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Wed Apr 06, 2016 12:27 am

So I bought a complete Dormobile roof for my Split Bus.
Does anybody know where I can find mounting instructions for it?
Thanks in advance!

Wed Apr 06, 2016 5:50 am

This might be a good place to start

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

or here

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=595892&highlight=

Wed Apr 06, 2016 10:27 am

velvetgreen wrote: This might be a good place to start

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

or here

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=595892&highlight=

Dormobile won't deliver one for a used roof and the other topic I already found.
But there must be some official instruction anywhere, I guess.

Wed Apr 06, 2016 10:50 am

I helped David with his install last year. 8)

iveedubbin wrote: Got the roof measured, checked, double checked and checked again before cutting.

Then got the shears and went for it.

Roof has a BIG HOLE in it now, ready to install Frame and Dormobile top.

The most important thing to do is to measure, then measure again and again and again... Once you cut, you're in for it!!! So it's important to get that measurement correct. However, as what happened to us when we did this last one, after the cut the sides of the roof "sprung outward" which gave the impression we botched the measurement!!!! :shock:

We then use a couple of long ratchet straps placed around the top and bottom of the bus to bring the sides back down in order to bolt on the steel frame. Don't recall if we took pictures of that. :?

Anyway, it isn't all that difficult but it is a lot of work. Yes, it seems daunting but once you get it all done you will never regret it! Go for it! 8)

Wed Apr 06, 2016 11:07 am

EeVeeWee wrote: So I bought a complete Dormobile roof for my Split Bus.
Does anybody know where I can find mounting instructions for it?
Thanks in advance!

do you already have the belly pans on yours? if not you will definitely want to get them.

congratulations on your choice, too. I loved mine on my westy. worlds better in every aspect than the westy pop-top

Wed Apr 06, 2016 1:47 pm

mandraks wrote: EeVeeWee wrote: So I bought a complete Dormobile roof for my Split Bus.
Does anybody know where I can find mounting instructions for it?
Thanks in advance!

do you already have the belly pans on yours? if not you will definitely want to get them.

congratulations on your choice, too. I loved mine on my west. worlds better in every aspect than the westy pop-top

My bus is still under construction, but indeed I think I will mount belly pans indeed. :)

Thu Apr 07, 2016 9:47 am

pyrOman wrote: ...after the cut the sides of the roof "sprung outward"
What did you do to fix it?

Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:07 am

BarryL wrote: pyrOman wrote: ...after the cut the sides of the roof "sprung outward"
What did you do to fix it?

pyrOman wrote:
We then use a couple of long ratchet straps placed around the top and bottom of the bus to bring the sides back down in order to bolt on the steel frame. Don't recall if we took pictures of that. :?
8)

Thu Apr 07, 2016 2:10 pm

i would put the belly pans on first before having at the roof

Thu Apr 07, 2016 6:49 pm

pyrOman wrote: BarryL wrote: pyrOman wrote: ...after the cut the sides of the roof "sprung outward"
What did you do to fix it?
pyrOman wrote:
We then use a couple of long ratchet straps
Sheesh what a major dweeb I am. I must remember to scroll more. Doh. Did you put David's on hinged the same as yours?

Fri Apr 08, 2016 6:45 am

BarryL wrote: pyrOman wrote: BarryL wrote: pyrOman wrote: ...after the cut the sides of the roof "sprung outward"
What did you do to fix it?
pyrOman wrote:
We then use a couple of long ratchet straps
Sheesh what a major dweeb I am. I must remember to scroll more. Doh. Did you put David's on hinged the same as yours?

My "help" came in only to measure and measure and measure.... and of course the Garaj Mahal and the proper tools to do the cutting. Did advise here and there on positioning and such but he opted to go the "traditional" way. 8)

Fri Apr 08, 2016 12:43 pm

I tried to make my Dormobile conversion thread (linked Earlier in thread) pretty clear as to the major steps. And between my thread, pryOman's, and Xavi's conversion threads, those pretty much make up the instructions.
It is a pretty straightforward job.
Take your time and MEASURE!
PM me any specific questions once you get underway.
Keep updated here.
Any pics of bus and Dormobile gear?

Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:35 am

Birdmanhere wrote: I tried to make my Dormobile conversion thread (linked Earlier in thread) pretty clear as to the major steps. And between my thread, pryOman's, and Xavi's conversion threads, those pretty much make up the instructions.
It is a pretty straightforward job.
Take your time and MEASURE!
PM me any specific questions once you get underway.
Keep updated here.
Any pics of bus and Dormobile gear?

OK thanks, I didn't find the original instructions yet.
I have pics of the bus and from the roof, but for a while they will not be joint together, I guess... Still a lot other things to do. :wink:

This was in January this year:

These are recent pics:

Sun Apr 10, 2016 8:47 am

^^^^ WOW! :shock:

Ok, first, since you are "going all out" on this, you should install belly pans on it before cutting the roof!!! Either original, after market or home made (like mine) belly pans. This will make it stronger before the roof cut. Not to mention that welding them on is a million times better to do with the set up you have than "over head welding"! :wink:

Also, it seems you are missing the all important steel frame of the Dormobil parts, or do you have it? It is not pictured! :?

White steel frame clamped in place:

This frame is vital since this is where the cots install into and keeps the shape of the roof too! Very important part of the strength in the structure! 8)

Sun Apr 10, 2016 10:26 am

pyrOman wrote: ^^^^ WOW! :shock:

Ok, first, since you are "going all out" on this, you should install belly pans on it before cutting the roof!!! Either original, after market or home made (like mine) belly pans. This will make it stronger before the roof cut. Not to mention that welding them on is a million times better to do with the set up you have than "over head welding"! :wink:

Also, it seems you are missing the all important steel frame of the Dormobil parts, or do you have it? It is not pictured! :?

White steel frame clamped in place:

[img][/img]

This frame is vital since this is where the cots install into and keeps the shape of the roof too! Very important part of the strength in the structure! 8)

The belly pans are indeed on my to-do list.
I don't have the steel profiles as you show on the picture.
I bought the roof as a complete set, but because I still didn't find the installation instructions it is difficult to check.
Of course the seller doen't react anymore....

Sun Apr 10, 2016 11:42 am

EeVeeWee wrote:
I don't have the steel profiles as you show on the picture..

Without the steel roof frame, you will not be able to do the conversion.
You need to to measure exactly for the hole as it has to fit PERFECT.
It also provides strength back in the roof.

Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:20 pm

Birdmanhere wrote: EeVeeWee wrote:
I don't have the steel profiles as you show on the picture..

Without the steel roof frame, you will not be able to do the conversion.
You need to to measure exactly for the hole as it has to fit PERFECT.
It also provides strength back in the roof.

the steel frame makes your life much easier, but it can be done with simple angle iron for the long sides. just do it

Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:37 pm

Birdmanhere wrote: EeVeeWee wrote:
I don't have the steel profiles as you show on the picture..

Without the steel roof frame, you will not be able to do the conversion.
You need to to measure exactly for the hole as it has to fit PERFECT.
It also provides strength back in the roof.

Can someone give me the exact dimensions of the hole in the roof?
The length measured across the curve is the most accurate for the width.
I will make those steel profiles myself if I have to.

Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:27 am

The steel frame could be made it is fairly simple design. But you would be best off to at least have one at hand, even just have a buddy with a bay dormobile come by to measure from.
There is more too it then just a square frame. The cots mount to it in very specific spots as to make them fold right, there is also 4 little tabs that support the cots when open
The roof prop rod with the springs mount to the frame in a certain spot to allow for it to fold up properly and reach the proper height.
Here are some measurements , let me know if you need more or different ones.
Long Side

Curved Side

Cot and Proprod Mount

Tue Apr 12, 2016 12:58 pm

Thank you very much, also for the hints! =;
When I am so far and have questions, I will let you know.