Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 06:05:47 -0700
Reply-To: J McCavitt <mccavittj@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: J McCavitt <mccavittj@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Pop Top Update
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hello everyone,
It's been a while, but I'm still here, just been busy
getting the "fleet" ready for spring.
The first top is ready! I will be examining it this
week, to make sure all the thicknesses are correct at
critical points, and if no changes are needed, taking
it home for installation prep. The shop is a
well-respected fabricator out in Amityville, a family
business that's been there for decades. It's a fair
hike back to my garage, so I'll have to bungee the
top
to the roof of the van... guess I'll have to install
the edge seal first!
I will probably get around to installation in early
May, barring workspace issues or financial woes. I
have recieved a price for quantity runs of the tops,
so I am FINALLY able to quote some realistic prices.
BASIC KIT: $1499
This is the one for Do-It-Yourselfers who have some
woodworking equipment or know a carpenter.
Kit components include:
- Fiberglass Pop Top shell> - Fiberglass van roof
base
- Naugahyde Tent w/ 3 zippered & flapped screen
windows
- 2 side and 1 rear scissor arm sets
- Scissor arm tracks and rollers
- Lift assist springs
- Top Latches
- Fasteners and hardware
- Top weather strip (same as Westphalia)
- Detailed plans for installation
- Installation video( available after I complete my
van)
You will need to fabricate the inner frame of the
top,
which is simply a ladder frame: 6 ribs and 2 sides. A
blueprint and detailed instructions will be included.
Simple construction, but you need a bandsaw to cut
the
ribs in an arc that matches the curve of the Top
roof.
Uses 1x2 Oak, or other hardwood. Plastic wood is also
a possibility, may be a bit heavier. A thin plywood
or
paneling ceiling is covered in the headliner material
that you supply, and attached to the frame. The inner
frame is what the tent attaches to, as well as the
scissor arms, it really constitutes the roof of the
top, the outer shell is for weatherproofing and
aerodynamic fairing.
Complete Kit: $1899
This includes all of the components of the Basic Kit,
plus:
- All wood frame pieces, formed, pre-drilled,
ready-to-assemble.
- 1/8 Plywood ceiling, pre-drilled, covered in Light
Grey headliner. Other colors available, inquire.
- All fasteners and hardware to assemble frame.
- Interior Dome light
- Long drill bit for base installation
- Detailed assembly instructions
Ready-To-Install Kit: $2399
This kit has it all, and everything is assembled as
far as it can be before the cutout is made in the
roof.
All you need to do is make the hole in your roof,
screw in the base plate, then attach the outer shell
to the inner frame with the supplied "L" brackets.
Then go camping!
Of course, it's not THAT simple, but this kit
requires
the least effort to put in.
These kits do require a large hole to be cut in the
roof of your Vanagon. It does not take out any
structural members, nor weaken the roof in any way,
as
it utillizes the factory sunroof cutout.
Precise measurements are needed, and provided. If you
follow the instructions, it will work.
As such, it's still a major modification, if you have
any doubts about your ability to make that hole right
the first time ('Cause one shot's all you get!) have
a
body shop or RV tech do the cuttin'. I take no
responsibility for anyone cutting their roof off at
the pillars.
Anyone interested in doing business as an installer,
contact me for quantity discounts!
All interested persons may contact me by:
- replying to this e-mail
- Phone (718) 930-9765 Monday-Thursday 8AM-3PM
- Fax (718)995-5194 Attn. Jerry McCavitt
- Mail
Jerry McCavitt
338 Oakford St.
West Hempstead, NY 11552
I am working on a website, details to follow.
Thanks to everyone for their interest, keep those
vans
rolling!
Sincerely,
Jerry McCavitt
The Pop Top Project
'86 Syncro GL
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