Top holder upper - Sportsmobile, Westy?

[DougClink]

At the recent busses by the beach event I was able to see several excellent sportsmobile‘s. I noticed on at least one there was a support bar that held the roof up.
My bus is a 70 and it has one crossmember on each side outside of the tent. It has always been a bit wobbly and I have been wondering how the roof stays up. I wonder if I am missing the support bar? Would anyone be willing to shoot some photos of their roof up (from the inside) and the bar mechanism to hold it there?
If it is determined that I am missing this piece, can anyone point me to some used sportsmobile parts? I would also love to get a hold of the sportsmobile roof rack.

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1957 Sunroof Beetle • 1964 Beetle • 1958 Westfalia Subhatch • 1955 Baja Bus • 1970 Sportsmobile

[alman72]

I think the one support bar you saw was a owner added thing. I have never seen one, and have popped up 6 or 7 SMBs both early and late style. The crossmembers and springs are keeping your top raised. The tightness of your canvas will reduce wobble as well. when no canvas or ripped canvas, that sucker feels quite sketchy.
My bay is still sleeping from the winter rest ( the yard I have to drive over has been too wet to get her out) but I hope as soon as this weekend to get it out. I will pop off a couple photos then. You should know that I have the later style top with my mechs on the inside, but they are essentialy the same

[danfromsyr]

Sportsmobile used chain 'stays' in an [X] pattern in the back face to limit side to side movement. the springs push up with force the stays hold the roof in position.
you need to make sure your 'sink stopper' chains are there, I recommend replacing them with a cable like dog tie out cable. you can DIY the length fairly easily.

on the ASI Rivieras they used a 3rd set of srping loaded scissor mechanism to stabilize the top while op.

for my 71 Sportsmobile, I'm considering some bent hoops inside that will hinge up and catch into the roof to support/stiffen it. like what Sportsmobile does with their current modern offerings.. look at the eveolution of the design.

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