Where do you live John?
Margie : )

John Anderson wrote:

> ><< 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