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syncrodemaya
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2017
Posts: 113
Location: Vancouver
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 Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 4:35 pm Post subject: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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My doka's Vindic canopy is getting old, rusted and cracking. I'm looking for a quality fiberglass repair shop that preferrably isn't for boats.
I've tried a few in the Vancouver area but no luck so far. They mostly seem to specialize in boats here and the truck canopy shops don't seem to do repair work.
Ideally I'm looking to have the surface refinished and any edges that are cracking to be fixed up. It also has rust from certain hinges that could be buffed out.
I'm willing to go across the border to somewhere in the PNW if there are quality fiberglass shops elsewhere.
On top of the fiberglass work, my canopy doesn't have working locks. The T-handles are rusted shut and would require a replacement. It is also missing some of the hardware for the locking rods that lock to the frame of the canopy.
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16CVs
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4250
Location: Redwood City, California
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| Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 10:52 pm Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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I had my Vindic fixed a Corvette Body shop. Childs play to a Fibreglass guy. I bought a set of matching handles from Mc master Carr for under $30.00 shipped. The rods and all the pieces are just off the shelf hardware.
I've seen some guys use rods from a regular Camper shell but they wer smaller in Diameter.
Stacy
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Alaskaberrys 
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1078
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 1:35 am Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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Hey syncrodemaya, from instagram it looks like you guys been putting some mil..er, kilometers on your Doka! Way cool (yes, jealous...)
I’ve been tackling the fiberglass repair for my Vindic, not rocket science work by a long shot but without a shop space it would be pretty difficult - so no leads for you there unfortunately.
But on the hardware side, I went back and looked at those photo’s you sent me way back when I was scratching my head as how to fix mine (thanks again!), I see now yours is nearly identical. And missing three locking rods.
On the handles, these - http://www.technologylk.com/truck-cap-locking-t-handles-pair-set-lk-TC311SET.html - match up to what I’ve got on my canopy - same size, hole pattern and stem. I haven’t ordered them yet (got distracted finding and eradicating rust on my doka  ) but I emailed a query as to getting matching key/locks and was told hey are all keyed the same so can order three and use the same key. Very straight forward swapout with those.
The long locking rods are just lightweight conduit like this - https://www.mcmaster.com/=1egopz - from the McMaster-Carr as per 16VC’s post. Tho slightly larger diameter than the euro version - might have to toss the plastic insert in the end “holders”. Again, I haven’t repaced any yet so no tips past that.
If you don’t find a shop/person down there, plan a trip up to SE! Bring beer and with some planning we can fix your canopy in four/five days with time left for you guys to do some kayaking with glaciers. 
My progress - doors
...now just the main canopy left to do...(ughh)
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syncrodemaya
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2017
Posts: 113
Location: Vancouver
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| Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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| 16CVs wrote: |
I had my Vindic fixed a Corvette Body shop. Childs play to a Fibreglass guy. I bought a set of matching handles from Mc master Carr for under $30.00 shipped. The rods and all the pieces are just off the shelf hardware.
I've seen some guys use rods from a regular Camper shell but they wer smaller in Diameter.
Stacy |
Thanks good call on Corvettes, if I can find one local that would be great. Good to know there are matching handles ready to go as well. I'll probably worry more about the hardware once the canopy is repair.
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syncrodemaya
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2017
Posts: 113
Location: Vancouver
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| Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:36 am Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
Hey syncrodemaya, from instagram it looks like you guys been putting some mil..er, kilometers on your Doka! Way cool (yes, jealous...)
On the handles, these - http://www.technologylk.com/truck-cap-locking-t-handles-pair-set-lk-TC311SET.html - match up to what I’ve got on my canopy - same size, hole pattern and stem. I haven’t ordered them yet (got distracted finding and eradicating rust on my doka ) but I emailed a query as to getting matching key/locks and was told hey are all keyed the same so can order three and use the same key. Very straight forward swapout with those.
The long locking rods are just lightweight conduit like this - https://www.mcmaster.com/=1egopz - from the McMaster-Carr as per 16VC’s post. Tho slightly larger diameter than the euro version - might have to toss the plastic insert in the end “holders”. Again, I haven’t repaced any yet so no tips past that.
If you don’t find a shop/person down there, plan a trip up to SE! Bring beer and with some planning we can fix your canopy in four/five days with time left for you guys to do some kayaking with glaciers.
...now just the main canopy left to do...(ughh) |
Hi Alaskaberrys! Yes been on a bunch of trips this summer, so much more successful with the new engine all the way to Yellowstone.
I wish I had space to learn fiberglass repair myself but we live in an apartment unfortunately.
Yes worst case scenario we get to take a fun trip up to SE! Will bring plenty of Vancouver beers.
Are you coming down south for any events this year or next? I bet people would love to see your doka up close.
Thanks for the links, I think the handles will be easy it's mainly the locking rods that were a question mark.
Mine is missing almost all of them so it won't lock at all even if the locks worked.
You're making great progress on the Vindic! Those spider-webbing cracks look all too familiar, I have some very bad wear and tear as well.
Also soooo much mold growing on the roof it's nasty haha.
Will let you know if I find a fiberglass shop soon!
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tarandusVDub
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Joined: August 27, 2010
Posts: 1683
Location: Between Here and There
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| Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2021 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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Old thread and kinda silly question, but do any of you guys put your Vindic on and take off by yourself? I do it with my Tundra shell all the time but its much smaller and lighter. We live in the boonies without folks to help nearby, and its too heavy and awkward for the wife to help much.
I tried building a support/lift in our haybarn but it really doesn't work will with the unbalanced weight, 3 sides that open, etc. Probably need a forklift or tractor, which I don't have. Just thought I'd ask to see if anyone has any brilliant schemes!
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Last edited by tarandusVDub on Tue Dec 14, 2021 7:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32989
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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tarandusVDub
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2010
Posts: 1683
Location: Between Here and There
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| Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 7:40 am Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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Good idea Dave! The pieces and parts in the above pics don't really help much do they?
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1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
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Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD. |
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specialev
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Joined: March 25, 2011
Posts: 282
Location: Mukilteo WA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 1:10 pm Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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| I used the trunk lid handles from an MGB. The parts are available new and they were cheap when I restored my Vindic top. |
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djkeev
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Achilles3588
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Joined: February 11, 2005
Posts: 639
Location: Bradenton, Florida, USA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:58 am Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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I've got a Vindic very much if not identical to what's shown here.
It was a fair condition (at best) when I got this rig. The locking rods had been stripped out, rear hatch was misaligned/didn't seal, and it had / has assorted age cracks. It's not horrible but needs some love - like everything else on this van.
There's a boat repair shop nearby (Central FL), they do great quality / custom gel coat work. They estimated in the $USD 2 to 6K range to refurb (depending on what I want done). In any case it would be a quality job and almost surely weather resistant if not weather proof (think truck camping).
Is it worth it?
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'91 Syncro Doka 1.9L TDI 'AFN' |
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ALIKA T3
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Joined: July 30, 2009
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Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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Achilles3588
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Joined: February 11, 2005
Posts: 639
Location: Bradenton, Florida, USA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 12:12 pm Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
2K maybe, 6K prolly not, but how miuh will it cost you to get another canopy again? ...Hard decision to make, but you're an adult  |
Hadn't really looked into that...are there such things for a 1991 Doka? And, I don't wanna have to import a Vindic (if they're still in biz) from Europe...
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'91 Syncro Doka 1.9L TDI 'AFN' |
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ALIKA T3
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Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 12:19 pm Post subject: Re: Vindic doka canopy fiberglass repair/hardware needed |
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| Achilles3588 wrote: |
| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
| 2K maybe, 6K prolly not, but how miuh will it cost you to get another canopy again? ...Hard decision to make, but you're an adult |
Hadn't really looked into that...are there such things for a 1991 Doka? And, I don't wanna have to import a Vindic (if they're still in biz) from Europe... |
Yeah that's what I'm saying, even if you find another NLA top, even in good shape, it'll cost more than the 6K you'll prolly dump into the repairs... You're against the wall.
You can buy NATO style aluminum tops in Eastern Europe but it's not cheap...and importing one certainly will sting. That's all there is available these days.
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syncrodoka
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