Betty White!! Added the Pop Top - Page 5

bettyford · 12-27-2010, 06:37 PM

Here we go
trying to line it up right is the hardest part. We you are by yourself at least.
once you get the marks right tape it off

Then take a deep breath and go for it

bettyford · 12-27-2010, 06:40 PM

Note the burn marks on my blanket over the seats

I tack welded the cross ribs to the roof skin I didnt last time and wish I had super strong.

bettyford · 12-27-2010, 06:49 PM

I know the welds aren't pretty but it will all be covered and they work.
After filing off the extra swag I set the top back up and start screwing it down
Getting the front struts in the right place takes a little work. They have to be just right to make the canvas tight but if they are not right it will not close flush to the roof.

bettyford · 12-27-2010, 06:53 PM

I removed the rear struts I just dont like them to heavy and a pain in the A#s to deal with. not sure what im going to do yet.
Screw down the sides.

hope this helps if you thinking of doing this.
The next step is going to be trimming out the cuts and doing the finish work to make it look nice. Also thinking on what to use as struts in the rear for now 2x4s work.
Ron

TroySmith80 · 12-27-2010, 07:20 PM

Lookin good!

What will you use to seal the gaps at the front and rear due to the ribbing of the van roof? Also, did the sides just luckily happen to both land on high parts? In other words, was the pop top the correct width so that the long sides of the fiberglass rest on the peaks (as opposed to valleys) of the roof? Same for the inner footprint for the tent?

Also, is the front support arm bracket just attached to the sheetmetal of the roof? Will that be strong enough if it is not at a rib? even with a roof rack and gear?

Lots of questions

bettyford · 12-27-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroySmith80

Lookin good!

What will you use to seal the gaps at the front and rear due to the ribbing of the van roof? Also, did the sides just luckily happen to both land on high parts? In other words, was the pop top the correct width so that the long sides of the fiberglass rest on the peaks (as opposed to valleys) of the roof? Same for the inner footprint for the tent?

Also, is the front support arm bracket just attached to the sheetmetal of the roof? Will that be strong enough if it is not at a rib? even with a roof rack and gear?

Lots of questions

I used Marine caulking only on the tent in the front and rear the nice thing about the Chevy is they are not as deep (roof ribs) and the fiberglass top also has a rubber seal which seals the ribs as well. As for the struts it is strong enough to support them But i am going to reinforce it when I trim it out. And so far I have never had a problem with it (on my last van) even with stuff on the rack.
Ron

dimension4 · 12-30-2010, 03:10 PM

Very cool! thanks for posting the photos of your progress.

dimension4 · 01-11-2011, 05:59 PM

well I have been looking for a top for my van. I heard that Eurovan tops have a problem with cracking. Have you heard about that? It may be just the Eurovan conversions by Winnebago that has the problem.

bettyford · 01-11-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimension4

well I have been looking for a top for my van. I heard that Eurovan tops have a problem with cracking. Have you heard about that? It may be just the Eurovan conversions by Winnebago that has the problem.

I have never heard that but I bet if you go to GoWesty.com you can ask some VW dude. Mine comes off of the Weekender Van and its a real simple design I couldn't imagine where it would crack. Must be the big one thats not so streamlined. Would you like me to make some calls and see if i could find you one? Where do you live?
Ron

dimension4 · 01-11-2011, 10:59 PM

I'm about an hour south of Reno, NV. I found a place that has one up in Reno. After I talked to them again they said the Weekender is from Germany and is a good top that doesn't crack but the Eurovan camper van is a conversion done by Winnebago and that is the one that cracks. The Eurovan camper from Winnebago has the luggage rack as part of the pop top. They like the older Westfalia top from the Vanagon as well but I think the Weekender is a better top for me because its a little thinner profile and I believe it is longer as well.