TheSamba.com :: View topic - Bus Depot's Pop Top Canvas "In House Brand"

Wed May 08, 2024 1:56 pm

Thanks Skills. There is indeed a learning curve.

I talked with BusDepot, they could not figure out what was wrong. From their end, and from the pictures I've sent them, the only problem they could think of was an incorrect install procedure. We went over my installation procedure and concluded it was as per instructions. The final recommendation was to send it to a professional who is used to doing this job.
Not thrilled by the conclusion, I was hoping there'd be a fix somewhere... I will take it down, and put it back up again. We'll see if it still sags.

Wed May 08, 2024 4:12 pm

Are you doing this with the top still on the van? All your photos that show sag are of an incomplete installation. Until you have all sides attached, it's meaningless to look at the sag. With the top up and the sides NOT attached, it will sag.

The front will also tighten up when the top and bottom are fully attached. you're judging the install before you're done.

Wed May 08, 2024 6:03 pm

^^^

yea, X2

didn't realize you hadn't pinched the canvass along the side

FWIW I have done a staple in and screw in tent. it's suicide to do either one on the van imho. I wouldn't do a screw in on the van.... it's just a pain in the ass

top comes off in 5 mins

Wed May 08, 2024 6:58 pm

PDXWesty wrote: Are you doing this with the top still on the van? All your photos that show sag are of an incomplete installation. Until you have all sides attached, it's meaningless to look at the sag. With the top up and the sides NOT attached, it will sag.

x3

Acrylic tent in my case, but also installed it front to back, top then bottom. Did it with the roof on over two days. The major PITA part was the rear and bottom corners.

Wed May 08, 2024 7:30 pm

PDXWesty wrote: Until you have all sides attached, it's meaningless to look at the sag.
I see. I wish BusDepot told me that.

I've attached the sides, I had a bit of extra fabric that I tucked into the back corners.

I did do it with the poptop on. I see the appeal of removing the roof, but because of weather, and impossibility to commit a full day straight to the project, I've decided to do it with the roof in place. This allows me to go at it a little bit at a time.

Thu May 09, 2024 4:15 pm

i installed my BD tent in place. i started with the front top center and worked to each corner, then did the rear top center and worked to each corner. then i did the front bottom center out to each corner and then the rear center putting two screws in on either side. then i worked from the front to the back on each side and finally worked on the rear bottom corners.

it was a PITA and i never want to do it again, but in the end it looks good.