Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 10:06:42 -0700
Reply-To: Tom Buese <tombuese@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Tom Buese <tombuese@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Poptop -bubble top add-on proposal
In-Reply-To: <73bad2170702081758y2b3e504csa5d874a0caea289b@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
What Mark is describing, if I am reading correctly, is a pretty
standard building skylight-they come in many profiles, sizes, double
layer of plastic, or single, etc. How you attach & seal it, & make it
look professional, etc. is the trick, but I am sure could be done?
See this typical skylight manufacturer for just one source/sizes,
details, etc:
http://www.aladdinskylights.com/uploads/VENTILATED_SKYLIGHT_ACRYLIC%
20Layout1%20(1)(1).pdf
Tom B.-measure hole twice, cut once!
On Feb 8, 2007, at 6:58 PM, David Milo wrote:
> 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
>>
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