Date:         Sun, 11 Jun 2006 00:15:19 -0400
Reply-To:     John Reddick <SVYOLO@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Reddick <SVYOLO@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Removing the poptop -- how many people?

I have done a very small amount of canvas work on boats in my somewhat
checkered past.  Looking at my new tent from Gowesty about a year ago, I saw
absolutely no reason to remove the top.  After doing it 1.7 times (another
story), I highly recommend NOT removing the top.  It is more work, more
risk, and doesn't make the hardest job (the aft corners) any easier. I did
the job myself, with a cordless drill, in the foothills of the Rockies on
the side of the road in 2 afternoons (1.7 times).
    First off make sure you are not installing the tent inside out, lest you
install it 1.7 times also.  Prop up the top with something so it is
comfortable to work.  Install the tent to the top starting at the aft
corners.  Then do the front corners.  You will have to unbolt the forward
supports (one at a time) to slide the tent over them (vastly easier than
removing the top).  Then do one screw on each side in the middle.  Then
attach the top to the van starting at the aft corners, then the forward
corners, then the middle of each side, then the rest of the screws at your
leisure.  You have to do the corners first and try to make the tent have the
same tension all the way around.  If you don't do the corners first, you may
have "bunched up" canvas somewhere.
    The tent is good quality and easy to install.  After doing it .7 times,
I realized it was inside out.  I was mentally slamming Gowesty for making
their tent inside out until I came to the realization that it was I, in
fact, that was inside out.  I removed the tent, and reinstalled it the right
way.
    Gowesty makes and sells really good stuff.  This is one of the few times
I disagree with their advice.  Don't remove the top.  It increases the
workload and manpower requirements and doesn't really make the job any
easier.  The only positive aspect I can see is you get to have several
friends over to help with the top/beer.

Just my opinion, but having done this 1.7 times, I think I have 70% more
experience than most people who have accomplished this.

John
Vanaru.com