Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 11:06:57 -0600
Reply-To: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Need pop-top canvas install tips
In-Reply-To: <106024.21564.qm@web33503.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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Robert,
You're installing the canvas "in reverse order" from all the instructions
that I've ever read.
I installed 2, my own and helped a friend, both on '87 Syncro Westy's. We
took the top
off which makes this quite a bit easier ... better access to both removing
and installing
the canvas on the top. After applying the canvas to the top, we put the top
back on the
van, then again, started at the bottom front center, working outward to the
corners, then
back, using a 2X4 to prop the top up, leaving slack, which made screwing it
down simple.
The instructions I've read all say to "center the front/top of the canvas by
starting to
apply it from the center outward to the front corners." All the adjustments
then can be
made at the rear where the canvas can't be seen. It was much easier to
attach the
bottom canvas section both standing in the camper bay, then laying on the
top bunk
without the cushions on (provides more room to work in the confined space in
the back.)
I would NOT recommend doing anything to the canvas to modify it. I WOULD
contact
the retailer you got it from for any adjustments needed, but it's more
likely that applying
the canvas per instructions will result in a nice, snug canvas. The 2nd
canvas I helped
install turned out so tight, that it was very difficult to open the camper
top all the way
until it stretched over time. Even now, it's the tightest canvas I've ever
seen .... looks
great ... it's a BD Grey ... nice, dark grey canvas ... I'm envious.
bob
On Sun, May 16, 2010 at 10:40 AM, Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@yahoo.com>wrote:
> Hi everyone, pop-top canvas replacement for the 84 Westy today.
> I spent all day yesterday with the new canvas (that affixes with screws)
> and it just would not stretch enough to be tacked down.
>
> I tacked the rear top first, then the front, but the two front top corners
> won't reach.
> It's a brand new canvas. I installed a good used canvas in my 82 Westfalia
> last year (the staple type) and it was way easier-I just tacked the four
> corners first and the top was all tacked down within an hour.
>
> Can the canvas be pre-stretched? Hang it from a tree branch and toss
> boulders into it?
> I did'nt try opening the three zippered windows-maybe that will alow it to
> strech enough??
> I'm thinking I might have to take the pop-top off otherwise.
>
> Robert
> 1984 Westy
>
>
>
>
>
>
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