Date: Sun, 6 Jun 2010 17:03:09 -0700
Reply-To: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: [vanagon] Fwd: Pop-Top Canvas Replacement Video
In-Reply-To: <E409A577-C925-4855-94D3-B23D5778529E@eoni.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
On Jun 6, 2010, at 12:04 PM, Robert Keezer wrote:
> Thanks, Jim.
> I sent the canvas back I ordered and they told me it was the correct year and model.
> Maybe seeing this video would have spared me a lot of trouble. Spent a whole day trying to install it with the pop-top on.
> I saw the old canvas had the "pie-cuts", I did'nt do any cutting to the new canvas.
> Then three friends helped me remove the top-all four of us could not get it to stretch.
> If we tacked it down at one end first, the corners would'nt reach at the other.
> No instructions came with the canvas.
> It was the cheapest I could find, $199.00,
> The canvas also weighs almost a pound less than the old original, doesn't have the welt on top, and the plastic edge on the bottm is only half the width of the original.
> ANy recommendations ?
With regard to what?
Sourcing a the correct year/ model canvas.
No welt on top = early staple in canvas.
I thought the same
Weighs a pound less = thinner material.
Very thin compared to a good used factory staple-type I installed in my Westfalia
Cheapest = you just might get what you pay for.
I saw one on Ebay for $250.00
No instructions = I've never seen instructions included. Do you get instructions with any other auto part?
Yes-Clutches, brake shoes, etc.
I bought my blue sunbrella canvas from AA Best & Co. (An aside here... When I ordered the blue canvas, I was given a delivery date. I scheduled the install the Friday following the scheduled delivery date. Date came and canvas was delivered. Tan canvas. Delivered on Wednesday. I called AA Best & Co and told them what I had. Teri there said that the correct canvas would be in my hands in time to keep the appointment. The following day, I received a FedEx overnight package with the correct canvas. and a return tag for the wrong canvas. Outstanding customer service.) Cost me about $300 IIRC. Kris had no problem installing it. (Twice. Originally on a staple-in top then in a late model screw-in top.) Many of us find it more cost effective to pay Kris rather than make a mistake that might result in trashing a $200-300 part.
I've installed two canvas, one a staple, the other screw type, both used canvasses were in excellent condition. I did it with the tops on , no help.
I'll look into AA Best.
1984 was the first year of the screw type.
The company rep told me they were all the same .
They are very professional and are offering a full refund.
I'll take the refund.
Ron at Bus Depot, Peter at Van-Cafe, Ken at Van-again and I'm sure others all sell canvas. Ron says that they all get them from the same supplier. The one that Curt had Kris install was a factory replacement canvas. Don't know where it came from, but it was very nice.
The company purchased from is VW Specialty in Pennsylvania.
Jim
Thanks -
Robert
1982 Westfalia
| 
