help! pop top bars bent.

[vanhopeful]

Hello all,
I joined Sportsmobile forum so that I could get some advice on repairing my neighbor's van that I borrowed for a weekend, then promptly broke.



The van is a 2000 Ford F-250 Sportsmobile (extra body). When I was pushing the top up, I forgot to unhook the back. I realized it pretty quickly, but by then it was already too late. Even just a single push up (given the extra force of the spring loaded bars) resulted in the bars bending and the top would not go back down.

I need to get someone to straighten or replace the bars. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Does anyone have any professionals to recommend? House visit would be idea bc I can't drive the van w the top up, but I can also have the van towed to the shop if that's the only option.

Thanks everyone!

--MJ

[E-350]

Although I can‘t help with your question (no pop top), I guess the other will appreciate some pictures to judge.

[snomad]

Suggest you PM member 1der. He is in SF & very knowledgeable. He is also at https://www.blingmyrig.com
Good luck!

[Twoxentrix]

Unfortunately I can’t help from my end either (geography issue), but had to chime in to acknowledge your efforts - what you are doing is a stand up move, and shows a lot of character!
There are a number of threads on the forum that outline different approaches to getting this done (use the search function) - not in a position at this time to look them up and attach links at the moment, but if no one else manages to share them by this evening I’ll gladly do so.

[vandiesel]

You can straighten the bars with a jig pretty easy. They are mild steel. Some C clamps and 2x4 or bar clamps. Put a block of wood at the bend then pull it straight with clamps. It happens a lot and most sleeve the bars with cromoly tubes so they stay straight. I’ll see if I can find a pic of how to do it.

[daveb]

My guess is Field Van in Fresno still has their jig. They also might be able to upgrade the bars with chrome moly inserts. As far as I know they are still making the typical pop tops although an email would be suggested.

[vanhopeful]

vandiesel, i appreciate you saying this. screwing things up has made me feel like shit actually, so thanks for chiming in. this forum is full of such kind people. wish the internet took its cues from you guys.

[vanhopeful]

hmm, when i try to attach the photo it only lets me enter a URL, rather than pull it from my desktop. will try to figure this out.

[Twoxentrix]

Here are a couple links that could prove useful (there is a thread that showcases a couple ideas, just can't locate it at this time):
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...-bows-885.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...m-21807-3.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ows-885-5.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...olt-17385.html

[Twoxentrix]

Posting pic's on behalf of vanhopeful:
This is a link to the interior shot of crossbars: