Riviera Pop Top Seals

[vttype2]

Just wanted to let all of the Riviera owners out there know that the pot top seal kit from Bus Depot works GREAT! this one:
https://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=WESTYRUBBER

i always wondered if it would fit well on a Rivi, and i searched all of the threads and it seemed that noone really knew. and at $70 a pop, i wasnt sure i wanted to spend the money something that might not work. I took the plunge and ordered it. it fits perfect!

so if you need new seals for that rivi pop top. get those........

just wanted to get that out there for future reference.
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1973 ASI Riviera
2.0L Dual Solex PDSIT Carbs

1982 Diesel Vanagon Camper

[kkirwin]

I have used a regular Westy seal for the main pop-top section and it works quite well. However I still have the original seal for the luggage rack, did this seal come with the section for the front luggage part and does it fit?
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1978 Riviera FI Auto Trans
1973 Super Beetle
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 5.7 HEMI
2012 Suzuki VStrom DL1000
2006 Yamaha WR450

[manikmike]

The chatter I've seen on the Bus Depot kit, or those from other suppliers-

And this is neither criticism of the quality for Depot products (as they've always been a wicked great merchant for me), any other VW merchant I've purchased from, referenced, or thought of ordering from... Nor an indication I remember what forum it was on I read/ participated in this chatter-

Is that not only did the kit not come in white (which seems to be the orig color and pleasantly distinctive from the Westy), but that the kit comes with a seal for between the poptop and the cargo area that is not necessary on the Riviera design.

Just my opinion tho; I could be wrong.

If it works for ya, sweet; white is such a PIA to keep clean... Show some pics man!
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Mike
Boston, MA

[vttype2]

yeah it comes with the seal for the bottom of the luggage rack, around the pot top and the flat seal between the two. the two bottom seals come up slightly higher than the orginal............ but i like the black better than the white. plus the white stuff didnt really seem to be a seal, but more of an edging, if you will.......... plus mine was all dried out fragile and cracked. looked like hell.

i will take photos this weekend............ after i install the new canvas i just made...... woo hoo!

later,
dave
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1973 ASI Riviera
2.0L Dual Solex PDSIT Carbs

1982 Diesel Vanagon Camper

[Busdepot]

Thanks for the positive review, vttype2!

[redriviera74]

I think I may continue to search for the original white. The "seal" between the luggage rack and the poptop doesn't seem to be a seal at all as mentioned before but mearly a trim piece. I have seen a Riviera on this site that has the black seals all around and they look really nice. I think he's based in the Portland area and had some pictures on here somewhere. Anyway I just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.....Happy motoring.

[vttype2]

here are the photos as promised of the pop top seals:

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1973 ASI Riviera
2.0L Dual Solex PDSIT Carbs

1982 Diesel Vanagon Camper

[jonyem]

[vttype2]

I like the looks of the black too. and its nice that the top actually seals, no more leaks. woo hoo!

you could say its aftermarket........... i made it. wasnt too hard. just the zippers were a pain. i also threw in a screen on the front that zips out so you still have access to the luggage rack.......... yeah its supposed to be a beige color, but its closer to brown. i think it turned out well. hides the dirt better.

dave
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1973 ASI Riviera
2.0L Dual Solex PDSIT Carbs

1982 Diesel Vanagon Camper

[davis911s]

Dave

Awesome JOB on the tent. It looks fantastic
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"I choose to use CAA on old cars with character...instead of car payments on a new car "

1973 Westfalia, Camper Special with 75 FI. Automatic 003 . Non-pop top
1977 Porsche 911S Targa, 2.7 L with 5spd
1992 Passat G60 Syncro Wagon (SOLD)
1975 Westfalia (SOLD)
1979 Westfalia (SOLD)

[manikmike]

Nice job man!
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Mike
Boston, MA

[kkirwin]

Looks great, did you have to remove the front luggage rack to install that seal?
_________________
1978 Riviera FI Auto Trans
1973 Super Beetle
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 5.7 HEMI
2012 Suzuki VStrom DL1000
2006 Yamaha WR450

[vttype2]

yeah had to take the luggage rack off. but while it was off i made a new headliner and installed it, since you gotta pull it apart to get those 4 bolts out.

thanks for the kudos guys. one project after the next............ slowly its getting there......
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1973 ASI Riviera
2.0L Dual Solex PDSIT Carbs

1982 Diesel Vanagon Camper

[KentABQ]

Another big thanks for posting this info and pics. I just bought a Riviera, and noticed there are no seals for the top. No seals for Rivieras could be found on any of the parts sites I've found, so you saved my day with this!
I also like the look of the black.
_________________
-Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"

"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea

Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM

[Ives676]

[williamM]

Thanks for the info- haven't got far enough along for seals yet- but getting close. Still sourcing a new tent. Like that color- might go to Parker and see if that shop can do a tent.

My front luggage was pop riveted on- so yours might have been done once already.

Also doing a wood panel liner by draping 1/8" over the roof and soaking it to get a good profile-
_________________
some days I get up and just sit and think. Some days I just sit.

opinion untempered by fact is ignorance.

Don't step in any!

[Busdepot]

WillaimM, if you want a perfect-fit plug-and-play replacement for your Riviera poptop tent, we sell OEM replacements from the original supplier:
http://www.busdepot.com/180002
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- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com

[22/7]

Did anyone find a decent replacement in white, or grey, cream, beige, anything light coloured?

I'm restoring a riviera with a lot of cost and work re. body and top paint so black would look pretty strange. If anyone knows of any edging strip or seal of this kind, sold by the foot or otherwise it would be great help to me. Thanks!

[LazyLightning75]

I found a reasonable replacement from McMaster-Carr for my 1975 Riviera. Ordered it from their website. It's a plastic edge trim with metal core, textured, white, 3/32"-3/16" inside width, 50 feet. Plenty to do the pop top and luggage rack. The stuff pushes on tightly and is snug enough that I didn't use adhesive. I tapped it with a rubber mallet to seat it evenly around the edge.

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1975 Riviera 1.8L FI

[22/7]

Fantastic, just what I need - thank you!