Yes, DM&FS are correct. The brackets do come with backing plates; the outer plate resembles a section of heavy duty [car] rail and fastens to the pop top via 2 bolts/nuts to flat plate mounted on the inside of the pop top. This greatly reduces the stress on the fiberglass top. Should hold up well, until the rack gets hung up on something of course! While I've had no problems with this setup, I also have a 'badge' which I place on the dash of both vehicles when I have the bikes on top which reads: "CAUTION- BIKES ON ROOF!" because I'm paranoid about driving into my garage, a tree, a carport or whatever- Yikes!
 
Regards, Mike
87 Westy
----- Original Message -----
From: Max Wellhouse
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: 5/2/01 2:25:24 AM
Subject: Re: Thule or Yakima rack part no's - Westy

I think the brackets Michael is refering to are called side loaders and top loaders.  Would think you'd want backup plates to spread the stress on the glass top, lbut someone elsoe on the list could be of more help that actually owns a westy.  The top and side loaders run about $30/pr and canoe shops typically sell them too.  These brackets aloow you to use the cheaper, but just as sturday QuickN Easy roof brackets($45/set) and bolt either round bars to them or a cheap pair of 2x4's if cost is a determining factor.  Good luck
 
Dimwitted moose and Flying Squirrel
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Ramer
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 11:57 AM
Subject: Re: Thule or Yakima rack part no's - Westy

Mick,
 
    Thule & Yakima both make rack tower mounts that will fit to rain gutters and are tall enough to fit over the pop top. Unfortunately, this prevents the pop top from being raised due to the load bars over the top. The alternative is to mount the steel 'artificial rain gutters' to the pop top to mount standard height rack towers as the PO did to my Westy. I did the same to my truck's fiberglass camper shell too. Strong enough for bikes, kayaks or a small roof rack. Don't know the part #'s but any good bike shop should have some.
 
Aloha
----- Original Message -----
From: Mick Kalber
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: 4/30/01 3:41:12 PM
Subject: Re: Thule or Yakima rack part no's - Westy

> Does anyone have part numbers or kit suggestions for a
> Yak or Thule pop-top rack?
 
I'm looking for a rack for my westy too... but I need to put a couple kayaks
on it.  Suggestions and used racks for sale would be much appreciated.
Would rather not bolt thru the pop-top however.
 
TIA
 
Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
808-935-5557
808-935-0066 (fax)
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Mages <wasserbox@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 7:38 AM
Subject: Thule or Yakima rack part no's - Westy
 
 
> Does anyone have part numbers or kit suggestions for a
> Yak or Thule pop-top rack?
>
> I have decided that this is the best way for me to go
> - I would like space up top for 3-4 bikes in the
> summer, and possibly a canoe (not all at once).  I
> will be looking for the ones that bolt into the
> pop-top.
>
> Any suggestions?  Which risers, bars, etc.
>
> Thanks
>
> =====
> Mark
> Music is the soundtrack to the Low Budget B-movie that is my life.
>
> 87 Westfalia Gl
> 84 Scirocco 8v
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
 

 
--- Michael Ramer
--- ramerm@earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: It's your Internet.
 

 
--- Michael Ramer
--- ramerm@earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: It's your Internet.