Since I bought my van years ago, I've lusted for high top or pop-top of some sort. I'm 74" tall so the 52" cabin height definitely cramps my movements and means I need a top with 22"+ of height for me to stand straight. I called Sportsmobile North a couple years ago and they wouldn't touch my van. I have the barn doors on BOTH sides of the body and since this deviates from their typical install, the conversation ended quickly with no willingness to explore any possibilities. I considered a CCV top for a hot second and while I hear they do great work, they are expensive ($7800+; roughly what I bought the van for), they need the van for a good amount of time (website claims 100 man hours), and are located in CO. Then life caught up to me and didn't have the time or money to move forward.
Now I'm slowly researching again and since a most pop-tops seems to be out of reach, I'm considering fiberglass high tops. They seem to run about half the cost of a pop-top. There is the downside that I would never be able to park in the garage at work again with a fuel mileage penalty but I have a commuter car so that doesn't make or break the idea. So I am trying to collect a list of all of the fiberglass top manufacturers that I can, especially in the Midwest. Google isn't coming back with much for me. I'll post what I have at the end. Please take a look at my list and let me know if I'm missing a company.
I'm also considering different roof designs/models. I like the large Super Camper (Fiberine) look on the lifted, built-up Ford vans but they aren't my cup of tea on tamer Chevy Express vans. I do like the looks of the Fiberine 30" Super Sport Top on the Chevy vans (
Full Size Van Tops). Does anyone have experience with the 30" Super Sport model? Overall, I'm looking for standing height directly behind the front seats and the possibility to shove gear and/or a kid in an overhead loft area.
If I can't go UP, I may go OUT and consider a campervan "add-a-room" type tent. They are definitely cheaper but not convinced they are better. I'm also considering a DIY pop-top (Wesfalia or junk yard SMB Penthouse) but not sure I have the skills, tools, or stomach to pull it off.
Thanks for the help!
List of fiberglass top manufacturers: