Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004 12:52:46 -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: raising the pop-top - and neat trick for closing the top
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I agree the "vacum" created may make raising the top significantly harder.
You might try using a strut, like a peice of 2x4, and if you are shorter a
small step of some type to get a bit more leverage.
You have more strength lifting your arms from a lower postition, the strut
will help to do this.
When I lift my top I stand next to the stove facing out the sliding door. I
release the top with my left hand and then with my right hand on the cross
bar and my left hand on the inside of the roof just left of the bar I push
up on the roof with my left hand and push up on the bar with my right hand,
as the top is going up I turn left (facing the windshield now) and place
both hands on the bar and push it the rest of the way to lock open.
ALSO,
I have to thank one of the other vanagon posters for a tip in how to CLOSE
the top and fold the canvas, it REALLY works well.
Close all windows in the van including the skylight. zipp all canvas windows
shut. release the strut and let the top go! it PARACHUTES down.
This gives you time to PUSH OUTWARD on the TWO FRONT CORNERS OF THE CANVAS
and roll and fold things as the top is slowly coming down.
While using this method I do a much better job at making sure my canvas is
not pinched or hanging out and it is folded up much better for storage.
Another great tip I learned from the vanagon community , it works excellent!
and its kind of FUN.
Doug
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerald Masar" <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 12:11 PM
Subject: Re: raising the pop-top
> You may already know this, but raising the top creates a vacuum inside the
van, so
> make sure you have the slider open or some windows to allow air in.
> Jerry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "BA" <ande@SAN.RR.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 10:21 AM
> Subject: Re: step to upper bunk - new version
>
>
> And carrying this further (given my lack of upper-body strength), does
> anyone know of a way to make popping the top easier? I simply can't
> manage to do it. My husband's method involves pushing it up with his
> arm while he pulls the crossbar into place. But I can't hold it up
> with my arms ... only with my shoulders and then I'm in the way of the
> crossbar.
>
> Can any mechanical engineers design me a pulley assist or something?
>
>
> B(&S)
> '87 Westy 'Esmerelda Blanc'
> SoCal
