Date:         Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:30:18 +0000
Reply-To:     Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: How easy is it to put a poptop into a standard vanagon?
In-Reply-To:  <7959ab2e0707200635n57b87d8eqb6e1fe132f652f17@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

There is a lot of 'finish' work to do when you put a poptop on.  Getting it
on and functional is pretty simple maybe a weekend with a friend.  I think
it pays for itself in resale and you enjoy your van more.  I think the
fiberglass top keeps the van cooler than sheet metal too.

If you do the small hole method it is easier, but the trimming out to get a
nice flat area and attractive looking trim takes a lot longer especially if
you want a bed up there.  Even with the small hole approach, you can put a
bed up there, you just keep the front top cushion stored over the engine
compartment, big deal.  Cutting out the roofline all under where the new
poptop will sit isn't too bad and is the best trade off for work/result IMO.
   Have a bodyshop weld it for you after you get it in place.  Then you can
use all the stock camper trim and it goes back together better.  (Also a
stock looking job is worth more than a non stock look).

Get a stock westy donor and use that top.  They are more used ones available
and cheaper.

The body flex isn't an issue b/c if you cut out more of the roof, you have
to add back brace(s) across the van like VW did.    That gives you the flat
surface to work on.

I paid $125 for a nice top (and anything I could get in one load) from a
junkyard.  And a couple hours pulling it down.  Another $75 for seat and
misc stuff the next day.  Unfortunately it was a weekender not a full
camper.

But it definitely takes someone who is handy to do this and some information
or help from someone who has done it.

>From: Lee Peterson <iridewheelies@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Lee Peterson <iridewheelies@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: How easy is it to put a poptop into a standard vanagon?
>Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 06:35:56 -0700
>
>>
>>I've been thinking about doing a swap like this for years.  That was a
>>great link Chris but it's only worth it to me if the bed is fully
>>functional.  All the welding involved in doing it right seems like too
>>much
>>risk for me.  About five years ago I found a wrecked van in a junk yard
>>with
>>the CHC top on it.  Unfortunatly, it wasn't in my buget at the time so I
>>had
>>to let it go.  It seems like finding a CHC or ASI top to transplant would
>>be
>>much easier because they are designed to go on a regular vanagon roof, not
>>the westy roof with bed rails.  I suspect there would be less road noise
>>and
>>body flex with the smaller hole in the roof as well.  I would love to hear
>>from someone who has transplanted one of the non-westy tops.  Lately, I've
>>been on a search for an ASI top.  I like the full length look a little
>>better than the 3/4 length CHC top.
>
>
>My search would intensify if I could hear some positive feedback about the
>transplant process.  I'd love to hear some thoughts about the ASI top too.
>I'm not planning on installing any of the camping gear, I have a carat
>interior that suits me just fine.
>
>Lee '89 syncro hardtop
>
>
>
>poptop transplant how-to:
>>
>>http://homepage.mac.com/mwsnow/PhotoAlbum5.html
>>
>>fyi i have some poptops FS.  must pick up in southeast PA
>>
>>as for swival seat bases - only full campers got them.
>>
>>chris
>>
>>
>>
>>

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