Installed New Pop Top Canvas - My thoughts

[dubbified]

I am so pleased to finally see that link. I've forgotten their site.. and its good timing for me to make an inquiry.

I'd asked if they can enlarge and square up the front window, side window, and add in removable clear, bug, and solid panels for the windows.

What can I say, I love options..

Your van really looks sharp, and that is the best fitting tent I've seen.

Far cry from the cheapie I ordered, received and sent back to Busdepot, which didn't even match the color on their website.

I cant wait to get one of these tents!

[randywebb]

[DrTwee]

[whynotvw]

oh by the way, if your original canvas is in good shape, try to remove the canvas with care so you could re-sell it.

i was tempted to just tear the old canvas and rush the job, but since my canvas was in pretty good shape, i took my time removing it. i placed the used canvas on the classifieds on the samba and i think i could've sold it at least 5 times over. i sold it $50 plus shipping.

[Ahwahnee]

There are clearly 2 schools of thought here: those who remove and invert the top and those who replace the canvas with the top in situ.

I took the latter approach simply because I was alone in the middle of almost nowhere. The replacement with the top is place was really pretty easy.

I got to do it twice because the first canvas was totally incorrect and would not come close to fitting. After that I measured before installing and when I got to the 4th canvas I found one that was correct.

Both methods are no doubt fine, but no that if you must try this solo it can be done. Pics on request.

[GBA 88West LA]

i was under the impression they are suppose to be tight on the initial install because they will "loosen" up over time...if you start loose she will be flapping in the wind after a couple years ...its a fine line , definately a PITA job but very gratifying every time you pop the top and marvel at your work and can say "yeah i installed that"
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88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th..solar powered cabin

[edgood1]

I bought the most expensive one from GoWesty and although it is well made, it did not fit.

I removed and reinstalled several times but it just wouldn't work on the bottom part. I had to fudge it a little by cutting the aluminum strips.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia powered by Subaru
1963 Panel to Deluxe Bus project :::: (photo album)
'65 Westfalia

[BillWYellowstone]

Westylife, Fantastic write-up! Now to find 3 guys. Fortunately, my top is OK, but figure I need this at some point for my 86, also happy to have an 86 without staples.

With our nomadic lifestyle the 3 other guys, if I find them, I am probably best off just geting the canvas while they are near!

[Microbusdeluxe]

Getting ready to do this on my '81. From the photos and comments I can't see if folks left the rear hinges attached to the top or left them on the van or if it doesn't matter. Any tips would be appreciated. (I'm going to remove & invert the top to do the job)
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'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig!

[whynotvw]

I used www.atelierspk.com Very happy with it. Made in Canada. I paid $485 shipped to California in 8 days.( 2 years ago) Acrylic with three windows.

I heard of horror stories of how fitment can be a issue on cheaper tents so I made sure I went with the best company.

Ben, reputable restorer in Canada recommended which was good enough for me, knowing how many Westy's he restores.

I installed it myself with no help in 8 hours with the top on. (first time) Fitment was like Armani suit or Hugo Boss suit. near perfect.

honestly it was not that hard installing it, bit time consuming but not hard at all. having a few handy tools will definitely help

I'm glad I went with this company because they are not a middle man like gowesty or bus depot or van cafe. they make it themselves.


these are some useful tools to have. The speaker stand you can buy and return at SAM ASh or Guitar Center.

[JN99]

Wow as a prospective buyer looking for our first Westy I am glad I stumbled upon this thread. No more looking at ripped, stained, moldy tents and saying "they can be replaced and aren't too expensive" Now it will be "they can be replaced and aren't too expensive but someonelse is doing it because I will end up in fits of rage" (because I AM just that type). I can totally relate to the comments here on some of the work and getting pissed off - and as such I had to laugh!

Either that or after we borrow our friend's Westy to confirm we want to buy one, we'll then have them over for a tent replacement "party" on our new purchase. Hey, what are friends for?

[jerrydog411]

[westylife]

[Penttila4]

What is a good website for instructions on how to install the new canvas for the pop top?

[mcbrydem]

It does have a hem, so it's not just plain fabric. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that when I get back from vacation.

[wbx]

[mcbrydem]

I've just tried installing one of those less-expsnsive Bus Depot tops on my '84, which has the screw-on top. Unlike the original, the top lacks a bead. I started by anchoring the top (top off and upside down) at the midpoint of each side (four screws) and then pulling it into the corners. At the first stretch, the first screw just ripped out. Should I try another approach? Bus Depot says this isn't too hard to do, but I don't want to keep tearig the top. Happy for any suggestions.

[dragonfire709]

Aircooledchris

I dont think there is any great benefit to the visor on my friends Van, just breacks up the whiteness of the van. I know that over 60ish he complains of it wobbing about a bit, but on these beasts we dont find dragb to be a major issue!!
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My name is Roy

[scottcollins72]

mamalemon, You bring it to my house in coquitlam and we'll have a go. Mine's in great shape so no need to futz with it but I'm always willing to have a go with anything Vanagon/Westy. Always happy to meet another local. PM me if you're interested. Bring loads of beer.

Cheers
Scott.

[Cat and Walter]

my wife and I are going to do our canvas, ours screws in i believe. it's an 89 and i saw screws.