Date:         Mon, 31 Dec 2001 10:17:49 -0800
Reply-To:     Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      New Canvas Adventure
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Just finished installing a new three window canvas from GoWesty.

Boy what a job!  Some comments.

I thought this would be  pretty straitforward job but it proved not to be.

I took the pop-top off the van and installed the top portion first.  I don't think I could have done it with the top in-place on the van.   I had measured the new canvas, compared to the original and found the new one to be too long in the front by 2-3 inches.  I wanted a taught, wrinkle free fit so when I installed the front part, I pulled extra canvas to the outside of the aluminum strip before screwing it down.  At the rear I installed it as it and, on the sides also until about 2/3 of the way to the front, where I started taking up a bit extra.   GoWesty (and canvas supplier) take note!!!  Why isn't this thing cut to fit correctly.  It would take the guesswork out of the process.  I have two original canvases and they all measure the same......why can't the new one match??

THIS IS A MUST!!!  When screwing down the aluminum strips that hold the canvas, always start in the middle and work outwards......on all four sides.  It easier to make adjustments for IMPERFECTLY FIT (CUT) OF THE CANVAS.   One side of my canvas was too long and it ended "bunched" in one place.

The rear with the elastic is the hardest.  Very little room to work for a big guy like me.  Seems like almost every screw fought  me for correct alignment.  I resorted to using an ice pick to pre-punch the holes before inserting the screws.  This helped.

The canvas is heavier and coarser than the factory Westfalia, but generally of decent quality.  Even though heavier than the original, it's made of cotton and not stiff like the synthetic Sunbrella fabric.  The screens and trim are black instead of white like the factory and IMHO not as attractive.   The three windows are great though.  Love the extra light, ventilation  and view from the upper bed.   ANOTHER SUGGESTION: The windows have no ties, however, to keep them tidy and rolled up when unzipped.  They should have!  Even my (Ex) Eurvan Winnebagel camper had them.

Generally an OK produce but with lots of room for improvement and quality control.   There's an opportunity for this supplier and another one to make this product a LOT BETTER.  Except for the advantages of the three windows, it's not up to the quality of the original.

Warren Chapman



---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Send your FREE holiday greetings online at Yahoo! Greetings.