Penthouse resurrection

[BrianW]

That is truly amazing. I think we're all pretty much stunned by the difference and how much you've accomplished in such a short time. Great job!

[wanderers]

I'm at a loss for words.
I don't know enough superlatives to do it justice.

[ghetto fireman]

Impressive, keep up the great work.

[michal740]

Thanks guys for all your comments. I appreciate all the feedback during the project.
Next thing is to figure out the bottom attachment for the canvas. I am thinking about mounting L profile aluminum frame down to the roof and lay the canvas in it,following another L profile frame to "sandwich" the canvas between the two. I hope it makes sense.
Another thing is that this top is from RB van and it is going to be installed on EB.
Have anyone ever done this?

[Brian94ht]

I think your use of aluminum angle has merit, I would worry about sharp edges around the canvas though. I'm leaning towards using expanded PVC or ABS strips so they don't rot from moisture.

Could you share some info about what you used for the vinyl? window material?
Any tips or things you would do differently if sewing those windows again?
I'm looking to just replace my windows in an existing top canvas.

As many have said, great work!

[wanderers]

There is a possible problem with galvanic action with dissimilar metals in direct contact. You would need to isolate the aluminum from the steel and from the bolts, also. I'm not sure how bad this corrosion is from steel to aluminum contact, some metals are worse than others, but I think it is worth consideration.

[michal740]

Thanks Brian,
I think about either doing 45 degree corners or some sort of round shape plastic,so
there is no stress to the fabric.
The material I used was this:

https://www.fabricwholesaledirect.co...ant=9913481731

For the clear vinyl:

https://www.fabricwholesaledirect.co...6-gauge-fabric

I will post some more detailed pictures of how I sew in the zipper and the insect screen. This canvas is lot more affordable than convertible top material,but easier to work with and didn't want to spend $400 on material as a first sewing project.
I needed about 8 yards total of the canvas to make the whole unit.

[rockbender]

Nice job on the penthouse work! I rebuilt one back in the day and yours is definitely 20x better!


Regarding the RB top on the EB, I know its been done before. I don't recall if someone here has put one on, but we have certainly seen one for sale a few years back. Their methodology was to start the top in the same location from the front (ie, frame sits right behind cross member at B Pillar) and then trim the rear of the penthouse to match the roof profile since it will sit forward of the rear gutter. I believe they had a small fixed roof rack right behind the penthouse.

[michal740]

Thanks rockbender,
I did search this but came out without much info. I think i have seen the post that someone did this the same way you have described. I am leaning more towards having
the top installed further back,so rear sits in the rain gutter. That way,if I dont like
it,I can still sale unmodified top. I may be putting sunroof in the cab,so this will actually work out because it will allow enough room for it up front.

[Flux]

Careful there. with the attachment to the roof. Don't want to create a place where water can intrude.