Replacing Bent Penthouse Bows

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

Thanks. Nicely done!

Agree.
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[vandiesel]

Mine are bent on my manual 2006. Just biding my time until I do the work and sleeve them with the cromo in my garage. It’s frustrating that this happens. Just another big job to do on her.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Orv

I'm kind of curious how common this is, and whether it's unique to the electric tops.

Electric or manual....really depends on how much weight is on the roof. It's amazing (perhaps pathetic is a better word) that SMB hasn't improved this design over the years, as there are several easy solutions.

[ghetto fireman]

I’m retired as of June, have a garage full of tools and don’t mind taking on this project. Just trying to figure out where to start. All Sportsmobile will tell me is that it’s involved. Don’t want to start ripping out cabinets if there is a easier way to access bolts.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by ghetto fireman

Don’t want to start ripping out cabinets if there is a easier way to access bolts.

Not that I'm aware of......


I'm assuming that you are going to support the roof somehow on both ends to remove the crossbars...and that you are familiar with using a come-along to remove the large extension springs. That part is straightforward, but pay attention when stretching the springs and make sure no one is standing in the front part of the van in case a spring gets loose...


I use the hook ends of motorcycle tie downs to get the come-along connected to the spring eye and the hole in the roof rail...not the webbing..just the hooks. They are easier to get in there vs the large come-along hooks.

[mk216v]

Originally Posted by Orv

I'm kind of curious how common this is, and whether it's unique to the electric tops. Most references to bent bows I've seen happened when people tried to operate an electric top with one of the hooks still engaged (or when one of them caught during the movement.) Anecdotally the 28-year-old bars on my van still look straight, but it's a manual top and I don't put extra weight on the roof.

I know of a brand new SMB elec poptop from SMB Fresno, opened only 8x (no hooks accidentally engaged), "lift arms" are already heavily bowed.

[Brian94ht]

Originally Posted by mk216v

I know of a brand new SMB elec poptop from SMB Fresno, opened only 8x (no hooks accidentally engaged), "lift arms" are already heavily bowed.

Is it for sale?

[mk216v]

Originally Posted by Brian94ht

Is it for sale?

The top, or the entire van?

[VocalVirgo]

Originally Posted by ghetto fireman

Hello All

The bows for the penthouse top are beyond straightening, replaced pivot and forward bolts with shoulder bolts, not to bad. Looks like I have a crease in the front bow and not comfortable using it. My SMB is a 2006 EB50, how do you access the rear bolts in the slider, passenger side looks like upholstery, but drivers side has cabinets beneath. I looked at the video but it appears that the particular van had no cabinets beneath. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

Mike, if it's a 2006, it is covered by the lifetime warranty...

[moorefc]

Originally Posted by ghetto fireman

I’m retired as of June, have a garage full of tools and don’t mind taking on this project. Just trying to figure out where to start. All Sportsmobile will tell me is that it’s involved. Don’t want to start ripping out cabinets if there is a easier way to access bolts.

I took the cabinets in the way out to access mine to get at poorly installed rear bolts/washers on my etop. Took less time than thinking about it and going back and forth with long sticks, hooks, etc....Both sides....and one side included the refrig....Really not that bad...one screw at a time.
Cheers