Poptop color / antenna

[skemems]

I am in the process of re-spraying my westy. The original color is Flash Silver metallic. My question to you, should I spray the top the same color? or keep it the original white?
Does anyone know the paint code to the white top? I know some have used marine paint etc. I prefer to use automotive paint with clear.

Also, I was debating on shaving the antenna, rear wiper, rear badge holes for a cleaner look. Has anyone done this? What are your thoughts? What other items have you removed? I dont ever use the the radio and I dont think I would miss my rear wiper.

[charleslabri]

i am in the same boat with the antennae.. i opted to keep the hole so as to throw a large antennae in there.. can always just rubber plug it until you figure it out. My guess was to better have the option
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[Steve M.]

i just did a Luggage Rack on mine using Rust-Oleum "Topside" boat paint.
About 18 buck a qt. at Home Depot.

Check out my thread on it. the white is definitely a cooler temp, but i think with silver you would not have any problems either.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=661562&start=80

Also there are some other threads out there doing the drain mod and painting.

They do not make the "Topside" in silver.
https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/marine-coatings/topside-paint/
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[Honuak]

I deleted the antenna and use a plug in/in dash antenna with mixed results. The powerful radio stations work fine but weaker signals are spotty. Losing a water ingress directly above the fuse panel was worth more to me than listening to smaller radio stations.
I also deleted the rear wiper, emblem holes and all the utility cutouts in the drivers side (Westy). I did all of the as a total redo/respray. The idea was to eliminate water ingress. My fridge is DC only and I fill the water tank from the inside.
I had the same questions regarding the top and painted it white FWIW.

[Ahwahnee]

[jimf909]

[Jake de Villiers]

I love my radio - but did delete the rear wiper in favour of a simple rubber plug. I never used it anyway.

Looks tidy.
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'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
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[SCM]

These are just my opinions, but that's what you asked for...

- Antenna. Yeah, I would be REAL tempted to fill that if I was doing a paint job on my van. There's just too many other options for tunes.

- Roof. I love the look of Westies with color-matched tops and flash silver is probably reflective enough to not cause issues with sun/heat. If I ever painted my pop top I would probably keep the red color on the sides but paint the horizontal surface white like school busses and UPS trucks do nowadays.

- Rear wiper. I'm definitely a weirdo on this one. There's just something about using a rear wiper on my van and hatchbacks that brings me joy. Especially if it's wiping a nice smooth arc through the dust that collected there while off-roading. Also, it's one of just a few things that screams "Vanagon GL" I would never give that up.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine

[pdm777]

Bordeaux Red top here.

I painted the top white,
and it resulted in about 40 degree
cooler. Left the sides red,
and you really can't tell the top
is white unless the top is popped.

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1990 Westy Full Camper

[SCM]

[pdm777]

Yes.

And, it is an inexpensive task.

Paint prep is essential here,
I sanded then wiped with solvent
prior to rattle can painting.

Still holding up fine after 4 years.

ALSO, adding a cargo box and kayak to shade
the top has helped keep solar gain manageable.

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1990 Westy Full Camper

[dgbeatty]

The Westy tops for the US market flash silver vans were Nutriabeige, most the rest of world were White (L90D is as good as any). Tops are usually painted using single stage slightly flattened. Try not to remove the molded texture (IMO).
Are you planning to use the original bumper color or color coding? Buth look good when coupled with the raised portion painted black. Again IMO.
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Schau in das Buch

[skemems]

[dgbeatty]

Google "vw nutriabeige color code" L575.
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[PDXWesty]

I'm definitely a fan of the color matched top. Mine was painted with color/clear coat and I didn't lose any of the texture. Has stayed shiny for more than 10 years.

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89 Westy 2.1 Auto