Author |
Message |
seabright_sc Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 279
|
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 5:06 pm Post subject: Westy tent install: specialty tools and tips |
|
|
I know there are a ton of install threads out there, but I thought it would be cool to focus this thread on:
Specific tools (purchased or fabricated) for the job
Installation tips
Not meant to debate warrants of top on vs. off. Just tool/tips that made the installation process go smoothly for you! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32630 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
PDXWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6247 Location: Portland OR
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
luVWagn Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2008 Posts: 1340 Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10379 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
|
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 7:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I found the tool below to be very useful for screws. I don't have the brand name handy but you'd likely find this at Harbour Freight. Starts with a "P". Pronto? Anyhow....
Bit direction is determined by which side of head bit is in. You can ratchet normally, or, twist the handle CW/CCW. The latter worked great. IIRC, it was possible to push down on the ratchet head while twisting the handle.
Neil.
_________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9810 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
|
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I used this (from Harbor Freight):
To keep the tent from unfolding all over the place while I worked with it, I wrapped it at intervals with strips of paper... then tore them off one by one as I got to that part of the tent:
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7924 Location: Arizona
|
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Flexible socket wrench extension:
Painter's tape, Sharpie, and cups: Label all of the hold-down rails as you remove them. Group the screws into cups, label the cups as to where the screws go (lower rails, upper rails, etc.).
Straps: Wrap around the pop-top push-up bars before unbolting them from the roof.
Pop-top shocks, pipe, or some other mechanism to keep roof partially raised while you work (if you're not removing the pop-top). _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
msinabottle Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2005 Posts: 3492 Location: Denver Area, Colorado
|
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 12:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: |
Flexible socket wrench extension |
Far and away the single most useful tool we used. Also the hook remover on my Swiss Army knife, it was dull and yet sharp enough to push the canvas into place without penetrating it.
Best! _________________ 'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence." |
|
Back to top |
|
|
FNGRUVN Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2007 Posts: 2237 Location: Fort Collins, CO
|
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
Pneumatic crown stapler for those who have an older van with the staples instead of screws. You can get a cheap one at Harbor Freight. Try to find stainless steel staples.
Also a blow drier or heat gun to warm up the original plastic strip so that you can stretch it as you go. It also allows the staples to penetrate easier.
Be really careful if you use a heat gun and an acrylic tent. You can melt a hole in the material in a nano second. Ask me how I know. _________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
|
Back to top |
|
|
seabright_sc Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 279
|
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 6:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've decided to take off top for the job. Looks like I only have one helper to assist. Can top removal be done with two men?
Any other tips out there? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|