Betty White!! Added the Pop Top

[bettyford]

After Skiing waist deep powder all day i felt inspired to work on the Van. I have been waiting for warmer weather to trim out the hole I cut for the pop top.
Pre cut trim and finish trim.


Ron

[jage]

Those came up tiny images. Tough break about the skiing.

[bettyford]

I know i love powder days,

I got a new Camera, and had to re size them not having the camera set up right.

Ron

[bettyford]

Another great day Skiing and then working on the Van.
Life is good!!

[bettyford]

[bettyford]

I wanted to add some things.

We just got back from our 1st long trip since I installed the top. I really must say this top is great, all i needed was head room for standing not sleeping. If you need sleeping I would not do this type.

It doesnt leak and there is no wind noise up to 90mph.
This winter I let the snow build up on the roof at 4ft I inspected every inch no leaks not even bowed (I did the string from roof to floor test) from the weight no problems at all. ( it also gave me a good idea what a fixed roof would look like) It seems to have rained every day since Oct. no leaks while driving in the rain or snow it did both on this last trip.

I all so believe The van is stronger with it (welded the remaining 8in of roof rails to the roof)
When its windy just drop it, or turn the back of the Van into the wind and it blows right over (I had to do that twice on this trip.)

I have not noticed any fuel mileage difference I averaged 19.5 over 3000 miles.

IF you are thinking of doing this or if I can help in anyway please do hesitate to ask. I didn't thanks Jeremy.

I Love My Van

Ron

[Smore]

Thanks for the post shakedown update. I'd like to know more about why the pop top wouldn't be suitable for sleeping. Is the instal considerably different than when on the Eurovan?

[Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Smore

Thanks for the post shakedown update. I'd like to know more about why the pop top wouldn't be suitable for sleeping. Is the instal considerably different than when on the Eurovan?

I suspect that BettyFord's Weekender top has the same problem as my pre-1974 Westfalia top: it's simply too short for a bed. The pre-74 Westies had a folding cot in the top, but it was definitely child size only. The later westie tops and the subsequent vanagon design were both much longer, allowing more space for a bed when the top was opened.

Here are some photos to demonstrate the differing length of the pop-top:

Pre-74 (note how long the rear luggage rack section is):



Post-74 (note that the luggage rack is on the front now, and is much shorter, allowing a longer bed under the pop-top):



Vanagon (very similar design and size to the post-74 Westies):




Weekender (this looks longer than it really is, because the windshield has moved back so far compared to earlier models shown above):

[regis101]

I was a Bus Pilot, circa 1978, for a decade. Our son and I would sleep upstairs. We often slept facing the rear so my fear of him squirming out would let me sleep through the night. Although it looks tight, it not that bad.
If I slept facing forward, many times the pillow ends up on the floor below.

Someone needs to produce a low profile DIY kit based on these designs.
There are two Vanagon Westy in my local boneyard. Kinda schweet but I'm holding out for a homebuild. Gathering parts at this time.

Great work on your project and thanks for the pic's.

[regis101]

Plus, if I may ask, what is the length and width of the Eurovan top?

Thanks,