> I searched the archives, but only came up with a query of someone > asking the same thing. I know it's been done, but what are the > realities (costs, possible leaks, structural integrity, etc.) of > putting a poptop on a GL Vanagon?
The Westies (and sunroof Vanagons) had reinforced roofs to compensate for the huge hole cut in them. I have seen several Vanagons which have been converted to poptops without similar reinforcement bars being welded in, and functionally they looked and drove fine. However, I personally would not want to be in one of those during a major accident, as there's no telling what the frame might do after being weakened in that manner. The safe way to do it is to look at a Wesy and see where the reinforcements were added, and do something similar. No matter how you look at it it's a big job, although I've sold used poptops to several customers who have successfully tackled it. - Ron Salmon The Bus Depot http://www.busdepot.com (215) 234-VWVW |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.