New Hightop Option

[Keith Kiernicki]

Just ordered mine as well. Can't wait til it comes in. I just bought a weekender interior for my van so I'll be keeping that for a while. I really don't need a sink or stove. I would have liked the westy interior for the organizational abilities. I think I am going to do the 19-22" TV up top w an xbox. We'll see my wife is not too hip on that plan. Trying to figure out if I can duct the A/C to the front some how? That flat area in the back would be great for a solar panel! Can't wait!

[J Charlton]

In the picture below there are rectangular boxed in areas - you could run either rectangular or round ductwork from the back to the front through here towards the front and control the flow with variable closing vent ends.

Lots of space to make it just the way you want it to be.
If you look at the panel to the front locker just behind my "arrows" ... that's where I'm going to mount a nice sized 12v flat screen tv - the panel will either rotate or swing out and flip so that the screen will be inside the front locker area and out of sight for security purposes when we are out of the van.
Its going to be real important for all of us to plan how we want to use the space carefully so that we run the appropriate wiring prior to insulating and finishing the interior.
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NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024

[zacamil7525]

I am going to try and source a solar panel that will not only fit in that lower rear area of the roof but also provide the energy I think I am going to need. There are some good threads regarding solar panel installation. The custom interior possibilities will only be limited by ones imagination....and wallet

[DAIZEE]

Just in case anyone is looking for liner material. I was looking at some "bonded" material the other day. There is lots available, some easily cleaned others not so. Anything from 2" shag to denim and borg, vinyl, fault leather (don't know the spelling).

Look in the upholestry, heavy curtain liner departments of major fabric stores. The bonded materials (slim material bonded onto the fabric) certainly help in insulating. I'd prefer one that is easily cleaned (ie wiped). I found one really nice one that was actually table pad but only saw it in white. If it came in beige or tan, I'd go for it.
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'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

[Keith Kiernicki]

What keywords were you using to search for the insulation?

[J Charlton]

Try Googling Tiger Foam and look at the low expansion version.
_________________
NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024

[DAIZEE]

I didn't look for insulation. Didn't really mean insulation. I went out myself to various fabric/liner stores.

Ok I searched for Tiger Foam and didn't find a thread.
_________________
'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

[boulderdrop]

Anyone got a source for those Popup-Hightops, like the Reimo one in the below pic? (sorry if I missed it in the thread, but didn't see it)..

http://westyventures.com/images/highroofs/6918_3.JPG

I love the idea of getting a hightop, but keeping the tent as an option.

[tschroeder0]

I'm wondering if anyone knows how much one of these tops weighs? Is the weight difference(betwqeen this and a poptop) a big deal, as in how much more body roll do you experience, I'd like to hear from those of you who have driven/owned both. Thanks, Todd

[Mundopacheco]

I own a 91 Syncro AW SVX, Westy 2wd and 4wd hardtop GL and there are trade offs. The AW does provide more body roll if the hard shell cargo holds are heavily laden, so I never load this with anything heavier than bed linen, sleeping bags, camp chairs (less than 100lbs.) It actually feels steadier than my Westy, going down the highway in a straight line, and I hear less turbulence. If there is a side wind, it's like tacking into the wind, so not so good, though it does have to be blowing pretty hard.
The hard top does better in all conditions, but you can't stand up in it, etc, etc.
I like pulling into a campsite with my AW and NOT having to pop the top, then fill the upper sleeping compartment to make room downstairs. I pull in, get level, launch the awning, swivel the front seat(s) and pop the first cork....
Still, I love them all!

[J Charlton]

[tschroeder0]

Thanks for that info that answers just what I wanted to hear. T

[Keith Kiernicki]

I came across this van with lots of detailed pictures of the interior finish.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150419586277

http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k29/uk-quality-c...MG7635.jpg

One of my customers does interiors for the big three. They said that they order their material at www.atrim.com. go to H for headliner.

[HeftySmurf]

[HeftySmurf]

[J Charlton]

A FAQ and answer section has been added to the web site. Many good questions have been asked repeatedly.
http://canadianhightops.ca
_________________
NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024

[zacamil7525]

In case anyone is interested the new tops will be in North America in approx. 3 weeks.

[Keith Kiernicki]

I can hardly wait... So many plans but impossible for me to get started until it is on the van! Where are most people from that bought the tops? I would like to set up a fall camp-out where we can show off what customizations we have done. I am in South East Michigan!

[zacamil7525]

I'm in the D.C. area. I imagine there are some beautiful camping spots around the Great Lakes.

[motelvw]