| Author |
Message |
Bob D.
Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2003
Posts: 613
Location: Chicago, IL
|
 Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 11:33 am Post subject: Adding a Pop Top? |
 |
|
How hard is it to add a pop-up Westfailia top to a Vanagon not equipped with one originally?
Is there different bracing or structural reinforcement anywhere in "factory" Westys, or is it a simple matter (in concept, if not in execution) of cutting a big hole in the roof and bolting in the pop top?
Anybody BTDT?
(Ignore my sig and avatar on this one, vehicle in question is a 1986 7-passenger Vanagon. Thanks)
_________________
1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)
*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*
We used to play for silver
Now we play for life |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
crukab
Samba Chef
Joined: December 13, 2002
Posts: 6129
Location: Vermont
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 4:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Jim Philips from Mass. did one on his Vanagon,don't know how to get in touch with him, maybe Stan Wohlfarth ( Stanagon) of LIMBO knows him and can get a # or e-mail address.
Tom :scatter:
_________________
Tom
My Pops:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604100&highlight=
I know you will always be with me, rest in peace with no more pain. 8/13/14.....
In the yard right now:
'51 Dodge 5 window truck
'65 Bug
'66 Singlecab
'82 Rabbit Truck Diesel from CALI 
'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
'88 Dodge Ram pickup
'11 Jetta Wagon |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Stanagon
Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2003
Posts: 4195
Location: Boston, MA
|
| Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2003 10:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Jim added a pop-top to an '82 Vanagon. They cut it about 4 inches down below the rain gutter on the door pillars. This made the welding and sanding job easier than trying to do it on the roof. It turned out real well and you can't even tell it was done. Of course Jim is painter by trade and he had a good bodyman help him with the cutting/welding. I can put you in touch with him if you send me a private e-mail at [email protected]
-Stanagon |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jeremysmithatshawdotca
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2002
Posts: 2530
Location: Edmonton, AB
|
| Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 1:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Grafting in an entire roof from an existing westy is one way to go, or you could do it the easy way, and cut the hole in the roof and bolt on the poptop. Riviera campers were made from vans that were non-camperized from the factory. The one I took apart didn't have any special bracing, just a lip protector around the edge of the hole. The smaller you make the hole, the more structural integrity you will retain, but you should be fine as long as you leave at least six inches along the sides. Jeremy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bob D.
Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2003
Posts: 613
Location: Chicago, IL
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 11:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks guys! Unfortunately, this project will likely not come to fruition now, as the Vanagon I was going to use has found a new home. As always, great info though!
_________________
1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)
*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*
We used to play for silver
Now we play for life |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jeremysmithatshawdotca
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2002
Posts: 2530
Location: Edmonton, AB
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 6:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I would like to add, that if you're cutting a hole in the roof, don't cut any of the existing roof supports, you ought to be able to get a good sized hole in between them! Jeremy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
