Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2016 09:41:53 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Poptop strut install
In-Reply-To: <30179100.350579.1457825507775.JavaMail.root@tvweb133074.mailsrvcs.net>
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Hi Dave and others,
I almost attempted this install blind but as it meant drilling a whole in my pop top I decided to get a sighted assistant. We used the coat hanger tool to mark the spot for the drill and I did the rest. I have kept my coat hanger so for my next VW camper I can do it solo.
This upgrade along with my tom Buese shelf are two of my three favorite upgrades to my camper. the third is the sure flow faucet. Of course if I was not blind and actually drove my van the head light upgrade might move up the list!
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto
> On Mar 12, 2016, at 6:31 PM, David Bjorkman <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET> wrote:
>
> Hi Volks;
> It was sunny and 60 here in MA today. The pop top struts I ordered from Mark/Jack Bombay arrived and so I figured, what the heck, I might as well try the install. Now I have to tell you that I am not a great mechanic and my eyes are crap (not as bad as yours Eric), but it had to be done. 2 coat hangers gave up their intended purpose to get the 20 1/16 measurement Mark called for. I agonized over way too much. The install was easy and quick. although it was handy having an extra pair of hands (thanks Diane). If you have not done this mod, you should. It takes a lot of pressure off the mechanism, closing is a breeze as the top stops just before closing so one can gather up all the canvas so it stows correctly. My 5'4", 130lb wife can put the top up by herself, and my springs are long gone, with just a little push by me at the end due to her height. One thing though. if you do not carry anything on the top, go with the "regular" struts, Otherwise you might be swinging from the cross bar to close it.
> One other thing for list members. Buy your struts directly from Jack Bombay. Van Cafe deals Marks struts, but Mark makes a little extra when one gets them directly from him, and he is the "original" inventor/designer, and we should treat him well. I know, Van Cafe gives you cookies, but we, as list members, need to do the right thing and get them directly from Jack Bombay.
> Disclaimer: Van Cafe folks are great and they get their cookies from a local vendor, which helps the community.
>
> Dave B.
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