><< what about a poptop kit?  any
> great ideas or inputs as to how to develop this van to be more "home away
> from homey" would be greatly appreciated.
> thanks >>
>
>i have a complete pooptop for sale, if anyones interested..whole roof, beds,
>hardware, excellent canvas, etc.  easy conversion, do it in one weekend, no
>welding.

First off, the '81 top is still available free in WV to anyone who takes the
van along with it.

Next, not to slamn Chris, but I don't buy this at all.  I was looking at doing
the '81 top onto the '87 before just parting both.  The Vanagon roof is pretty
different from pop-top to non.  First you got the hole to deal with, no real
way to trim that out nicely, as the sunroof structure to do it right is VERY
extensive, and would basically infolve sectioning the whole roof to do right,
and that would be beyond imagining.

The bunk structure and what the do to reinforce the roof in back when the
remove stuff would be welding to do right as well.

And most of all the hinge pieces are mounted into sections with a different
stamped contour, not merely onto a reinforced regular Van roof, but that
doesn't matter that much likely.

Now that all said, sure you can probably just cut a hole, trim with some
windlace, and bolt on the hinges with a backing plate.  How good it looks
depends on how good a job you do.  I don't know how the bunk will fit
though.  A lot of people did this to syncros back when they were worth
something, be interesting to see how some of those home grown conversions
are holding up.

I might be missing something here, as I'm comparing '81 roof to '87 van, but
I didn't think they changed.

Anyway FWIW, anyone considering this, I still am trying to sell the '81 roof
before I junk it, $50 you pull whatever you want but the bunk cushions not
included or $0.00 (FREE) if you pull away the entire van, the smarter way
IMHO as you'd want both the donor and yours there I gaurantee.  The canvas
and roof, are fair.  No real holes, just some small slits where the stuff was
between the hinges, and some light mildew and discoloration to the fuzz.
What do you want for nothing.  The bulk of a ratty camper interior except the
tables, and fridge/sink cabinet goes with it.

Anyway, I've got a MIG, I'm not half bad with it, I decided it wasn't worth
my effort to do it right, if you want to do less, please come and drag it off.

John
jander14@wvu.edu