Date:         Tue, 31 Jan 2006 11:22:39 -0700
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Anonymous Digest <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Seeking PopTop Details

Greetings,

I would very much like to add a poptop to my 81 Air Cooled vanagon.

I cannot afford, nor do I want to buy, another van and go through all that
it might take to be confident and feel it is reliable, as I have with mine
over the years.

That said, there was recent conversation and pointers to web pages about
adding a top using what seems like a fairly easy method, beyond what I
have seen before that involved lots of welding and cutting of the entire
roof. The end  result of what I have seen is not a full size bed space,
but it would work for me, as I just want to stand up, and maybe toss some
gear up there to keep the space open below.

Beyond getting the gumption to cut open my van roof <g> there is the
obvious problem of getting a pop top in the first place.

I know that several on the list have tops for sale, but picking them up is
out of the question. I live in Utah, and there are not a lot of choices
around. Found an old westy for a great price, but in the end, I just want
the top, and money is tight, so the rest of it would be a waste, even tho
I would love the interior.

Is it just ridiculous to consider shipping a poptop? I am not ready to
commit, but I am hoping to get it done this spring, if I can get one, but
it would take an unbelievable stroke of luck to find one anywhere around
here. Doesn't need to have the canvas, I could buy new along with the
seals, if need be.

There seem to be other options, such as a top I have seen that covers only
the middle of the roof, and goes straight up. Mostly, standing up is what
I seek.

Thanks a lot,

John