Magilla the Gorilla {a pop top story}

[opt overland]

Cheers,

Im fairly new to this forum, but I've been told there's a great bunch of guys here that suffer from the same affliction as I. My build has been a bit of a slow one but it's picking up speed currently. I have a 2011 Ford E350 v-10. The plan is to build as much of the van myself in order to save on cash. Follow along, feel free to ask questions or provide some insight if you se I'm doing something wrong. Here's a few pics to get y'all up to speed on the progress.

Here's a pic of the top fitment, overall I'm happy with it. I like that it has style to the side profile and it's relatively flat in order to make it into a pop top.

Preliminary cutout, I was contemplating just doing a small cutout, but ultimately decided to do a full cut.

Here's what I came up with for the pop part of it. I'm fairly familiar with both Sportsmobiles and CCV tops and the pros and cons of each. There were a few things I wanted to address with my design. First I wanted it to be completely different than anything I've seen done I also wanted to make it as safe as possible, next I wanted to reduce the overall weight so I decided on aluminum as my choice material. I wanted to address the leaky canvas material and mosquito bug screen material that always tears away, and lastly I wanted a top the raises, lowers and sits evenly.





I think I'm on the right track, let me know what you guys think.

May the force be with you!

[Nrobert10]

I like it so far! More pictures or detail of the lifting mechanism would be awesome. Watching with anticipation!

[opt overland]

Originally Posted by Nrobert10

I like it so far! More pictures or detail of the lifting mechanism would be awesome. Watching with anticipation!

I don't have many detail pics, but every component glides and slides effortlessly. I used heim joints on the lower axles as I've seen bolts back out on other systems. Shoulder bolts and nylon bushings are utilized on anything that rotates. And I'm utilizing 4 actuators so I can add anything I want on the top, but mostly so the family can sit on top and raise it without issue to watch sunsets.

[Flux]

Who makes that Fiberglass top?? It's a nice one!

[BroncoHauler]

I'm always thrilled to see new approaches to problems. Can't wait to see more pics about the design.


Herb

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by opt overland

And I'm utilizing 4 actuators so I can add anything I want on the top, but mostly so the family can sit on top and raise it without issue to watch sunsets.

Wait... did I read that right? You want to raise the top while your family sits on the roof? That should be interesting...

[opt overland]

Originally Posted by Flux

Who makes that Fiberglass top?? It's a nice one!

We bought a few molds since we have a few friends with ford vans that wanted pop tops. Figured it would pay for itself.

[opt overland]

More top prep for a buddy from Oregon, did the cut out for the fan and considering a sunroof hmmm. Next up wiring, insulation and upholstery.

[MSD]

Yeah nice Ford on the right side of that photo [emoji12] get'r done!


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[arctictraveller]

Very nice, I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Are those coordinates where your shop is located?