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

Sat Mar 22, 2014 11:36 pm

SteelB12 wrote: I am really NOT looking forward to having to do this

It's kind of like a root canal, not much fun but so much better later. After the aching (you'll know after you've fastened the "foot" of the tent in) goes away. New tent, three screened windows, it's a wonderful thing!

Sun Mar 23, 2014 2:36 am

As I've mentioned, i was worried more about moisture and the resulting problems while folded up closed.
This is why I sought a fabric protector.

A few links........
Powerboat Reports Magazine test........
http://www.303products.com/media/pdfs/powerboatlowres.pdf

Manufacturer Website........
http://www.303products.com/303r-fabric-guard-16oz.html

http://www.autogeek.net/32ozsize.html?productid=32...7Aod-A8A9Q

When I applied it i gave serious thought to protecting the paint. In the end I just applied it using a cardboard shield to stop overspray on the sections as I worked.
Some got on the paint though...... I wiped it off when finished. 6 months..... No signs of damage.

303 was the product that I was most comfortable with. Educate yourself and make your own decision the best suits you.

I've used 3M in recent years on other projects, I've not been thrilled with the results.

Dave

Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:45 pm

Question for those who have installed the IH Bus Depot tent, why is the zipper for the front screen on the outside?
Makes no sense to me.

Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:50 pm

You have it inside-out

Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:55 pm

TequilaSunSet wrote: You have it inside-out

Nope, the window is on the inside, the screen on the outside and the window zipper is on the inside, screen is on the outside. Is this a mistake or is it supposed to be like this for some reason.

From Bus Depot site.

Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:57 pm

From the OP's install, on the second page of this post.

Sat Jun 28, 2014 1:32 pm

Could use an answer today. If this is correct I will go ahead and finish it up, but if not, I will pack the topless Vanagon away in the garage and store the top in the carport.
Thanks!

Sat Jun 28, 2014 1:57 pm

It's an odd (and, I think, unhandy) arrangement but the one pictured above & earlier is the same -- so it would seem by design.

I take it there is no zipper pull on the inside (some zippers are two-sided)?

Sat Jun 28, 2014 2:09 pm

Ahwahnee wrote: It's an odd (and, I think, unhandy) arrangement but the one pictured above & earlier is the same -- so it would seem by design.

I take it there is no zipper pull on the inside (some zippers are two-sided)?

Exactly, not a two side zipper. I checked that out as soon as I saw where the zipper was located. It does not have a rain flap over it either, though that is neither here nor there.

It may be by design, but we all know there can be mistakes made in manufacture. I put in a PM to Ron at BD, so maybe I will get an answer and finish it up this weekend.

Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:13 pm

I must have purchased one of those ill-fitting tents because I had a helluva time getting mine to fit. I failed to measure/compare the two tents before installing the new one so I totally blame myself for not taking that crucial step.

The tent did not fit at 2 corners - it was way too small. I have left it there and was just going to eat the cost of a new tent. Now it is a year later, I doubt the Bus Depot will take it back and send me a new one.

Might give them a call regardless to see if there's any chance of an exchange.

DubNuts wrote:

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..
.

Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:20 pm

I believe that zipper is just used when removing the screen, such as for replacement.

Sun Jun 29, 2014 8:57 am

GreenMachineVW wrote: I believe that zipper is just used when removing the screen, such as for replacement.

You got it right;)

Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:23 am

Kombi///M3 wrote: GreenMachineVW wrote: I believe that zipper is just used when removing the screen, such as for replacement.

You got it right;)

Right on. Thanks very much.
Installing on the top this morning. Checked the measurements against the old one and the measurements are within reason.

Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:51 am

GreenMachineVW wrote: I believe that zipper is just used when removing the screen, such as for replacement.

Interesting -- so if you're standing inside the van and want something that is in the luggage hold over the cab -- you cannot just unzip the screen and grab it?

I suppose one could live with that but it is a handy move that I use from time to time.

Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:57 am

Ahwahnee wrote: GreenMachineVW wrote: I believe that zipper is just used when removing the screen, such as for replacement.

Interesting -- so if you're standing inside the van and want something that is in the luggage hold over the cab -- you cannot just unzip the screen and grab it?

I suppose one could live with that but it is a handy move that I use from time to time.

There is velcro on the other 3 sides, top and right and left, so you can access the luggage tray.

Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:59 am

To Clarify; The top and two side zipper pulls are, in fact, inside the van and only the bottom zipper is outside the van, so you actually can unzip the screen and fold it in to access the rooftop carrier area?

If that is the case the design seems fine to me, they probably mounted the bottom zipper with the pull on the outside so it is easier to access when the screen is folded in, which also makes sense. If it had been inside it would be under the screen when folded in.

Neil2

Sun Jun 29, 2014 11:01 am

furrylittleotter wrote: To Clarify; The top and two side zipper pulls are, in fact, inside the van and only the bottom zipper is outside the van, so you actually can unzip the screen and fold it in to access the rooftop carrier area?

If that is the case the design seems fine to me, they probably mounted the bottom zipper with the pull on the outside so it is easier to access when the screen is folded in, which also makes sense. If it had been inside it would be under the screen when folded in.

Neil2

But, you could also unzip it first from the inside and then pull the velcro connections. :wink:

Sun Jun 29, 2014 11:02 am

Ahwahnee wrote: GreenMachineVW wrote: I believe that zipper is just used when removing the screen, such as for replacement.

Interesting -- so if you're standing inside the van and want something that is in the luggage hold over the cab -- you cannot just unzip the screen and grab it?

I suppose one could live with that but it is a handy move that I use from time to time.

I wouldn't live without it. Will not consider BD tent if this is standard.

Sun Jun 29, 2014 11:04 am

I was going to add, "it could be done either way, not a big deal" but that seemed a tad obvious.

To the poster with the question: ALL IS WELL, Proceed with dogged determination. Zipper placement is as intended :)

Sun Jun 29, 2014 11:14 am

LeftCoastKiteboarding wrote:
I wouldn't live without it. Will not consider BD tent if this is standard.

To clarify: The Bus Depot-brand tent has a removable and replaceable front window.