Pop top issue 2006 E350

[dogsandcats]

I'm a new owner of a 2006 E350 and I've seen a few posts about Pop top issues and I'm still looking for some help with my problem. I've had some surgeries and I don't have the strength to open the manual top. I'm 6'1" and bending over, I can move the top just a few inches with my shoulder but it just settles back down. I've seen at least one person use a jack but I'd like to avoid that if possible. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
I understand spring tension can be adjusted but it's a tricky procedure. Any advice about that is appreciated as well.
I've heard they can be converted to electric. Does anyone know how involved this is and approximate cost?
Thanks

[boywonder]

Converting to electric is $$$ if SMB still does that on older vans.

Your springs need adjustment. A properly adjusted roof goes about as easy as it comes down, just like a properly adjusted garage door.

Do you have anything on the roof?

Where are you located?

Do a search here for penthouse spring adjustment there are a handful of threads.


The method I use requires a $20 Harbor freight come-along, a motorcycle tie-down and a 28" long piece of 2x4.......and a phillips screwdriver to undo the upholstery.

[dogsandcats]

Thanks for responding. I'm in the San Francisco bay area. Nothing on the roof.

[boywonder]

I'd be happy to adjust your springs but unfortunately I'm in So Cal/OC.

[schilhom]

If you’re a new owner, wondering if anyone told you that you need to have a door open for the top to go up easily? Makes a huge difference.

[dogsandcats]

Thanks for your offer. If I’m heading your way, be great to have your help.

[DgoDave]

Also aging, I put the one step stool that usually sits beside the barn doors to step down on in the middle of the van floor, put my back in the middle of the “floating)bed and step up pushing the top up about half way. Easy to push it up the rest of the way. The big leg muscles make it go easy.

[dogsandcats]

Thanks I’ll give it a try.

[pjpvi]

Hi D&C -

I'm in the Bay Area (East Bay) and would be happy to offer some assistance but I'm leaving for Baja on Monday for about a month then will be tied up with family coming into town for Thanksgiving. If you haven't found a solution by then you can reach out to me and you can come over to my workshop for a work day sometime after Thanksgiving. It's been a very long time since I messed with my manual top prior to converting to electric, but should be able to get it working better for you with some adjustment.

[dogsandcats]

I appreciate your offer to help. If I don’t get it done, I’ll check with you when you’re back. Thank you…