Date:         Mon, 22 Jan 2001 21:21:25 -0600
Reply-To:     CHRIS STANN <cstann@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         CHRIS STANN <cstann@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: convertible westy?
Comments: To: Matthew Pollard <poll7356@uidaho.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> How would this be any different than having a bus with a huge sunroof?
> -Matthew
> 84 w/ a monster sun roof!

It's a matter of simple physics.  When I think of a convertible I envision a
vehicle with an entire top that opens up.  Once the windows are lowered the
top half of the vehicle, minus the windshield, is gone.  The difference
between this and a sunroof is the amount of structure that is removed.  The
sunroof does compromise some integrity. The entire roof and side pillars
missing would allow too much body flex.  Imagine a cardboard box with all
seams neatly taped.  Set the box on the floor and push on a corner or a
side.  Nice and firm.  Now cut off the top 1/3 of the box and do the same.
Now the box gives under pressure.

To add some credibility to my claim, here's an excerpt from vanagon.com
pages on a lightweight camper conversion: "To make standing upright possible
within the car, Special-Mobils developed a pop-up roof made of sea-water
resistant aluminium sheet-metal. In contrast to their competitors
Special-Mobils cut open the whole roof, including the parts above the front
seats and back up to the column where the hinges of the rear-door are fixed.
This means cutting off the b-column and as a consquence the body looses
rigidity. To compensate for this loss, reinforcements are welded on. "

Here's the link:
http://www.vanagon.com/info/vehicles/lightweight_syncro_16.html