Restoring Camper Top FAQ

kuleinc · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 11:15 pm Post subject:

I'm looking at buses with pop tops to replace my bashed up bus with, so my daughter has somewhere to sleep. What is the difference if any in the front taller ones and the rear taller ones? People seem to prefer the ones that are taller near the front of the bus, with the roof rack over the cab area... I am looking at possibly buying a 71, the luggage rack is over the engine area, and the tall end is near the rear of the bus. The pop top part is NEXT to the bus in the pictures, just want to make sure I don't buy something I'll hate...
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werksberg · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 4:19 am Post subject:

You have a 68 bus then you'll need the 68-73 with front camper pop top as later are the rear pop top.

I'll be showing off my new & improved 69-73 pop top & luggage racks today at octo bus show. Photos tomorrow or later this week....
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kuleinc · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:45 am Post subject:

My 68 will prolly get replaced with a 71, the 68 is all smashed up
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VDubTech · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 7:38 pm Post subject:

BusterBrown · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 7:58 pm Post subject:

curtis4085 · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 8:32 pm Post subject:

BUs looks great. GLad to hear its holding up.
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Lostnfound · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 12:17 am Post subject:

Just wanted to add to this thread to hopefully help others. Based upon VDubTech's posts earlier in this thread I went the same way as him and it looks great. As with his, I gave a quick rinse and did nothing else.

Before.

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

After two coats.

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highlandmurf · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 7:55 am Post subject: Re: Pop Top tent replacement

And the question for the day is:
Pop top tent replacement, top on, or off?

Just wanted to get some quick feedback. My top is off right now for repairs and refinishing, and I have a new tent in hand.

I noticed that the original tent was not stapled evenly across. towards the front corners, it was stapled about half way down on the tack strip.

Was planning on stapling it in with the top off, but the fact that the old one was not on straight has me rethinking this. I suppose the only real benefit of doing it while it is off is to have a more comfortable working position.

Any one have any thoughts on which method is best?
Anyone have any major problems with doing the installation with the top off?
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notchboy · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:13 am Post subject:

Its much easier to do the upper stapled part with the top off as you have it now. THen after you put it back-it hangs down to allow you to screw it in with the trim and gasket. You will need a 2x4 so that you can let the top come down 6in to 1 ft making the screwing part easier.
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Hot Rod Harp · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:01 am Post subject:

I replaced the top & canvas together with the help of some neighbors and friends. Even if you just replace the tent it is easier with the top on the ground. just my 2c.

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OB Bus · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:39 am Post subject:

Did the tent myself with the top on. I used a Harbor Freight air staple gun (that uses the standard T50 staples) and had no problems. The gun drove the staples easily through the original (and very hard) vinyl tack strip. Take your time. The corners can be a bit tight. Follow one of the dozens of threads on TS about canvas replacement.
It is probably easier with the top off but I did not have 3 friends available to help move it. Plus if I was not able to finish the job in one session I could put the top back down and have the bus sealed up. Do study well (and understand clearly) exactly how the canvas wraps around the tack strip and how is attaches under the metal strips on the bottom. Take a few pictures before hand.
The job sounds harder than it really is.
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shiningstar76 · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:52 am Post subject:

That rustoleum looks great. I'm about to do one myself. Thanks for the update.
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OB Bus · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 11:41 am Post subject:

And that Rustoleum ($10-15/quart) looks far better that the Interlux Briteside ($32-35/quart) that I put on my pop top years ago.
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hercdriver · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:55 pm Post subject:

Hot Rod Harp · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:09 pm Post subject:

Got it from Bus Depot and it is yellow to match my 76 marigold yellow westy (really Duplicolor DA1663 school bus yellow). I think they had orange tents as well. BTW I also used Interlux yacht enamel $20 qt and free shipping from West Marine on the fiberglas top.
_________________
74 Thing 1600DP
76 Westfalia 2.0L FI
69 Beetle 1500SP sold
88 Goldwing GL1500/6 sold

RinTinTin in Waldorf Astoria 1956

notchboy · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:14 pm Post subject:

Hot Rod Harp · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:28 pm Post subject:

I just checked Bus Depot's OEM german tents only come in yellow and tan
canvas. I love mine, good zippers, seams, screens and the color. Some tents with side windows seem to be off centered, but not this one.
Now I have to save for the yellow curtains.
_________________
74 Thing 1600DP
76 Westfalia 2.0L FI
69 Beetle 1500SP sold
88 Goldwing GL1500/6 sold

RinTinTin in Waldorf Astoria 1956

jennylee · Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2013 1:15 pm Post subject: RhinoCoat

I've had someone offer to use "RhinoCoat" on my pop top. RhinoCoat is the stuff used on the beds of pickup trucks to keep them 'indestructible'. I'm considering doing this in lieu of painting it because he says it will last forever and look nicer than paint (he has a special off-white color to match the original color).

Has anyone else done this to their camper top?
Would RhinoCoat devalue the bus? Should I just paint it instead?

Stuartzickefoose · Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2013 1:27 pm Post subject:

re fiberglass the cracked up part, and rustoleum white gloss will look great and last for many many years longer than you would think. two coast roll on.
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