Transporting stock Thing Hardtop In 1991 Westfalia?

carterzest · Last edited by carterzest on Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:45 am; edited 4 times in total

Hello all:

I am always amazed at the cargo capacity of my 1974 Thing as well as my 1991 Westfalia, but, I am wondering before I venture all the way to Nevada from Portland to purchase a hardtop if anyone has had one inside a Westfalia. I can't drive the Thing down there as I am concerned about my soft top's state of disrepair and would hate to see it get trashed!

I am certain that the rear part will fit in the camper floor area, just curious as to if the corner can be turned and the front of the top can make it into the back. I am figuring that I will need to remove the posts from the top and that is not a big deal. Anyone done this before?

Anyone have measurements of a stock thing hardtop at the tip of their fingers?

Anyone rolling up from the Reno area to Portland in the next couple weeks?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Jeffrey
_________________
Happiness=Portland, Oregon in the rearview mirror!

CF · Samba Member Joined: February 17, 2005 Posts: 802

sorry to say it but with all the cabnets inside it would not fit..

why even risk the damage to the hard top..rent a trailer and haul it with the westy

spaeth · Samba Member Joined: January 05, 2005 Posts: 355

A thing hardtop just fits in the bed of my DoKa. I can't picture it fitting into a Westfalia with the cabinets, maybe it would go in a Multi Van, but in a Westy I really doubt you can get it in there.

Craig

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

Prior to making a space judgement calls, I'd pick up the phone and call the guy that's selling you the hardtop & ask him the measurements.

The space is pretty tight inside of a Vanagon Westfalia--I'd inquire about the hardtops exact size.
_________________
T.K.

carterzest · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:24 am Post subject:

devesvws · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:46 am Post subject:

i just happen to have a washer and dryer in my 87 wolfsburg 7 passenger right now , there side by side with little room to spare. there is no way in hell i can see it done in a fully dressed camper, but if you say so. i just moved a huge couch the other day. wow, it never ceases to amazes me what you can haul with a vanagon. about the top fiting strap it on the top Wink

_________________
THE FEW THE PROUD THE ORIGINAL VW WATERBOXER -> looking for a original 91 vanagon owners manual with 1991 on the cover http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmuiG2tUsP4&feature=share https://picasaweb.google.com/101290228103300323836/BostonBobFlywheelVideo#5543000332201103922

mccabe · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

Why take the risk? I think it might be time to borrow a truck from a friend or rent a U haul, trailer ect.
_________________
1991 Carat 2.1wbx
vans "checkerboards" size 9.5

RGS Paul · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 4:36 pm Post subject:

Can you take the soft top off the Thing and drive it to get the hard top? It would be like driving an early car with no roof. Think of it as an adventure. Laughing

Just get good driving goggles, and a killer hat with ear flaps, and see if you can borrow a shearing bomber jacket.

Paul
_________________
'87 Syncro 7-Pass. Adventure Touring Vehicle
"Simplicate, then add lightness." Colin Chapman

16CVs · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:24 pm Post subject: HArd top transportation

Or tow the Thing to your destination with the Vanagon and put the top on and tow it home.
That way you can keep warm and put some miles on your Thing as well.

GWTWTLW · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 8:05 pm Post subject:

carterzest · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:18 pm Post subject:

bmwmango · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:30 pm Post subject:

Now that you've got the dimensions, mock up a 3 dimensional template hardtop out of furring strips.
If you can fit the template in, you should be able to fit the real thing (no pun intended).
If it doesn't fit, mount the template top on your Thing, drive to town and count the stares from the locals Smile

A blue tarp is a nice upgrade for rainy weather.
_________________
1990 Westy converted to a Syncro Westy
2009 BMW R1200GS
1990 BMW K75
1986 BMW K75 Parts (Deer 1, Beemer 0)

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

It ain't gonna fit inside the Van---come hell or high water--no way Jose'.

Think Trailer.
The Silver Dog isn't gonna haul it either.

Forward Air will ship it cheaper than you can haul it.
_________________
T.K.

msinabottle · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:45 pm Post subject: Music Plays...

Shove is a many-splintered Thing!

<dodges hail of lug nuts>

Shocked

Best!
_________________
'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence."

hiram6 · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:34 am Post subject:

I like the idea of the bomber jacket, goggles, and you must have a scarf!! Think Snoopy on the doghouse flying against the Red Baron!!

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

Once you get there and install your hardtop, think how nice and comfy the drive back will be!!
_________________
1985 Westy, 1.9L automatic (Daisy)
1996 Mazda Miata
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

You can't lie around on the beach and drink rum all day.................unless you start first thing in the morning.

pj welch · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:47 am Post subject:

I was going to measure the inside of my 84 Westy and the hardtop on my Thing, but I didnt even bother. There is no way it will fit. Also, be careful when moving the hardtop. I broke a side window by flexing the top too much when I took it out of the back of my truck.


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1