Oli-89 Syncro Build-Pop Top Conversion-Other Upgrades

Rjhdog · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 10:28 pm Post subject:

Van Cafe Mefro Steel wheels. 16" wrapped with 225 75 16 BFG AT.

Powder Coated Gunmetal Gray. Gives it a nice, "i mean business" look.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

To accomodate 16" wheels with larger tires, the rear trailing arms are Burley Extended Arms and rear quarter panels were re-fabricated to accommodate for travel.

It also is paired with Abercombie/Burley Designed Rear spring pivoting perch with Eibach springs and 10" Travel Procomp MX6 adjustable shocks.

Burly Rear Limiting Straps.

Also, she is fitted with Burly Heavy Duty Chromoly Rear Axles with 930 CV's.

IdahoDoug · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 10:34 pm Post subject:

Just checked my pictures and it has a deep scrape so I will let you know when I am near it again in January. Heading out in the morning for your neck of the woods if you surf...
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1993 Toyota LandCruiser, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

Rjhdog · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:07 pm Post subject:

Rjhdog · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:11 pm Post subject:

More trip shots to keep things in perspective - these vans are meant to be used!
Notice the pack-n-play - yeah, we are in that phase of life. at least we are still out there camping and doing it!

Rjhdog · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:26 pm Post subject:

For the last image and post of this large mass build pic upload thread, I present the not so small upgrade...

Pop Top Westy Conversion here we come.

Done professionally to Factory Spec by the guru, Syncrozilla.

I'm very stoked for the opportunity to work along side a genuine craftsman and solid friend. I consider it a gift to learn by his side.

Oli is looking at her donor top prep work in anticipation:

The plan is to build a slightly modified Syncro H6 Suby Powered Westy Weekender. The swing out Aluminess Box will be our outdoor Kitchen Platform, A Yeti 50 as our refrigerator. It will still be lightweight, very off road capable, and offer great power. Keeping it simple while creating a highly functional camp mission, kiddo running, around town daily rig. Life is too short, I simply want to drive something I enjoy every day.

Keep you posted.

Yee ha.

Rjhdog · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 10:45 pm Post subject:

Here's an update on what I consider is no longer my "mini build" as i orignally posted months back.

***Moderators - If you don't mind, can you change the title of this Post to ---- "89 Syncro Build - Pop Top Conversion & Other Upgrades - Pic Heavy"

I am so stoked to be knee deep in a Pop Top Conversion.

Seth Hathfield, aka Syncrozilla, and one of the key contributors to Syncrofest, has graciously allowed me to "help" and "work" by his side as we have dismantled, drilled, ground, cut, and welded our way through this. What a learning experience it's been from a very talented friend! This job is of the highest quality and every detail attended to.

This is a like-factory conversion and will post many photos below of the work.

Warning, Pic Heavy...

Taking the aluminess Box, and all bumpers off just prior to heading up for surgery.

The beginning of de-skining the donor top from an 87 Westy.

The man himself with the Plasma Cutter.

Getting closer

The right tools for the job.

Rjhdog · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:04 pm Post subject:

Headliner removed.

First big cut. Fully committed now!

Before and after initial cut (this was a great feeling!):

We ended up discarding the front of the donor clip due to a minor crease and opted to cut and weld right along where the canvas and luggage rack meet. The weld (although you wont quite be able to tell where it is once finished) will be fully covered. This decision didn't compromise the structural integrity and deemed a better overall finish once done.

Some Close Ups:

luVWagn · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:17 pm Post subject:

Awesome possum!
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'91 Double Door Transporter

Rjhdog · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:24 pm Post subject:

The drive around the Block was a HOOT. Double Sunroof was sweet.

Finally, going in for Body and Paint. Wheeew...

Keep you posted on the progress.
Cheers.

samuelvincentvella · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 8:52 am Post subject:

Absolutely 100% the right decision mate! My familial setup is almost identical to yours, and I couldn't agree more that the best of all the vanagon iterations is a Syncro weekender pop top.

I have just bought my donor pop top off a mate locally in fabulous condition and am currently searching for someone who can do the job at grafting it on to my tin top (which incidentally I am doing a Syncro conversion on, plus an EJ25 install, write up here). Mine is a twin slider so I'm hoping to end up with something rather unique.

My question for you and syncrozilla is why did you choose against chopping at the posts? I know this method is generally frowned upon, but if done correctly, it's no less a job that replacing the skin.
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VW Syncro Tristar Doka Very Happy

Rjhdog · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 11:25 am Post subject:

I believe we didn't choose to cut at the pillar posts b/c once you cut the cross supports the whole body can flex, stretch, etc. Sometimes the windshield won't have the proper fit once re-welded, etc. I am sure there is a right way to do it but I don't want to mess with the structural integrity and minimize as much impact as possible. Just replacing the skin is ideal and closest to factory-like install i believe. It's a ton of more work but i can rest my head at night knowing we did it the best we could. Syncrozilla will know better than I though.

danfromsyr · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 12:24 pm Post subject:

cutting it at the posts is a major structural hack that requires a skilled rebuilder to get the structure right
removing the roof skin and grafting it onto another door is easier and structurally safe/proper.
these vans do on occasion end of on either the roof or a side with a potential roof impact. and already compromised by a large hole in the sheet metal with a fiberglass top it's not wise to compromise the structural components

BTW TOP NOTCH RESTORATION and GREAT documentation..
I like seeing young families enjoying/using a westy, too many in the VW hobby can't fathom how to incorporate the young ones.. Kuddos to you and your kiddos
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Rjhdog · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 8:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks. It's been a great ride thus far. My kiddos love it and we will continue to enjoy it further with a bed above.

Rjhdog · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:18 am Post subject:

Tons of progress since the last posting.

Here's a few shots after Body & Paint:

I addressed a number of other small snackels over the last 25+ years of use while I was at it.

I decided to color match the top and keep it looking as original as possible.

Rjhdog · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 6:26 pm Post subject:

Rjhdog · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 6:33 pm Post subject:

Prepping the new pop top. This was a very gratifying day to say the least!!!

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:49 pm Post subject:

That's sweet looking man!!
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Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

OddN · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 2:01 am Post subject:

Wow, what a great build. You are making all my favourite mods Smile

Tizian red syncro, 16 inch BF All terrain, Multivan(ish) interiour, red pop top. upgraded suspension.

I hope my own syncro will be looking that good when Im finished with it.

I went the 1,9 AAZ turbodiesel route myself, but I really like the Subaru flat six engine as well.
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1991 VW Multivan syncro 1,9 TD

m_goerzen · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 3:22 am Post subject:

Rjhdog · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:04 am Post subject:

Thanks for the compliments. I Have learned a ton and really enjoyed the build. Hey m Goerzen- the aluminess box is a great addition. I highly recommend it on many levels. Extra storage, jerry can holder, kitchen set up with tray down, won't rust, wetsuit and gear keeper, etc.
couple words of advice for anyone installing the box. I recommend adding a 3rd brake light. Gowesty sells an inexpensive one or you can take the route Abel (Houston photog) did by integrating a couple different Leds.
The other word of advice. Assure you build a base at least 2" higher from gowesty swing arm base to clear the tail light visibility. Those two recommendations will keep folks from rear ending you. Smile

I just let the propane green Coleman tank hang off the side of stove - easy peasy.

I also just got a Partner stove and have to say it's the stove to have. The partner stove fits perfectly in the aluminess tray. It looks like it was built for the stove. The mini propane tank can sit in the ground or up above. I will have to take a photo of it.


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