Stealth pop

Blueconundrum · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:04 am Post subject: Stealth pop

So, I will be camperizing my tin-top Syncro (adding fridge, stove, propane, some storage, but keeping the sweet huge bed). I am not attracted to the Westy pop-top because of stealth camping/sleeping priorities (and nothing shouts "I am sleeping in/living out of this thing!" like those side ports, a pop top (even unpopped) and curtains.

Has anyone considered pop-up-izing the actual roof of the van? Or some sort of equally slim-line solution where it looks like the van has a tin top? Obviously all the hardware etc would end up taking a little headroom up on the perimeter, but would it be beyond the realm of possibility?
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1988 Vanagon Syncro EJ22

mwsnow · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:32 am Post subject:

I have thought about this and talked through it a little bit with a fellow van owner. It is an interesting idea that presents too much of an engineering challenge for me. I can't see any way to do it without serious metal fabrication skills. Some of the fiberglass/plastic poptops are very slim. It would be nice to have something as low-profile as the Westfalia Eurovan top for a Vanagon.

tencentlife · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 8:00 am Post subject:

I want the Reimo Pilzdach (mushroom roof) for standing room amidships. It's low profile, painted to match the roof color it blends in pretty well. Way expensive to import but it could be copied as a project.
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crazyvwvanman · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:05 am Post subject:

Here is one for sale. I want it. Make that 5 of them.

http://www.vwt3.co.at/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=268331

Mark

joseph928 · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:13 am Post subject: cool top

I love the remio , but the cost. Love the other one make that 6! Very Happy

I did my syncro tin top like you want to do, makes a cool van for camping, I to like the big bed.
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1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug.

tencentlife · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:34 am Post subject:

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:45 am Post subject:

Here is the Reimo Pilzdach (mushroom roof) .

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

Might not be too costly to crank some out like it.

Mark

noganav · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:35 am Post subject:

People are going to notice an unusual van far more than they would a stock looking Westfalia or a regular tin-top.

I lived in my westy for years without any problem at all. Just keep your van and the area around you clean. When you stealth camp in the city, try and find street parking near apartment buildings. No one will bother you.

Blueconundrum · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:47 am Post subject:

Yeah I know a really good fiberglass guy, too....the gears are turning!
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1988 Vanagon Syncro EJ22

syncromike · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 11:19 am Post subject: Re: Stealth pop

lloydy · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject:

this is a link to a trakka pop top for a vanagon, very streamlined
lloyd

http://www.camperinterior.webfotos.co.uk/html/camper_interior_trakka_0.html
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16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.”

chimivee · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: Stealth pop

0to60in6min · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:21 pm Post subject:

how about a hi-top? It's higher than a westy top but you have space with no need to pop the top.. ever... and nobody notice that you have a bed up there

Very Happy

Phishman068 · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:52 pm Post subject:

That's why I feel my sunroof westy is PERFECT! Standing room when I want it, (but not when it's raining....you can still cook without standing though) and sleek profile.
I can even leave the sunroof open while it's parked, the car's so tall most people have no idea it's open.

notchboy · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:12 pm Post subject:

I would think your trouble would come more from the area you choose to park rather than any way you look.
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Blueconundrum · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Stealth pop

mpabegg · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:56 pm Post subject:

We stealth camp all over the place in both, our EV Weekender and our tin-top Syncro. The best thing you can do is dark tinted windows and curtains. When all the curtains are closed, you can't see them at all. I love the queen size bed. All three of us (Wife, daughter, and I) usually end up sleeping below in the weekender. We rarely pop the top. Eventually we will be putting a high top on the Syncro. Not for another bed, but for more headroom and storage.
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90 Syncro "Priscilla"

BitterBeerFace · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 5:05 pm Post subject:

Look up Vixens. Maybe hinge the driver's side and "pop" the passenger side up a foot or two for the headroom...
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1980 Full Camper, been in the family since it was brand new!
1989 Full Camper, great-great-aunt's since brand new!

scottf3334 · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject:

I miss my Vixen sometimes Crying or Very sad

It defiantly was not stealthy, but did get great gas mileage.

The roof opened all the way, there were no supports except the air powered struts that opened it and the folding plexiglass once the roof was fully opened.

I don't think it would work on a vanagon. The Vixen was all fiberglass.

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84 Westy
78 Super vert
87 Westy Zetec

syncromike · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:09 am Post subject: Re: Stealth pop


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