Raised Roof Suppliers?

JWA · 01-07-2011, 04:02 PM

New to Sportsmobile Forums---great site so far---many interesting topics and projects here! Anyway.........

As soon as I locate a suitable Ford E350 van extended body I want/need to add a raised roof with extended height rear doors--end use to be a work van for my auto glass business. I fully anticipate doing almost all installation myself and have had little success locating more than one or two sources for the top/door kits I'll need. So far I really like a model Fiberine offers but have not yet been able to speak with anyone knowledgeable or helpful regarding a few semi-technical questions. Their telephone receptionist seems intent on not allowing anyone past her (Annabelle)---not sure why that is but its frustrating to say the least.

The most desireable feature Fiberine offers is the consistent inside height of the top from the B pillar to the rear door opening. An upper latch on the left rear door extension along with the same height front to rear makes this nearly the perfect top. Sadly can't as of yet get past the "front door" which leaves me very concerned about purchasing one of their products----no support isn't a comforting prospect.

Do the collective wisdom and experience here have a manufacturers list or suppliers/distributors where they're also willing to provide images or suggestions relating to use of their particular tops and rear door kits? FWIW I've seen a few install videos of CycleVan but those are not of the extended rear height door type. I'll stress its the taller rear doors really driving thoughts of adding such a top to a "new" van---without those there's no real need for anything other than a stock configuration.

I should mention I already have a '00 Ford E250 standard body/wheel base with raised roof and taller rear doors----conversion was done by Mobility Works. I've tried contacting them with almost no reply or follow up to my questions. I'm frustrated and almost desperately needing a better direction than I've found on my own so far.

Thanks in advance for anyone with any information or directions for me!

accrete · 01-07-2011, 05:36 PM

My wife and i had a Fiberine 24" Bubble Top put on our Express RB. The roof seems to be top quality inside and out (we have the stock rough/unfinished interior, with stock height rear doors). Just wanted to share the KUDOS on Fiberine as a manufacturer.

Best wishes on your build.
Thom

JWA · 01-07-2011, 06:36 PM

Looks like a ton of headroom inside there Thom-----thanks for sharing the photo!

Could be the installer will make the difference---can I ask who did yours?

I have no doubt Fiberine is a good manufacturer but the lack (so far) of communication and/or available tech help is my issue. I don't want to learn trade secrets but as I say their gate keeper is just not co-operative at all.

jage · 01-07-2011, 08:30 PM

Well not being able to get by Annabell doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of support, but they may indeed not sell to self-installers.

I see a lot of fixed top + extended rear doors on transport vehicles- if you cannot get fiberline to deal with you on your terms, perhaps you should start scouring the junkyard. I'm thinking get the used top and pull the doors along with it instead of modifying yours, plus you can inspect the van underneath to see what you need to do for DIY install.

JWA · 01-08-2011, 04:30 AM

In theory scouring the scrap yards for a top is good but I've yet to see many in this area that would be reusable without a lot of work and rehabbing before installation. Honestly when I find the top and doors I want cost savings won't be an issue. It will be easier having something delivered as opposed to the whole process of finding, removing, transporting and rehabbing first.

I don't mean to badmouth Fiberine because their tops and doors seem to be exactly what I want. Also understanding they're not a full time installer/converter and I'm just thinking out loud wondering how they manufacture something like the extended door kits yet cannot/will not offer a bit of advice relating to latch mechanisms I've asked about. I also understand after initial purchase Fiberine wouldn't have to be involved but undertaking this without a bit more knowledge of their system doesn't seem my best bet. There's no pressure or thought on my part to make them deal with me on my terms at all---asking a few simple questions didn't seem to be unreasonable---not at first anyway.

I'd be more than willing to farm this out and we have a great outfit somewhat locally known as Mobility Works---I currently own one of their converted E250 former wheelchair lift vans. I've been awaiting a quote from them for the past two weeks which doesn't give me a lot of hope they're very well equipped to do much more than sell already completed packages. I've been led to believe they manufacture or convert vehicles which might be a misunderstanding.

Sooner or later I'll discover someone or some place that is helpful to the small degree I need or want. I'm hopeful someone here have recommendations that will prove helpful.

Thanks---keep 'em coming!

jage · 01-08-2011, 06:36 AM

Talk to Colorado Camper Vans aka CCV (dsw4x4 on the forum). He doesn't deal in exactly what you're looking for that I know of, but he might have some better ideas for you.

JWA · 01-08-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

Talk to Colorado Camper Vans aka CCV (dsw4x4 on the forum). He doesn't deal in exactly what you're looking for that I know of, but he might have some better ideas for you.

I began thinking exactly the same thing Jage---having read a few of his posts he's certainly someone with vast experience in all this.

accrete · 01-08-2011, 08:28 AM

Greetings.
I live on the Oregon Coast so it was a natural to go with Van Specialties out of Portland Oregon. I think there was a van with the set up as you described with the tall rear doors (it was a Ford E350 EB) but i do not know if they did _all_ the work. It had the same top we have with a measured 74" to the ceiling & 72" to the bottom of the screen on the fantastic fan. My wife and i are both on the _normal_ height wise with me being the tallest at 5'8" so plenty of headroom for us. We are pleased with the work and crew at VS and Rob helped us through the brainstorming. Good PPL imo.

smugdoug · 01-12-2011, 07:27 PM

JWA, Here is another installer, they are located in the City of Brea. I considered using them myself, and talked to Vince. I know for a fact they install Fiberine tops.

Mobility Specialist Inc.

877 777 5438

http://www.mobilityspecialists.com

JWA · 01-14-2011, 05:44 AM

Hey Doug----thanks for your heads up on Mobility Specialist Inc---quite by accident I discovered them through an auction on eBay. I will contact them if only to see what they offer apart from the completed vehicles. Great looking fininshed vans though-----very well done!

Thom your recommendation is also great but I'm noticing something about these forums---most everyone seems located further west, Colorado being one of the "closer" states to me. If the bulk of raised roof manufacturers are mostly in western states I'll be expecting a sizable shipping cost.

So far I've received some great jumping off points along with a bit of understanding how the whole extended height door thing is addressed. Seems each converter at least claims to simply modify existing available tops along with the doors by fabricating a section the doors close, latch and seal against. If this is so its helpful only because its not such a big secret now.

This is what I have now, would hope to have much the same:

Thanks again guys---still open to more suggestions or experiences.