TheSamba.com :: View topic - Power Pop Top

Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:22 pm

I realize this mod, in this form will not be for everyone - especially those who use the upper bed. But it may contain info others can use for other versions.

Following on from an earlier thread "Bolt-In Power Pop Top Kit"
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=699880,

I felt this thread might be better on its own.
http://www.griffco.ca/interest/vw/VWPowerPopTop.htm

The project is nearly complete, just some tidying up and wiring placement to do.

All in all, I am pleased with the results.

[Moderators - move or delete as required.]

Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:17 pm

Looks like a nice write up. Good pictures. I'm a little confused about the bed access. You state that you don't use the bed and that the actuators could be removed to use it. Then, shortly thereafter, you state that there is plenty of room between the bed edge and the tent. So... Is it, or is it not possible to mount this as you have and still use the bed?

Hans

Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:01 am

Thanks for the compliments.

I'm not sure of your interpretation of the text Quote: You state that you don't use the bed and that the actuators could be removed to use it.

The text said Quote: We do not use the upper bunk as a bed so have removed the folding bed base, leaving plenty of room for actuators. If a future owner wished to return the van to original, it would be easy to remove the actuators.
The intent is that a new owner could remove the actuators, re-install the bed and return the pop top to original - manually operated.

And Quote: there is plenty of room between the bed edge and the tent.
The text said Quote: There is plenty of space between the bed base and the fibreglass top for the actuators

I don't see where it says "between the bed edge and the tent".

So, no, I don't think it would be possible to use this mod and still retain the upper bed with its folding base and mattress. I would like to think someone could modify this mod and have the best of both worlds.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:06 am

Great work!
Have you removed the H-bar with this modification?

Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:13 am

Very nice documentation. My shoulders would love it, if I went this route.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:28 am

Gruppe B - I haven't removed the "H Bar", I refer to it as the Lifting Bar in the text.

After the tests I did, I feel it could be removed safely, but don't want to make it difficult to restore the van to original if needed.

I am will remove the bar temporarily to check the wear points soon, so will make a few more tests.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:49 am

Excellent write-up! I believe the fiberglass lid actually has a wooden brace along each edge where you attached your maple pivots. I don't blame you for choosing the recessed area as it does appear stronger, but the wooden ribs built into the top edges run the full length. I know this as I have attached my roof-top carrier (made from electrical strut) to these internal braces.

Again, good job on the write-up. Mentioning the issues and how you resolved them really makes it informative.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 8:19 am

Thank you Gizmoman. I was aware of the full length wooden side beam but wanted to mount the pivot brackets just inboard from them. The reason being, each clevis pin will have a safety pin through the hole near the end (just visible in one photo). I needed room between the bracket and the wooden side beam to insert and remove this safety pin.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 9:21 am

spitsnrovers wrote: Thank you Gizmoman. I was aware of the full length wooden side beam but wanted to mount the pivot brackets just inboard from them. The reason being, each clevis pin will have a safety pin through the hole near the end (just visible in one photo). I needed room between the bracket and the wooden side beam to insert and remove this safety pin.

Ahh, the details - makes perfect sense.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 10:35 am

Neato! It's nice to see some of the concerns raised in the other thread addressed by your real-life execution. Thanks for sharing.

Thu Jun 14, 2018 11:02 am

Lets see a video!

Tue Jun 19, 2018 11:15 am

Well, the deed is done!

The power pop top DIY is in and working. In a couple of weeks we'll be making a road trip to fully test it.

Running on a test power supply delivering 750 ma, it takes 33 seconds to raise, and somewhat less to lower - gravity helps.

Sorry no video - I don't have the tech savvy on how to do that yet.

http://www.griffco.ca/interest/vw/VWPowerPopTop.htm

Wed Oct 07, 2020 2:30 pm

spitsnrovers wrote: Well, the deed is done!

The power pop top DIY is in and working. In a couple of weeks we'll be making a road trip to fully test it.

Running on a test power supply delivering 750 ma, it takes 33 seconds to raise, and somewhat less to lower - gravity helps.

Sorry no video - I don't have the tech savvy on how to do that yet.

http://www.griffco.ca/interest/vw/VWPowerPopTop.htm

updated the link

http://www.griffco.ca/VW/vwpowerpoptop.htm

Wed Oct 07, 2020 5:08 pm

Thank you Vanis13. I hadn't realized I made an error in my original post, and it is now too late to edit it.

I had wondered why there had been no interest in the project - now I know.

Just to let all know - the powered poptop works great.
The correct link is :http://www.griffco.ca/VW/vwpowerpoptop.htm

Thu Sep 12, 2024 10:31 am

I know it has been a long time, but the link above is no longer working.

The correct link now is:www.griffco.ca/VW/vwmods.html
Then scroll down to find the poptop mod.