Date:         Wed, 6 May 2009 13:04:41 -0700
Reply-To:     Lee Peterson <iridewheelies@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Lee Peterson <iridewheelies@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Help with poptop seal, ASI Syncro
In-Reply-To:  <C6F598F31795F44E89F1C250EB6E44C82A6BC6@orion.intercitytransit.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

Hello all,

I recently acquired a pop top assembly from an 83 ASI Riviera Vanagon Camper
with the intention of installing it on my 89 Syncro.  I’ve cleaned
up the fiberglass, plastic and canvas and replaced the rusty hardware and
springs.  I was hoping to install it next weekend but I need some advice
about the rubber seals.



The original seals between the fiberglass & the body and
between the popup section & the base section needed to be replaced so I
ordered 60’ of poptop seal
from the Bus Depot.  The order was filled promptly and shipped to my
house, but I’m afraid it isn’t the right kind of seal.



The original ASI seal was similar to the seal around the
luggage rack portion of a Westy.  It was shaped like a
“U”.  The new seal from Bus Depot has the “U”
shape with an additional “O” shaped seal attached at the bottom of
one edge.  I assume the BD seal is designed to be watertight.  The
reason I think it’s the wrong kind of seal is that the entire ASI top is
more similar to a Westy luggage rack than the poptop in that there are 8 drain
holes that allow water to drain to the metal roof of the van.  It seems
that the water is supposed to drain under the seal to the gutters and if the
fiberglass is sealed tight to the metal roof, water will have no where to go.



I think what I should do is return the poptop seal to Bus
Depot in exchange for an equal amount of Luggage rack
seal.  Before I do I was hoping for some advice, especially from ASI Rivera
owners who have replaced their seals.



Thank you in advance,



Lee

89 Syncro hardtop soon to be a poptop, hopefully.