TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Jan 10, 2006 3:36 pm

Just bought a 79 Bay with a Dormobile roof but the canvas is missing, Reckon I can make a decent replacement from some tarp. Does anyone have pictures/diagrams/anything of the inside of the canvas and particularly where it connects to the roof and also the bit at the hinges? I assume it connects to the roof but there's no sign of anything to hold it there on my bus. Any help/photos appreciated
thanks
Pete

Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:00 pm

I had one on a split awhile back. There should be some pieces of trim that attach to the roof that holds the canvas down. There should also be some "bellows" or 3 frame pieces that hold the canvas out when the top is popped. Without those the canvas will be pretty droopy and won't cooperate well with the upper bunk on that side. There are people reproducing the canvas and most of the pieces that you'd need.

http://www.campershop.co.uk/dormobile.htm

Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:06 am

Yeah I know about campershop, but as far as I can see the only sell the canvas and theres no clues as to how it all goes together. I think I could make the canvas cheaper and I've traced the metal framework through ebay, that's why I'm looking pics so get it all together

Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:07 am

nobody any pics of a roof innards then? :(
What does the trim look like that holds it down, is it similar to the trim that holds it to the pop top?

Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:14 am

Do a search for my pictures. Some there will give you good clues. Also, please post some pictures of what YOU have. Then we could help you out a little better. :wink:

Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:26 am

How do I take a picture of something that isn't there?:wink:
here's what I have anyway..

crap pictures I know and doesn't show anything other than I've got a rustbucket to work on! I'll have a look at your pics later when I'm not in work :roll:

Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:55 am

Pete McC wrote: How do I take a picture of something that isn't there?:wink:

Looks like at least it has the spring loaded support for the top. Open the top and take some pictures. From that we can determine pretty much what you have and what you are missing. Does it have the "ribs" that hold the vinyl( it isn't "canvas") open? :?

Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:14 am

Was going to take some yesterday but it was blowing a gale and I didn't want to go parascending with the pop top! That's a pretty good pic, gives me something to go on at least, I have bought the metal supports for the *ahem* vinyl :wink: off a guy on eBay so all I really need to replace hopefully is the fabric, that's why I posted - to see if there was anything else I need to source and what went where.
thanks
Pete

Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:26 am

If the Dormobile top came installed on that bus, and you were "missing" the rib mechanism which you now just acquired, then it should be a pretty straight forward install. Otherwise you'll need to make really sure you are installing the ribs in the proper spot in order for them to operate correctly. You know what I mean, right? :?

BTW, that picture is of my Dormy top as it was, where it was(a '69 fatchick) when I first got it. I then installed it myself on the '65. Major project, not for the faint of heart, but if I did it, anybody can! :lol:

Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:32 pm

Pics of the roof on my 71 Dormy.

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And here is my bus...

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Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:34 pm

Good pictures and nice looking bus :)

Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:59 pm

Doormobile still sell new replacement canvas'. Also there is a company called Individual Interiors in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, UK who sell copy's. Worth a go? Good Luck whatever you do! It is a great pop-top and will be worth it in the end!

Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:05 pm

paulandemz71bay - thank you so much for those pics! exactly what I was after, and now I'm worried that I might have a lot more to do than I first thought! haven't got the metal framework things yet so I don't know if it comes with the brackets to attach it to the roof or if I'll have to get metalworking! anyway, if I can get my heap looking half as nice as yours I'll be more than happy, thanks again! If you ever go touring in Northern Ireland give me a shout and you may find a few decent runs that would be worth going to!

Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:30 am

Pete McC wrote: paulandemz71bay - thank you so much for those pics! exactly what I was after, and now I'm worried that I might have a lot more to do than I first thought! haven't got the metal framework things yet so I don't know if it comes with the brackets to attach it to the roof or if I'll have to get metalworking! anyway, if I can get my heap looking half as nice as yours I'll be more than happy, thanks again! If you ever go touring in Northern Ireland give me a shout and you may find a few decent runs that would be worth going to!

Hey no problem, I took these pics originally for a guy I met locally who saw my van, he'd bought a dormy roof with the same idea as you. If you need any more specific pics give us a shout. :D

Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:52 am

thanks mate, will do, although those are excellent :D

you ever on Volkszone btw?