Pop Top Canvas Choices FAQ

[the_benjamin_effect]

[Vee Dub Nut]

[SamboSamba22]

I have had the German canvas installed on my 74 in orange for a couple months now. The material is cotton, nice coloring, stretches well, and seems to breathe as expected. The zippers are solid, and the stitching is very clean. It was a hit on the pocket book at $399, but I paid for quality. When I get a chance, I snag a photo of the manufacturers tag. The front window allows for zipping open the window for breeze and sights, as well as grabbing gear in and out of the luggage rack. Bus Depot had the harder to find orange, and I wanted to keep it original, so the decision was made, and I’m very satisfied.

Sam
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The Bus Barn Ltd. Co.

Oct. ’67 Double Cab (’68 Crew Cab)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44412.png]Click to view image[/URL]
March '69 Delivery (Panel Bus)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44414.png]Click to view image[/URL]

[DUhFishman]

[notchboy]

[poptop]

Hi guys , I'm about to order a replacement canvas for a solid 72 westy project. I did a bunch of searching to find the cheapest replacement canvas that's decent and figured I'd ask if anyone has one they didn't use or a discount provider for them? It's for a resale project that I'm getting a tad to deep into. Figured I'd ask around to see if anyone has anything they aren't using. Thanks a bunch poptop . Also if anyone interested in a solid westy project hit me up. Needs some cosmetics but all structural metal work is currently being addressed
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So what I drive the short bus!

[otiswesty]

I have that same BD canvas top on my 78. I like the large windows, you can lay in the top bunk and watch the fire coals without raising your head much. The down side is that the heavy duty canvas is thicker and a little bulkier. So it is harder to fully tuck it under the roof when packing up.

The German OEM canvas is really nice, I used it on my Vanagon. Fits like a glove, tucks easily. I installed this one in 2006, still like new. Smaller side windows, but both my OG canvases did not have side windows, so a nice upgrade. I have the German OEM canvas ready to go in my 78 this coming Fall and will be selling the used BD canvas cheap. It has been on the bus since 1999 and has held up really well.

I don't see a reason to use nylon if the thin canvas lasts 15-20 years easily. Same with hemp unless you want to make a statement.
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1978 Sage Green P22 Westfalia
1989 T3 Syncro Single cab

Just a regular guy

[Hoody]

The "German" canvas that purveyors pass off as original German Vw is actually made by Adam at NLA VWParts. Along with the correct Westy Seat material and curtain fabric. Do not be fooled otherwise.

[Busdepot]

[Keith]

[Busdepot]

Yes, you are correct, I am referring to the currently made OEM canvas. Current production has three windows, and the front window is more squared off. The front window design was updated by Westfalia in 1989 on Vanagon campers in production at the time, and was then incorporated into replacement canvas for prior years as well. The zipper-only configuration of the original was changed to a zipper-and-velcro one. Westfalia considered this an improvement for two reasons. First, you can leave the window open in any position by unzipping the top zipper and then using the velcro on the sides to open it as much as you like. Second, you can remove the screen and window entirely, so if you rip it (get it caught in the latch or while reaching into the luggage rack) you can replace it without having to buy a whole new canvas.

Our BusDepot clone has the same three windows and the same upgraded front window configuration, except we made the side windows slightly larger.

We can special order a one-window OEM German canvas for you if you're not in a hurry (it takes about 8-12 weeks). There is little or no cost savings compared to the 3-window one, and much worse ventilation. The front window will still be the later design. In 25 years or so in business I believe we've sold exactly one.
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- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com

[wdollie6]

Yesterday I finally had the opportunity to finish the install of my 2015 purchased Bus Depot canvas top and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and the install (this was the Bus Depot mfg. version). Note that I installed the canvas to the fiberglass top two years ago but hadn't had a chance to screw to the bus. Even after several inadvertent pokes with a slipping screwdriver the canvas held up fine. Thanks Ron.

I will say that wasn't my idea of a relaxing Sunday as this was almost as challenging as putting the convertible top on my 72 Super. With a few choice words, some extra effort got everything to line up (corners are challenging, I have a 90 degree ratcheting screwdriver which helped) and installed with no damage to the top at all. That being said I can't raise the top all the way in my garage so don't know how tight it is as of yet.

I am missing about 10 of the little screws that hold the top in place, anyone know the size or where I can find these?

Once I can get the bus outside will take some photos, I am hopeful that fully extended everything will be tight, but not overly.
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1966 Beetle, Sunroof, Sea Sand
1970 Fastback, Deep Sea Green (... or will be)
1972 Super Beetle Convertible, Texas Yellow
1972 Westy, Sierra Yellow

[otiswesty]

Here is the German one I bought. It looks exactly the same as the original three window tent that was on my 1974 Westfalia deluxe. I bought this in 2009.

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1978 Sage Green P22 Westfalia
1989 T3 Syncro Single cab

Just a regular guy

[gatheringgrounds]

Great discussion about the merits of the various Westy replacements out there. Does anyone want to share their opinions, photos, install lessons, etc... regarding their experiences replacing a Riviera tent?
I have recently taken on a frankenstein '73 project. I bought it from the original owners grandson. As the story goes; his grandfather bought it new in Germany as a tin top Westy, toured around Europe than brought it to the US. At some point a Riviera top was installed. It is a bit of a mess. The top itself is cracked in several places. I was thinking of taking it to a local body shop to see what it would cost for them to fix it up and make it purdy again. The tent that was on it was a thick plastic feeling thing in bad shape, so it too needs to be replaced. Any thoughts?

Kent

[vwwestyman]

Search for some threads on pop-top fix up. Most of the info will be applicable to you (I presume yours is fiberglass too) even though almost all of it was written about Westy tops.

Mine had a crack in the rear corner. I repaired it with a Bondo brand fiberglass repair kit. I did not try to close the crack, but rather filled it with some of the fabric and resin (I think I cut up the fibers and mixed them in the resin for the filler), and then a layer of fabric and resin on the outside and inside.

After that, I sanded it all down and painted the top with Topsides paint.

That project was done in late July I think, and the crack has not shown any signs of returning yet. The repair seemed very strong. I was able to do it with the top on the bus (did remove the luggage rack), but if yours is pretty bad and/or the fabric is pretty bad, it might be worthwhile to just remove it.

My canvas is serviceable, but the screen is getting a little ratty and the canvas has torn on one side. The rubber was long gone for a long time, and the canvas poked out under the top for several months I guess and where the fold was poking out, it rotted. The Gorilla Tape is holding it together pretty well right now but who knows how long that'll be true.
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Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[Busdepot]

[gatheringgrounds]

Thanks Ron,
I was just up in Portland/Vancouver and tried to look up ASI but they know longer seem to exist. I noticed on your site that you offer it in white or yellow canvas. Is this an actual cotton canvas or is it similar to the heavy plastic feeling tent I currently have? Is it similar to the material used on a west tent? Do you have any other pictures aside from the one on your sight and do you offer instructions for the installation as well? Would it be possible to get a swatch of the fabric?
Has anyone else had any experiences with the riviera tents?

Kent

[Busdepot]

[Hikelite]

I've been through this thread a couple times over the years...

It looks like the company that used to supply the tops with the big windows is no longer making them?

I want a top with the HUGE side windows. and I would also prefer the black screens. I've made a LOT of my own backpacking shelters. Black screens are better.

Does anyone know who still sells this style? I'd like tan/beige and it's for a front hinged 68.

M&T's picture looks promising. Anyone install one of their tops?
http://www.mtmfg.com/vw/2227/Volkswagen-Bus-Vanagon-Pop-Top

Jbugs doesn't have any pictures, but their drawing shows a large window too.
https://www.jbugs.com/product/231-702.html

I'm far less concerned with staying original. While I am cost conscious, I am OK spending a little more to get the style I want.

Thanks in advance for any feedback
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~Kevin

My 1968 Campmobile

[Busdepot]

I can help you with that. Shoot an email ATTN: RON to [email protected].
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- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com