GoWesty Wasser-Stopper

[ShootingFish]

Well, even with the coolant pipe leak today I stuck with the plan to tackle the Wasser-Stopper install. It all went pretty easy, though like everything it is not always a perfect fit.

You need to drill 5 holes in the lip of the top on the fiberglass lip forward of the tent attachment.

Then install 4 snap tabs. 1 each at positions #6 and #11 on either side of the top by replacing the tent install install screws with the snap tab. This is where I ran into the only trouble that I had. The black plastic washer/screw seat was a touch too thick and/or the supplied screw just a touch too short for position #6. I think that this, combined with a second or third screw installed in this top, did not leave enough fiberglass for the screw to have any purchase. I will fix this the next time the top comes off with a little resin in the hole and re-drill.

Overall the installation and product looks nice, and I feel that it will work well out here in the PNW or where ever the van takes us in the future.

SF

[GWTWTLW]

I had the same problem with the screws on the side being too short. However, I've found that you don't really need to snap it up on the sides. There is plenty of tension between the front and back to keep it tight and the water out. I've been real happy with mine. Having the front cargo enclosed when camping is awesome. We have found it a great spot to put our clothes and shoes.
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89 Syncro Westy - GW 2.5, now with a double knob job
@gwtwtlw

[andy syncro-nutz]

Nice bit of kit there, Wish i could get somthing similar for my Wiensberg pop up roof

[bjrogers86auto]

Mine works great. Emailed GoWesty and told them so.

I mentioned it would be cool if it had little extensions for over the slider windows on the drivers side and the sliding door if you have the screen on the door. A short flap you could stake out or tie off would be great for air flow especially if you are on a one night stopover and didn't want to set up an awning. But that's just crazy talk.

B.
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86 Vanagon GL Westfalia 2.1
18 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X
19 Honda Civic Hatchback

A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin and Hobbes.

[1621]

Like GWTWTLW I don't bother with the side snaps, honestly doesn't add much to the system. Great item to have if you're used to inclement weather and don't like a wet tent. Also seems to 'insulate' the top a bit (if that's even possible). Perhaps more of a windbreak than anything else.
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'85 Westy

[Timwhy]

Love the Wasser Stopper! This was one of the best purchases I have made.
It seems to keep the inside so much dryer, without the damp feeling in
the morning. I've found that the rear velcro is hard to attach to one another
but after a night of camping it seems to come together nicely.
Then as the day heats up everything seems to shrink and a nice tight
fit happens. Works well with the Bus Depot EZ awning too!
_________________
'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee

[indytriple]

+1 on love for the Wasser-Stopper. Has never leaked a drop. Stands up to high winds. Not real expensive. Easy to put up and take down. Stores in a very small bag. I also had the problem with one of my screws on the side. The screw just wouldn't bite, but it hasn't caused any problems. I installed mine while the pop-top was off which made it really, really easy. Adds a LOT of storage to the van and turns the luggage carrier into a really nice, dry vestibule. With my 10' Fiamma, my Kelty medium Carport over the back hatch and the Wasser-Stopper I'm ready for anything...rain or shine!
_________________
"See The Glass As Already Broken."

87 Vanagon Westy Auto Bostig

www.bluegrassbicyclecompany.com

[insyncro]

I have this fly on my 91 Syncro Westy.
I really appreciate the fit.
I use insulation between the stock top and the fly.
Keeps the AC and heat in while camping.
Sweet.

dylan

[redcanoe]

Can you leave the Wasser Stopper on when you put the top down. Or is it a reinstall each time you need it. I'm thinking it would be handy, if you expected rain, to have it ready to just snug down on the bottom on arrival at your campspot.

On the Kelty carport issue. Taking that thing down and apart in the rain has got to leave you with a large, dirty, wet, mass of fabric. Am I wrong?

Hi Pete

Randy

[ShootingFish]

I have yet to put it up in weather, but if you pop the top up, use stick provided and unzip the screen up front to make the 5 snaps, I think that you could do it without a whole lot of hassle and wetness. Thought the velcro connection in the rear would be destroyed in short order as it goes over the rear hinges and there is no way that it could take that kind of abuse.


It is a nice system, and for the price, I think very good value.


SF

[1621]

If you add a pair of Jack ombays pop top shocks you can ditch the little bar provided to hold the top up - the shocks will hold the top wherever you want. And no, I wouldn't attempt to leave it in place, though i imagine it might be possible if one were to undo the front and rear closures and tucked everything well. Seems like more hassle than simply throwing it on honestly.
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'85 Westy

[indytriple]

[Bruce Wayne]

the big brown truck dropped mine off today. have to wait for a little bit nicer weather for the install. as I have a Westfauxlia,the install may be trickier than others.

[wallanoise]

Has anyone here ever checked the inside temperature with a Wasser Stopper and then without? I think I'll get one regardless but was just curious.
Thanks.

[markz2004]

I like mine too.

Related Threads:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=393723&highlight=rain+fly
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87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 , 16" wheels

[kamzcab86]

[wallanoise]

It appears that your "rainfly" is made out of canvas. Aren't you worried about it getting soaked in bad weather?

[kamzcab86]

[bjrogers86auto]

We definitely noticed it warmer in the top with the rainfly on. When it gets warmer I just unhook it at the rear and tuck it up front for more airflow.

I am looking forward to the shocks next season for both the fly and rooftop box. We multi night camped last summer with the need for the fly most nights. It was easier than I anticipated taking off and setting up each day. We were at a sight which required us to move the van most days either for wood, food, beer or ice. The insulation kit might be a consideration as well....I just think it's neat!

Brian.
_________________
86 Vanagon GL Westfalia 2.1
18 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X
19 Honda Civic Hatchback

A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin and Hobbes.

[Timwhy]

I did notice that it was much warmer/dryer in the westy when the rainfly was on.
This past fall, I did some camping at a State Park that has electrical hook ups.
I brought my small electric heater with me and had it running throughout the day as
well as night. I think that the rainfly helped with the heater shutting down once it
reached the desired twmperature. I'm sure had I had Franchers pop top insulation
it would have cycled less, but without the RF I'm sure that little heater would have
ran around the clock. The only thing that I don't like about the RF is putting it up
in the rain, other than that it's a must have item.

_________________
'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee