Date:         Sat, 19 May 2018 20:01:05 -0700
Reply-To:     "Richard Smith (Smirby)" <smirby@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Richard Smith (Smirby)" <smirby@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Pop Top Tent
Comments: cc: The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <01fd01d3efe3$856d8c00$9048a400$@busdepot.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I did my own - got the tent from Bus Depot, actually - and I have to say it is a bear of a job for a newbie. A friend helped, we took the top off, and it still took both Saturday and Sunday. Worse, I had a sore neck for months, from craning into the far corners screwing down that tent. 

Turned out great, after all that. And I loved the side windows (sold that van, new van has the original tent). Definitely worth doing, but don’t imagine that it will be easy or quick.

…r

-- 

> On May 19, 2018, at 7:37 PM, The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM> wrote:
> 
>> Anyone happen to know someone in the Phoenix AZ area that installs pop top
>> tents for a reasonable rate?  Been sitting on a new tent for a while and just don't
>> ever get the time to install the thing.  Only shop I found wants $700...for that, It'll wait
>> until I find time.
> 
> It's a 3-4 hour job if you've done a few, but can take a day if you haven't. Anyone who quotes based on a few hours either never did one and is guessing, or has done a few and knows the ropes. Anyone who quotes based on a day's labor either got burned (did just one or maybe two, never hit that learning curve, and is gun shy), or did a few but is pretty bad at it (slow learner), or has never done one before and is estimating high to cover their ass (couldn't blame them).  Obviously the guy who's done a bunch is your best bet. The guy who quotes low but has never actually done one can go either way, depending on his aptitude and character. If it turns out he underquoted based on his skill level and/or time estimate, will he see it through anyway with a high level of precision and accept a much lower hourly rate, or will rush it?  If you have no luck with Vanagon specialists, you could also try pop-up camping trailer or boat canvas specialists. They may have some experience with similar items, but YMMV. 
> 
> Ron Salmon
> The Bus Depot, Inc.
> www.busdepot.com