SMP Poptop frame failure

[JFlo-SMB]

Friends,

The steel frame of my SMB poptop has failed just behind the driver's seat. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how it was repaired.

Here are some pics:

 

[moorefc]

Where was it made?
This is a good question for Sportsmobile. Have you tried?
Its been a long time since I accessed the front, but I don't remember the bolt area...
From your description, did the bolt pull thru the top, or what failed?

I will also say haven't seen any comments about that as a roof issue.....

 

[JFlo-SMB]

SMB North installed it.

The forward lip of the frame fractured and failed. The last picture shows the piece that broke off. It held the frame in place with one bolt to the roof of the van.

I emailed SMB and got an immediate response. They came up with the same solution I did. I used a 2" piece of 12 gauge angle iron to secure the frame back to the roof. Here's the result. Fingers crossed this does the trick. I'd rather not have to replace the entire frame.

 

[86Scotty]

I hope the fix works! It's been a good while since I had an SMB pop top apart and my memory is fading so I was reserving comment.

Also, just so you know, SMB pop top frame failures are very rare. I don't remember but a couple being spoken of here in the last 10 years. Support bars bending is the most common failure but still not necessarily common.

Glad you found a solution

:b5:

 

[PatO-SMB]

Similar failure

My 2004 failed around 2010 and included cracks in the roof sheet metal. Sportsmobile repaired it under warranty.

 

[ctb]

Good to hear SMB North was a call back ASAP....they are running smoothy even w/o Nancy N the SUPERSTAR...hope it all works out and your back to popping!

Ps GREAT pics and explanation for us all to understand/see your problem...

 

[86Scotty]

Good to hear SMB North was a call back ASAP....they are running smoothy even w/o Nancy N the SUPERSTAR...hope it all works out and your back to popping!

Ps GREAT pics and explanation for us all to understand/see your problem...

Wait, I thought she came back or that her leaving was a rumor. Did she finally retire?