On the poptop side, I have been working to get everything ready for the canvas to arrive. I finally installed the rubber gasket on the edge of the fiberglass and also bought some mounts to attach my yakima bars.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also cleaned up(ish) and repainted both the rail mounts. Those things were covered in fabric and adhesive, and that adhesive did not want to come off. Then when I sanded it it just melted and spread around. In the end i put minimal effort into removing it since it will all get covered again once it is put in the van. I did the best I could and then just spray painted everything with white rustoleum.
I had some minor issues with the gasket install since my fiberglass edges were a little thick in a few spots due to the cutting and rework I did to adapt it to the newer body style, but nothing that I foresee as being an issue. I also had a bunch of leftover snaps so hopefully I put enough of those things on, it felt like i did plenty.
While waiting for the canvas to come and the install to get underway, the dog has claimed the poptop as her favorite sun bathing location! I will have to scrub all the paw prints off before I actually put it on the car now.
And the most exciting news of the week... The canvas has actually been shipped! Weather permitting, this could be the weekend that the hole gets cut in the roof! exciting times! My wife's due date is also this sunday so we could be cutting a hole in the roof and going into labor at the same time! Exhilarating stuff.
I am in the process of ordering all the hardware to attach the top and bemerritt and I have some interesting ideas to simplify things. Since the front bar doesn't move I want to just get some U bolts to mount through the roof. Then for the back bar mcmaster has 8" long U-bolts which might be enough travel.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#30555t42/=1byw3fy
https://www.mcmaster.com/#3060t81/=1byw3jp
The front bar attachment seems rock solid, back one seems like it might rattle and not be as stable as desired. What do you guys think?