Just finished painting my 83.5 Westy. Removed top & canvas (cleaned pop top headliner while it was off) - an almost impossible task while on van.Can't think of any other way to do even a half - decent job. I've seen painted canvases, top seals - you name it! The pride of a good job will outlast the pains of doing it. Take your time & don't forget to kill the rust on top screws. Good Luck (& happy sanding). MAX

Joe L. wrote:

With the paint resembling a heavy dusting of talcum powder looks like its time to bite the bullet and have it painted. Finances being what they are it was a choice between Macco and Earl Schreibe; Earl won (yeah, I know but they seem to do a pretty good job for the money). I intend to do a good prep job myself before letting them have at it but I am wondering what to do about that area of the Westy above the rain channel that the pop-top rubber rests on. The ideal I suppose is to pull the entire top off so they can reach the area but I am hoping someone here has a better idea. Anyone ever have a paint job with the top on and simply masked off? How did it turn out? Any hints, suggestions or "watch out for...."s will be appreciated.