Three window canvas

regis101 · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:01 pm Post subject: Three window canvas

Greetings. I've read lots of postings here about the pop top canvas. It does seem that most of the available canvas has three windows. Does anyone have good or bad input about them .

My concern would be the side windows and how easy it is to fold it in while lowering the top. Seems like there would be extra everything at the very place that I need to fold up without problems. maybe after a few times it gets comfortably broken in or something.

I'm ready to buy and am partial to the single window style. But if most of the (quality) canvas' out there have three windows, enlighten me, please.
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Peace, Regis

EZ Gruv · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:30 pm Post subject:

On mine, the side screens are very tight against the canvas. It is no different than a canvas with no side windows.
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1977 Deluxe Westfalia - 2.0L FI Type IV, Completely Original
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regis101 · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply. Trying to imagine what the extra seaming, stitching, material and the zippers would add up to for ease of lowering.
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Peace, Regis

VDubTech · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject:

regis101 · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:20 pm Post subject:

Does your canvas have the three windows?
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Peace, Regis

germansupplyscott · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject:

it's really up to your preference. the three windows have zero negatives including how the canvas folds up, there is no issue at all. i like the three windows, the first thing i do when camping is pop the top and unzip all three windows.
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SL

BUSBOSS · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:03 pm Post subject:

The only time there is a difference with the three window canvas is if you try to close the pop top with the side window flaps open. Then you'll have extra fabric.

I have the three window and love it.
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1976 Westfalia
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regis101 · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:07 pm Post subject:

Cool. Didn't know if the screen would try to push out or something when the top is lowered to about the 2/3's position. This is usually when I start pulling the sides inward. I still give a looksie around the outside to see if it's all in when the top is down and locked.
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Peace, Regis

Romy · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:10 pm Post subject:

Regis, you already have a 2 window canvas....if you wait a little longer, you'll get the third! Laughing

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-Romy

1977 Bus - ASI Riviera
1972 Bus - Westy converted to Adventurewagen (Bubbles)
1970 Baja Bug

regis101 · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:23 pm Post subject:

It is so damn dry that I'm afraid Ray will fall out. I make him sleep on the passenger side. This is why I don't sleep well up there with him.
Amy tugged on the zipper for the front window and it started to tear the window canvas.
Damn shame that I'll have to fab up some outside safety nets for fall protection.
I don't really want to fix the "second window" unless I loosely sew it up. Any type of iron on or glue on patch will make a new weak point just past the patch. A sewn patch may work if I keep the fabric loose so as to not create any more stress points. And then, the pop top needs refurbbed anyway.
Prolly this winter
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Peace, Regis

cc79westie · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:50 pm Post subject:

The side windows on the poptop make it 110% better. I like looking out of them when up there and it makes the Bus seem "bigger". Confused

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1979 Westfalia (Sage Green)
1966 Pontiac GTO
1977 Chevy Monza 5.0 V-8
1984 Datsun/Nissan 300ZX
1989 Plymouth Reliant K

regis101 · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject:

There are many times when I wished I had side windows. Especially at night when I hear the critters getting into the beer cooler.
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Peace, Regis

VDubTech · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 3:35 pm Post subject:

whc03grady · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:03 pm Post subject:

Maybe this is too obvious, but three windows=better airflow as well.
I can't think of any reason, except for concours purposes (not an issue here, I suspect), that one window would be preferable to three.
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1974 Westfalia "Ludwig"
1971 Squareback "Gertie"
Read about their adventures

regis101 · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:04 pm Post subject:

Nice. What three window canvas did you get? Who was the vendor?
Any good or bad thoughts about the purchase?

Never mind. I read your thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=349881
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Peace, Regis

whc03grady · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:10 pm Post subject:

We got ours from GoWesty. And it looks like they don't even sell them for Bays anymore--they don't make them, they just sell them. I don't remember the manufacturer. We got a canvas, not a synthetic, top and treated it with that spray sealant and have had no issues, five years in.

I don't have any bad thoughts about the purchase. Our old top was completely shot, so despite the expense it was a necessary buy. Installing it wasn't exactly fun (get a pneumatic staple gun), but that had nothing to do with who made it.
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1974 Westfalia "Ludwig"
1971 Squareback "Gertie"
Read about their adventures

Kirk · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:03 am Post subject:

I've had and operated both. I really like the three window. It makes it much nicer, and I can't tell a difference when operating it.

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

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regis101 · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:28 am Post subject:

It's reassuring to hear that the side screen(s) don't want to fold out when the top is coming down. I suppose that when the top is starting to lower, just make sure that the direction of the sides come inward as per normal with the screen following.
Now I'm on the hunt for vendors. Maybe I can find one with a smallish side window/screen. Back to the search function. Oh joy
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Peace, Regis

patayres · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:57 am Post subject:

GoWesty still sells the canvas. We used the hemp blend last spring when we redid ours & are very happy. The lighter colored fabric brightens up the interior very nicely and the vents are nice and big for great air flow.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3656&category_id=350&category_parent_id=
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1975 Westfalia Helsinki - 1800 EFI w/ Pertronix
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regis101 · Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:19 am Post subject:

Do you feel that the hemp blend has a tight enough weave? Does it seem stretchy.
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Peace, Regis


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