Date:         Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:31:05 -0400
Reply-To:     Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject:      Re: How easy is it to put a poptop into a standard vanagon?
Comments: To: Lee Peterson <iridewheelies@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <7959ab2e0707200635n57b87d8eqb6e1fe132f652f17@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hi Lee,

I did a pop-top transplant on my baywindow bus about 7 years ago. It
took about 100 hours in total including paint-prep for the repaint
that followed.
http://www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia/creation/index.html

I could do it in half the time or less if no repaint was desired. If
I was doing it again I would also consider using adhesive rather than
welding.
http://www.autobodysupply.net/duramix_adhesive.htm


Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato
www.pottsfamily.ca
www.busesofthecorn.com





On 20-Jul-07, at 9:35 AM, Lee Peterson wrote:

>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>