Has anyone built there own penthouse top? - Page 2

jage · 02-26-2009, 10:52 PM

The volkswagon fiberglass was no doubt lighter (smaller), did you have to modify anything to keep the van fiberglass top up, or make it easy to raise?

spurious · 02-26-2009, 11:08 PM

It was lighter, but not by much. Nothing added. It is the same effort as a Vanagon Westfalia roof to open.....

dsw4x4 · 02-27-2009, 07:59 AM

That turned out really sharp, I am working on the material part of mine for the next three days so hopefully by sunday it will start to look like something by the end of the weekend I will post some pics for everyone to see.

AdventureRider · 02-27-2009, 12:06 PM

Hay, way to go, that looks really good!
Did you happen to take any photo's while you were doing everything?

rudeboysaude · 03-01-2009, 11:03 AM

Nice work!

I couldn't figure out a way to successfully do that. I just put a small stand up section in so that I didn't have to crouch to cook. Since mine is mostly used for chasing wind it had to be able to stand up to decent wind locations. Thus the hinged style. And.. it was much easier!

I just used gate latches to lock her down and it works. The one piece of wood hinges up to hold it in place when popped. Not as cool as a SMB, but a hell of alot cheaper!

It's alot of fun to build your own. I sewed all the cousins even. I still have to tackle the curtains yet. Someday I might think about a penthouse style top, but this is working out great right now. When the kid gets bigger though he won't be able to sleep across the back section and then I'll either build a top sleeping space.. or better yet, kick him out into a tent!

A.

jage · 03-01-2009, 08:35 PM

rude, how does it keep the water out? (or does it?)

rudeboysaude · 03-04-2009, 07:35 PM

I built an edge around the opening raised out of the roof. Then the poptop closes down on the outside of that ridge. The entire thing has a sandwiched weather strip and the cloth I used is a waterproof marine fabric. I've had no leaks. The top is epoxied and then has an RV epoxy paint. It's pretty rock solid. I went up there off and on in the beginning to make sure I knew what I was doing, but so far so good!

A.

dsw4x4 · 03-04-2009, 09:34 PM

Finally this whole project is starting to look like something after four days of three people working on the material. Here are some pics for every one to see.

looking down the passenger side

side view of the slide out bed

front of van looking back into the bed

cut out view of the side bed

Obviously there is still a lot work of ahead like putting it on my new van among many other things.

dsw4x4 · 04-12-2009, 09:29 PM

Not sure if anyone is still watching this forum but here are some updated pics of my top on my new van.
Jamie I have not forgotten about calling you, I have just been super busy and every time I get a minute it is usually really late and I am exhausted, but I would still like to talk to you.
Derek

**BroncoHauler** · 04-12-2009, 09:41 PM

Ambitious effort and great job.

Herb