Date:         Thu, 8 Feb 2007 20:58:29 -0500
Reply-To:     David Milo <dellaone@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Milo <dellaone@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Poptop -bubble top add-on proposal
Comments: To: Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net>
In-Reply-To:  <45CBCCA7.2030803@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

We (someone else; or you) have to design and build the mold, that's the
first step. Cut out the top and build it.

They will come.

Seriously, since I saw that Irish? Scottish? ebay high top pop top, it has
been on my mind too.

Cheers,

Dave

On 2/8/07, Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> I am very interested in an add-on bubble top product for a standard
> Westy poptop. I have long thought that a raised roof section in the main
> living area would be a big plus for those times when popping the top was
> not desirable due to heavy loads on the roof. Also great for full timers
> who don't want to raise the top when stealth camping. Here is what I
> have in mind.
>
> 40" by 44" wide opening in existing top. ~8" increase in ceiling height
> within that area. 52" by 52" fiberglass bubble, measured at the
> interface with the existing top roof level, sloping appropriately in the
> front for aerodynamics and in the rear for aesthetics.
>
> Considerations:
> a.Keeping the added height to the maximum that will allow integrated
> gutter type metal plates for Thule type rack bar mounts, tall type, so
> kayaks, etc can still be carried with commercially available rack
> equipment.
>
> b.Providing dual gas strut replacements for the Westy bar support
> mechanism with new mounting plates that have a series of holes available
> so the owner can reposition the struts for maximum efficiency with
> whatever weight load they need to carry on the rack(s), if any.
>
> c.Use of a standard North American vehicle gas strut so replacements can
> be easily purchased, VW/Audi family part preferred.
>
> d.Optional 14"x14" roof vent opening, so standard RV vents and fan
> ventilators can be installed.
>
> e.Optional outside wire luggage rack/railings for the stock top area
> behind the new raised section.
>
> Comments, tentative orders, financial backing, etc. gladly accepted.
>
> Mark
>