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Old 05-08-2017, 09:36 PM   #11
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So far, 3 body shops refused the job. All 3 didn't have a hoist to hold the top in place. 2 didn't want to weld in a tight area with flammable fabric inches away.

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Come over sometime and let me take a look, we can go from there.

Haha, what could possibly go wrong? If y'all are gonna weld, I'd like to swing by and watch...and maybe take some pictures...you know, just for caidenN's total loss claim

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Old 05-08-2017, 11:01 PM   #12
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Lol that's why I'm leaning toward helicoil.

1 shop did say it's possible to weld it with heat shields blocking the fabric. They just didn't have experience working on pop tops and was afraid to break more parts.
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Old 05-08-2017, 11:29 PM   #13
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Lol that's why I'm leaning toward helicoil.

1 shop did say it's possible to weld it with heat shields blocking the fabric. They just didn't have experience working on pop tops and was afraid to break more parts.
All joking aside, Robb knows his van stuff. He's been helping me with van stuff for many years. Since he's offered his help...take him up on it. I'd still like to be there and meet you..and perhaps take pictures of your van burning to the ground
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Old 05-09-2017, 12:51 AM   #14
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Please send invite to me, too!! Could be a two camera shoot ��

Plus, it always fun to check out Robb's collection of BFH problem solvers.
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Old 05-10-2017, 01:55 PM   #15
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Maybe I should just burn it down and make a great YouTube clip. It'll make me the money I need to buy a new van
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Old 05-21-2017, 08:15 PM   #16
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Well, luckily my van didn't burn down today. Lol

Thanks Robb for help!! I owe you more beer!

gcvt, I hope to meet you next time. On a day you don't have work
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Old 05-21-2017, 09:55 PM   #17
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Aw man! I missed the whole thing today? Was it late in the day? I could have been there by 5:15!

Oh well, glad to hear Robb didn't burn your van to the ground. Ya never know, ya know?

So give us an update on what you guys did. Inquiring minds want to know....with pictures.
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Old 05-21-2017, 09:59 PM   #18
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Hey Greg, don't feel too bad, I did not get an invite either. At least we had chetubi here from Germany for a couple of days. Wonderful family!

caidenN - Glad you still have your van.
Robb is much better than he let's on.

Okay all the SF group - When do we get a meet up going?? Long overdue
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Old 05-21-2017, 10:28 PM   #19
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Hey Greg, don't feel too bad, I did not get an invite either. At least we had chetubi here from Germany for a couple of days. Wonderful family!

caidenN - Glad you still have your van.
Robb is much better than he let's on.

Okay all the SF group - When do we get a meet up going?? Long overdue
So you're saying I missed two cool events then?

SF meet up? There's so many Bay Area SMB folks we'd have to rent a pier...with fire permissions!
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Old 05-22-2017, 08:56 AM   #20
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It's sort of fixed. Basic problem is, IMHO, a questionable design. The four lift brackets attach to the top in four mild steel blocks welded to the poptop frame - with a simple drill and tap about 5/16" deep. Not ideal.

We drilled them out, put in helicoils and reattached the swivel jobbies. Piece of cake as Caiden had everything purchased and ready to go - and brought Pliny the Elder for lubrication. Top works perfect now.

But I think the swivel jobbies would be better off welded to the blocks, as the threads are going to strip again, and the smallish studs will break again. So I reached out to a few welder friends, as my welding isn't the best. But they might have jobs now, and not be able to do it, in which case my bad welding will have to come to the rescue again.
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