Date:         Mon, 16 Aug 2004 12:09:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Subject:      Re: Westy roof strength
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <j.michael.elliott@ADELPHIA.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

VW says 110lbs max on the luggage carrier.
The pop top roof itself when down is not really "structurally supported" all
that well.
I would think any "load" on the top would transfer to the following points ,
rear hinge 4 bolts, front latch, and the gasket around the side which would
tend to "spread the sides of the top outward.. Other than that, there is no
support like when the lifting bar is up, it then has better support on the
sides.

I would not put more than 100 lbs max on any one point on the pop top roof
or you are asking for a cave in or stress crack galore.

Installing roof racks to the sides and across the top tie into the sides
which transfer to the rear hinge better than loading the top surface.

I have to say having handled both the top and luggage carrier, they ARE
built extremely well.  It does not surprise me you could stand on the top.

Buy a ladder and one of those extension brushes, you can stand on the ladder
and wash over 1/2 way across the top and still reach the bucket on the
ground with the brush.

By the way I sanded my top with 80 and 120 grit and painted it with
automotive acrylic enamel with a catalyst bright white and it turned out
absolutely fantastic and really cleans well.
It is my opinion the factory tops are "painted" and not a gel color coat as
some believe. I determined this while sanding the old oxidized paint down to
get good adhesion to my new paint.   You can paint the top just like any car
finish. I do recommend a good automotive two part catalyzed paint for the
top.

Doug


----- Original Message -----
From: "Rocket J Squirrel" <j.michael.elliott@ADELPHIA.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 7:12 AM
Subject: Westy roof strength


> Before I climb atop my 84Westy with scrub brush and bucket of soapy
> water -- is the fiberglass top strong enough to be on?
>
> --
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 VW Type 2 / 84 Westy: A poor but proud race.
> KG6RCR