Date:         Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:04:26 -0400
Reply-To:     Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject:      Re: how NOT to instal your poptop tent
Comments: To: Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>

We just did our 15th one last Sunday, 3 hours top.

So here is what i have learn so far.
-I like the GoWesty tent better.
-it take 2 peoples, 3 is too much, 1 is not enough.
-on erlier van (the one with the stapples), you can cheat, you can just
staple the top part INSIDE the tent and put soft side velcro to hide the
stapple.
-ALWAYS begin with the top/front center part, align this one TDC (he he),
check lenght with bottom (always leave the surplus on the top side), when
shure, do the lower front part. The pop top need to be lowered about 2 in
all the time when you do the job, alway raise it after each step to see if
everything is ok. Make knotch (on the cord)on lower front corner to help
this one turn more easy.
http://www.benplace.com/85rouge/body86.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/79beige/79beige45.jpg

-Next is to do the top side, the key here is to check the top to bottom
lenght a few time along the way. It's also CRUCIAL to stretch the canvas IN
THE BACK as most as possible, if you do not stretch, you won't have enough
canvas to go all around.
http://www.benplace.com/83westy/blanche90.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/85blanche/blanche22.jpg

-When the top is done all the way back (except the last screw), do the
bottom side and stretch as much as you did for the top part. Raise the roof
a few time along the way.
-Do the top rear part, that shoulb be pretty easy.
-the lower rear part will be a little bit more dificult but if you have
stretched the side you will be OK.

http://www.benplace.com/79beige/79beige47.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/84westy/brune152.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/83westy/blanche103.jpg
http://www.benplace.com/83westy/blanche106.jpg

http://www.benplace.com/pop_top.htm

Have fun
Ben


On Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:30:03 -0400, Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
wrote:

>Now I remember why I used those iron-on patches.
>
>I was told by a mech at Buslab in Berkeley that it takes several experienced
>guys most of a day to do one. Another place around here USED to do them...no
>more...