Date:         Mon, 13 Feb 1995 13:25:08 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         michael.heron@utoronto.ca (Michael Heron)
Subject:      Re: Tops that pop straight up

it has been my experience that there are/were lots of different companies
that manufactured some form of pop tops for VW Vans. Some of the better
known names include the Sportsmobile, Douglas Super Top etc, and a lot more
that I won't go into detail about. Also it is worth noting that there a
number of vans outfitted w/ pop tops that were shipped back from Europe
(i.e. Dormobiles).

My point is that you could probably create A FAQ on all of the different
pop-tops that have been created or added to the rooves of VW vans. That
doesn't even include the numerous fibreglass "hih tops" that were outfitted
as well.


> Regarding the thread on non-Westy pop tops that go straight up [rather than
> hinged]: I've seen a couple of breadloaf buses with tops installed by a
> company called ASI. These tops had a mechanism that included some really
> long springs and an x-bar linkage so that the weight of the top was easily
> raised straight up.
>
> Both of the buses with these tops that I have seen were 7 passenger models
> that had the pop-top added later.
>
> As to the question about the location of Sportsmobile - I've think I remember
> seeing them advertise in "Motorland" , the magazine sent to AAA auto club
> members. I'll look through an issue tonight if it isn't already thrown out.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Dave "digesting and ready to s..." Kautz