Date:         Thu, 4 Sep 2008 19:57:40 -0700
Reply-To:     B <oddstray@ODDSTRAY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         B <oddstray@ODDSTRAY.COM>
Subject:      Re: fiberglass repair on poptop
Comments: To: Joy Hecht <hecht.joy@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <6e95da690809041615g68a6b588p6c646a5ea2160118@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Hi,

We recently installed pop-top shocks.  So we understand how that hole
might have been that 5/16" off because of the redundant instructions.
We already emailed the vendor to suggest improvements to the measuring
instructions.

It should be possible to mount a shock in a misplaced hole by
compressing it so that it fits.  However, you would need to find "A
Very Strong Person" to compress it in order to do this.  In S's
opinion, this should not affect the outcome ... perhaps it will be a
little more springy than expected, but not hugely.  Really, the weight
of the top and the friction of the hinges should overrule any
"misplaced hole" effect.


B&S
'87 Westy 'Esmerelda Blanc'
SoCal



On Sep 4, 2008, at 4:15 PM, Joy Hecht wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I've got a hole in my poptop that I'm looking for a way to plug.  I
> ordered
> one of the poptop strut kits, followed the instructions, and it
> turned out
> the struts that came with it were shorter than the dimensions given
> for the
> holes to attach them.  I attached the first strut andchecked that
> all was
> well before drilling the second hole, and found the problem.
>
> The hole should center at a spot 5/16 of an inch away from the
> existing
> hole.  I've emailed the person who assembles the kits and asked him
> to send
> me struts long enough to match his instructions, but if I can patch
> the hole
> and drill a new one, that might be better.  And probably quicker.
>
> The kit includes large fender washers that go on both sides of the
> hole in
> the poptop, and they would cover the patched hole as well providing
> some
> support.
>
> Does anyone have suggestions for how to do this?  Ideally I'd like
> to put in
> a metal plug the dimensions of the hole (5/16") and the depth of the
> fiberglass.  But I'm guessing a fiberglass plug, or one of some other
> material, might be more realistic.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> And if you're thinking of buying one of those kits, pmail me and I'll
> explain more precisely what is wrong with the instructions so you
> don't do
> the same thing.
>
>
>
>
> Joy