have passed!
If they want points for prompt shipping........I'll give them a bucket full!
I opened the tent itself, which is a surprisingly small bundle.......
Nice.......... real nice !
As mentioned by others, the canvas is thinner than the old Westy canvas, but really? Who cares? Isn't this camping game focused on weight reduction?
I don't know canvas..... Is thicker and heavier better? Or is there a quality to lighter weight fabrics? I imagine this canvas is a blend rather than all cotton.
Ummm........ Nope, 100% cotton......
Anyway, it looks well made, the seams are pretty and straight.
I'm not a seamstress but everything appears even and neat.
Yes, there are some stray thread fibers here and there but I don't think that's at all a problem.
The zippers are plastic and Velcro is used on the front window.
Time to get busy, pull that top off and start the rebuild!
And the top is even Numbered on the back of the tag! 
Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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DubNuts
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2009
Posts: 194
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| Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 5:07 am Post subject: |
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Dave..
I can understand you wanting to apply some extra protection to your new poptop tent investment, but not sure it's needed? You also souldn't apply the frabic gaurd protection once the tent is mounted, because most of those protectors are made of a silicone base and your get overspray, drips etc on your Vans paint.
If it were me wanting to add some extra protection I'd consider doing it before mounting the tent by placing it is a Homer bucket etc, and let it soak in the water proofing for awhile then remove and line dry.. BUT i would inagine that if the tent wasn't mounted and held to shape srinkage is to be expected?
Now with all that being said.. I once did have the brain fart of trying to spray on some water proofing onto a recent purchase Van that had an excellent orginal German Tent that I wanted to get the most life I could out of it.
Here's what I did..
I went to Home Depot and picked up some of that cheap light weight painters plastic in rolls. I taped the plastic around the top of the van under the Tent and around the sides of the Van. Hint do this on a calm day because the plastic wants to fly.. I also picked up some camping tent waterproofing, it came in a can with a screw on lid. I poored that into a garden pump sprayer and set the nosel to a very fine spray and sprayed the Tent while on the Van.. All went well and never had a problem with the Tent..
Note.. Due to the Tent already having some sort of waterproofing on it the spay that I was trying to apply didn't absorb to quickly and even though I was spraying very thin coats it wanted to run off quickly and down the side of the tent and Van, luckly I used the plastic to wrap the Van..
Good Luck.. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32634
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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