New fixed top conversion company!

[86Scotty]

And just a short drive........in a boat. Sorry for the clickbait. This is definitely shareworthy though. One of the best hardtop installation videos I've seen.

Personally I like his drill-jack.

They are in France, and likely not a new company at all by the looks of it.

https://youtu.be/mQVwXF1HDE4?si=iLi9n4J1D9a7JglK

[antmanbee]

They are in Quebec Canada.
This is the style of high top that has the flange type mount which is superior. Fiberine also mounts like this. The tops that mount by screwing in from the outside are problematic and rust prone from water wicking down the screws. The flange type screws are all inside the van and never exposed to the elements.

[Ace944gs]

Who uses the screw in tops?

[antmanbee]

I'm pretty sure tufport uses the type that is screwed from the outside. There may be another 1 or 2 brands that do also but I can't recall who.

[SteelheadJones]

Originally Posted by antmanbee

They are in Quebec Canada. This is the style of high top that has the flange type mount which is superior. Fiberine also mounts like this.

I believe that’s what they call a reverse flange.

For the record, Fiberine’s Dodge hightop looks like it’s screwed in from the sides.

Originally Posted by antmanbee

The tops that mount by screwing in from the outside are problematic and rust prone from water wicking down the screws.

I wondered about this. In fact I started a thread about it because I found a used one locally for $150. I haven’t pulled the trigger because of the potential for rust. So thanks for the info.

[antmanbee]

I think the outside side screw type can be made to not be problematic. But I would not buy the outside screw type if I was buying new. If a used top in good shape for $150 was available I certainly would consider it. That is a big savings, but it is also a lot of work to get the old top ready to install. When I got my used van with the outside type I discovered the issues and I think fixed them permanently. I removed the top and carefully cleaned all the old sealant off and repaired the rust. I bent up the edge of the cut off steel roof to make it more parallel to the sides of the fiberglass top. I filled all the old holes with fiberglass bondo on the top. I reseated the top on to the van and completely filled the gap between the metal edge I had bent up and the sides of the top with locktite marine sealant. I drilled new holes through the top and metal of the old roof and used stainless bolts with nuts and washers that were caulked upon insertion so the holes and washers and bolts were water tight. Paint was applied to the whole top also. There is no more aluminum strip with the vinyl cover to hold and retain water to leak down the screws like the original shitty install from the factory.

[SteelheadJones]

Thanks for the details.

I was considering trying to glass in a reverse flange. Do you think that would be possible?

Do you have any pics of your process and how it turned out?

[86Scotty]

Isn't France in Canada? I'm also pretty sure that's where they make the bread and the salad dressing.

[antmanbee]

Steelhead,

This is the thread about my top reseal.
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...1-a-28712.html

[SteelheadJones]

Thanks Antman!