Penthouse support bolt broke, van roof collapsed...

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Justgosurfin

Boywonder, sent you a PM. I’ll try to get a list of questions together but I guess a big one right now is how large is the cut out for an RB top? Lengths of the side rails would be great to as I’ll need to shorten the EB rails a bit to get the crossmember where it needs to go above the B pillar.

I may have the cutout dimensions somewhere..it's been years...


Here is one difference between the cutouts for the RB and EB tops:


The RB cutout starts right behind the B pillar support that spans across the roof...in fact the rear spot welded flange of that support needs to be removed as well...so the rear vertical face of the roof support at the B pillar is the front edge of the cutout.


On the EB, Sportsmobile installs another B pillar roof support directly behind the existing support and the cutout starts behind the second support. I think the support that they install is one harvested from further down the roof when making the cutout.




Since you are installing an EB top on an RB you'll have to determine where the cutout starts fore/aft, but I can't imagine it will be like the EB case above.


I would suggest sending AndrewST a PM and see if he can give you cutout info, since he did exactly what you want to do.


Also, do a search here for my build thread called "popping my top"......that should have some relevant tid-bits as well.

[Justgosurfin]

Thanks again. I’ll reach out to Andrew again.

[piequeen]

Originally Posted by boywonder

Highly unlikely that you have shoulder screws/bolts..........My top is from a 2002 and had 1/4-20 hardware. Shoulder screws are a worthwhile upgrade...and what SMB should have used in the first place. They are a PITA to install with an intact top but it certainly can be done with the roof in place. I helped another member in San Diego install a couple; we used a couple of clamps and maybe a tie-down IIRC.

i know it’s an old thread but my bolts have failed. what is an IIRC?

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by piequeen

i know it’s an old thread but my bolts have failed. what is an IIRC?

"If I remember correctly"

[HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE]

boywonder,
I'm HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE from Burbank. We exchanged messages sometime ago (before COVID-19).
I was complaining about the difficulty lower my manual TOP.
You had offered to help with a spring adjustment but you were going or on a trip and would connect after you returned. I think COVID kind of changed all that.
I have just preformed at lot of age related maintenance (to the van) ie: shocks, reupholstered seats, headlight upgrade, new radio with XM, GPS, back up camera.
The TOP is next inline for attention.
Asking if your offer is still open?
FORD 2003 E350 SMB, 7.3, 4X4, EB 50, POP TOP SMB built in Fresno, CA original interior.
Mike Burbank, CA
I had another Birthday (77) and the TOP is even more difficult.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE

Asking if your offer is still open?

Sure..send me a PM....we can coordinate a time.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE

boywonder,
I'm HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE from Burbank. We exchanged messages sometime ago (before COVID-19).
I was complaining about the difficulty lower my manual TOP.
You had offered to help with a spring adjustment but you were going or on a trip and would connect after you returned. I think COVID kind of changed all that.
I have just preformed at lot of age related maintenance (to the van) ie: shocks, reupholstered seats, headlight upgrade, new radio with XM, GPS, back up camera.
The TOP is next inline for attention.
Asking if your offer is still open?
FORD 2003 E350 SMB, 7.3, 4X4, EB 50, POP TOP SMB built in Fresno, CA original interior.
Mike Burbank, CA
I had another Birthday (77) and the TOP is even more difficult.

Boywonder is awesome , and I hear he likes Spacedust IPA.

[doublevan2]

Greetings -- this happened to me in Alaska back in 2015 - SMB West did not tighten nylocks up and the passenger side of Penthouse top went up on a severe angle. Got 12V jack from hardware store - placed it on bed rail for top and used it for about a week to level out the top until RV shop in Fairbanks fixed the bolt/nut which had fallen down between chassis walls. Order one from Amazon if available ?

[HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE]

boywonder,
Just returned from 2 weeks of TOP up and downing.
There were so questionable moments trying to lower the TOP either I am a very weak copy of my former self or the springs have gained strength.
I thought I sent a pm but it's very possible I made some sort of error in sending.
How would you like to proceed?
Mike

[boywonder]

Mike: I don't see a PM from you...


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