custom Penthouse ideas

[GreyDawg]

Originally Posted by AndrewST

JT,


Regarding the lifting system, I plan to do a cisor mecanism with gas struts that I have seen in european rooftents that I sold. Am currently looking with that manufaturer for the side walls also.

If I do a decent work, maybe a few more could be build.

Andrew --

definitely take a look at a GTRV or a PleasureWay Traverse if you have the chance -- the lifting mechanism is driven by gas struts, and might give you a few more ideas.

You can contact the sales rep for GTRV (used to be Mike and Julia Reed) and ask them if there are GTRV owners of T-tops and V-tops in the Portland area who have agreed to show their vehicles.

This sounds very interesting...

[AndrewST]

JT,
I have asked a fiberglass company in Portland.
They use a single use mold or permanent mold..
Two options, Fiberglass with foam strips to reinforce or sandwich with foam core.

The top is not that expensive, the mold is...

You got it,4 shocks for the weight and the cisors to guide the roof.
Let me go ahead on the project and then will be able to give more details currently I am working on the floor and side pannels.

GreyDawg,
Will try to see one, thanks.

[saabman]

Originally Posted by AndrewST

A swiss guy might want one...

Now I wonder who that might be

[dsw4x4]

If you just want a pop top big enough for a bed I am currently prototyping a top that will fit on the roof of any van as a complete kit. It uses the top half of my top bunks (www.topbunkusa.com) and will set on the roof of any van watch my web site in the next few weeks I will have some pictures posted of a chevy van with this top.
Derek

[GreyDawg]

Originally Posted by saabman

Now I wonder who that might be

Hang on....Andrew has a Ford van. Saabman has a Chevy van. So a mold that is made for the Ford van wouldn't fit the Chevy van, right? Doesn't SMB have different molds for Ford vs Chevy?

[bettyford]

I installed my top incase you havent seen it go to the "Betty2" post in this thread and you can check it out.

Ron

[saabman]

Not Sure, I gathered they are the same mould and only detailing differs...
Can anyone confirm?

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by saabman

Not Sure, I gathered they are the same mould and only detailing differs...
Can anyone confirm?

That's what I thought. Some differences in trimming to fit the contour of the different vans.

Mike

[jtolittle]

Hello,
So my top is almost finished. I am just fairing a little more and getting ready for the paint.
I am planning on having 2 scissors mechanism on each side to lift the roof about 30-35" high. the top is about 100 lbs right now. If I mount a rack or bikes or kayaks, it will be much heavier, so much harder to raise. I would like to mount some springs in between the scissors to help bring the roof up (and keep it up!!). 4 springs in total. Let's say to help raise 100 lbs of roof + 150 lbs of "stuff". So 250 lbs divided by 4 springs is about 60 lbs per spring. Very reasonable. BUT!!!! If I have 250 lbs of springs load to help me raise the roof....what if I want to lower the roof and there is no "stuff" on top???? Only the 100 lbs roof...Do I have to pull 150 lbs down??? That's almost my weight..do I have to suspend myself to lower it? a bit of workout every morning before I change campsite!!
do you think it works like this or springs have their own special magic?
thanks
JT

PS : the system would be very similar to an older VW roof I think. I have seen a picture on Spurious van with that mechanism...

[wanderer351]

Originally Posted by jtolittle

..Do I have to pull 150 lbs down??? That's almost my weight..do I have to suspend myself to lower it? ...

eat a couple sammich's...that should help...

gravity will be helping you..so it shouldnt seem that bad..and it depends on where in the pivot they are attached...think the cam's on a compund bow (bow and arrow)..