I'm Cheap Top Hunt

[Vanimal]

Well I scored in Anahiem. I found and removed an RB top which is what I wanted so I can put a combo rack/light bar up front over the cab! $43.00 because it was 40% off weekend. It even had a solar panel producing 18.7 volts in the direct sun and 18.3 in the shade!
My next dilemma is to decide if I want to make it a clam shell opening or a pop top!

[Vanimal]

$450.00 o.b.o. with all lights (1 on driver side, 1 on back, 2 on pass side, 6 up front) and side Coleman style roll up awning. I could not find a for sale forum but if the monitors can move it there I would appreciate it.

[bemerritt]

love the top! welcome to the world of poptop diy.

Boywonder is the president of the socal contingency, we have recently welcomed Benjj to the club.

[BenJJ]

Originally Posted by Vanimal

Well I scored in Anahiem. I found and removed an RB top which is what I wanted so I can put a combo rack/light bar up front over the cab! $43.00 because it was 40% off weekend. It even had a solar panel producing 18.7 volts in the direct sun and 18.3 in the shade!
My next dilemma is to decide if I want to make it a clam shell opening or a pop top!

That's an awesome find! A little sanding and painting and that thing will be looking good! Also really excited to see how you turn it into a poptop.

[shadetreevanman]

Nice profile on that top. Should make a sharp pop top.

I picked up an EB top yesterday at the San Bernardino yard. Just have to patch the tall doors it accommodates.

Good luck on your build

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by bemerritt

love the top! welcome to the world of poptop diy.

Boywonder is the president of the socal contingency, we have recently welcomed Benjj to the club.

LOL!!! If Shadetreevanman or Vanimal converts their top to a pop top I'm handing the baton to them....

[Vanimal]

Sooo! Any ideas on clam style or pop top?

Pro's clam style:
no screw jack cost
no arm, track, springs or bars to deal with
no screw jack wiring issues or battery drain
sufficient head room with rear bed couch floor plan
less canvas exposed to wind and cold resulting in warmer temps inside
able to park with wind/weather at your back

Con's clam style:
awning would need to mount to van metal
potential hinge binding or bolts pulling out due to van flex
loss of head room in back 1/3 if open floor plan

Pro's pop top:
full floor access if open layout
awning attachable to top
360* views

Con's pop top:
hard to lift without power assist
even harder to lift if loaded with kayak surf boards
sketchy if wind blowing even more if top loaded with gear
need power to lift and lower easily
screw jack cost and reliability
arm track, arm and roller maintenance
inconvenience of track and upper bed mounts and obstruction


Owners of each let me know if I have missed any thing?

[BigRed4x4]

I'll send you a PM for the rack.

[Vanimal]

For anyone interested I now have in possession 2 (two) Fiberine BRAND new EB 18" tops! I am asking $1200.00 each (regular $3200.00) or I will sell the one if any one wants a used RB step up top for $300.00. I can deliver if reasonable and for fuel cost plus $50.00 for time! The used top is the one pictured on this post!

[Kase3875]

Any pics of the 18” top