Van puzzle Swiss V2

[AndrewST]

After a first layout idea V0.1 and a quick V1 build to travel here is a new puzzle starting and this time finalizing the V0.1 idea...

It starts with:



A RB van


A EB pop top on a 1952 trailer...


Maybe something is wrong in this cocktail...

Regarding the pop top, I have to thank TheYeti for posting the craiglist link and Jage for a double layout picture.

[carringb]

It looks like it would almost be the same amount of work to make an RB van an EB van, as it would be to shorten and re-profile an EB top to fit an RB van.....

[Ford_6L_E350]

Have you set the EB top on the RB to see how big of a problem it might be?

I could see a couple of advantages:

- The roof ribs would be covered. It always irritates me when the ribs fill with water and it runs down the windshield when I hit the brakes.

- A neat storage area (above the front seats) when the top is up.

The last one would mean the front latches would be back from the front of the PH top, but that should work.

Cowboy added some material to a Westfalia top to make it fit a Chevy van.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=5920

You may have to do something similar.

Sounds like a good project.

Looking forward to seeing it.

Mike

[AndrewST]

Next step, lift the Fiber top without the structure


Will be the good time to improve what needs to be.

Then slide the van under



Lower it



It fits quite close, will have to grind some fiber left and right and create custom parts to close the gap in front and maybe in the back.





And shorten the structure.

[BroncoHauler]

Looks like you're becoming a Swiss redneck. I have to wonder if it's because of the person you're hanging out with up in Oregon?


Herb

[Ford_6L_E350]

If you trim the sides enough to fit the back, you may not have enough room for the arms and canvas when collapsed.

Other than that, it looks good. Much better than the big setback at thr front of an SMB.

Mike

[AndrewST]

Mike,
I agree with your above comments about water running when you break is ...

I will not grind it that much just a little to clear V shape that the EB has in the back.

Herb

Carringb
Fitting a RB on an EB is just grinding in front and back without extending it.
Shorten a EB is way to much work.
I do the EB because it fits, if it would not have, directly selling it.

[carringb]

I'm surprised it fits as well as it does. Even the Aluminess ladders don't fit well being shoved further back on an EB compared to their normal position on an RB.

[SCBrian]

The sides and back fit very well. Could you build up the front edge to match your roof profile instead of grinding down the other three sides? I would not take a lot of resin or work. Perhaps a good body man near by?

[AndrewST]

Will not grind the three sides, would loose the height for the bed and system.
Planning closing the front gap. Details will come once done